Healthcare Salaries: 32 Medical Careers Ranked by Pay

Dermatologists diagnose and treat conditions related to skin, hair, and nails, from acne to skin cancer.

Emergency physicians provide immediate care for acute illnesses and injuries in emergency department settings.

Anesthesiologists administer anesthesia and manage pain during surgical procedures and other medical treatments.

Psychiatrists diagnose and treat mental health disorders using medication management, psychotherapy, and other approaches.

Surgeons perform operations to treat diseases, injuries, and deformities, specializing in various surgical disciplines.

Dentists diagnose and treat problems with teeth, gums, and related parts of the mouth.

Pharmacists dispense prescription medications, advise patients on drug interactions and side effects, and collaborate with healthcare providers to optimize medication therapy.

Physician assistants practice medicine under physician supervision, examining patients, diagnosing conditions, prescribing treatments, and assisting in surgical procedures.

Optometrists examine eyes, diagnose vision problems, and prescribe corrective lenses.

Nurse practitioners are advanced practice registered nurses who diagnose illnesses, prescribe medications, and manage patient care independently or collaboratively with physicians.

Veterinarians diagnose, treat, and prevent diseases and injuries in animals. They perform surgeries, prescribe medications, and advise pet owners on animal health and care.

Physical therapists help patients recover from injuries and manage chronic conditions through exercise programs, manual therapy, and education to restore movement and reduce pain.

Occupational therapists help patients develop, recover, and improve the skills needed for daily living and working after illness, injury, or disability.

Genetic counselors assess individual and family risk for genetic conditions and provide information and support to patients.

Speech-language pathologists assess and treat communication and swallowing disorders in children and adults, helping patients improve speech, language, and cognitive abilities.

Psychologists diagnose and treat mental health conditions and conduct research on cognitive and emotional functioning.

Audiologists diagnose and treat hearing and balance disorders, fitting hearing aids and developing rehabilitation programs.

Dental hygienists clean teeth, examine patients for signs of oral diseases, and provide preventive dental care and education on maintaining good oral health.

Registered nurses provide and coordinate patient care, educate patients about health conditions, and offer emotional support to patients and their families in various healthcare settings.

Chiropractors treat musculoskeletal problems primarily through manual adjustment of the spine.

Respiratory therapists treat patients with breathing disorders, managing ventilators and administering treatments.

Dietitians advise on healthy eating, develop meal plans, and manage dietary programs for healthcare facilities.

OT assistants help patients develop and recover daily living and work skills under the direction of occupational therapists.

Radiologic technologists perform diagnostic imaging including X-rays, CT scans, and MRIs.

Medical lab technicians perform tests on body fluids and tissues to help physicians diagnose and treat diseases.

Substance abuse counselors help individuals recovering from drug and alcohol addiction through therapy and treatment programs.

Speech therapy assistants support speech-language pathologists in providing treatment to patients with communication disorders.

Dental lab technicians construct and repair dental prosthetics such as crowns, bridges, and dentures based on dentist prescriptions.

Dental assistants support dentists during procedures, prepare patients, take X-rays, and manage office operations in dental practices.

Phlebotomists draw blood from patients for testing, transfusions, and research.

Medical assistants perform clinical and administrative tasks in healthcare facilities, supporting physicians and other providers by taking vitals, preparing patients, and managing records.

Home health aides provide personal care and basic health services to patients in their homes.