Top Careers in Healthcare

The healthcare industry encompasses a wide range of roles, all working together to provide comprehensive patient care. This diverse field includes everyone from scientists and physicians to support staff and administrators. Each plays a crucial part in the overall healthcare system, helping to ensure individuals receive the necessary care, treatment, and support they need to lead healthier lives.

Healthcare is both a critical field and a source of rapidly expanding career opportunities. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects healthcare employment to grow significantly faster than the average, with nearly 2 million new openings projected annually. This growth stems from an aging population and a growing shortage of healthcare professionals, specifically nurses, among other factors.

High-growth healthcare careers

• Nurse practitioners: 46% growth 
• Medical and health services managers: 29% growth
• Physician assistants: 28% growth
• Physical therapist assistants: 25% growth
• Occupational therapy assistants: 22% growth

Besides these roles, the ongoing challenges of an aging population, the nursing shortage, and advancements in technology — particularly telehealth and AI — are driving new and emerging careers:

• Advanced Practice Providers (APP) roles such as nurse practitioner, certified nurse anesthetist, clinical nurse specialist, and certified nurse midwife.
• Telehealth roles such as digital health coaches, telemedicine coordinators, and telehealth technicians.
• Senior care roles such as geriatric physical therapists, health longevity specialists, chronic disease managers, palliative care specialists, and preventative care specialists.
• AI/tech roles such as health informatics specialists, clinical data analysts, AI healthcare analysts, and digital health project managers.

While in-demand jobs will be easier to find in the future, they’re not necessarily the right fit for everyone. Consider: Will the pay work for you? Can you maintain a healthy work-life balance? Does it mesh with what you love to do?

Ready to explore further? Check out these top 25 healthcare careers, each with unique opportunities.

Top 25 healthcare careers

1. Registered Nurses - 6% projected growth - $86,070 average salary

Provide patient care, administer medications, and assist in medical procedures while supporting overall patient health and recovery.

2. Dentists - 5% projected growth - $170,910 average salary

Diagnose and treat oral health issues, perform procedures like fillings and extractions, and promote preventive dental care.

3. Nurse Practitioners - 40% projected growth - $129,480 average salary

Assess, diagnose, and treat medical conditions, often working independently or in collaboration with physicians to provide comprehensive care.

4. Physical Therapists - 14% projected growth - $99,710 average salary

Design and guide patients through rehabilitation programs to improve mobility, strength, and function after injuries or surgeries.

5. Physicians - 4% projected growth - $247,640 average salary

Diagnose and treat a wide range of medical conditions, often specializing in a particular area of medicine such as cardiology or dermatology.

6. Dental Hygienists - 9% projected growth - $87,530 average salary

Clean teeth, take x-rays, and educate patients on oral health practices to prevent dental problems and maintain hygiene.

7. Pharmacists - 5% projected growth - $136,030 average salary

Dispense prescribed medications, provide patient education on proper usage, and ensure the safe and effective use of medications.

8. Surgeons - 4% projected growth - $343,990 average salary

Perform surgeries to treat injuries, diseases, and deformities and provide pre-operative and post-operative care.

9. Radiology Technicians - 6% projected growth - $76,020 average salary

Use imaging equipment such as X-rays and MRIs to capture images for diagnosing medical conditions.

10. Respiratory Therapists - 13% projected growth - $77,960 average salary

Help patients with breathing difficulties by providing treatments like oxygen therapy and managing ventilators.

11. Genetic Counselors - 16% projected growth - $95,770 average salary

Assess genetic risks and provide advice to individuals and families regarding inherited conditions and genetic testing results.

12. Occupational Therapists - 11% projected growth - $96,370 average salary

Assist patients in recovering or improving the skills needed for daily living and work through therapeutic activities.

13. Optometrists - 9% projected growth - $131,860 average salary

Examine, diagnose, and treat vision problems, prescribe corrective lenses, and manage eye health.

14. Audiologists - 11% projected growth - $87,740 average salary

Diagnose and treat hearing and balance disorders, providing hearing aids and other interventions to improve patient quality of life.

15. Speech-Language Pathologists - 18% projected growth - $89,290 average salary

Treat patients with speech, language, and swallowing disorders by helping them develop and improve their communication and swallowing abilities.

16. Anesthesiologists - 4% projected growth - $339,470 average salary

Administer anesthesia to patients during surgeries and procedures, monitoring their vital signs and ensuring their comfort and safety.

17. Chiropractors - 10% projected growth - $76,530 average salary

Diagnose and treat musculoskeletal issues, especially those related to the spine, using manual manipulation and other therapeutic techniques.

18. Physician Assistants - 28% projected growth - $130,020 average salary

Collaborate with physicians to diagnose and treat patients, prescribe medications, and perform various medical procedures.

19. Nurse Anesthetists - 40% projected growth - $214,200 average salary

Provide anesthesia care during surgeries, monitor patients' vital signs, and manage pain relief post-operation.

20. Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons - 4% projected growth - $334,310 average salary

Perform surgeries to treat injuries, diseases, or deformities related to the mouth, teeth, jaw, and face.

21. Orthotists and Prosthetists - 15% projected growth - $78,100 average salary

Design, fit, and maintain medical devices like braces, splints, and artificial limbs to support patients’ mobility and function.

22. Psychiatrists - 4% projected growth - $256,930 average salary

Diagnose and treat mental health disorders, prescribe medications, and offer therapy to improve psychological well-being.

23. EKG Technicians - 11% projected growth - $70,270 average salary

Operate electrocardiogram machines to monitor heart activity and help doctors diagnose heart conditions.

24. Medical Records Specialists - 9% projected growth - $48,780 average salary

Manage and organize patient health information, assign standardized codes to diagnoses and procedures, and ensure accurate documentation for billing and insurance claims processing.

25. Phlebotomists - 8% projected growth - $41,810 average salary

Draw blood samples for testing or donation while ensuring patient comfort and safety during the procedure.

Choosing a career in healthcare

Choosing a healthcare career is a huge step — and yes, it’s incredibly rewarding. But with so many options, how do you find the perfect fit? While exploring your options, ask yourself these questions: 

• Do you want to roll up your sleeves and work directly with patients, or do you prefer working behind-the-scenes in an administrative role? 
• Do you thrive in fast-paced, high-pressure environments, or do you prefer a more laid-back setting?
• Are you drawn to the hustle and bustle of a hospital, the quiet of a lab, or the calm of an office?
• Do you prefer to focus on one thing at a time or do you enjoy juggling multiple responsibilities simultaneously?
• Are you passionate about working with a specific age group (children, adults, elderly), or do you gravitate more toward animals?
• Do you prefer working independently or teaming up with others?
• How do you feel about working long hours or being on-call for emergencies?
• How much education are you willing to commit to? Do you see yourself going to college, or to medical school?

These questions are more than a checklist — they’re your roadmap to finding a healthcare career aligned with your personality, values, and goals. Reflect on what piques your interest in healthcare, and use that insight to guide your next steps.

Want more tips and insights? Check out our full Guide to Your Future In Healthcare here.