A career in nursing isn’t the only job in high demand. Health care jobs in general are also increasing in demand across the country, especially in rural areas where primary healthcare is lacking. You could spend years in school to become a registered nurse, or you could only need a couple months of training. Before you decide which path to take, you need to know what kinds of jobs you have to choose from. That’s why we’ve put together a list of the top 50 nursing related health care jobs, ranked according to the number of employed workers in the country in May 2019. The employment level, pay rates, and other information on this list are courtesy of the Bureau of Labor Statistics National Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates.
1. Health Technologist
Health technologists, also known as health technicians, handle a wide assortment of tasks in the medical field. They can do everything from writing down medical histories to conducting diagnostic tests. Health technologists may work in some of the specialized fields listed further down on this list, finding employment in emergency rooms, hospitals, doctor’s offices, veterinary clinics, nursing homes, and more. This is a great entry level career if you’re not sure where you want to be in the medical field yet. (BLS)
- Annual Salary – Hourly Wage: $44,480 a year – $21.39 an hour
- Suggested Education: Certificate of Health Technology or on-the-job training
- Employed Workers in the U.S.: 2,849,330
2. Registered Nurse
Registered nurses work in hospitals, clinics, and other facilities to provide basic patient care. These men and women are responsible for monitoring patients during long term stays in the hospital, and many of them supervise over lower level nurses. Most RNs spend about four years in college earning their degrees, but some manage to find jobs with only a two-year bachelor’s degree. The BLS estimates the job growth for this profession at 19% between 2012 and 2022, which could lead to an additional 526,800 jobs for RNs in America. Start your education now and you could soon be applying for one of them. (BLS)
- Annual Salary – Hourly Wage: $68,910 a year – $33.13 an hour
- Suggested Education: Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Associate of Science in Nursing (rare)
- Employed Workers in the U.S.: 2,661,890
3. Nursing Assistant
Nursing assistants help registered nurses, nurse practitioners, and other healthcare workers during their daily duties. They may be responsible for checking a patient’s vital signs, organizing medical equipment, giving patients sponge baths, and more. Nursing assistants often work in home health clinics, nursing homes, and similar facilities where they take care of elderly patients who cannot complete certain tasks on their own. Nursing assistants may run errands and do chores for these patients as part of their job requirements. (BLS)
- Annual Salary – Hourly Wage: $26,020 a year – $12.51 an hour
- Suggested Education: Associate of Science in Nursing, Certificate of Nursing Assistance, or on-the-job training
- Employed Workers in the U.S.: 1,427,830
4. Home Health Aide
Home health aides help patients who cannot leave their home due to illness, injury, or mental disabilities. These workers help patients keep clean, take medication, fix food, and do other tasks they may not be able to do on their own. Most home health aides travel from one patient to the next, offering different services to different patients throughout the day. (BLS)
- Annual Salary – Hourly Wage: $22,050 a year – $10.60 an hour
- Suggested Education: Certificate of Nursing Assistance or on-the-job training
- Employed Workers in the U.S.: 806,710
5. Licensed Practical Nurse
Licensed practical nurses (LPNs) are also known as licensed vocational nurses (LVNs). They work alongside registered nurses and other health staff members in hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, and more. LPNs offer basic nursing care for their patients, which may include administering medicine, checking vital signs, drawing blood, and keeping patient records for other workers. Some people use this career as a transition to registered nursing, and others stick with it their entire lives. (BLS)
- Annual Salary – Hourly Wage: $42,910 a year – $20.63 an hour
- Suggested Education: Diploma of Nursing, Associate of Science in Nursing
- Employed Workers in the U.S.: 705,200
6. Certified Medical Assistant
A certified medical assistant is the clerical worker of the healthcare industry. Medical assistants take on the secretarial roles in this industry, like answering phone calls and scheduling appointments. Most medical assistants are able to earn a degree in medical assisting in less than two years, and then they move on to pass their Certified Medical Administrative Assistant exam. This is enough to get a job just about anywhere. (BLS)
- Annual Salary – Hourly Wage: $30,780 a year – $14.80 an hour
- Suggested Education: Associate of Science in Medical Assisting
- Employed Workers in the U.S.: 571,690
7. Pharmacy Technician
Pharmacy technicians help pharmacists take care of their patients. They have to know about drug names, uses, side effects, and more to ensure the safety of the patients they work with. While they do not need to know nearly as much as pharmacists need to know, they at least have to be familiar with a wide range of medications they come across. They must also know about other medical technology so they can properly notate a patient’s account. (BLS)
- Annual Salary – Hourly Wage: $30,840 a year – $14.83 an hour
- Suggested Education: Certificate of Pharmacy Technology or on-the-job training
- Employed Workers in the U.S.: 362,690
8. Social and Human Service Assistant
Social and human service assistants help social workers and other human service employees in their day to day tasks. Some of them take on clerical duties in a social worker’s office, and others get to be more involved with patient care. Many of these men and women find employment through government offices, non-profit organizations, and private social service agencies. This job may require odd working hours and responsibilities, but that work results in a positive impact on human life. (BLS)
- Annual Salary – Hourly Wage: $31,280 a year – $15.04 an hour
- Suggested Education: Certificate of Social Service or on-the-job training
- Employed Workers in the U.S.: 355,500
9. Diagnostic Technician
A diagnostic technician is a lab worker who helps a diagnostician get the data he or she needs to create a diagnosis. These men and women spend most of their days running tests on behalf of the diagnostician. People in this career often use their experience to help them further their medical education. Many of them go on to become surgeons and physicians. (BLS)
- Annual Salary – Hourly Wage: $59,750 a year – $28.73 an hour
- Suggested Education: Certificate of Healthcare Technology or on-the-job training
- Employed Workers in the U.S.: 355,290
10. Clinical Laboratory Technician
Clinical laboratory technicians, also known as lab techs, are responsible for administering tests in health care facilities. These exams can range from basic drug tests to detailed DNA tests. Clinical laboratory technicians must collect samples of fluids and tissues to use in their testing, and then they record their findings for physicians and surgeons to assess. Lab techs can work in crime labs, emergency rooms, hospitals, clinics, and more. (BLS)
- Annual Salary – Hourly Wage: $50,020 a year – $24.05 an hour
- Suggested Education: Associate of Science in Biology, Associate of Science in Chemistry, Associate of Science in Pre-Medicine
- Employed Workers in the U.S.: 319,720
11. Dental Assistant
Dental assistants are the clerical workers of the dental industry. They work with patients much like nurses do, but they are more like administrative assistants than caretakers. Dental assistants may maintain patient records, prepare patients for dental cleanings, schedule appointments, and more. Dental assisting jobs are expected to grow faster than most other jobs over the next decade, so there should be plenty of jobs out there for you. (BLS)
- Annual Salary – Hourly Wage: $35,640 a year – $17.13 an hour
- Suggested Education: Associate of Science in Dental Assisting, Bachelor of Science in Dentistry
- Employed Workers in the U.S.: 309,540
12. Health Services Manager
Health service managers are responsible for the workers and activities in a specific sector of the medical industry. They might be in charge of a hospital floor or a special group of employees, depending on where they work. Health service managers are usually nurses who want to take on a more managerial role in their workplaces, but they may also be business workers who want to get into healthcare. (BLS)
- Annual Salary – Hourly Wage: $101,340 a year – $48.72 an hour
- Suggested Education: Bachelor of Science in Health Services, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (with healthcare emphasis), Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Master of Science in Nursing
- Employed Workers in the U.S.: 300,180
13. Emergency Medical Technician
Emergency medical technicians, better known as EMTs, care for injured patients in emergency rooms, on ambulances, and in other fast-paced medical environments. They are often the first respondents at the scene of an accident, and their actions may determine whether someone lives or not. EMTs must have a basic knowledge of an assortment of medical conditions and injuries so they can diagnose patients on the spot. Some EMTs work for fire departments, but most find employment through hospitals and emergency medical clinics. (BLS)
- Annual Salary – Hourly Wage: $34,870 a year – $16.77 an hour
- Suggested Education: Certificate of Emergency Medical Technology, Diploma of Nursing, Associate of Science in Nursing, or on-the-job training
- Employed Workers in the U.S.: 237,660
14. Radiologic Technologist
Radiologic technologists (radiology techs) administer diagnostic imaging exams to patients, including x-rays and CT scans. Radiologic techs work closely with radiologists and the physicians requesting these exams, but they do not have the training necessary to assess the images they gather. This career is projected to see tremendous job growth in the coming years, which means there should be a number of jobs available for you when you finish your education. (BLS)
- Annual Salary – Hourly Wage: $56,760 a year – $27.29 an hour
- Suggested Education: Certificate of Radiology Technology, Associate of Science in Radiology
- Employed Workers in the U.S.: 194,000
15. Dental Hygienist
Dental hygienists clean patients’ teeth before, during, and after dental procedures. These men and women work directly with dentists, orthodontists, oral surgeons, and other members of the dental community, making sure that patients have clean teeth before they leave the office. This job is expected to grow by 33% between 2012 and 2022, which will result in 64,200 new jobs available for you. With the right education, you could soon be a part of this rewarding career. (BLS)
- Annual Salary – Hourly Wage: $71,530 a year – $34.39 an hour
- Suggested Education: Associate of Science in Dental Hygiene
- Employed Workers in the U.S.: 192,330
16. Medical Biller and Coder
Medical billing and coding specialists are in charge of the financial records for health care facilities. They communicate with insurance companies and patients to ensure hospitals get the funds they need to operate effectively. Some of these workers cover a much broader spectrum of work as health information technologists, where they inspect medical records to make sure they are accessible, accurate, and easy to read. As the medical field continues to transition into electronic record keeping, these workers must adjust to new software programs on the market. (BLS)
- Annual Salary – Hourly Wage: $37,710 a year – $18.13 an hour
- Suggested Education: Certificate of Medical Billing and Coding or on-the-job training
- Employed Workers in the U.S.: 180,760
17. Respiratory Therapist
Respiratory therapists work with patients who have difficulty breathing. Most of these patients have respiratory disorders, like asthma or emphysema. Respiratory therapists may have regular patients that they work with every month, or they may be asked to be on call during emergency situations. This job offers lucrative pay with minimal training, and it gives you the chance to work directly with patients all day long. (BLS)
- Annual Salary – Hourly Wage: $55,870 a year – $26.86 an hour
- Suggested Education: Associate of Science in Respiratory Therapy
- Employed Workers in the U.S.: 119,300
18. Nurse Practitioner
Nurse practitioners are highly educated nurses that take on many of the responsibilities physicians have. They can diagnose patients, prescribe medication, and even perform basic surgery in some cases. In some states, nurse practitioners are allowed to work on their own without the supervision of a doctor. In others, they must sign a contract with a physician who will oversee their practice. Educational requirements for this career vary from state to state, but all NPs have a minimum of a master’s level education. (BLS) Learn how to become a nurse practitioner and advance your nursing career.
- Annual Salary – Hourly Wage: $95,070 a year – $45.71 an hour
- Suggested Education: Master of Science in Nursing, Doctorate of Nursing Practice
- Employed Workers in the U.S.: 113,370
19. Phlebotomist
Phlebotomists are nursing professionals who draw blood for transfusions, tests, donations, and research. They have to be familiar with different forms of blood drawing equipment, depending on what they are gathering blood for. Many LVNs, nursing assistants, and RNs work as phlebotomists while they are in school so they can get familiar with life in the medical field. Phlebotomists work closely with patients on a daily basis, so they must have strong people skills. They must also know how to react in an emergency situation as many people do not fare well when their blood is drawn. (BLS)
- Annual Salary – Hourly Wage: $31,410 a year – $15.10 an hour
- Suggested Education: Certificate of Phlebotomy, Diploma of Nursing, Associate of Science in Nursing
- Employed Workers in the U.S.: 108,210
20. Rehabilitation Counselor
Rehabilitation counselors work with people who have physical and emotional disabilities that do not allow them to live independently. They provide therapy for the patients so they can begin to handle tasks on their own. Many of these men and women will start off as nurses who want to do more to help their patients. They will transition from hospitals and clinics to work in rehabilitation agencies, schools, prisons, and more. (BLS)
- Annual Salary – Hourly Wage: $37,660 a year – $18.10 an hour
- Suggested Education: Master of Science in Psychology
- Employed Workers in the U.S.: 103,840
21. Surgical Technologist
Surgical technologists are also known as operating room technicians (OR techs). These professionals provide assistance for surgeons and other surgical staff members during a procedure to ensure everything goes smoothly. Surgical technologists may handle a wide range of tasks, including arranging equipment, preparing operating rooms, and providing surgical tools for surgeons in an operating room. This work is similar to that of a nursing assistant, but it is focused around surgical care. (BLS)
- Annual Salary – Hourly Wage: $44,420 a year – $21.36 an hour
- Suggested Education: Certificate of Surgical Technology, Associate of Science in Surgical Studies
- Employed Workers in the U.S.: 97,930
22. Veterinary Technologist
Veterinary technologists or vet techs work alongside veterinarians to provide help with animal care. These are the nurses of the veterinary world, and they are in extremely high demand at the moment. In order to work in this field, you must have a passion for animals and a desire to help them stay healthy. Many vet techs go on to work as veterinarians over time and they use this work as job experience while they complete their doctoral degree. (BLS)
- Annual Salary – Hourly Wage: $31,760 a year – $15.27 an hour
- Suggested Education: Associate of Science in Veterinary Technology
- Employed Workers in the U.S.: 87,870
23. Substance Abuse Counselor
Substance abuse counselors work closely with drug and alcohol addicts to help them fight their addictions. These men and women do many of the same tasks that rehab counselors do, but they are focused on substance abuse rehabilitation. They may also work with patients who have behavioral disorders or eating disorders. The goal of this job is to find the trigger for each patient’s addiction and then figure out a way to conquer it. (BLS)
- Annual Salary – Hourly Wage: $41,090 a year – $19.75 an hour
- Suggested Education: Associate of Science in Psychology or on-the-job training
- Employed Workers in the U.S.: 83,120
24. Physician Assistant
A physician assistant practices medicine while being supervised by a physician or surgeon. Most often a physician’s assistant will be a graduate student who is still working through his doctoral program. PAs are trained to examine patients, diagnose injuries, and provide treatments to patients, much like a doctor would. They find employment in doctor’s offices, hospitals, healthcare clinics, and more. Some nurse practitioners also work as physician assistants because the training for these jobs is very similar. (BLS)
- Annual Salary – Hourly Wage: $90,930 a year – $43.72 an hour
- Suggested Education: Master of Science in Medicine
- Employed Workers in the U.S.: 86,700
25. Occupational Health and Safety Specialist
Occupational health and safety specialists analyze work environments to make sure that businesses comply with modern safety practices. They are responsible for keeping employees and customers safe while at a business. This job may not naturally seem nursing related, but many nurses transition into this position when they want to step away from patient care. It allows them to help people on a daily basis without giving them medical treatment. This job is not in high demand at this time, but there is a lot of work to do in construction and recreation industries. (BLS)
- Annual Salary – Hourly Wage: $65,710 a year – $31.59 an hour
- Suggested Education: Bachelor of Science in Occupational Health
- Employed Workers in the U.S.: 76,490
26. Psychiatric Aide
Psychiatric aides help psychiatrists in assisting patients with mental impairments and emotional disabilities. Psychiatric aides work with patients before and after their appointments, acting as confidants and advisors in times of need. If a patient happens to be violent, psychiatric aides are there to assist psychiatrists in restraining them. This situation is rare though, and most aides are noted of the potential for this to happen well in advance. (BLS)
- Annual Salary – Hourly Wage: $26,990 a year – $12.98 an hour
- Suggested Education: Associate of Science in Psychiatry, Associate of Science in Psychology, Bachelor of Science in Psychiatry
- Employed Workers in the U.S.: 75,340
27. Physical Therapy Assistant
Physical therapy assistants help physical therapists work with patients who have been physically injured. They work with the patients to regain their strength and learn basic physical skills once again. PTAs do not always get to work directly with patients, but they may prepare patients for a therapy session or consultation. This job is projected to grow much faster than most professions in America, with an estimated boost of 41% in available jobs between 2012 and 2022. (BLS)
- Annual Salary – Hourly Wage: $53,320 a year – $25.63 an hour
- Suggested Education: Associate of Science in Physical Therapy Assisting or equivalent
- Employed Workers in the U.S.: 72,640
28. Laboratory Animal Caretakers
Laboratory animal caretakers handle many of the same tasks that vet assistants do, but they work mostly behind the scenes. They may draw blood, conduct tests, run x-rays, and do other jobs that happen outside of the consulting room. Lab techs sometimes get stuck with the not-so-pleasant jobs in the field as well, like cleaning up animal droppings and bathing animals under their care. (BLS)
- Annual Salary – Hourly Wage: $25,110 a year – $12.07 an hour
- Suggested Education: Certificate of Animal Care or on-the-job training
- Employed Workers in the U.S.: 71,800
29. Dispensing Optician
A dispensing optician is a person who works in an eye clinic or eye doctor’s office. This professional is responsible for fitting eyeglasses and contacts for patients after they have completed their appointments. Opticians do not have to go through an extensive amount of education, but they do need to learn about eye care products on the market today. They must also know how to work well with patients to ensure they get the perfect eyewear for their needs. In rare cases, an optician may double as an optometry assistant during an appointment. (BLS)
- Annual Salary – Hourly Wage: $35,710 a year – $17.17 an hour
- Suggested Education: Certificate of Eye Care or on-the-job training
- Employed Workers in the U.S.: 68,390
30. Medical Transcriptionist
Medical transcriptionists listen to tapes from doctors and surgeons and record the words they hear. They are responsible for creating a written record for audio information so other medical staff members can read it in the future. Medical transcriptionists must have keen listening skills and they must be able to types quickly. They do not have to go through much training for work, but they should have a basic knowledge of medical terminology and transcription. Medical transcriptionists can find work in hospitals, doctor offices, healthcare clinics, and in rare occasions, court rooms. (BLS)
- Annual Salary – Hourly Wage: $35,260 a year – $16.95 an hour
- Suggested Education: Certificate of Medical Transcription, Certificate of Record Keeping, or on-the-job training
- Employed Workers in the U.S.: 68,350
31. Psychiatric Technician
A psychiatric technician will help a psychiatrist care for a mentally unstable patient. This work is similar to that of a psychiatric aide, but it usually involves more laboratory based work. A psychiatric tech may prepare medical records, administer tests, prepare offices for appointments, and much more. Most people in this profession work long hours on their feet, and they are very prone to injury and illness. Nevertheless, this could be the perfect nursing related career for you. (BLS)
- Annual Salary – Hourly Wage: $33,470 a year – $16.09 an hour
- Suggested Education: Certificate of Psychiatry, Associate of Science in Psychiatry
- Employed Workers in the U.S.: 66,760
32. Health Educator
If you want to help other people get involved with the medical industry, you may consider becoming a health educator. People in this position teach nurses, doctors, medical assistants, and other workers the skills they need for their jobs. Some health educators work in colleges and universities, but many of them work directly in hospitals and healthcare clinics. You will most likely need years of experience in the medical field before you can find a job as a health educator. (BLS)
- Annual Salary – Hourly Wage: $53,800 a year – $25.87 an hour
- Suggested Education: Master of Science in Health Education, Doctorate in Health Education
- Employed Workers in the U.S.: 56,720
33. Orderly
Orderlies do just about every task in the medical field that no other job covers. This could be anything from filling out paperwork to transporting patients to the ER. Most orderlies work as nursing assistants and then move on to registered nursing over time. However, there are some orderlies who end up working as EMTs, nursing managers, and more. This is one of the most basic nursing related jobs out there, and it is one that you should be able to get involved with fairly easily. (BLS)
- Annual Salary – Hourly Wage: $26,340 a year – $12.66 an hour
- Suggested Education: High School Diploma or on-the-job training
- Employed Workers in the U.S.: 52,030
34. Medical Equipment Preparer
Medical equipment preparers install, sterilize, clean, and set up medical equipment for patients to use. These workers usually travel to a patient’s home to set up oxygen machines, overnight respirators, guard rails, and more. They may work in hospitals, but most of them find employment with medical equipment companies. They must be familiar with how this equipment operates, and they must know the safety concerns surrounding each of the devices they are responsible for. (BLS)
- Annual Salary – Hourly Wage: $33,320 a year – $16.02 an hour
- Suggested Education: Certificate of Medical Equipment Preparation or on-the-job training
- Employed Workers in the U.S.: 51,300
35. Cardiovascular Technologist
Cardiovascular technologists are in charge of the imaging technology that analyzes heart and blood vessel conditions. They cannot diagnose patients as part of their work, but they do work closely with cardiologists who provide those diagnoses. This career requires minimal training, and it is one that is in high demand throughout the country. Some cardiovascular techs go on to work as cardiology nurses because of the training they receive in their career. (BLS)
- Annual Salary – Hourly Wage: $53,990 a year – $25.95 an hour
- Suggested Education: Associate of Science in Cardiology or equivalent
- Employed Workers in the U.S.: 51,010
36. Community Health Worker
Community health workers help members of their communities lead healthier lives. They may do this through a variety of methods, like offering classes at a local college or speaking at major health events in the area. Many community health workers have a background in nutrition and may double as dietary advisors in their line of work. These men and women may also help create programs and organizations within their communities that promote health for the area. (BLS)
- Annual Salary – Hourly Wage: $37,640 a year – $18.10 an hour
- Suggested Education: On-the-job training
- Employed Workers in the U.S.: 45,800
37. Nurse Anesthetist
Nurse anesthetists assist anesthesiologists in administering medications to patients during operations. These medications will provide pain relief and nerve desensitization so patients feel more comfortable during an operation. To become a certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA), you must go through extensive schooling and examination to understand the risks and uses for common forms of anesthesia. This is one of the most educationally demanding careers in nursing, but it is also one of the ones with the highest pay rates. (BLS)
- Annual Salary – Hourly Wage: $157,690 a year – $75.81 an hour
- Suggested Education: Master of Science in Nursing
- Employed Workers in the U.S.: 35,430
38. Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist
Magnetic resonance imaging technologists, more commonly known as MRI techs, operate MRI machines and provide test results for surgeons and physicians. They monitor patients as they pass through the MRI machine to make sure the images come out clearly. If the images do not look the way they are supposed to, the technician must recommend the necessary adjustments. Some radiology techs will work as MRI techs as well, depending on the demand for workers in their area. (BLS)
- Annual Salary – Hourly Wage: $65,410 a year – $31.42 an hour
- Suggested Education: Trade school or technical college training
- Employed Workers in the U.S.: 29,560
39. Occupational Therapy Assistant
Occupational therapy assistants work with physical therapists to help patients recover from injuries and illnesses related to their occupations. They provide therapeutic practices to build strength, improve muscle function, enhance the immune system, and more. Some industries have enough risk for injury that they require these workers to be on staff all year long, so you might work directly for a construction company or oil company as an occupational therapy assistant. In other cases, you will work in a hospital or health clinic. (BLS)
- Annual salary – hourly wage: $42,290 a year, $20.25 an hour
- Suggested education: Associate of Science in Physical Therapy or on the job training
- Number of jobs in the U.S.: 155,970
40. Anesthesiologist
An anesthesiologist is responsible for prescribing and administering anesthesia to patients during medical operations, surgeries, and invasive assessments. This career requires a great deal of training, but many CRNAs will become anesthesiologists after they have spent years working underneath these medical professionals. Members of this profession get paid more than any other workers on this top 50 nursing related health care jobs list, but that is because they hold more responsibilities than anyone else. (BLS)
- Annual Salary – Hourly Wage: $235,070 a year, $113.01 an hour
- Suggested Education: Master of Science in Medicine, Master of Science in Anesthesiology, Doctor of Medicine
- Employed Workers in the U.S.: 30,200
41. Marriage and Family Therapist
If you enjoy helping people work through their problems, you might do well as a marriage and family therapist. These people work with couples and families to help them overcome obstacles in their relationships. The type of counseling each couple or family needs will depend on their circumstances. They could have recently faced a serious trauma, or they could simply not be getting along. Marriage and family therapists often have their own practices, or they work with churches and other therapy groups. (BLS)
- Annual Salary – Hourly Wage: $51,690 a year – $24.85 an hour
- Suggested Education: Master of Science in Psychology or equivalent
- Employed Workers in the U.S.: 29,060
42. Dietetic Technician
Dietetic technicians provide food services and nutritional care under the supervision of dieticians. They may establish health guidelines for hospitals, schools, clinics, nursing homes, and more. Many dietetic techs plan and prepare food plans for large organizations, or they will teach other people the principles of healthy eating. This job requires little training to get involved with, and most workers go on to become full-fledged dieticians. (BLS)
- Annual Salary – Hourly Wage: $28,580 a year – $13.74 an hour
- Suggested Education: Bachelor of Science in Nutrition, Master of Science in Nutrition, or on-the-job training
- Employed Workers in the U.S.: 26,420
42. Obstetrician
An obstetrician, gynecologist, or OB-GYN is a doctor who helps pregnant throughout their maternity and the birth of their children. Many nurse practitioners will go through extra schooling in their careers to become OB-GYNs over time. Gynecologists have a variety of responsibilities related to childbirth, including monitoring the progress of a pregnancy, identifying the gender of a baby, prescribing prenatal medications, and assisting in the birthing process. They may also perform fertility treatments to help couples who cannot get pregnant on their own. (BLS)
- Annual Salary – Hourly Wage: $216,760 a year – $104.21 an hour
- Suggested Education: Doctor of Medicine
- Employed Workers in the U.S.: 20,880
43. Nuclear Medicine Technologists
Nuclear medicine technologists work with radioactive drugs used in medical imaging devices. They must prepare and administer these drugs to patients in targeted areas of their bodies. The drugs they insert will glow under the imaging scanners to alert physicians of potential problems. Most of these professionals work in hospitals, physicians’ offices, and imaging clinics. (BLS)
- Annual Salary – Hourly Wage: $71,970 a year – $34.60 an hour
- Suggested Education: Associate of Science in Nursing, Associate of Science in Pre-Medicine
- Employed Workers in the U.S.: 20,020
44. Occupational Safety Technician
Occupational safety technicians collect data about the safety conditions in a workplace. This data is then analyzed by occupational health and safety specialists to determine if any changes need to be made in the work environment. This job may not sound that interesting, but it does allow you to learn about safety hazards if you plan on pursuing a career as a health and safety specialist. It will also help you learn about potential injuries that could come up in a work environment. (BLS)
- Annual Salary – Hourly Wage: $50,390 a year – $24.23 an hour
- Suggested Education: On-the-job training
- Employed Workers in the U.S.:
45. Respiratory Therapy Technician
Respiratory therapy technicians provide respiratory care with the help of respiratory therapists. They work with patients who cannot breathe well on their own. In most cases, respiratory techs will conduct tests or administer medications to help their patients. They are not licensed to perform diagnoses at this stage in their careers. (BLS)
- Annual Salary – Hourly Wage: $47,850 a year – $23.01 an hour
- Suggested Education: Associate of Science in Respiratory Therapy
- Employed Workers in the U.S.: 12,070
46. Audiologist
Audiologists diagnose and treat patients who have problems with their hearing and balance. They work in hospitals, audiology clinics, private practice, and more. Many audiologists will also work for schools in their area, traveling from one school to the next to take care of young patients. This career takes a great deal of training, but it could be a wonderful option for you. (BLS)
- Annual Salary – Hourly Wage: $74,360 a year – $35.75 an hour
- Suggested Education: Doctorate of Audiology
- Employed Workers in the U.S.: 11,550
47. Occupational Therapy Aide
Occupational therapy aides prepare patients for therapy sessions. They may work directly under the supervision of occupational therapists to treat patients with occupational injuries. This work is similar to that of a physical therapy aide, but it is related to work-induced injuries. This job does not take much training to get involved with. (BLS)
- Annual Salary – Hourly Wage: $28,900 a year – $13.90 an hour
- Suggested Education: Associate of Science in Physical Therapy
- Employed Workers in the U.S.: 8,710
48. Nurse Midwife
Nurse midwives coordinate aspects of the birthing process. They may work alongside OB-GYNs or they may be licensed to operate their own practice. Many women prefer working with nurse midwives because they tend to provide more affordable and personalized care. If you want to work with maternity patients, this is a great nursing career to pursue. (BLS)
- Annual Salary – Hourly Wage: $92,230 a year – $44.34 an hour
- Suggested Education: Master of Science in Nursing, Doctorate of Nursing Practice
- Employed Workers in the U.S.: 5,460
50. Hearing Aid Specialist
Hearing aid specialists help patients who have difficulty hearing. They assist these patients in picking out their hearing aids, and they make sure their devices fit well in their ears. These workers will create impressions of their patients’ ears to customize the hearing aids for them. Most hearing aid specialists work in hearing clinics, but some work in hospitals as well. (BLS)
- Annual Salary – Hourly Wage: $47,900 a year – $23.03 an hour
- Suggested Education: Bachelor of Science in Medicine and on-the-job training
- Employed Workers in the U.S.: 5,170
If you’re having a hard time find a healthcare job, try starting with an internship first. See our list of the best nursing internships.