Top 10 Healthcare Jobs by Salary Growth in 2024

Adam Palasciano
SDI Productions / Getty Images
SDI Productions / Getty Images

Healthcare is notoriously known as one of the fastest-growing sectors in the U.S. job market.

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The U.S. Department of Labor reported that employment in healthcare occupations makes up about 10% of total employment in the U.S. today. What’s more? Occupations in healthcare are projected to grow at a much higher rate between 2022 and 2032 than most other industries.

If you’re considering a career in healthcare, or you’re looking to make a career change, there are a variety of positions that might be the right fit for you.

Top 10 Healthcare Jobs In 2024

Here are the 10 most well-paying healthcare jobs in descending order based on median annual wage, according to data from the U.S. Department of Labor:

Physician Assistants

They examine, diagnose, and treat patients under the supervision of a physician.

  • Median annual wage as of 2022: $126,010

  • Projected employment growth from 2022-32: 27% (much faster than average)

  • Number of jobs as of 2022: 148,000

  • Typical entry-level education required: Master’s degree

Nurse Anesthetists, Nurse Midwives, and Nurse Practitioners

They coordinate patient care and may provide primary and specialty healthcare.

  • Median annual wage as of 2022: $125,900

  • Projected employment growth from 2022-32: 38% (much faster than average)

  • Number of jobs as of 2022: 323,900

  • Typical entry-level education required: Master’s Degree

Optometrists

They diagnose, manage, and treat conditions and diseases of the human eye and visual system.

  • Median annual wage as of 2022: $125,590

  • Projected employment growth from 2022-32: 9% (much faster than average)

  • Number of jobs as of 2022: 43,400

  • Typical entry-level education required: Doctoral degree

Physical Therapists

They assess, plan, and organize rehabilitative programs to help those with injuries or illnesses improve movement and manage pain.

  • Median annual wage as of 2022: $97,720

  • Projected employment growth from 2022-32: 15% (much faster than average)

  • Number of jobs as of 2022: 246,800

  • Typical entry-level education required: Doctoral degree

Audiologists

They diagnose, manage, and treat patients who have hearing, balance or related problems.

  • Median annual wage as of 2022: $82,680

  • Projected employment growth from 2022-32: 11% (much faster than average)

  • Number of jobs as of 2022: 14,400

  • Typical entry-level education required: Doctoral degree

Registered Nurses

They provide and coordinate patient care and educate patients and the public about various health conditions.

  • Median annual wage as of 2022: $81,220

  • Projected employment growth from 2022-32: 6% (faster than average)

  • Number of jobs as of 2022: 3,172,500

  • Typical entry-level education required: Bachelor’s degree

Respiratory Therapists

They care for patients who have trouble breathing — for example, because of a chronic condition such as asthma.

  • Median annual wage as of 2022: $70,540

  • Projected employment growth from 2022-32: 13% (much faster than average)

  • Number of jobs as of 2022: 133,100

  • Typical entry-level education required: Associate degree

Surgical Assistants and Technologists

They assist surgeons with various aspects of the surgical process such as setting up the operating room, passing instruments, and making incisions.

  • Median annual wage as of 2022: $56,350

  • Projected employment growth from 2022-32: 5% (faster than average)

  • Number of jobs as of 2022: 128,900

  • Typical entry-level education required: Postsecondary nondegree award

Exercise Physiologists

They assess, plan, and implement fitness and exercise programs to help people improve their health.

  • Median annual wage as of 2022: $51,350

  • Projected employment growth from 2022-32: 10% (much faster than average)

  • Number of jobs as of 2022: 16,500

  • Typical entry-level education required: Bachelor’s degree

Paramedics

They assess injuries and illnesses, provide emergency medical care, and may transport patients to medical facilities.

  • Median annual wage as of 2022: $49,090

  • Projected employment growth from 2022-32: 5% (faster than average)

  • Number of jobs as of 2022: 98,300

  • Typical entry-level education required: Postsecondary nondegree award

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