Top 12 Highest-Paying Jobs in Medical Field

The WHO predicts a 10 million health worker shortage by 2030, especially in low and lower-middle-income countries. Despite being at different socioeconomic levels, this shortfall is expected across the world, which translates to high monetary compensation for medical practitioners.

The highest-paying jobs in the medical field are available in careers such as cardiologists, anesthesiologists, oral and maxillofacial surgeons, and emergency physicians, with an average annual salary of US$300,000, per Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment Statistics (OES) report.

Highest-Paying Medical Jobs: List of Top 12

Here is a list of high-salary jobs in medical fields that you should know about: 

1.Speech-Language Pathologist- 

The national average salary is $85,820 per year. Speech-language pathologists specialize in the treatment and diagnosis of speech and swallowing. They work with adults and children alike while evaluating patients, creating personalized treatment plans, and working with families to help patients cope with these issues. 

2.Radiation Therapists - 

These professionals earn around $94,000 per year. They specialize in using radiation for patient treatments, especially those with cancer. They also play a vital role in oncology teams, working with other practitioners like physicians, nurses, medical physicists, and dosimetrists.

3.Veterinarians- 

They earn approximate salaries of $109,920 per year and are medical practitioners who treat animals. They diagnose and discuss symptoms while treating injuries and illnesses. They also perform surgeries and prescribe medicines. Other duties include administering vaccinations, educating owners about suitable care practices, and also euthanizing patients whenever necessary. 

4.Physician Assistant - 

These medical professionals or PAs earn approximately $113,689 per year. They work with surgeons, physicians, nurses, and other stakeholders to help diagnose and treat patients. They have similar responsibilities as many medical team members, including taking patient histories, examinations, testing, medication prescriptions, diagnosis of conditions, and offering medical guidance. 

5.Nurse Anesthetists - 

These professionals earn around $116,695 per year. They have several duties, including administering anesthesia, pre, peri, and post-operative care. They are also responsible for discussing the patient's history, including allergies, illnesses, and present medicines. They also track patients' vital signs during surgeries and adjust the anesthesia likewise. 

6.Optometrist - 

The average salary is $125,440 per year for these professionals. They are doctors specializing in the treatment of eye ailments. They also administer eye examinations while diagnosing optical conditions too. They also prescribe corrective eyewear and guide patients on suitable eye care. They also help treat eye injuries. Minor eye operations are also conducted by some optometrists, although not as ophthalmologists. 

7.Pharmacists - 

These professionals earn approximately $126,550 per year with the responsibility of distributing medication to all patients while guiding them on the suitable usage of the same. They also have to hold wellness screenings and administer injections. 

8.Podiatrist - 

Approximate salaries stand at $136,661 per year. They are doctors specializing in treating the ankles, feet, and lower legs. The work includes taking histories of patients, diagnosing conditions, and ensuring suitable treatment. They also prescribe medicines, order diagnostic tests while performing surgeries, and link patients to orthotics for pain relief. 

9.Dentists -

The average salary stands at $167,160 per year, while these practitioners specialize in oral health. They also inspect the gums and teeth of patients while diagnosing oral health issues and treating various conditions. Other tasks include teeth whitening and cleaning, cavity fillings, oral appliance fillings, interpretation of radiographs, taking radiographs, performing surgeries, and prescribing medication. 

10.Pediatricians - 

These professionals earn approximately $198,420 per year. They specialize in offering medical care for teenagers, children, and younger adults. They also take histories, perform examinations, diagnose ailments, administer immunizations, and perform surgeries. They also prescribe medications. 

11.Obstetrician Gynecologists - 

They earn $239,120 per year and are also called OB-GYNs. They offer medical services to women -- administering regular examinations, diagnosing related medical conditions, and ensuring proper treatment. Their duties also include patient counseling on aspects like childbirth, fertility, and conditions that impact women, including cervical cancer, ovarian cyst, and menopause. 

12.Internal Medical Physicians - 

They earn around $292,646 per year. Primary job duties include diagnosis of conditions impacting internal organs. They usually work with adult patients while specializing in various bodily systems.

Note: The salaries are based on the US market and sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Parting Words

Even though the above article just discusses the highest-paying jobs in the medical field, there's no way we can undermine the valuable contribution they make to the well-being of our people. 

Despite being financially rewarding, a medical practitioner has higher responsibilities and works in a high-pressure atmosphere.