The healthcare industry is the largest industry in the United States, with both the highest annual payroll and highest employment rate.

It is projected that this industry will grow 14% by 2028 according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics. It is no wonder, given this information, that many individuals trying to decide on a career are interested in working in healthcare.

There are countless different positions that a person performs in the healthcare industry. However, not all of these jobs require the same amount of schooling or have the same earning potentials.

Are you interested in learning about the highest-paying healthcare jobs? Let’s take a look at 10 of the most lucrative jobs in this industry.

1. Surgeon

If you are planning on working in healthcare and are interested in pursuing one of the highest paying jobs in the field, you’ll want to look into becoming a surgeon.

Surgeons perform operations on individuals, which can mean correcting organ, tissue, or bone issues, addressing internal concerns, and more.

On average, a surgeon makes $252,040 as an annual salary. Depending on one’s specialty, this profession can earn much more than that. Making this much money does come with a cost though, as surgeons tend to spend the most time in school and residency out of any of the healthcare careers.

2. Physician

Being a physician is also one of the highest paying jobs in the healthcare industry. These doctors treat patients for a number of different conditions and using a variety of approaches. They also perform diagnostic tests, prescribe medications, take medical histories, and more.

One’s location, specialty, and other factors can impact how much money a physician makes. However, it’s fairly common to make around $208,000 a year as a physician. Again, the costs and time of schooling must be factored into the salary, as some doctors may have medical school debt to pay for many years.

Are you interested in working in health care? If so, check out UMA School, a non-profit allied health school that helps students succeed in healthcare careers.

3. Pharmacist

Pharmacists primarily dispense medications, but they tend to have many other responsibilities on top of that. They can conduct health screenings, give immunizations, and more.

To become a pharmacist, you must complete a doctoral degree and get licensed. It is typical for a pharmacist to make roughly $128,000 a year.

4. Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist

If you’re interested in nursing jobs in healthcare, becoming a certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA) is one of the most lucrative ways to do so. These professionals prepare and administer anesthesia. They tend to work closely with other medical professionals to ensure that proper sedation is achieved before invasive procedures occur.

The median salary for being a CRNA is $174,790. Even if you are just starting out, you can expect to make somewhere around $127,000 a year.

5. Physician Assistant

Physician Assistants work in medical offices and hospitals. They work directly with patients and can even prescribe medications, operate their own practices, and work independently in some, but not all, states in the U.S.

Becoming a PA usually takes the equivalent of getting a Master’s degree. There are also state licensing requirements that must be met. A rough estimate for the yearly salary of the average PA is around $112,000 a year.

6. Optometrist

Optometrists are specialized in everything that has to do with the eyes. Treating eye injuries, diseases, and disorders, which also treating vision issues, these professionals tend to earn around $115,250 a year.

To become an optometrist, you have to complete a Doctor of Optometry program and receive the necessary state licensing.

There is a difference between optometrists and ophthalmologists, which is worth noting. Ophthalmologists are physicians who have more responsibilities than optometrists. Since optometrists aren’t physicians, they won’t be able to perform the same surgical procedures as ophthalmologists.

7. Nurse Practitioner

Nurse Practitioners (NPs) often work in hospitals or medical clinics, but sometimes they are able to operate their own practices. No matter where they work, though, they directly provide patients with care.

To become an NP, you usually need to receive at least a Master’s degree in addition to the necessary licenses. It is possible to make around $109,000 a year as an NP, and the top percent of NP earners make upwards of $152,000 every year.

8. Health Services Manager

There are a lot of different names to describe this one position. These include healthcare administrator, medical services manager, healthcare manager, and more. They are responsible for coordinating operations at the medical facility they work at.

Some health services managers might work in an individual department or focus on a clinical specialty, while others might oversee an entire hospital.

Some people might be able to work their way into this field with just a bachelor’s degree. However, it is commonly requested by employers that health services managers have a Masters’s degree.

Making roughly $100,000 a year is typical for this role. For the top 10% of earners in this profession, it is possible to make upwards of $189,000 a year.

9. Physical Therapist

Physical therapists help patients recover from illnesses or injuries, stabilize joints, develop a greater range of motion, or manage the pain that a physical issue has caused. The approaches used by physical therapists often combine massage, exercise, and more.

Physical therapists need a professional or doctoral degree. It also requires that you received the necessary state licenses. It is possible to make around $89,000 a year as a physical therapist.

10. Dentist

Dentists help to keep the teeth, mouths, and gums of their patients in good health. It requires a professional degree or a doctoral degree to become a dentist as well as receiving the licensing your state requires.

The median annual salary for dentists is $159,200. Experienced dentists can make more than $208,000 a year depending on their location and other factors.

The Highest Paying Healthcare Jobs: Is One of These Professions Right For You?

There are a lot of compelling reasons to get into the healthcare industry. Not only can you help people as a part of your job, but this industry provides a lot of potential for growth and offers a lot more job security than other fields. Another great aspect of working in healthcare is that you can typically find a job anywhere in the country.

Did you find this article on the highest-paying healthcare jobs interesting? If so, be sure to check out the rest of our blog for more fascinating and informative content!