20 Highest Paying Medical Jobs in America in 2022

If you’re thinking about a career in medicine but aren’t sure which path to take, one of the first questions you’re probably asking is, “How much money can I make in each medical profession?” To assist you in navigating your healthcare career path, we’ve compiled a list of the highest-paying medical jobs in America.

List Of Highest Paying Medical Jobs 2022

Let’s take a look at some of the highest paying medical jobs available, as well as their job duties and educational requirements. The following are the highest paying medical jobs:

1. Anesthesiologist: $271,440 per year or $130.50 per hour

This is one of the best healthcare jobs in 2022 and among the top happiest jobs in the medical field. Anesthesiologists are medical doctors who provide patients with pain relief anesthesia and analgesics during surgery or other medical procedures. Anesthesiologists in the United States earn a mean annual wage of $271,440 per year, or $130.50 per hour, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Anesthesiologists have a promising career outlook, with the BLS projecting 15% growth through 2026. If you want to be an anesthesiologist, you should prepare for a rigorous education. 

To earn an MD or DO, anesthesiologists must first complete a four-year undergraduate education, followed by four-year medical school education. Anesthesiologists must also complete a minimum of four years of postgraduate residency in anesthesia after graduation. Each state in the United States requires anesthesiologists to be licensed before they can practice. Each state has slightly different requirements, but in general, they all require graduation from an accredited medical university, a residency program, and passing all licensing exams.

As an anesthesiologist, you can work in a variety of settings. Anesthesiologists work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, operating rooms, outpatient surgery centers, private physician offices, and universities.

2. Physician/Surgeon: $208,000 per year, or $100 per hour

This is one of the highest paying medical jobs in America and among the top medical careers in demand for the future. Physicians and surgeons are medical professionals who evaluate, diagnose, and treat patients’ illnesses and injuries. They are responsible for a variety of tasks, such as prescribing medications, counseling patients, interpreting diagnostic testing, and operating on patients. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average annual salary for physicians and surgeons in the United States is $208,00, or $100 per hour. 

Today, 752,400 surgeons and physicians are working in the United States. The job outlook is stable, with a 4% increase projected between 2019 and 2029. Physicians and surgeons must first earn a bachelor’s degree and a medical degree, both of which take four years to complete. Following graduation, an internship and residency program must be completed, which can take anywhere from 4 to 9 years depending on the specialty. To begin practicing, physicians and surgeons must first obtain a license. Each state has slightly different requirements. 

All, however, require graduation from an accredited medical university and residency program, as well as passing all licensing exams. As a physician or surgeon, you can work in a variety of settings. Physicians and surgeons can be found working in a variety of medical settings, including hospitals, operating rooms, outpatient surgery centers, private physician offices, and educational settings as professors.

3. Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA): $189,190 per year or $90.96 per hour

This is one of the best healthcare jobs in 2022 and among the top happiest jobs in the medical field. Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) are advanced practice registered nurses who provide anesthesia to patients undergoing surgery or other medical procedures. Nurse anesthetists work hard, but they are compensated well. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that the median average nurse anesthetist salary in 2020 was $189,190, or $90.96 per hour, depending on the work setting and state where they are employed. 

CRNAs have a promising career outlook, with the BLS projecting a 45% increase in the profession between 2019 and 2029anaesthetist when an additional 117,700 CRNA jobs will become available. A bachelor’s degree in nursing from an accredited university is required before becoming a CRNA. A minimum of two years of nursing experience in an intensive care or emergency room setting is required for admission to a CRNA program. CRNA students must then complete a master’s or doctorate (doctorate only beginning in 2025) in a nursing anesthesia program, which typically takes 2 to 4 years. 

Following graduation, students must pass the CRNA certification exam to practice. As a CRNA, you can work in a variety of settings. CRNAs work in a variety of medical settings, such as operating rooms, labor and delivery units, outpatient surgery centers, pain management clinics, and intensive care units.

4. Pediatrician: $184,570 per year, or $88.74 per hour

This is one of the highest-paying healthcare jobs in America and among the top medical careers in demand for the future. Pediatricians are doctors who primarily work with children aged 18 to 20. They assess, diagnose, and treat illness and disease, as well as provide preventative care to their patients from infancy to adulthood. The average annual salary for pediatricians in the United States is $184,570, or $88.74 per hour, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. 

Pediatricians have an excellent career outlook in the United States, with the BLS projecting growth of 7% between 2018 and 2028, which is faster than the national average for all professions. Pediatricians are medical doctors who must complete a similar education to other physicians or surgeons. There is a four-year bachelor’s degree requirement, followed by four years of medical school and a three-year residency. Pediatricians must also be licensed before they can practice. Each state in the United States has slightly different requirements. 

They do, however, usually require graduation from an accredited medical university, a residency program, and passing all licensing exams. As a pediatrician, you can work in a variety of settings. Pediatricians work in a wide range of medical settings, including hospitals, private doctor’s offices, community health centers, schools, and other healthcare organizations.

5. Dentist: $164,010 per year or $78.85 per hour

This is one of the best healthcare jobs in 2022 and among the top happiest jobs in the medical field. Dentists care for their patient’s teeth and diagnose various oral diseases. You’re probably most familiar with the most common type of dentist: the general practitioner. There are, however, other types of dentists, such as oral and maxillofacial surgeons, orthodontists, and prosthodontists. The average annual salary for dentists is $164,010, or $78.85 per hour, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. 

There are currently 151,600 dentists working in the United States, with a projected 3% job growth from 2019 to 2020. (as fast as an average professional). To become a dentist, you must first complete a four-year bachelor’s degree program, followed by a four-year accredited dental school program. You can graduate from dental school with one of two degrees: a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or a Doctor of Dental Medicine (DDM) (DMD). Following graduation, students must take their state’s written and clinical exams to obtain licensure. The requirements for licensure vary depending on the state in which you live. 

As a dentist, you can work in a variety of settings. Dentists typically work in private practice or as part of a group practice. Dentists, on the other hand, work in hospitals, research facilities, as educators, and public health dentistry.

6. Podiatrist: $134,300 per year or $64.57 per hour 

This is one of the highest paying healthcare jobs in America and among the top medical careers in demand for the future. A podiatrist is a physician or surgeon who treats health conditions involving the foot, ankle, and sometimes related lower leg parts. Podiatrists earned a mean annual salary of $134,300 in 2020, or $64.57 per hour, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. In addition, the BLS forecasts little or no change in growth in this field between 2019 and 2029. Currently, 10,500 podiatrists are working in the United States. 

Those who want to become podiatrists must first earn an undergraduate degree in a medical-related field. Then, for about four years, you must attend an accredited medical school specializing in podiatric medicine to earn a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM) degree. Following that, you would need to complete a three-year podiatric residency and pass the state-mandated licensure exams. As a podiatrist, you can work in a variety of settings. Podiatrists work independently or in groups with other podiatrists in hospitals, operating rooms, outpatient centers, and private practice offices.

7. Chief Nursing Officer: $132,552 per year

This is one of the best healthcare jobs in 2022 and among the top happiest jobs in the medical field. The highest-level registered nurse management position within a hospital or medical institution is that of a chief nursing officer (CNO). This position is in charge of the entire nursing staff’s processes and procedures, such as safety protocols, patient safety, and staff management. The salary of a CNO varies depending on location and experience. CNOs in the United States, on the other hand, earn $132,552 per year, according to payscale.com. 

Medical and health service management positions, such as CNOs, will grow by 32%, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. A BSN and several years of nursing experience are required to become a CNO. To be considered a potential candidate for the role, you will need at least 3-6 years of additional education and management experience. A master’s degree in nursing or a business-related specialty is required. Many CNOs, however, have a DNP, as many institutions prefer a higher level of education. 

As a chief nursing officer, you can work in a variety of settings. The vast majority of CNOs work for hospitals or medical institutions. However, many also work in nursing homes or as administrators in large healthcare systems.

8. Pharmacist: $128,710 per year or $61.88 per hour

This is one of the highest-paying healthcare jobs in America and among the top medical careers in demand for the future. Pharmacists are medical professionals who specialize in medication preparation and pharmaceutical administration. This position ensures that patients receive the correct medications at the correct dose and understand the safe and appropriate use of their pharmaceuticals to manage their health conditions as effectively as possible. In the United States, the median annual salary for a pharmacist is $128,710, or $61.88 per hour. 

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the demand for pharmacists is expected to fall by 3% between 2019 and 2029. To become a pharmacist, you must first earn an undergraduate degree in a medical-related field before enrolling in an accredited Doctor of Pharmacy Program and completing an on-site internship. Following graduation, you must pass all licensure exams and apply for your license according to your state’s requirements. The majority of pharmacists work in drugstores or grocery stores. However, pharmacists can also be found working in hospital pharmacies or physician offices.

9. Optometrist: $118,050 per year or $56.76 per hour 

This is one of the best healthcare jobs in 2022 and among the top happiest jobs in the medical field. An optometrist is a medical professional who specializes in eye health and, when necessary, prescribes eyeglasses and contact lenses. They also diagnose and treat eye injuries, disorders, diseases, and other problems. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average annual salary for optometrists is $118,050, or $56.76 per hour. According to the BLS, 44,400 optometrists worked in the United States in 2019. 

Between 2019 and 2029, an additional 1,900 will be required. During that time, there is also a 4% projected increase in career opportunities. To become an optometrist, you must first complete an undergraduate degree, followed by four years of optometry school to earn a doctor of optometry (OD). As an optometrist, you can work in a variety of settings. Optometrists are more commonly found in private practice. However, they are also available in outpatient clinics, retail establishments, and doctor’s offices.

10. Nurse Practitioner: $117,670 per year or $56.57 per hour 

This is one of the highest-paying healthcare jobs in America and among the top medical careers in demand for the future. Nurse practitioners (NPs) are advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) who treat a broader range of patient health conditions than a general RN. NPs earn a national average annual wage of $117,670, or $56.57 per hour, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. However, this is dependent on several factors, including your area of specialization. The outlook for nurse practitioners is promising, with the Bureau of Labor Statistics projecting a 45% increase in all APRNs between 2019 and 2029. 

Nurse practitioners also have extremely high levels of job satisfaction, and U.S. News and World Report rank the profession as the second-best in healthcare. To become a nurse practitioner, you must first obtain a bachelor’s or associate degree in registered nursing and then pass the NCLEX exam. After two years of experience or more, you can enroll in a master’s degree program specializing in the type of advanced practice nursing that interests you. Programs range in length from 2-4 years for a master’s degree to 4-6 years for a doctorate in nursing practice. 

Following graduation, you must pass the required licensure and certification exams. As a nurse practitioner, you can work in a variety of settings. Nurse practitioners can be found in all areas of the hospital, including critical care, the emergency room, in-patient and outpatient surgery, and other specialty floor units. Nurse practitioners also work in community clinics, nursing homes, health care centers, and physician offices. NPs can run their practices in some states.

11. Nurse-Midwife: $115,540 per year or $55.55 per hour

This is one of the best healthcare jobs in 2022 and among the top happiest jobs in the medical field. Nurse-midwives are best known for their support of women during pregnancy and childbirth. They are, however, trained to assist women with medical care at other stages of life, and can diagnose and treat medical conditions, perform health assessments, and write prescriptions. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average annual salary for nurse midwives is $115,540, or $55.55 per hour. 

The BLS also predicts a 45% increase in all APRN careers, including nurse midwives, between 2019 and 2029. A bachelor’s degree in nursing is required to become a nurse-midwife (BSN). After two years of experience, you can enroll in a master’s degree program specializing in nurse-midwifery. Following graduation, you must pass the required licensure and certification exams. As a nurse-midwife, you can work in a variety of settings. Nurse-midwives can work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, private practices, public health clinics, and birthing centres.

12. Physician Assistant: $115,390 per year or $55.48 per hour 

This is one of the highest-paying healthcare jobs in America and among the top medical careers in demand for the future. A physician assistant (PA) is a licensed medical professional who works under the supervision of a doctor. PAs follow the same medical model as doctors and treat patients with a wide range of diseases, injuries, and other medical conditions. They assess patients, write prescriptions, order diagnostic tests, assist in surgery, and develop and manage treatment plans, among other things. 

The median annual salary for a physician assistant (PA) in 2020 is $115,390, or $55.48 per hour, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. There were 125,500 PA jobs available in the United States in 2019. The profession’s career outlook is promising, with a 31% increase expected between 2019 and 2029. To be eligible for PA school, you must have a bachelor’s degree in a medical-related field and have completed prerequisite courses. For eligibility, most PA schools require a few years of experience in the healthcare field in some capacity. PA school lasts between 24 and 28 months of classroom instruction and clinical rotations. 

PA students do not choose a specialty (as do NP students), but instead, receive a general medical education. Specialty training for PAs is obtained once you begin practicing in a specific medical area. After graduating from PA school, you must pass the Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam (PANCE) to gain certification and begin working as a PA in the field. As a physician assistant, you can work in a variety of settings. PAs can work in any setting where doctors work, including doctor’s offices, hospitals, surgery centers, outpatient clinics, nursing homes, and other healthcare facilities.

13. Medical or Health Services Manager: $104,280 per year or $50.13 per hour

This is one of the best healthcare jobs in 2022 and among the top happiest jobs in the medical field. A medical or health services manager, also known as a healthcare manager, is in charge of the administrative and clinical processes of a medical unit or facility, such as a hospital floor, outpatient center, or nursing home. Managing nursing staff and other personnel, handling financial matters, maintaining patient safety measures, and ensuring that the highest standard of medical care is met are some of the daily tasks. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for medical and health services management positions in 2019 was $104,280, or $50.13 per hour. 

Those interested in becoming a medical or health services manager have a bright future. In 2019, 422,300 people held the position of manager. The profession is expected to grow at a rate of 32% between 2019 and 2029. A bachelor’s degree is required to work as a medical or health services manager. However, most employers now require a master’s degree in healthcare or business management in addition to a bachelor’s degree. Many managers are medical professionals who worked in a specific specialty area and were able to advance to the position. 

For example, most hospital management positions are filled by registered nurses who became experts in a specific specialty and wanted to work in the business side of nursing. As a medical or health services manager, you can work in a variety of settings.

Medical and health services managers can be found in almost every hospital, group physician office, nursing home, and other health facility.

14. Veterinarian: $99,250 per year or $47.72 per hour 

This is one of the highest-paying healthcare jobs in America and among the top medical careers in demand for the future. A veterinarian is a medical professional who specializes in the medical health and welfare of animals. A veterinary physician, for example, treats animals for illness, disease, and injury in the same way that human physicians do; some veterinary specialties include dentistry, surgery, and anesthesiology, to name a few. The 2020 median pay for veterinarians in the United States was $99,250, or $47.72 per hour, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. 

The job outlook for aspiring veterinarians is promising, with a projected 16% increase between 2019 and 2029. Before applying to veterinary school, you do not always need to have a bachelor’s degree. However, to apply to a program, you must complete a certain number of prerequisite courses. Most veterinarians, on the other hand, have a bachelor’s degree in a science-related field. By going this route, students can complete all of the required classes for eligibility while also volunteering or interning for an established veterinarian to ensure they enjoy the profession before fully committing. 

As part of the application process, you will most likely be required to take the GRE and provide a few letters of recommendation. The doctor of veterinary medicine (DVM) program lasts four years and includes coursework, labs, and hands-on clinical experience. You will also need to pass the North American Veterinary Licensing Examination (NAVLE) after graduation before you can begin practicing veterinarian, you can work in a variety of settings. Veterinarians work in animal hospitals, veterinary clinics, zoos, farms, and laboratories.

15. Clinical Informatics Manager: $95,746 annually

This is one of the best healthcare jobs in 2022 and among the top happiest jobs in the medical field. Clinical informatics managers organize, plan, and manage a healthcare organization’s clinical information program, which consists of computer-based systems designed to collect, organize, and store patient healthcare information as well as other important information necessary for healthcare delivery. Some of the most important advantages of these programs are that they assist medical professionals such as doctors and nurses in improving efficiency, reducing medical errors, and improving overall patient care. 

Clinical informatics managers in the United States earn an average of $95,746 per year, according to Payscale. With technology advancing at a rapid pace, the job outlook for clinical informatics managers appears promising, with a 32% increase expected between 2019 and 2029. A bachelor’s degree is the bare minimum for entry into the profession. Employers, on the other hand, frequently prefer candidates with a master’s degree for consideration for employment. Many clinical informatics managers must have prior work experience in the field as a medical administrator or another clinical role in a hospital or healthcare facility, in addition to formal education.

As a clinical informatics manager, you can work in a variety of settings. Clinical informatics managers are typically employed by large medical systems, hospitals, and other medical clinics.

16. Physical Therapist: $91,010 per year or $43.75 per hour

This is one of the highest-paying healthcare jobs in America and among the top medical careers in demand for the future. Physical therapists (PTs) are licensed medical professionals who treat and assist patients with musculoskeletal illnesses and injuries. They work one-on-one with patients to improve their range of motion, manage pain, and regain as much mobility as possible. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average annual salary for physical therapists in the United States in 2020 was $91,010, or $43.75 per hour. 

If you want to be a physical therapist, you’re in luck because there will be plenty of opportunities available to you. According to the BLS, the profession will grow by 18% between 2019 and 2029. To become a physical therapist, you must first obtain a bachelor’s degree in a medical-related field. While there, you must complete the necessary science prerequisites to be eligible for a doctor of physical therapy (DPT) program. DPT programs typically last three years, with two years of clinical education followed by one year of clinical rotations. 

To practice in the United States after graduation, you must pass the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE). As a physical therapist, you can work in a variety of settings. Physical therapists can work in a variety of medical settings, including hospitals, outpatient settings, rehabilitation centers, schools, sports facilities, and geriatric homes.

17. Radiation Therapist: $86,850 per year, or $41.76 per hour

This is one of the best healthcare jobs in 2022 and among the top happiest jobs in the medical field. A radiation therapist (RT) is a type of allied health professional who uses radiation therapy to treat cancer patients or alleviate disease symptoms in collaboration with an interdisciplinary team of oncologists, nurses, and other health professionals. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, radiation technologists in the United States earned an average annual salary of $86,850, or $41.76 per hour, in 2020. Radiation therapy careers will be in high demand in the coming years, with the BLS predicting a 7% increase between 2019 and 2029. 

Most employers prefer that you have an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in radiation therapy. You can also enroll in a radiation therapy certificate program, which can take 1-2 years. Although a high school diploma or GED is required to enter a radiation therapy program, higher education provides more career opportunities and advancement. As a radiation therapist, you can work in a variety of settings. Radiation therapists are most commonly found in hospitals, medical offices, and other outpatient facilities where patients receive radiation therapy.

18. Occupational Therapist: $86,280 per year or $41.48 per hour

This is one of the highest-paying healthcare jobs in America and among the top medical careers in demand for the future. This is one of the highest paying medical jobs in America and among the top medical careers in demand for the future. Occupational therapists (OTs) create personalized treatment plans to assist ill or injured patients in developing fine motor skills, performing tasks requiring hand-eye coordination, and performing activities of daily living. Their goal is to help their patients live as independently as possible or to teach them skills that will allow them to live better with their disabilities. 

In 2020, OTs earned $86,280 per year, or $41.48 per hour, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. In the coming years, there will be more opportunities for those interested in becoming occupational therapists. According to the BLS, growth in the profession will increase by 16% between 2019 and 2029, resulting in a need for 22,700 more OTs. To be considered a candidate for OT school, you must have a bachelor’s degree in a medically related field and have completed all of the required prerequisite classes. Furthermore, admission to OT school usually necessitates the completion of the graduate record examination (GRE) as well as additional volunteer or observation hours in an occupational therapy setting. 

A master’s degree or a doctoral program from an accredited university is required for admission to OT school. After graduation, you must pass the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) exam to practice. As an occupational therapist, you can work in a variety of settings. Occupational therapists work in most hospital departments, occupational therapy offices, schools, rehabilitation centers, nursing homes, and home health care.

19. Speech-Language Pathologists: $80,480 per year or $38.69 per hour 

This is one of the best healthcare jobs in 2022 and among the top happiest jobs in the medical field. A speech-language pathologist is a medical professional who works with patients who have speech and swallowing disorders. They assess, diagnose, and treat their patients to improve communication and the production of speech sounds. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, speech-language pathologists earned an average of $80,480 per year, or $38.69 per hour, in 2020. Between 2019 and 2029, job growth is expected to increase by 25%, necessitating the hiring of an additional 40,500 speech-language pathologists. 

To become a speech pathologist, you must first complete a bachelor’s degree program in communication sciences and disorders (CSD). After that, you must enroll in a graduate program and earn a master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology/Communicative Sciences and Disorders. Before you can apply for licensure in your state, you must first complete a post-graduate fellowship and pass the National Exam in Speech-Pathology. As a speech-language pathologist, you can work in a variety of settings. Speech pathologists are most commonly found in hospitals, but they can also be found in outpatient centers and rehabilitation facilities.

20. Dental Hygienist: $77,090 per year, or $37.06 per hour

This is one of the highest-paying healthcare jobs in America and among the top medical careers in demand for the future. A dental hygienist collaborates with a dentist to care for their patient’s oral health. Patient screening, taking x-rays, removing calculus and plaque, applying fluoride treatments, administering topical anesthesia, educating patients on proper dental health, and assisting with office management duties are some of the services provided by dental hygienists. Dental hygienists earned an average of $77,090 per year or $37.06 per hour in 2020, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. From 2019 to 2029, the dental hygienist profession is expected to grow by 6%.

To become a dental hygienist, you must first earn an associate’s degree. Bachelor’s and master’s degrees, on the other hand, are available for those who want to work in more specialized care or advance their careers. As a dental hygienist, you can work in a variety of settings. Dental hygienists are most often found working in dental offices. They may, however, work in public health clinics, hospitals, long-term care facilities, or other health organizations.

Conclusion

If you’re considering a healthcare career but aren’t sure, we hope our list of 20 Highest Paying Medical Jobs in America (in 2022) helps you make a choice. Remember, the hourly rate can vary greatly depending on a variety of factors, including education, certifications, additional skills, and the number of years you have worked in your field.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the Top 10 High-Paying Medical Jobs in 2022?

The Highest Paying Medical Jobs are:

1. Anesthesiologist – $271,440
2. Physician and Surgeon – $208,000 
3. Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) –  $189,190
4. Pediatrician – $ 184,570 
5. Dentist – $164,010
6. Podiatrist – $134,300  
7. Chief Nursing Officer – $132,552
8. Pharmacist – $128,710
9. Optometrist – $118,050
10. Nurse Practitioner – $117,670

What are the Best Medical Jobs for People with a Bachelor’s Degree?

1. Anesthetists (Nurse Anesthetists)
2. Medical Assistants
3. Nurse Practitioners
4. Midwives and Nurses
5. Occupational Therapists (OTs)

What Are The highest paying medical jobs That Don’t Require A Graduate Degree?

There is now a chance for you to have a career without a graduate degree. We will compile a list of these jobs for you. So, here’s a list of the highest paying medical jobs that don’t require a graduate degree:

1. Cytotechnologist (Cytotechnologist)
2. Dietitian/Nutritionist
3. Respiratory Therapist 
4. Medical and Clinical Laboratories Technician 
5. Healthcare Navigator