Explore over 90 healthcare careers in this jam-packed guide, including top roles, salaries, training paths, and how to break into the medical field (even if you have no experience). Plus, get career advice from real healthcare workers we've interviewed!
July 23, 2025
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Daniella Flores
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Thinking about a job in healthcare? Healthcare careers not only offer a wide range of opportunities with strong job growth, but also provide high salaries and room for advancement.
The healthcare industry doesn’t mess around. It accounts for over 18% of the entire U.S. GDP (Gross Domestic Product) with national health expenditure projected to surge by 70% to $7.7 trillion by 2032, according to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.
The demand is only increasing, and in many of the highest-paying healthcare jobs too. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Outlook Handbook projects 1.9 million healthcare job openings each year up to 2033. If you’re wanting to start a career in healthcare, now is the time.
In this career guide, we’ll be breaking down the most in-demand healthcare careers, including everything from doctors, nurses, and mental health professionals to emergency services and even lesser-known professions like certified anesthesiologist assistants.
We’ll be digging into what they do, the skills needed, how to get started and courses to take, and what you can expect to earn for each role using salary data recorded from real healthcare professionals in our Salary Database and other data sources like Glassdoor and the BLS.
Let’s dive in.
With the rise in pay transparency laws, people are talking more about their salary, challenging pay discrimination, and opening up about their careers. Thanks to this, we've been able to talk to dozens of healthcare professionals in our interviews about the ins and outs of their jobs and what they make. Use this data to explore the many different areas of healthcare and decide which one might be the best for you.
Here’s a sneak peek from our street interviews into a few of the healthcare careers covered in this guide:
Use our Salary Transparent Job Board as a tool to help explore some of these roles even further!
Most of us know what doctors are, but if you need a refresher, doctors work with patients to diagnose and treat them. In certain cases, they have to perform surgery, but that's only if it's absolutely necessary. They give a big chunk of their life to healthcare and often work long hours, nights, weekends, and holidays. But that doesn’t mean it isn’t a career worth getting into.
Doctors have a wide range of specialties to choose from with a ton of earning potential. They’re among the highest-paid professions in healthcare ($1.5M was the highest salary we found in our database) and have the ability to make a direct impact on the lives of their patients, making this also one of the most meaningful and happiest jobs ranked by Payscale and data from our interviews.
Job Title | Role | Skills Needed | Entry-Level Education & Training | Salary |
| General Practitioner (Family Medicine) | Diagnoses and treats a wide range of health issues for all ages | Broad medical knowledge and communication skills | Doctor of Medicine (MD) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) and 3-year residency | $80K - $350K+ |
| Internal Medicine Physician | Specializes in adult health and treats chronic illnesses | Diagnostic skills, analytical thinking, and communication skills | MD or DO and internal medicine 3-year residency | $298K - $486K |
| Surgeon | Operates on patients for treatment | Precision and decision-making skills under pressure | MD or DO and 5-7 years of surgical residency | $250K - $1.5M |
| Pediatrician | Provides medical care for infants and children | Patience and the ability to talk to kids | MD or DO and 3 years of pediatric residency | $255K - $400K |
| Oncologist | Diagnoses and treats cancer through chemotherapy and other treatments. | Oncology-specific knowledge and attention to detail | MD or DO and internal medicine 3-year residency with 2-3 years of oncology fellowship | $400K - $525K |
| Anesthesiologist | Manages pain relief and vital functions during surgeries | Physiology knowledge and patient monitoring skills | MD or DO and anesthesiology 4-year residency | $400K - $625K |
| Cardiologist | Specializes in diagnosing and treating heart and blood vessel conditions | Cardiology expertise and ability to interpret tests | MD or DO and 3-year internal medicine residency with 3-year cardiology fellowship | $390K - $623K |
| Radiologist | Interprets medical images (X-rays, MRIs, CT scans) to diagnose illnesses | Imaging interpretation skills and technology proficiency | MD or DO and 4-5-year radiology residency | $216K - $403K |
| Dermatologist | Diagnoses and treats skin, hair, and nail conditions | Detail-oriented and patient communication skills | MD or DO and 3-4-year dermatology residency | $333K - $620K |
| Physician Assistants (PAs) | Works under physician supervision to diagnose and treat patients | Medical knowledge, diagnostic reasoning, and patient communication skills | Master’s degree from an ARC-PA accredited PA program and licensure (PANCE) | $68K - $220K |
How to get into it: Doctors typically start with a bachelor’s degree that has a focus in biology, chemistry, or other related field. The MCAT (Medical College Admission Test) is required to apply to medical school, which typically lasts four years. You'll need to complete a residency program in your chosen specialty, which can take 3 to 7 years depending on the field, before you can work independently. There may also be licensing exams required or additional fellowships for sub-specialization. Physician assistants typically don’t need to pursue anything higher than a master’s degree.
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Get started with these courses and programs:
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Nursing is one of the most in-demand fields in healthcare and one of the top jobs of the future, with a projected growth of 40% through 2033 for nurse anesthetists, nurse midwives, and nurse practitioners, according to the BLS. Those aren’t the only nursing fields that are growing either.
Nursing offers a variety of career paths depending on your education, specialization, and where you want to work. Nurses can choose to work in a hospital, doctor’s office, clinic, surgery center, school, nursing home, rehabilitation center, hospice care, or travel for work. We interviewed a travel nurse in the video compilation below who’s on track to make $240,000 this year!
There are also many government jobs available for nurses at public health clinics, VA hospitals, and military facilities.
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Job Title | Role | Skills Needed | Entry-Level Education & Training | Salary |
| Registered Nurse (RN) | Cares for patients and monitors their progress | Clinical and communication skills (and a little empathy) | Associate or Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and pass the NCLEX-RN exam | $48K - $205K |
| Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN/LVN) | Provides basic nursing care under RN or doctor supervision | Attention to detail and knowledge of basic clinical procedures | Practical nursing certificate, pass the NCLEX-RN exam, and state license | $39K - $106K |
| Nurse Practitioner (NP) | Diagnoses and treats patients, prescribes medication, often works independently | Advanced assessment, diagnostic reasoning, and communication skills | Bachelor’s in Nursing and Master’s (MSN) or Doctorate and NP certification | $78K - 194K |
| Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) | Provides advanced patient care and guides other nurses, usually in leadership or education roles | Leadership and clinical skills | BSN and MSN or Doctorate in Nursing and CNS certification | $54K - $150K |
| Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) | Administers anesthesia and monitors patients during procedures | High attention to detail and pharmacology knowledge | BSN, CRNA Master’s program, and Doctorate in Nurse Anesthesia | $205K - $350K |
| Nurse Midwife (CNM) | Delivers babies and offers reproductive health services. | Compassion and OB/GYN knowledge | BSN and MSN with a specialty in midwifery
| $108K - $142K |
| Travel Nurse | Works short-term contracts in various locations to fill staffing gaps (usually pays very well!) | Able to adapt quickly and clinical skills | RN license with 1-2 years of experience in specialty area | $96K - $131K |
How to get into it: Complete an accredited nursing program, such as an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). The NCLEX-RN exam is required to become a licensed RN. For entry-level roles like LPN, you can complete a shorter diploma or certificate program and pass the NCLEX-PN exam.
Get started with these courses and programs:
Mental and behavioral health careers focus on supporting individuals struggling with emotional, psychological, and social well-being. They help people manage conditions like trauma and depression through therapy and other options for treatment.
Many positions in this field also pay well, with psychiatrists making $256,930 a year (mean wage) and the top 10% of psychologists making more than $157,330 a year, according to the BLS. We interviewed a psychologist in Eugene, OR in the video below that makes $120,000 a year!
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Mental health jobs like social workers and therapists also bring in a decent salary. We also interviewed a therapist and social worker who makes $95,000 a year!
Job Title | Role | Skills Needed | Entry-Level Education & Training | Salary |
| Clinical Psychologist | Treats mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders, but they can't prescribe medications | Empathy, assessment skills, and knowledge of psychological theory | Doctorate in Psychology (PhD or PsyD) and state license) | $106K - 480K |
| Mental Health Counselor | Helps people manage mental health conditions | Active listening and crisis intervention skills | Master’s in Counseling or related field and licensure (LPC, LMHC, etc.) | $56K - $150K |
| Psychiatrist | Doctor who treats mental health disorders and can prescribe medications (something that psychologists can't do) | Medical knowledge, pharmacology, and communication skills | MD or DO and Psychiatry residency with medical license | $77K - $279K |
| Social Worker (LCSW/MSW) | Supports people and their families through therapy and other resources | Advocacy and communication skills | Master’s in Social Work (MSW) and state licensure (LCSW) | $29K - $150K |
| Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT) | Specializes in relationship dynamics and works with people and their families | Interpersonal insight and systematic thinking skills | Master’s in Counseling, Psychology, or MFT with LMFT licensure | $63K - $250K |
| Substance Abuse Counselor | Helps clients overcome addiction through treatment | Patience and communication skills | Associate or Bachelor’s in addiction counseling or related field and certification | $44K - $79K |
How to get into it: Most roles require at least a bachelor’s degree in psychology, social work, or a related field, though many positions like counselors, therapists, and psychologists also require a master’s or doctoral degree with a license. Hands-on experience can be gained through internships or supervised clinical hours. Entry-level roles like behavioral health technicians or peer support specialists can be great places to start.
Get started with these courses and programs:
Allied health professionals work alongside doctors and nurses to support them and provide diagnostic, preventative, and therapeutic services, like respiratory therapy. Some of these positions are more well-known, such as physical therapists and surgical technologists, but also include newer positions like certified anesthesiologist assistants.
We interviewed a certified anesthesiologist assistant in the video below that makes $300,000 a year and found a physical therapist in our salary database that makes $200,000 a year working at OA PT!
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Job Title | Role | Skills Needed | Entry-Level Education & Training | Salary |
| Certified Anesthesiologist Assistant (CAA) | Assists anesthesiologists in anesthesia care plans | Precision, physiology knowledge, and can work with others in a team | Bachelor’s degree and Master’s from CAAHEP-accredited program with certification | $177K - $514K |
| Surgical Technologist | Prepares operating rooms and assists surgeons during procedures | Attention to detail and knowledge of sterile technique | Certificate or Associate's degree from accredited surgical tech program | $29K - $115K |
| Physical Therapist (PT) | Helps patients recover mobility and manage pain through physical rehab | Anatomy knowledge and communication skills | Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) and state license | $45K - $200K |
| Occupational Therapist (OT) | Helps patients improve their ability to perform daily activities after injury or illness | Creativity, problem-solving, and therapeutic planning skills | Master’s or Doctorate in OT and national board certification | $57K - $192K |
| Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) | Diagnoses and treats speech, language, and swallowing disorders in children and adults. | Communication and assessment skills | Master’s in Speech-Language Pathology and national certification with license | $51K - $230K |
| Respiratory Therapist | Cares for patients with breathing or cardiopulmonary disorders | Respiratory therapy knowledge and emergency response skills | Associate's or Bachelor’s degree in respiratory therapy and state license | $63K - $110K |
| Dietitian or Nutritionist | Advises patients on nutrition and creates dietary plans for them | Nutrition science and counseling skills | Bachelor’s in Nutrition or Dietetics and supervised practice with registered dietician credential | $44K - $94K |
| Audiologist | Treats hearing and balance disorders using auditory technology | Technical and listening skills | Doctor of Audiology (AuD) and state license | $72K - $170K |
| Recreational Therapist | Provides therapy through art and recreational activities | Creativity, empathy, and therapeutic planning skills | Bachelor’s degree in recreational therapy or related field and certification | $53K - $93K |
How to get into it: Depending on the role, you'll need to complete a certificate, associate, or bachelor's program. Many programs take 1 to 2 years and include hands-on clinical training. Certification or state licensing is often required, and some roles, like physical or occupational therapy, require advanced degrees. Starting in an entry-level support position or shadowing a professional can also help you break into the field. The CAA we interviewed suggests to really shadow and think about it before committing.
Get started with these courses and programs:
Dentistry careers focus on diagnosing, treating, and preventing issues related to the teeth, gums, and the mouth. This field doesn’t just include dentists either. It includes other specialized professionals with high-income skills like orthodontists, endodontists, periodontists, and pediatric dentists. There are also supporting roles in this field, such as dental hygienists and dental assistants that are essential to delivering patient care.
You don’t have to be a dentist to make the big bucks either. We interviewed a dental hygienist (who was also a former CDC health advisor) that makes $69 to $72 an hour!
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Job Title | Role | Skills Needed | Entry-Level Education & Training | Salary |
| Dentist (DDS or DMD) | Treats issues related to teeth, gums, and oral health through cleanings, fillings, extractions, and other procedures | Manual dexterity, patient care, diagnostic skills | Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) | $38K - $500K |
| Dental Hygienist | Cleans teeth and examines patients for signs of oral disease | Communication and preventive care skills | Associate's or Bachelor’s degree in dental hygiene and state license | $54K - $150K |
| Dental Assistant | Assists dentists during procedures and sterilizes tools | Clinical support skills and equipment knowledge | Certificate or diploma from accredited dental assisting program | $29K - $61K |
| Orthodontist | Specializes in aligning teeth and jaws using braces and retainers | Precision, aesthetic sense, and patient communication skills | DDS or DMD and orthodontic residency (2–3 years) | $120K - $330K |
| Prosthodontist | Designs and fits artificial teeth and dental prosthetics for patients with missing or damaged teeth | Attention to detail and prosthetic design | DDS or DMD and prosthodontics 3-year residency | $480K - $805K |
| Periodontist | Treats gum disease and places dental implants | Surgical skills and gum disease management | DDS or DMD and periodontics 3-year residency | $251K - $468K |
| Endodontist | Specializes in diagnosing and treating issues inside the tooth, particularly root canals | Good motor skills, pain management, diagnostic expertise | DDS or DMD and endodontics residency (2–3 years) | $413K - $734K |
How to get into it: Start with specialized education programs, such as dental school for dentists or accredited training for dental hygienists and assistants. Gaining hands-on experience through entry-level roles or internships can also be a valuable stepping stone into the field. We interviewed a dental assistant in the video above who entered the field as a sterilization tech in high school, an entry-level job that’s great for getting your foot in the door.
Get started with these courses and programs:
Optometry is a specialized healthcare field focused on eye care and the early detection of eye-related diseases. These professionals are usually the first line of defense in identifying broader health issues through the eyes. It’s also an area in high demand for professionals, with a 9% projected job increase each year through 2033 for optometrists, according to the BLS.
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Job Title | Role | Skills Needed | Entry-Level Education & Training | Salary |
| Optometrist (OD) | Treats vision problems and prescribes glasses and contacts | Strong diagnostic skills and eye health management | Doctor of Optometry (OD) degree and state license | $38K - $380K |
| Optometric Technician | Assists optometrists with patient exams and clinical tasks | Patient care and equipment handling skills | On-the-job training or certificate program | $29K - $51K |
| Optometric Assistant | Supports optometrists with administrative duties and clinical support | Organizational and communication skills | On-the-job training or certificate program | $39K - $60K |
| Optical Dispenser | Helps patients select and adjust eyeglasses and contact lenses | Customer service and product knowledge | Certificate or Associate's degree, and training in optical dispensing | $52K - $96K |
| Vision Therapist | Provides therapy for visual disorders and eye movement problems | Patient care and therapeutic skills | OD degree and additional vision therapy certification | $51K - $81K |
How to get into it: Complete undergraduate studies followed by a specialized graduate program in optometry. We interviewed an optometrist in the video below that makes $143,000 a year and started with undergraduate and graduate school. Roles like optometric technicians, assistants, and dispensers don't require a degree.
Get started with these courses and programs:
Emergency services careers are fast-paced and come with a lot of pressure. You're the first on the scene, in the weeds of it all, trying to provide care that could save (or not save) someone's life. It's extremely high stress, but also fulfilling.
A few of these roles include EMTs, paramedics, and emergency dispatchers, and they usually work in ambulances, local government, private or local medical and surgical hospitals, or outpatient care centers. For instance, the highest-paying work environments for EMTs and paramedics are outpatient care centers ($67,990) and local government ($59,840), according to the BLS.
Job Title | Role | Skills Needed | Entry-Level Education & Training | Salary |
| Paramedic | Stabilizes patients with life-saving procedures and medication administration | Quick decision-making and trauma care skills | EMT certification and Paramedic program with state license | $44K - $110K |
| Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) | Provides basic emergency care | Basic life support and has to be calm under pressure | EMT training program (120–150 hours) and state certification | $48K - $82K |
| Critical Care Transport Technician | Transports critically ill or injured patients between medical facilities while providing high-level care | Advanced monitoring and critical care knowledge | Paramedic or RN license with additional critical care certification | $53K - $85K |
| Emergency Dispatcher | Answers 911 calls and dispatches emergency responders | Communication skills and ability to multitask | High school diploma and dispatcher training with certification (varies by state) | $49K - $76K |
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How to get into it: Hands-on training programs like EMT certification, which can be completed in just a few months. Many folks gain field experience and pursue additional credentials, such as becoming a paramedic, to increase their skills and salary. We interviewed a paramedic in the video above who makes $60,000 a year after 3 and a half years as an EMT before getting their paramedic license.
Get started with these courses and programs:
The identification and treatment of diseases depends on the testing performed by diagnostic and laboratory professionals. They work behind the scenes to provide accurate data that informs nearly every medical decision. Roles like radiologic technologists, sonographers, and medical lab technicians use advanced equipment and scientific methods to detect abnormalities like blood disorders, which is a huge deal!
If they were to make a mistake and miss something, it could severely impact someone's life, which is also why they're paid well. Sonographers are actually ranked the 4th on our highest-paying trade job list! We found a sonographer in our Salary Database making $230,000 a year after 3 years and a bachelor’s degree!
Job Title | Role | Skills Needed | Entry-Level Education & Training | Salary |
| Medical Laboratory Technician | Collects and analyzes body fluids and tissue samples | Lab procedures and data analysis skills | Associate degree in medical lab technology and certification (ASCP or similar) | $49K - $77K |
| Phlebotomist | Draws blood from patients for lab tests, transfusions, or donations | Steady hands and patient care skills | Certificate or diploma from phlebotomy training program | $19K - $55K |
| Radiologic Technologist (X-ray, MRI, CT Tech) | Operates imaging equipment to create diagnostic images like X-rays and CT scans | Imaging technology and safety protocols | Associate degree in radiologic technology and ARRT certification | $38K - $131K |
| Ultrasound Technician (Sonographer) | Uses ultrasound machines to capture images of internal organs or pregnancies. | Anatomy and imaging interpretation skills | Associate or bachelor’s degree in sonography and certification (ARDMS) | $81K - $230K |
| Pathologist (MD) | Diagnoses diseases by examining tissues and cells under a microscope | Medical diagnosis, lab analysis, and report writing skills | Medical degree (MD or DO) and residency in pathology with board certification | $160K - $510K |
How to get into it: Radiologic technologists, sonographers, and pathologists all require some sort of college degree. Other roles, such as phlebotomy or medical lab technician, offer on-the-job training or short programs, which is perfect for career changers or those without a four-year degree. We interviewed a phlebotomist in the video below who started out giving plasma, and when she learned about the job and saw that the only requirement was a high school diploma, she went for it! She was a dental assistant before that.
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Get started with these courses and programs:
Healthcare administration and management is on the business and operational side of healthcare. They ensure that hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, and other medical facilities run smoothly and up to standards. Without them, these facilities would find it much harder to pass inspection and make sure they're following the law, let alone be able to take patients and manage scheduling throughout the day.
Common roles include healthcare administrators, clinical directors, and health information managers. We interviewed a healthcare administrator in the video below that makes $150,000 a year because he is over a huge service line, which means he manages and oversees a large, specialized area of healthcare services.
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Job Title | Role | Skills Needed | Entry-Level Education & Training | Salary |
| Healthcare Administrator | Oversees the daily operations of hospitals, clinics, or healthcare systems | Leadership, budgeting, and healthcare policy knowledge | Bachelor’s or Master’s in Healthcare Administration or related field | $120K - $193K |
| Medical and Health Services Manager | Plans and coordinates medical services in a facility | Strategic planning and communication skills | Bachelor’s or Master’s in Health Administration, Public Health, or Business | $103K - $184K |
| Health Information Manager | Manages patient records and health data systems in compliance with data privacy laws | Technical literacy and data analysis skills | Bachelor’s in Health Information Management or related and RHIA certification | $58K - $94K |
| Clinical Director | Leads clinical programs and manages staff | Healthcare leadership and compliance knowledge | Master’s in Healthcare Administration, Nursing, or Public Health | $70K - $143K |
| Practice Manager | Manages the business side of a private medical practice, including staffing and billing | Operations, medical billing, and management skills | Associate or bachelor’s degree in healthcare admin or business | $75K - $132K |
How to get into it: Most healthcare administration and management careers require at least an Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree. Internships and entry-level roles like medical office assistant or patient services coordinator can help you build experience while pursuing your degree. Certifications such as Certified Medical Manager (CMM) can also boost your credibility and earning potential.
Get started with these courses and programs:
Your pharmacy can have a huge impact on your health and well-being. Pharmacists make sure your medications are used safely and effectively so you don't have any unintended side effects that could be dangerous to your health. This is why they’re among the highest paid in this area.
We interviewed 2 pharmacists in the video below that make $110,000 a year, one who works in retail and the other that works in a hospital. There are also other roles in this area, like pharmacy technicians, pharmaceutical sales representatives, and clinical pharmacologists.
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Job Title | Role | Skills Needed | Entry-Level Education & Training | Salary |
| Pharmacist | Dispenses medications and and ensures prescriptions are safe | Pharmacology and communication skills | Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) + licensure | $110K–$150K |
| Pharmacy Technician | Assists pharmacists by preparing medications and managing inventory | Accuracy, organization, and knowledge of medications | High school diploma + certificate or on-the-job training | $35K–$55K |
| Pharmaceutical Sales Representative | Promotes and sells medications to healthcare providers and organizations | Sales, product knowledge, interpersonal skills | Bachelor’s in life sciences, business, or related field | $70K–$120K+ |
| Clinical Pharmacologist | Conducts research and advises on the use and development of medications in clinical settings | Research, data analysis, pharmacokinetics | Pharm.D. or Ph.D. in Pharmacology + clinical experience | $95K–$140K |
How to get into it: Many start with a degree in biology, chemistry, or a related science field. Entry-level roles like pharmacy technician or pharmaceutical sales reprentative often require certifications or short training programs rather than advanced degrees.
Get started with these courses and programs:
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Public health and community health careers focus on improving the health and well-being of entire populations rather than individual patients. These professionals promote healthy human behaviors and prevent disease in communities through education, research, policy, and community outreach.
A few of these roles include epidemiologists who track disease patterns and public health nurses who provide care and education.
Job Title | Role | Skills Needed | Entry-Level Education & Training | Salary |
| Epidemiologist | Studies patterns and causes of diseases to improve public health and prevent outbreaks | Analytical and data analysis skills | Bachelor’s or Master’s in Public Health, Epidemiology, or related field | $33K - $250K |
| Public Health Nurse | Provides community-based healthcare and education | Clinical nursing and community outreach skills | BSN and public health experience or certification | $74K - $102K |
| Community Health Worker | Connects underserved populations with healthcare resources | Interpersonal and advocacy skills | High school diploma or equivalent with on-the-job training or certificate | $42K - $62K |
| Environmental Health Specialist | Monitors and enforces environmental regulations to protect public health | Environmental science and regulatory knowledge | Bachelor’s in Environmental Health or related science and certification | $63K - $104K |
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How to get into it: Start with a bachelor’s or master’s degree in public health, health science, or a related field. We interviewed an environmental and safety manager in the video below making $90,000 a year who started with getting a master’s degree, internships, and certifications to move up in his role. Certifications he took included Associate Safety Professionals and Certified Safety Professionals.
Get started with these courses and programs:
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The area of health education and advocacy focuses on empowering individuals and communities to make informed health decisions. An example of one of these types of programs is the Tips From Former Smokers campaign launched by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) supported by health educators and patient advocates.
The BLS projects a higher-than-average job growth of 7% each year through 2033 for healthcare education careers, making it a promising area to get into.
Job Title | Role | Skills Needed | Entry-Level Education & Training | Salary |
| Health Coach | Guides individuals to improve health behaviors through education | Communication and motivational skills | Certification in health coaching | $48K - $78K |
| Patient Advocate | Assists patients in navigating healthcare systems and understand treatments | Empathy and communication skills | High school diploma and BCPA certification | $43K - $73K |
| Health Educator | Develops and delivers programs that teach healthy behaviors and disease prevention | Teaching and public speaking skills (some marketing skills can also help) | Bachelor’s degree in health education, public health, or related field | $43K - $71K |
| Medical Interpreter | Provides language translation services between patients and healthcare providers | Fluency in multiple languages and communication skills | Certification in medical interpretation | $76K - $142K |
| Genetic Counselor | Advises patients on inherited conditions and genetic testing options | Genetics knowledge and communication skills | Master’s degree in genetic counseling | $99K - $185K |
How to get into it: Start with certifications or pursuing a degree for the role that you’re interested in. Then look for volunteer or entry-level roles in clinics or nonprofits to gain experience. Strong communication skills and fluency in a second language can also give you an edge, especially for medical interpreters or health educators.
Get started with these courses and programs:
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Support and technical roles in healthcare still qualify as healthcare careers, but they work in the backend of healthcare information systems (software, databases, etc). These are your medical assistants, medical billers and coders, and medical records technicians that work for a variety of healthcare environments. Medical assistants specifically have a high growth rate of 15% and are continually growing in demand.
Some roles may be easier to break into with certificates, associate’s degrees, or on-the-job training.
Job Title | Role | Skills Needed | Entry-Level Education & Training | Salary |
| Medical Assistant | Performs administrative and clinical tasks to support healthcare providers in clinics | Organizational and clinical skills | CCMA certification or associate’s from accredited medical assisting program | $23K - $61K |
| Sterile Processing Technician | Prepares surgical instruments and equipment for medical procedures | Sterilization techniques and strong attention to detail | Sterile processing technician program, certification, and on-the-job training | $38K - $82K |
| Medical Biller & Coder | Manages patient billing and manages insurance claims (while making sure medical codes match the billed procedures) | Detail-oriented, knowledge of medical codes, and software skills | Certificate or associate degree in medical billing and coding | $42K - $81K |
| Medical Records Technician | Manages patient health records and verifies information for accuracy | Organizational and data privacy skills | Certificate or associate degree in health information management | $23K - $51K |
How to get into it: Most of these roles are often great entry points into the industry and can sometimes be started with a high school diploma or Associate's degree. Many start with short training programs or certifications in areas like medical assisting, while others go on to pursue advanced degrees. We interviewed a medical assistant who makes $19 an hour working at a private dermatology office and she started with a bachelor’s in biology!
Get started with these courses and programs:
If you want to get into healthcare, start by researching the roles you’re interested in and their requirements first so you know what to expect, especially so you can plan for the duration and cost of schooling. Don’t think you need a fancy degree either. There are actually tons of high-paying jobs that don’t require a degree that can help you break in.
Use entry-level healthcare careers like these to help get experience as you continue with any advanced education you need toward your chosen career path:
The National Healthcareer Association can help with any required certifications to break into these entry-level roles. You can also request on-the-job training if you have any prior healthcare education or experience, or show that you’re pursuing education.
If you’re pursuing roles that require advanced degrees or extensive programs, start with looking at reputable schools and programs and reading reviews from students on Unigo and GradReports. Shadow other healthcare professionals to get as much exposure as you can and see if the career you’re pursuing is truly right for you.
Start your job search with our Salary Transparent Job Board and healthcare-focused job boards.
A few popular ones to start with include:
Also check for job openings at hospitals, clinics, surgery centers, doctor offices, healthcare recruiters, and government websites directly.
Your career starts with small steps, like volunteering, applying for an entry-level healthcare job (even part-time as a side hustle while in school), or taking an intro course to help clarify your path. Even taking the time to read about different roles (like reading this guide) is a small step in the right direction.
Above all else, consider your lifestyle goals as you move forward. Think about the hours you want to work, the income you need, and the environment you want to work in. We spend a good chunk of our life working. Might as well make sure you at least enjoy what you’re doing.
We also have a wealth of resources available to you as you navigate your career, including finding your market rate, how to write a cover letter, interview questions and answers to prepare for, salary negotiation scripts and myths, how to ask for a raise, more free career guides, and much more!
Until next time, stay awesome, stay strong, and keep advocating for yourself no matter what! I’m Daniella Flores, a former engineer who writes about tech, money, and careers, and a current member of the CNET Money Expert Review Board. I’m extremely passionate about workers' rights and financial freedom, so it’s a pleasure to be able to bring you this type of content through the Salary Transparent Street blog (thank you for the opportunity, Hannah!) You can also follow me on Linkedin. Chat soon!
If this guide helps you land a higher-paying job, let us know! Send us an email ➡️ hello@salarytransparentstreet.com
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