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Top Highest Paying Medical Jobs

top highest paying medical jobs

Are you looking for a job in the medical field?

It is no secret that most medical jobs involve a lot of skill, patience, and rather long shifts. Therefore, it is only natural that you would want to get paid well for your time and effort.

Fortunately, most jobs in the medical field offer above-average salaries and a range of benefits. While some of the top-paying jobs can be difficult to obtain, they can be very rewarding.

So, let’s take a look at the medical jobs with the highest salaries to allow you to maximize your earning potential.

top highest paying medical job

Career Opportunities

Anesthesiologist

These specialist medical doctors usually work in hospitals and operating rooms and administer pain-management anesthesia to patients. Anesthesiologists earn an average of $271,000 per year, which works out to roughly $130 per hour.

Education Requirements

People who have their sights set on being an anesthesiologist need to complete undergraduate education followed by medical school. After obtaining an MD or DO credential, it is necessary to complete at least four years of postgraduate residency in anesthesia. You then need to gain a special license to begin working as an anesthesiologist.

Surgeon/Physician

These medical experts are charged with assessing, diagnosing, and treating the ailments and injuries of patients. They need to perform a wide range of tasks such as counseling patients, prescribing medications, and operating on patients. The typical salary is $208,000 per year, which averages out to $100 per hour.

However, surgeons and physicians who work in private hospitals and clinics can make much more than this. Some physicians and surgeons also work as professors in medical institutions.

Education Requirements

It is necessary to complete a bachelor’s degree and a medical degree, followed by an internship and residency program. In total, these educational requirements can take up to seventeen years to complete. Surgeons and physicians must also obtain the necessary licenses before they start practicing in their field of specialization.

highest paying medical jobs

Physician Assistant

This licensed medical professional works directly under the supervision of a physician. Associated duties include writing prescriptions, assisting with surgical procedures, and ordering diagnostic tests. The average salary for a physician assistant is $115,000 per year, which is roughly $55 per hour.

Education Requirements

Before attending PA school, it is necessary to obtain a bachelor’s degree in a medical-related field and complete special courses. Most PA schools also require applicants to work as an intern for a certain amount of years. It takes around two years to complete PA school, after which you need to pass the Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam.

Pediatrician

People who enjoy working with and helping children are likely to excel in the pediatrician role. Pediatricians assess, diagnose and treat children and work in hospitals, private clinics, schools, and a range of other medical settings. The average salary for a pediatrician is $184,000 per year, which is roughly $88 per hour.

Education Requirements

The educational requirements for pediatricians are similar to those for physicians and surgeons. After completing medical school, a three-year residency is required. They also need to successfully graduate in a range of special licensing exams.

Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist

This position involves administering anesthesia to patients before surgery or other types of medical procedures. They can work in a range of medical settings such as pain management clinics, labor and delivery units, and critical care units. The average salary for a nurse anesthetist is $189,000 per year, which is roughly $90 per hour.

Education Requirements

It is necessary to complete a bachelor’s degree in nursing followed by at least two years of practice. This is followed by a master’s degree in a nursing anesthesia program. After completing the course and passing the CRNA certification exam, the required license will be granted.

Nurse Practitioner

These advanced nurses are responsible for treating a wide range of health issues. They typically work in critical care areas, health care centers, or nursing homes, while some run their own practices. The average salary for a nurse practitioner is $117,000 per year, which is roughly $56 per hour.

Education Requirements

After completing a bachelor’s or associate degree in registered nursing, it is necessary to pass the NCLEX exam. After two years of work experience, it is possible to study for a master’s degree in a specialist nursing field. The program can last up to four years, after which students need to pass a series of licensure and certification exams.

Chief Nursing Officer

This is the highest-level registered nurse management position in a medical institution or hospital. Chief nursing officers have to oversee medical procedures, ensure patient safety, and manage the nursing staff. The average salary for a chief nurse is $132,000 per year.

Education Requirements

Chief nursing officers need to have several years of experience and a master’s degree in nursing. After that, they also need to complete additional management experience.

Nurse-Midwife

This role mainly involves assisting women through their pregnancy and childbirth as well as diagnosing and treating female medical conditions. They may work in special birthing centers, private health clinics, or hospitals. The average salary for a nurse midwife is $115,000 per year, which is roughly $55 per hour.

Education Requirements

It is necessary to complete a bachelor’s degree in nursing, followed by at least two years of nursing experience. The next step is completing a master’s degree program in nurse-midwifery. After graduating and passing licensing and certification exams, it is possible to start practicing as a nurse-midwife.

the highest paying medical jobs

Podiatrist

Next in my Top Highest Paying Medical Jobs rundown, we have Podiatrists who specialize in diagnosing and treating foot, ankle, and lower leg conditions. As well as working in hospitals and operating rooms, they may run a private practice and often make house calls. The average salary for a podiatrist is $134,000 per year, which is roughly $64 per hour.

Education Requirements

After completing an undergraduate degree in a medical-related field, it is necessary to attend a medical school specializing in podiatric medicine. After receiving a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine, a three-year podiatric residency has to be done. At the end of the residency, fully trained podiatrists need to pass the required state licensing exams.

Dentist

There are several different types of dentists, and those who specialize in a particular field make the highest salaries. The average salary for a dentist is $164,000 per year, which is roughly $78 per hour. However, oral and maxillofacial surgeons, prosthodontists, and orthodontists who work in private practices can make much more.

Education Requirement

For one of these positions, you need to complete a bachelor’s degree and then a dental school program. It is necessary to obtain either a Doctor of Dental Medicine degree or a Doctor of Dental Surgery degree. After graduating, you are required to pass a written and clinical exam, which varies slightly from state to state.

Dental Hygienist

Dental hygienists work closely with fully qualified dentists and assist them with a range of tasks and procedures. These include taking x-rays, applying fluoride treatments, and performing patient screenings. The average salary for a dental hygienist is $77,000 per year, which is roughly $37 per hour.

Education Requirements

While it is only necessary to complete an associate’s degree, people who want to make the big bucks should keep studying. Higher career advancement opportunities and salaries are available to holders of a master’s degree.

Pharmacist

These healthcare professionals specialize in medication preparation and pharmaceutical management and ensure that prescriptions are followed to the letter. They also provide customers with advice on how to effectively manage their ailments. The average salary for a pharmacist is $128,000 per year, which is roughly $61 per hour.

Education Requirements

It is necessary to obtain an undergraduate degree in a medical-related field and attend a Doctor of Pharmacy Program. This involves completing an on-site internship, followed by having to pass the required licensing exams.

Optometrist

This medical professional specializes in eye health and prescribes corrective lenses when they are needed. They also diagnose and treat a range of visual disorders, injuries, and diseases in a private optometry office. The average salary for an optometrist is $118,000 per year, which is roughly $56 per hour.

Education Requirements

To work as an optometrist, you need to complete a specialized undergraduate degree. It is then necessary to obtain a Doctor of Optometry degree from an accredited optometry school.

top highest paying medical jobs guide

Health Services Manager

These healthcare professionals are mainly responsible for overseeing the clinical and administrative processes of a medical unit. They need to have strong leadership and administrative skills to maintain the strictest standards and maintain patient safety. The average salary of a health services manager is $104,000 per year, which is roughly $50 per hour.

Education Requirements

Most health services managers hold a bachelor’s degree as well as a master’s degree in healthcare or business management. They need to have a deep knowledge of the business side of nursing. Most health service managers have a certain amount of nursing experience and can assist with care as required.

Clinical Informatics Manager

Clinical informatics managers generally work in large hospitals or medical clinics and are responsible for the clinical information system. They also assist medical professionals to minimize medical errors while enhancing and improving patient care. The average salary of a clinical informatics manager is $95,000 per year.

Education Requirements

It is usually necessary to hold a master’s degree in business management to perform this role. Clinical informatics managers also typically have several years of medical administrator experience.

Physical Therapist

These licensed medical professionals treat and help patients manage musculoskeletal system ailments and injuries. They work with individual patients and help them to increase flexibility and mobility in the injured part of the body. The average salary for a physical therapist is $91,000 per year, which is roughly $43 per hour.

Education Requirements

It is necessary to obtain a bachelor’s degree in a medical-related field, which includes taking special science prerequisites. It is then necessary to complete a doctor of physical therapy program before passing the National Physical Therapy Examination.

Radiation Therapist

Next in my rundown of the Top Highest Paying Medical Jobs, we have Radiation therapists who work closely with a team of medical professionals to treat and diagnose the symptoms of cancer patients. It is necessary to be able to explain the process to patients simply and calmly. The average salary for a radiation therapist is $86,000 per year, which is roughly $41 per hour.

Education Requirements

It is usually necessary to complete a bachelor’s degree or an associate’s degree in radiology. Alternatively, it is possible to attend a radiation therapy certificate program, which runs for one or two years.

the highest paying medical job guide

Occupational Therapist

Occupational therapists work closely with patients who have impaired motor skills due to an injury. They need to create customized treatment plans that help them to recover their hand-eye coordination. The average salary for an occupational therapist is $86,000 per year, which is roughly $41 per hour.

Education Requirements

After completing a bachelor’s degree in a medically related field, many specialist classes have to be completed. It is then possible to attend occupational therapist school and pass the graduate record examination. Occupational therapists also need to complete a certain amount of observation hours before they can start practicing.

Speech-Language Pathologists

This medical practitioner focuses on patients who have various types of speech disorders. They first need to diagnose the disorder and plan a course of treatment to help patients effectively produce sounds. The average salary for a podiatrist is $80,000 per year, which is roughly $38 per hour.

Education Requirements

A special bachelor’s degree in communication sciences and disorders is required to do this job. It is also necessary to hold a master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology or Communicative Sciences and Disorders. After graduating, the final steps are completing a post-graduate fellowship and passing the National Exam in Speech-Pathology.

Veterinarian

Working as a veterinarian is an ideal career path for anyone who has a love for animals. It is possible to work in a clinic, in a zoo, or as a freelance vet to private clients. The average salary is $99,000 per year, which is roughly $47 per hour.

Education Requirements

In many cases, it is possible to apply straight to veterinary school instead of completing a bachelor’s degree. However, people who want to eventually own a clinic usually complete a bachelor’s degree in a science-related field. Most students intern at a veterinary clinic to gain valuable work experience while they are studying.

Looking For More Info And Advice?

No problem, let’s start with some great options, such as the Best 6 Figure Jobs for some inspiration!

Next, with so many positions in the medical field, you might find it difficult to decide. So, let’s take a look at my Medical Examiner Job Description, Medical Assistant Job Description, Medical Receptionist Job Description, Medical Surgical Nurse Job Description, Medical Director Job Description, CRNA Job Description, and Sports Medicine Physician Job Description in 2023.

Or maybe you’re looking to get into Pharmaceutical Sales; we’ve found some interesting reads to get that final preparation done. Just check out the Pharmaceutical Sales Revolution, the PHARMA: An Insider’s Guide to Landing Your First Pharmaceutical Sales Job, and for 118 Great Answers to Tough Pharmaceutical Sales Interview Questions.

Additionally, there is the How to Break Into Pharmaceutical Sales: A Headhunter’s Strategy, The Pharma Sales Success Formula: Shortcuts to Landing a Six Figure Job and Outselling Your Peers, the Acing The Sales Interview: Second Edition: The Guide for pharmaceutical /medical device sales representative interviews and lastly Managing in Pharmaceutical Sales: Pearls Among the Oceans of Strategies available today.

Also, to keep on top of sales calls and customers, we’ve got the PHARMACEUTICAL SALES REP NOTEBOOK, the PHARMACEUTICAL REP NOTEBOOK: Journal for recording follow up necessary after sales call, and the PHARMACEUTICAL REP NOTEBOOK: Journal to help pharmaceutical sales rep stay organized with customer follow up available online.

Or, if you happen to have a criminal record, please check up on the Best Medical Jobs For Felons as well as the Best Jobs For Felons to figure out your options.

Final Thoughts

If you have your sights set on one of the best paid medical jobs, it is time to get studying. Most jobs come with substantial educational requirements and also need applicants to have certain types of work experience. Therefore, most people start on their medical career path fairly early in life.

However, it is possible to find high-paying positions that do not require numerous years of medical training. In some cases, general medical knowledge and skills can make up for a lack of formal education. If you are passionate about a job in the medical world, you can find your dream job and make big bucks.

All the best with your job hunting!

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