6 Highest-Paying Health Care Jobs in the US

Health care has always been an important sector because it pertains to people’s well-being. However, because of the COVID-19 pandemic, many health systems worldwide experienced an overwhelming need for more health care workers and better health care systems.  

In the United States, the country that experienced the most  COVID-19 deaths and cases, there’s a realization that more health care workers are needed. In fact, Mercer has forecasted that in the coming decade, the United States would experience significant growth in its health care jobs. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, this greater demand for health care in the coming years is due to the country’s aging population.

For individuals planning to study in USA or work in USA and are still unsure about what they want to take, getting a degree in health care might be a good way to increase their chances of working there.

Moreover, did you know that health care roles get some of the highest salaries in the United States? Read on to find out the highest-paying health care jobs in the country. 

Physicians and Surgeons

2020 Median Pay: $208,000 or higher

Physicians and surgeons’ jobs include diagnosing and treating illnesses and injuries and addressing people’s health maintenance. Other roles of a physician include examining patients, taking patients’ medical histories, prescribing medications, and so on.

If you want to pursue this career, you need to complete a doctoral or professional degree in medicine or other pre-med or science major. 

Dentists

2020 Median Pay: $164,010

A dentist’s job mainly involves diagnosing and treating dental problems, as well as other mouth-related issues. To be a dentist, one needs a bachelor’s, doctoral or professional degree in dentistry, or other pre-dentistry or science-related major. 

Podiatrists

2020 Median Pay: $134,300

A podiatrist’s main job includes providing medical and surgical care for people who have problems with their foot, ankle, and lower leg. These problems may include fungal infections and even circulatory problems. To be a podiatrist you need to get a doctoral or professional degree in podiatric medicine.

Pharmacists

2020 Median Pay: $128,710

Generally, a pharmacist’s job includes giving prescription medications and expert advice on the use of prescriptions to patients. To become a pharmacist, you need to finish a doctoral or professional degree in pharmacy and pass a state pharmacy licensure exam in the United States. 

Optometrists

2020 Median Pay: $118,050

Optometrists specialize in anything that relates to the eyes. This includes diagnosing and treating visual issues, and managing diseases, disorders, and injuries in one’s eyes. To be an optometrist, you need to finish a doctoral or professional degree in optometry, get a residency program and training, and pass the National Board of Examiners in Optometry exam. 

Nurses

2020 Median Pay: $117,670

Nursing roles in this category include the following: nurse anesthetists, nurse midwives, and nurse practitioners. In general, all roles coordinate patient care and if needed, provide primary and specialty health care. To get accepted into one of these roles, one needs to become a registered nurse first with a bachelor’s degree, then earn a master’s degree in nursing, and pass the National Certification Exam. 

Health care jobs may be one of the most in-demand job roles in the United States. If you need help or want to enroll in a degree that can help you get a job in the health care sector, check out MSMUnify list of courses now. If you want to learn more about getting a job in the United States after finishing an MS degree, check out our article on this topic.