If you have always thought about taking up a career in healthcare, then you may be wondering which specific field to get into. With so many different options, it can be overwhelming trying to decide on a particular career path. Your choice may well be determined by a certain field that you have an affinity to, such as nursing, or you may want a job that is going to pay a lot of money, which will in turn mean financial security for you and your family in the future. So, with that in mind, what are the top paying healthcare jobs?
Surgeon/Physician
According to medical jobs board website HealthJobs.com, the best paying job in healthcare is a surgeon, with those at the top of their careers able to command salaries in the hundreds of thousands of dollars. According to salary.com, the average salary of a surgeon in the United States as of March 29, 2022, was $410,305. However, the pay for physician jobs depends on a variety of factors, including experience, specialties, and time spent in the role. Surgeons and physicians perform surgeries, which are often lifesaving. They may choose to work in general surgery or specialize in different fields such as cardiology, oncology, neurology, or orthopedics.
Dentist/Orthodontist
Dentists earn an average of $174,219 with the exact salary depending again on a variety of factors including certifications, experience, and the number of years in the role. The typical salary range for a dentist is between $151,820 and $201,156. An orthodontist can earn between $119,731 and $176.712. In addition to caring for their patients’ teeth and gums, dentists must also train in administering anesthesia for procedures such as cavity filling and tooth extraction.
Podiatrist
Podiatrists earn between $177,170 and $283,840, with the average salary as of March 2022, being $214,400. A podiatrist provides treatment and care for their patients’ lower legs, ankles, and feet. They diagnose and treat any diseases in these parts of the body, and the job will involve consulting with patients as well as taking x-rays, and blood tests. If necessary, the podiatrist can prescribe antibiotics and may need to perform minor surgeries if and when required.
Pharmacist
A pharmacist can earn up to $152,073 per year with the average salary being $142,773. The main role of the pharmacist is to dispense medication to patients as per the instructions set out on a medical professional’s prescription. In addition to this though, pharmacists might be required to consult with patients about minor illnesses, provide immunizations, and conduct screenings for health and wellness. A pharmacist must have in-depth knowledge of prescription medications and their safe use. They will need to check the instructions provided by the physician and advise the patient about how the medication should be taken.
Choosing a Suitable Medical Field
The above is just some of the top paying medical jobs in the U.S. currently, but there are many other fields that pay top dollar. As you might imagine though, securing such a job requires the right qualifications and training.
Once you have decided on your preferred field of study, you will need to check the entry requirements for college. When you have your qualifications and are ready to enter the workforce, you will be pleased to know that there are plenty of openings. Searching for healthcare jobs is easy with sites such as HealthJobs.com. These websites allow you to filter your search based on your own location and accreditations. Healthcare employers throughout the U.S. are advertising on these sites, so the perfect position could be quick and easy to find.
