Specialization and significant study are often necessary for the highest-paying medical positions. To find out how to work in this sector, continue reading.

• Among the highest-paid professions in the medical industry are anesthesiologists, surgeons, and doctors.
• The highest-paid nurses include nurse anesthetists, nurse practitioners, nurse midwives, and chief nursing officers. Choosing a specialty may open doors to better-paying professions.
• Medical doctor degrees and residencies are often necessary for high-paying employment.

You have the chance to positively impact people’s lives and can make six figures by working in the medical industry. Many of these roles are in demand since they often need specialized training and high levels of education. Most high-paying medical positions need a bachelor’s degree, a medical doctorate, and residency training. Some well-paying jobs, however, call for a bachelor’s or master’s degree.

People with empathy who love studying math, biology, and anatomy often prefer professions in healthcare. Additionally, emotional stability and the capacity to function effectively under pressure are requirements for this area. For more on the top medical careers to pursue, continue reading.

Why Seek High-Paying Medical Jobs?

Even non-highest-paid positions in the medical industry often pay more than average. A median salary of $75,040 was made by healthcare employees in May 2021, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). However, high compensation is one of many advantages of working in this field. Other advantages include the following:

• You may increase your retirement savings via increased income and company contributions;
• You may learn practical medical information to help family and friends in an emergency.
• Jobs in the medical field often have great job security. The BLS estimates that between 2020 and 2030, the need for healthcare occupations will increase by 16%.
• You have the potential to impact the lives of ill and wounded patients, which is about double the growth rate of 8% for all other vocations.

What Are the Highest-Paying Jobs in the Medical Field?

Anesthesiologist

• Average Salary (May 2021): $331,190
• Job Outlook: -1%
• Required Education: Bachelor’s degree in a pre-med field, medical doctor degree with an anesthesiology specialization, residency
• Licenses/Certifications: Pass a U.S. Medical Licensing Examination

Anesthesiologists look after patients before, during, and after the operation. They provide a pre-surgery evaluation and design an anesthetic strategy for the procedure. This strategy often involves a dosage of general anesthetic or regional nerve block for post-operative pain.

Anesthesiologists keep an eye on the patient’s health during an operation. After the procedure, they watch the patient until the anesthetic wears off. Anesthesiologists sometimes assist patients in managing persistent pain that doesn’t result from surgery or labor pain. These specialists need to have excellent observational and mathematical abilities for dosing reasons.

Surgeon

• Average Salary (May 2021): $297,800
• Job Outlook: -3%
• Required Education: Bachelor’s degree in a pre-med field, medical doctor degree with a surgical specialization, residency
• Licenses/Certifications: Pass a U.S. Medical Licensing Examination

Surgeons operate on patients. They deal with illnesses, congenital abnormalities, and traumas like broken bones. Surgeons conduct examinations to identify ailments and talk about surgical options. They often make follow-up visits to keep an eye on the surgery outcomes. These specialists must be precise under pressure and have excellent interpersonal communication abilities. Additionally, they need to be able to think critically and act quickly.

• Cardiothoracic surgery, oral and maxillofacial surgery, and pediatric surgery are common surgical specialties.
• Brain surgery; colon and rectal surgery; orthopaedic surgery

Physician

• Average Salary (May 2021): $231,500
• Job Outlook: 5%
• Required Education: Bachelor’s degree in a pre-med field, medical doctor degree with a general medicine specialization or a doctor of osteopathic medicine, residency
• Licenses/Certifications: Pass a U.S. Medical Licensing Examination

Doctors conduct examinations, provide therapeutic alternatives, and suggest preventive measures. Patients’ worries are heard, and they are questioned about their and their family’s medical histories. In addition to doing basic testing, doctors may prescribe prescriptions. Additionally, they link patients with experts. These professionals must be empathetic, capable of critical thought, and effective communicators.

These people often have specialties. Family doctors, internists, and emergency physicians are examples of specialized medical professionals.

Obstetrician and Gynecologist

• Average Salary (May 2021): $239,120
• Job Outlook: -2%
• Required Education: Bachelor’s degree in a pre-med field, medical doctor degree with an obstetrics and gynecology specialization, residency
• Licenses/Certifications: Pass a U.S. Medical Licensing Examination

Gynecologists and obstetricians identify and handle problems affecting a woman’s reproductive system. This includes menopausal symptoms, ovarian tumors, cysts, and irregular periods. Gynecologists do fertility testing and pap smears. Obstetricians deliver infants and care for pregnant women.

But many gynecologists also complete obstetrics training programs and get obstetrics licenses. These professions need abilities in interpersonal communication and active listening. They must have empathy since they often share sensitive information with patients.

Nurse Anesthetist

• Average Salary (May 2021): $202,470
• Job Outlook: 13%
• Required Education: Bachelor’s degree in nursing, master of science in nursing with an anesthesiology specialization
• Licenses/Certifications: Pass the National Certification Examination from the National Board of Certification and Recertification for Nurse Anesthetists

With anesthesiologists, nurse anesthetists collaborate often. These specialists do a preliminary patient screening to determine a patient’s likelihood of having an unfavorable response to pain medication. Patients are often given anesthetic before and during surgery if required.

These specialists pay careful attention to patients right after surgery and alert physicians if problems develop. Nurse anesthetists often work in medical facilities and operating rooms. In this position, great observational abilities are a plus.

Pediatrician

• Average Salary (May 2021): $198,420
• Job Outlook: -2%
• Required Education: Bachelor’s degree in a pre-med field, medical doctor degree with a pediatrics specialization, residency
• Licenses/Certifications: Pass a U.S. Medical Licensing Examination

These medical professionals treat youngsters. They are experts in identifying and treating children’s illnesses such as congenital impairments, genetic abnormalities, and diabetes. They link parents with experts for certain problems. Additionally, they check children’s physical health and make sure they reach developmental milestones.

Children who have illnesses, colds, or allergies see doctors. They provide antibiotics and antiviral medications. They also provide advice on children’s vitamin and dietary needs.

Dentist

• Median Salary (May 2021): $163,220
• Job Outlook: 8%
• Required Education: Bachelor’s degree in a pre-med program, doctor of dental surgery or doctor of medicine in dentistry
• Licenses/Certifications: Pass the National Board Dental Examinations

Dentists inspect and treat teeth that are damaged. By looking at X-rays and the patient’s teeth, they may spot cavities and decay. They also fill cavities and eliminate deterioration. Dentists often consult ortho surgeons for operations like wisdom tooth extraction and root canals. They also do preventive and aesthetic operations, including tooth whitening and sealant application.

During operations, dentists use local anesthetics and prescribe antibiotics. Best practices for dental hygiene are also discussed with their patients. Dentists must have attention to detail and excellent interpersonal communication abilities.

Dentists with specialized training include endodontists, orthodontists, dental anaesthesiologists, oral pathologists, and periodontists.

Podiatrist

• Median Salary (May 2021): $145,840
• Job Outlook: 2%
• Required Education: Bachelor’s degree in a pre-med field, doctor of podiatric medicine, residency
• Licenses/Certifications: Pass the American Podiatric Medical Licensing Exam

Podiatrists care for the ankles and feet. Sprains, fractures, heel discomfort, and nerve problems are diagnosed and treated by them. Additionally, they assist individuals with diabetes and arthritis with illnesses that damage their ankles and feet.

Podiatrists examine patients physically and inquire about their problems. Additionally, they coordinate treatment plans with physical therapists, suggesting and carrying out the surgery. Some podiatrists launch their private practices, which requires some fundamental business knowledge. People with attention to detail and compassion often excel in this position.

Chief Nursing Officer

• Average Salary (August 2022): $134,900
• Job Outlook: 9%
• Required Education: Bachelor’s degree in nursing, master of science in nursing
• Licenses/Certifications: Pass a National Council Licensure Examination

Lead nurses are chief nursing officers. They are in charge of nursing assistants, licensed practical nurses, and registered nurses. Some chief nursing officers provide alternate care when nurses cannot perform their shifts.

It is common for chief nursing officers to need to have tense discussions with patients’ relatives. Patients generally step in until security or a doctor arrive when significant health or safety problems develop. Chief nursing officers need great communication, management, and leadership abilities.

Pharmacist

• Median Salary (May 2021): $128,570
• Job Outlook: -2%
• Required Education: Bachelor’s degree in a pre-med field, doctor of pharmacy
• Licenses/Certifications: Pass the North American Pharmacist Licensure Exam

Pharmacists fill medical subscriptions. Customers are informed about dose recommendations and potential negative effects by them. Additionally, these experts provide advice on over-the-counter medicines. To confirm the proper directions and doses, they also consult doctors.

Pharmacists must also cooperate with insurance providers to guarantee the greatest pricing for patients. These individuals often command a group of pharmacy technicians. Pharmacists may give vaccinations in the majority of states. Pharmacists need leadership, calculation, and detail-oriented abilities.

Optometrist

• Median Salary (May 2021): $124,300
• Job Outlook: 9%
• Required Education: ​​Bachelor’s degree in a pre-med field, doctor of optometry
• Licenses/Certifications: Pass the National Board of Examiners in Optometry

Optometrists oversee their patients’ eye health. They perform vision exams, evaluate the findings, and make any necessary adjustments to contact and eyeglass prescriptions. Optometrists screen patients for probable eye problems as part of routine eye exams.

To correct vision problems, optometrists may sometimes do small procedures. When necessary, they send patients to experts and advise them on maintaining optimum eye health. For optometrists to be successful while dealing with patients, they must possess good decision-making and communication abilities.

Physician Assistant

• Median Salary (May 2021): $121,530
• Job Outlook: 31%
• Required Education: Bachelor’s degree in a pre-med field, master’s degree in physician assistant studies
• Licenses/Certifications: Pass the Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination

Physician assistants collaborate closely with fully qualified doctors. They examine patients and make diagnoses of illnesses. Physician assistants are qualified to provide vaccinations, repair broken bones, and write prescriptions. Additionally, they provide patients with advice on how to control their diseases.

The specializations that physician assistants may select from include endocrinology and pediatrics. Some of these experts work in hospitals’ emergency rooms. Strong interpersonal and organizational abilities are essential for physician assistants.

Nurse Practitioner

• Median Salary (May 2021): $120,680
• Job Outlook: 52%
• Required Education: Bachelor’s degree in nursing, master of science in nursing
• Licenses/Certifications: Certification through the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certification Board or the American Nurses Credentialing Center

Compared to registered nurses, nurse practitioners have greater independence. States have different restrictions on what they may do, but for the most part, they can issue prescriptions, direct lab testing, and conduct physical examinations. Nurse practitioners often practice on their own or alongside a doctor. Nurse practitioners have the same specialized options as physicians. Typical specialties include pediatrics, women’s health, adult gerontology, and family and general care.

These individuals need to be capable of working independently and possess excellent communication abilities.

Nurse Midwife

• Median Salary: $112,830
• Job Outlook: 11%
• Required Education: Bachelor’s degree in nursing, master of science in nursing
• Licenses/Certifications: Certification through the American Midwifery Certification Board

Nurse midwives treat problems related to female reproduction. Gynecological examinations are performed, and family planning services are provided. But their main priorities are childbirth and prenatal care. They promptly call a surgeon or doctor if a medical emergency occurs while the mother is in labor.

In low-risk pregnancies, these practitioners often offer primary maternity care. They provide dietary and post-treatment suggestions. If the spouses of their patients encounter issues with their reproductive health, nurse midwives may sometimes treat them. They must be capable of making judgments under duress and performing admirably in a crisis.

Health Services Manager

• Median Salary (May 2021): $101,340
• Job Outlook: 32%
• Required Education: Bachelor’s degree in healthcare administration
• Licenses/Certifications: N/A

A health services manager manages the business operations of healthcare providers. They collaborate with insurance providers and collection agencies while overseeing the financial operations of hospitals and clinics. Healthcare institutions are also in charge of administrative employees.

These experts ensure that hospitals and clinics adhere to sanitary and safety standards and seek opportunities to improve the standard of treatment. Managers of health services must possess excellent organizational and leadership abilities.