Six High-Paying Jobs in Healthcare

If there’s one job sector where there’s always room to grow and find work, it is the Healthcare industry. A study predicted that in 2030, around 80 million medical workers would be needed globally. That being said, there will be an expected shortfall of about 15 million healthcare professionals.

While the stats might be worrying for the health and safety lifestyle, it will result in many healthcare job openings offering lucrative pay packages. Medical facilities want top-notch healthcare professionals to work for them, and one of the many ways of luring them in is a good paycheck. This is an approach vital during times when there are staffing shortages.

But first, we have to find answers to some critical questions; does a medical job relate to working as a nurse or a doctor? Or is it someone working inside a medical facility in general? Firstly, a career in healthcare includes both clinical and non-clinical roles. For instance, a registered nurse is a healthcare professional, but so are laboratory technicians, home health aids, record keepers, or occupational therapists.

If an individual’s job is to support a patient, a healthcare facility, or the healthcare industry, it will count as a healthcare-based job. So, after deciding if the healthcare industry is the right choice for you and you’re interested in a position that offers the highest pay package possible, we’ve highlighted some of the highest paying jobs in healthcare.

1. Healthcare Lawyer

Salary Range = $82,322-$162,832

Healthcare lawyers have the same duties as other lawyers, but they focus more on public and individual health cases. Most of their work revolves around medical compensations and filing malpractice lawsuits. Medical malpractice attorneys usually represent clients facing various lawsuits.

In comparison, compensation attorneys represent clients looking for reimbursements for their medical expenses. These can include filing an unfair termination, discrimination, or a mesothelioma lawsuit.

To practice as a medical lawyer, candidates need to acquire a law degree, which usually takes around four years of undergraduate study, followed by a three-year law school degree. Medical lawyers can find work in numerous industries. These include government, private, nonprofit medical organizations. Sometimes, non-medical businesses might also require advice, for instance, on meeting federal privacy requirements for patient records.

2. Pharmacist

Salary Range = $94,000-$140,000

One of the highest paying healthcare jobs, a pharmacist’s primary job is to dispense prescription medication. However, their responsibilities don’t stop there. Their duties also include discussing drug-based side effects with patients, conducting health screenings, and providing immunization. Some pharmacists also offer counseling on healthy living habits.

Becoming a pharmacist means acquiring a bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degree. After doing so, they must also apply and obtain a license, which requires passing two other licensing exams as a prerequisite.

3. Optometrist

Salary Range = $87,000-$151,000

If you want to help people with their vision, becoming an optometrist is the perfect career path for you. These healthcare professionals focus on various parts of a person’s visual system. Plus, they treat various eye disorders, injuries, diseases, and vision issues.

It is also important to note that the duties of an ophthalmologist and optometrist are different. While pathologists can perform eye surgeries, optometrists cannot. To become an optometrist, potential candidates need to acquire a Doctoral of Optometry degree, followed by a state-issued practicing license.

4. Surgeon

Salary Range = $119,000-$422,000

When talking about the list of highest-paying healthcare-based jobs, surgeons will always be on top! These healthcare professionals perform minor and significant operations, which allows them to correct organ, bone, and tissue-related issues. They also address particular internal bodily concerns, repair, deformities, physical appearances, and much more.

However, the area of expertise depends on the specialization a surgeon chooses. For instance, plastic surgeons perform corrective surgeries to alter an individual’s physical appearance. In contrast, a heart surgeon performs bypasses, heart transplants, etc.

Before a surgeon can perform operations, candidates must first acquire an undergraduate degree in the surgery field, then spend four years in medical school, followed by a Doctor of Medicine degree.

5. Health Services Manager

Salary Range = $39,000-$105,000

A health services manager goes by different titles – including healthcare manager, healthcare administrator, and more – these healthcare professionals coordinate the everyday operations of a healthcare facility. They also focus on an individual department, a clinical specialty, or a healthcare facility as a whole.

Usually, to work as a health services manager, candidates need a Bachelor’s degree in Public Health or a Bachelor’s in Healthcare Administration degree. Although,  nowadays, most healthcare facilities prefer to hire candidates with a Master’s degree.

6. Nurse Practitioner

Salary Range = $82,000-$130,000

APRNs(Advanced Practice Registered Nurses), also known as NPS(nurse practitioners), operate their private practice while others apply for work inside hospitals or medical clinics. Their duties include recording patient histories, diagnosing medical conditions, performing tests, educating patients about treatment options, and much more.

Nursing prospects need to earn a bachelor’s of science in nursing degree, followed by a license to get registered. The prerequisites for obtaining a nursing license are experience, MSN, and BSN degrees, followed by an NP certification issued by the board of nursing, the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners National Certification Board (AANPCB), or the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC).

Conclusion

Ultimately, many healthcare-based jobs, including the ones mentioned above, offer excellent salaries. While you’ll have to obtain the proper education, certification, and licensing, your effort won’t go to waste.

Additionally, there’s a high possibility that the demand for healthcare professionals will continue to rise in the coming days. So, you’ll have a decent chance to land a job that pays well and has excellent job security.