When people think of healthcare jobs, doctors, nurses, and pharmacists usually come to mind. But the healthcare field is much broader than that! There are dozens of well-paying, rewarding healthcare careers that don’t require spending over a decade in school to become a medical doctor. Let’s dive into some lesser-known, yet high-paying healthcare jobs that might interest you.
1. Nursing Informaticist
This job blends nursing with information systems, using technology to improve healthcare workflows and reduce mistakes. A nursing informaticist helps store patient data, monitor system efficiency, and make healthcare processes run smoothly. Expect to make around $100,000 per year in this rapidly growing field.
Key Responsibilities:
- Improve daily healthcare workflows.
- Manage patient data storage.
- Use technology to reduce errors.
Learn more about the growing role of technology in nursing at HealthIT.gov.
2. Nurse Practitioner
Nurse practitioners (NPs) are like mini-doctors. They can diagnose, prescribe medications, and treat patients, but becoming a nurse practitioner doesn’t take as long as becoming a doctor. With a master’s degree, NPs can specialize in various fields and easily switch specialties if they wish. In the USA, nurse practitioners typically earn around $102,000 a year, and the demand is growing fast.
Key Responsibilities:
- Diagnose and treat patients.
- Prescribe medications.
- Specialize in areas like pediatrics or geriatrics.
For more about the role of nurse practitioners, check out the American Association of Nurse Practitioners.
3. Physician Assistant (PA)
Another job similar to nurse practitioners, physician assistants (PAs), can diagnose and prescribe treatments. However, PAs must work under the supervision of a doctor, while NPs often have more independence. Physician assistants can switch specialties throughout their careers, making it a flexible and exciting path. They earn around $112,000 per year.
Key Responsibilities:
- Work under a supervising doctor.
- Diagnose and treat patients.
- Switch specialties as needed.
Find out more about PA roles on the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants.
4. Built Environmental Specialist
These specialists focus on ensuring that hospitals and clinics are safe environments. They inspect buildings, focusing on fire safety, air quality, and pest control, ensuring the safety of healthcare workers and patients alike. Often employed by government agencies, built environmental specialists earn around $113,000 a year.
Key Responsibilities:
- Inspect and design hospital buildings.
- Ensure buildings meet safety standards.
- Collaborate on new healthcare facility designs.
5. Pharmacist
While many think pharmacists only work in drugstores like CVS, there are actually many different types of pharmacists. You’ll find clinical pharmacists in hospitals, ambulatory care pharmacists, and even pediatric pharmacists working in specialized fields. Pharmacists in the USA make around $126,000 annually.
Key Responsibilities:
- Prepare and dispense medications.
- Advise healthcare providers on medication usage.
- Specialize in different areas like pediatric or clinical pharmacy.
Learn more about the various pharmacy career paths at American Pharmacists Association.
6. Forensic Odontologist
Forensic odontologists are specialized dentists who help identify victims of accidents or crimes through dental records. They also work with law enforcement to trace bite marks or work on archaeological digs to identify ancient remains. They can earn between $150,000 and $185,000 annually.
Key Responsibilities:
- Identify remains through dental records.
- Assist in criminal investigations.
- Work with archaeologists to study ancient remains.
7. Pharmaceutical Scientist
Pharmaceutical scientists play a huge role in developing new drugs and vaccines. They discover treatments for illnesses, often working behind the scenes in labs. Recent breakthroughs like COVID-19 vaccines were developed by pharmaceutical scientists. These professionals can earn between $104,000 and $210,000 per year.
Key Responsibilities:
- Develop new drugs and treatments.
- Test the safety and efficacy of medications.
- Work in labs researching cures for diseases.
Learn more about the field at American Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists.
8. Nurse Anesthetist
Nurse anesthetists work alongside anesthesiologists to administer anesthesia before surgeries. This is one of the highest-paying nursing specialties, with nurse anesthetists earning between $157,000 and $214,000 annually. If you’re looking for a career with a high salary and high responsibility, this might be perfect for you.
Key Responsibilities:
- Administer anesthesia to patients before surgery.
- Monitor patient responses to anesthesia.
- Collaborate with anesthesiologists and surgical teams.
If you’re considering a high-paying healthcare job but don’t want to spend years in medical school, one of these roles might be a great fit for you. With growing demand and excellent salaries, these jobs offer rewarding career paths.
For more insights into high-paying healthcare careers, explore U.S. News Healthcare Rankings for up-to-date salary and job outlook data.
Which healthcare job piqued your interest? Let us know in the comments below!