The healthcare industry is generally considered a well-paying industry. Many healthcare jobs require specialized skills, knowledge, and advanced education and training, which can lead to higher salaries.
Additionally, the demand for healthcare services continues to grow due to factors such as an aging population and advances in medical technology, which may also contribute to higher salaries and more job opportunities in the industry.
However, it's worth noting that salaries can vary based on location, experience level, and specific job duties. If you're looking for the highest-paying healthcare careers in 2023, you're at the right place.
1. Medical and Health Services Manager
Medical and health services managers are responsible for planning, directing, and coordinating the delivery of healthcare services. They may manage a specific clinical department or be responsible for the operations of an entire healthcare facility.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics states that the annual salary for medical and healthcare managers is $104,280 as of 2020. Responsibilities of a medical health and services manager include:
- Improving quality and efficiency in delivering healthcare services
- Developing departmental goals and objectives
- Ensuring that the facility is up to date on and compliant with laws and regulations
- Recruiting, training, and supervising staff members
- Managing the finances of the facility, such as patient fees and billing
- Creating work schedules
Pursuing relevant programs such as MPH online programs is a surefire way to advance in a healthcare management career.
2. Physician Assistant
Physician assistants are healthcare professionals who practice medicine as part of a team supervised by a licensed physician. They conduct physical exams, diagnose and treat illnesses, order and interpret tests, and prescribe medication.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics states that the median annual wage for physician assistants was $115,390 as of 2020. Here are a few responsibilities you can expect to take as a physician assistant:
- Diagnosing illnesses
- Making rounds and performing patient exams
- Assisting in surgery
- Prescribing medications
- Ordering and interpreting laboratory tests or X-rays
- Educating patients on preventative care and health practices
- Developing and managing treatment plans
3. Nurse Practitioner
Nurse practitioners are advanced-practice RNs who diagnose and treat acute and chronic illnesses, order and interpret tests, and prescribe medication. They also provide health education and counseling to patients and their families. The Bureau of Labor Statistics states that the median annual wage for nurse practitioners is $117,670 today. Responsibilities of a nurse practitioner include:
- Conducting comprehensive patient assessments, including physical exams and medical histories
- Interpreting and ordering diagnostic tests and imaging studies
- Diagnosing and treating common acute and chronic health conditions
- Prescribing medications and other treatments
- Developing and implementing patient care plans
- Providing health education and counseling to patients and their families
4. Physician
Physicians diagnose and treat illnesses, injuries, and other medical conditions. They also provide preventive care and advice to patients. The Bureau of Labor Statistics states that the annual salary of physicians and surgeons is $206,500 as of 2020. Here are some responsibilities you can expect as a physician:
- Conducting comprehensive patient assessments
- Interpreting and ordering diagnostic tests or imaging studies
- Diagnosing and treating acute or chronic illnesses and injuries
- Prescribing medications and other treatments
- Developing and implementing patient care plans
5. Dentist
Dentists diagnose and treat diseases and issues with a patient's teeth, gums, and other parts of the mouth. They also provide preventive care and advice to patients. The Bureau of Labor Statistics states that the median annual wage for dentists was $164,010 in May 2020. The responsibilities of a dentist are obvious, but here's what to expect:
- Examining patients' teeth, gums, and other oral tissues to diagnose and treat oral health issues
- Taking and interpreting x-rays and other diagnostic images
- Performing routine cleanings, fillings, and extractions as needed
- Developing and implementing treatment plans for more complex oral health issues, like gum diseases or oral cancer
6. Physical Therapist
Physical therapists help patients improve their movement and manage their pain through exercise, hands-on care, and other techniques. As of 2020, the median annual wage for physical therapists is $91,010. The average day of responsibilities for a physical therapist may include the following:
- Evaluating patients' physical abilities and developing personalized treatment plans to address their specific needs and goals
- Using various techniques, such as exercise, manual therapy, and assistive devices, to improve patients' mobility, strength, and flexibility
- Educating patients on proper techniques for exercises and activities to help them achieve their treatment goals
- Monitoring and documenting patients' progress, adjusting treatment plans as needed to achieve optimal outcomes
7. Occupational Therapist
Occupational therapists help patients develop or regain skills needed for daily living and working through therapeutic activities and exercises. The Bureau of Labor Statistics states that the median annual wage for occupational therapists was $87,480 in May 2020. As an occupational therapist, your responsibilities may include the following:
- Evaluating patients' physical, emotional, and cognitive abilities and developing personalized treatment plans to help them perform daily activities and reach their goals
- Using various techniques, such as exercise, adaptive equipment, and environmental modifications, to improve patients' functional abilities and independence
- Educating patients and their families on strategies for managing and adapting to their conditions, such as how to use assistive devices or modify their home environment
8. Registered Nurse
Registered nurses are responsible for providing and coordinating patient care, educating patients and the public about various health conditions, and providing advice and emotional support to patients and their families. Today, the median annual wage for registered nurses is $75,330. As a registered nurse, you'll be responsible for the following:
- Conducting patient assessments
- Administering medications and other treatments prescribed by physicians and other healthcare professionals
- Providing patient education and counseling on managing their conditions and promoting their overall health and well-being
- Monitoring and recording patients' vital signs and other important health indicators
- Collaborating with other industry-specific professionals, such as physicians, nurse practitioners, and social workers, to provide coordinated care
Conclusion
Overall, the healthcare industry is expected to grow in the coming years, with an increasing demand for healthcare services due to an aging population and advances in medical technology. As a result, there may be many opportunities for individuals pursuing careers in healthcare to earn a good salary and make a positive impact on the lives of others.
