Understanding the best healthcare jobs can help you navigate a world of opportunity as the healthcare industry is among the most vital and rapidly evolving sectors worldwide. It encompasses a wide range of services provided by trained professionals aimed at maintaining or improving people’s health. With advancements in medical technology, an aging population, and a global emphasis on health and wellness, the demand for healthcare services and, consequently, for healthcare professionals, is at an all-time high.
The healthcare industry is experiencing unprecedented growth. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment in healthcare occupations is projected to grow 16 percent from 2020 to 2030, much faster than the average for all occupations, adding about 2.6 million new jobs (Bureau of Labor Statistics). This growth is driven by an increased need for healthcare services, primarily due to the aging baby-boom population and the widespread acknowledgment of the importance of preventative care.
Healthcare jobs are pivotal to society for ensuring the wellbeing and health of the population. These roles range from direct patient care positions, such as doctors, nurses, and allied health professionals, to support roles, including healthcare administrators and informatics specialists. For individuals, a career in healthcare is not just rewarding in terms of the impact on patients’ lives but also offers significant opportunities for personal and professional growth. Healthcare professions are known for their high degree of job security, competitive salaries, and the potential for career advancement, making them highly desirable.
Determining what makes a “best” healthcare job can be subjective and vary from one individual to another. However, several key factors play a crucial role in defining the allure and prestige of a profession within the healthcare sector:
In this article, we explore various healthcare positions that excel in these criteria, offering promising and fulfilling career paths for aspiring professionals.
In the healthcare field, the demand for skilled professionals continues to grow. Among these, physicians, surgeons, nurses, and physician assistants play critical roles in patient care and healthcare delivery.
Physicians and surgeons possess extensive training to diagnose, treat, and prevent illnesses and injuries. Specialties and subspecialties vary widely, covering fields such as cardiology, neurology, orthopedics, pediatrics, general surgery, and many more.
Prospective physicians and surgeons must complete an undergraduate degree, four years of medical school, and a residency program that may take 3 to 7 years. Further fellowship training may be needed for certain specialties. For students who need to fulfill prerequisite course requirements, visit, PrereqCourses.com.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports a median salary of over $208,000 annually. The job outlook between 2020 and 2030 shows a 3% expected growth rate, typical for all occupations.
Nursing is a versatile and critical part of healthcare, with roles including Registered Nurses (RNs), Nurse Practitioners (NPs), and Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs).
Registered Nurses (RNs) provide and coordinate patient care, while Nurse Practitioners (NPs) serve as primary and specialty care providers, often with a scope similar to physicians. Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) offer basic medical care under the direction of RNs and doctors.
RNs require an Associate’s Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), along with passing the NCLEX-RN. NPs must obtain a Master’s or Doctoral degree in a specific area of advanced practice nursing. LPNs need to complete a diploma program and pass the NCLEX-PN.
According to the BLS, RNs earn a median salary of $75,330 per year, while BLS data on NPs shows a median annual wage of $117,670. LPNs have a median yearly wage of $48,820. The employment growth for RNs is expected to be 9% from 2020 to 2030, for NPs 52%, and for LPNs 9%.
PAs are licensed healthcare professionals who practice medicine under the supervision of physicians and surgeons.
PAs are trained to conduct physical exams, diagnose and treat illnesses, order and interpret tests, prescribe medications, and sometimes assist in surgery. They work in all areas of medicine, including primary care, emergency medicine, and psychiatry.
Prospective PAs must earn a Master’s degree from an accredited PA program and pass the Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination (PANCE) to become licensed.
The BLS indicates that the median salary for PAs is $115,390 per year, with an impressive projected job growth of 31% from 2020 to 2030, much faster than the average for all occupations.
Each of these healthcare roles is instrumental in providing essential care to diverse patient populations, and demand in these fields is expected to stay high, illustrating a robust future for healthcare employment.
The healthcare industry not only offers a wide variety of career opportunities but also jobs with high levels of job satisfaction. Physical Therapists and Occupational Therapists stand out for their rewarding work environments and the positive impact they have on patients’ lives.
Physical therapists (PTs) specialize in helping patients improve movement and manage pain after injuries or surgeries. Typical environments include hospitals, outpatient clinics, private practices, and rehabilitation centers. PTs often work as part of a broader healthcare team to develop and implement treatment plans tailored to each patient’s needs.
To become a PT, one must earn a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree from an accredited institution and pass a state licensure exam. DPT programs typically require a bachelor’s degree for admission and take about three years to complete.
Job satisfaction among PTs is high due to the ability to make a significant, positive impact on patients’ quality of life. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports a median annual wage for physical therapists as $91,010 as of May 2020, with employment expected to grow 18% from 2020 to 2030, much faster than the average for all occupations.
Occupational therapy (OT) focuses on helping individuals of all ages perform daily activities (occupations) through the therapeutic use of everyday activities. OTs assist patients with physical, developmental, or emotional disabilities lead independent, productive, and satisfying lives. They work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, schools, and patients’ homes.
To become an OT, one must earn a master’s or doctoral degree from an accredited occupational therapy program and pass a national certification exam to become a registered occupational therapist (OTR). Most programs also require a bachelor’s degree for admission and completion of specific prerequisite courses.
Occupational therapists report high job satisfaction, largely due to their role in significantly improving patients’ lives by aiding in their adaptation to disabilities or injuries. According to the BLS, the median annual wage for occupational therapists was $86,280 in May 2020. The field is projected to grow 17% from 2020 to 2030, much faster than the average for all occupations, highlighting the demand for OTs and the stability of the career.
Both physical and occupational therapy careers offer gratifying work experiences by enabling individuals to achieve greater independence and satisfaction in life. Their high demand, strong job outlook, rewarding work environment, and positive societal impact contribute significantly to the high satisfaction rates reported by professionals in these fields.
The healthcare industry is rapidly evolving, adopting more sophisticated technologies and approaches to patient care. This evolution is creating new job roles and opportunities, particularly in healthcare informatics and genetic counseling, which are expected to play a pivotal role in the future of healthcare.
Healthcare informatics focuses on the use of data and information technology to improve patient outcomes. It involves the analysis and management of health data, implementation of health information systems, and the use of advanced computing to solve healthcare problems. Informatics professionals work to improve the efficiency and quality of healthcare services, ensuring data security and enhancing patient care through technology.
A career in healthcare informatics requires a blend of skills in healthcare, information technology, and data analysis. Most positions require at least a bachelor’s degree in a related field, although a master’s degree in health informatics, healthcare administration, or a related area is increasingly preferred by employers. Besides formal education, skills in database management, programming, and a solid understanding of healthcare systems are essential.
Relevant educational programs and resources can be found through the American Medical Informatics Association (AMIA).
The demand for healthcare informatics professionals is soaring due to the increased use of electronic health records (EHRs) and the growing need for data analysis in healthcare decision-making. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics doesn’t provide specific data for healthcare informatics, but jobs in medical and health services management, which include informatics roles, are expected to grow 32% from 2019 to 2029, much faster than the average for all occupations.
Genetic counselors play a crucial role in personalized medicine, offering guidance and support to patients considering genetic testing. They assess individual or family risk for a variety of inherited conditions, such as genetic disorders and cancers, interpret test results, and provide information about potential health management options. Their work is fundamental in helping patients make informed decisions about their healthcare based on genetic information.
Becoming a genetic counselor requires a Master’s degree in Genetic Counseling from a program accredited by the Accreditation Council for Genetic Counseling (ACGC). Graduates must then pass the certification exam offered by the American Board of Genetic Counseling (ABGC). Entry into these graduate programs typically requires a bachelor’s degree with coursework in biology, psychology, and genetics.
Information on accredited programs can be found on the ACGC website.
The demand for genetic counselors is expected to grow significantly due to advancements in genetic testing and an increasing public interest in personalized medicine. According to the BLS, employment of genetic counselors is projected to grow 21% from 2019 to 2029, much faster than the average for all occupations. The median annual wage for genetic counselors was $81,880 in May 2020, with top earners working in hospitals and medical and diagnostic laboratories.
These emerging healthcare roles highlight the industry’s shift towards more personalized, data-informed patient care. Both healthcare informatics and genetic counseling represent the intersection of technology and patient care, standing as testament to the dynamic and rapidly advancing nature of the healthcare landscape.
The healthcare sector offers a variety of high-paying and stable career paths outside of traditional doctor and nursing roles. Specialized positions such as pharmacists and dental practitioners not only deliver essential healthcare services but also come with competitive salaries and promising job outlooks.
Pharmacists play a critical role in healthcare, offering expertise on the safe use of medications. They provide prescriptions to patients, advise on their use, and educate on potential side effects. Pharmacists work in a variety of settings, including community pharmacies, hospitals, clinics, and the pharmaceutical industry. Their responsibilities can extend to conducting health and wellness screenings, managing chronic diseases, and providing vaccine administration.
To become a pharmacist, candidates must earn a Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) degree from an accredited pharmacy school, which typically requires four years to complete following undergraduate study. Admission to a Pharm.D. program requires completion of prerequisite coursework and often the Pharmacy College Admission Test (PCAT). Following graduation, pharmacists must pass two exams to become licensed: the North American Pharmacist Licensure Exam (NAPLEX) and the Multistate Pharmacy Jurisprudence Exam (MPJE).
More information about pharmacy education can be found at the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy (AACP).
Pharmacists command one of the highest salaries in the healthcare sector. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual wage for pharmacists was $128,710 in May 2020. Job stability, however, may vary by geography and setting, with some areas experiencing saturation. The overall employment of pharmacists is projected to decline slightly by 3% from 2019 to 2029, largely due to increasing pharmacy automation and the growth of mail order and online pharmacies.
The dental profession encompasses various specialties focused on oral health, including general dentistry, orthodontics (correcting teeth and jaws alignment), and oral surgery (surgical procedures on the mouth, teeth, gums, and jaw). Dental professionals not only address teeth and gum health but also perform cosmetic procedures that improve appearance and confidence.
Becoming a dentist requires completing a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) degree, which typically takes four years after undergraduate study. Dental specialization, such as orthodontics or oral surgery, requires additional residency training, which can take 2-6 years depending on the specialty. All dentists must be licensed to practice, which involves passing the National Board Dental Examinations and a state or regional clinical examination.
Information on dental education and licensure can be found at the American Dental Association (ADA).
Dental professionals often enjoy high earning potential and a positive job outlook. The BLS reports that the median annual wage for dentists was $159,200 in May 2020, with orthodontists and oral surgeons earning even higher salaries. The demand for dental services is expected to grow, with employment of dentists projected to grow 3% from 2019 to 2029. Increases in preventive dental services, an aging population, and ongoing research linking oral health to general health are expected to drive demand for dental care.
Both pharmacy and dental professions offer paths to highly rewarding careers in healthcare, reflecting the wide range of opportunities available in the sector. These roles are pivotal in delivering essential health services and improving patient outcomes, and they reward professionals with stable and lucrative career paths.
The healthcare sector offers numerous entry-level positions that provide vital support to medical facilities and offer pathways to rewarding careers. Among the most accessible and growth-oriented positions are Medical Assistants and Home Health Aides. These roles not only offer a stepping stone into the healthcare industry but also promise stability, competitive wages, and opportunities for advancement.
Medical Assistants are pivotal to the smooth operation of healthcare facilities, performing a mix of clinical and administrative tasks. Their duties can include taking and recording patient history and vital signs, assisting with patient examinations, drawing blood, administering medications as directed by a physician, and scheduling patient appointments. They work in a variety of settings including hospitals, outpatient clinics, and specialized medical practices.
While not always required, certification can greatly enhance a medical assistant’s job prospects and earning potential. Certifications such as the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) from the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) or the Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) from the American Medical Technologists (AMT) are highly regarded. Training programs, ranging from certificates to two-year associate degrees, are available at vocational schools, community colleges, and even some universities.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that the median annual wage for medical assistants was $35,850 in May 2020. The profession also boasts a much faster than average job growth outlook, with a projected increase of 19% from 2019 to 2029. This growth is driven by the aging baby-boom population and the overall need for healthcare services.
Home Health Aides provide essential care to individuals with disabilities, chronic illnesses, or cognitive impairment by assisting in their daily living activities. These caregivers work in clients’ homes, ensuring that their patients can enjoy a better quality of life despite their health issues. Tasks may include bathing, dressing, and providing medication reminders, along with basic health-related tasks like checking vital signs under the direction of nursing staff.
Training requirements for Home Health Aides can vary by state, but typically involve completing a short training program that may be offered by community colleges, vocational schools, or home healthcare agencies. Some states also require passing a competency exam. Certain employers might require certification through the National Association for Home Care & Hospice (NAHC) Home Care University.
The demand for Home Health Aides is expected to surge, with the BLS projecting a growth rate of 34% from 2019 to 2029, much faster than the average for all occupations. This rapid growth is due in part to the aging baby boomer population and an increase in the preference for in-home care. The median annual wage for home health aides was $27,080 in May 2020, according to the BLS. While starting wages can be modest, the significant demand for these roles offers opportunities for advancement and increased compensation over time.
Both Medical Assistants and Home Health Aides provide critical support within the healthcare system, boasting ample opportunities for those looking to enter the healthcare field. Not only do these roles offer competitive entry-level wages and robust job growth, but they also provide invaluable experience and a pathway to further career advancement within healthcare.
Our exploration of the best healthcare jobs has covered a wide spectrum, from physicians and surgeons to emerging roles in healthcare informatics and genetic counseling. We’ve looked at jobs known for high satisfaction levels like physical and occupational therapists, as well as specialized roles in fields such as pharmacy and dentistry that offer competitive salaries. The diversity of roles ensures that the healthcare industry can accommodate a variety of interests and strengths, whether clinical, administrative, or technologically inclined.
As the sector continues to grow, driven by advancements in technology and an aging population, the importance of healthcare jobs for society cannot be overstated—nor can the opportunities they present for individual career growth. Each role we’ve discussed has its unique set of rewards and challenges; hence, choosing a career in healthcare should be a deliberate choice aligned with your personal interests, strengths, and long-term career objectives.
The journey into this field is one of lifelong learning and commitment. Hence, prospective healthcare professionals should actively engage with current industry data, job outlooks, and educational resources to stay ahead in an evolving landscape. The key to success in the healthcare sector lies in an unwavering dedication to improving patient care and a willingness to adapt to new healthcare paradigms.
For additional insights and comprehensive information regarding statistics and future expectations in the healthcare industry, consider exploring the following resources:
These are just a few starting points for further reading and research into healthcare careers. Scholarly journals, industry reports, and educational institutions also provide a wealth of knowledge that can shape your understanding and help you navigate this rewarding field.
