Highest Paying Medical Jobs: 35 Top Healthcare Careers by Salary

What You’ll Learn

Healthcare includes some of the highest-paying careers, but you don’t need to become a physician to earn six figures. While medical specialists dominate the top of the salary rankings, high-paying opportunities also exist in nursing, allied health, technical, dental, and healthcare management careers, with education requirements ranging from certificates and associate degrees to doctoral degrees. 

This guide compares 35 of the highest-paying medical jobs by salary, job growth, education, training time, and career priorities to help you evaluate your options.

35 Highest-Paying Medical Jobs at a Glance

The highest-paying jobs in healthcare include neurosurgeon, cardiothoracic surgeon, and pediatric surgeon roles, with annual salaries exceeding $500,000. While many of the highest-paying careers require a medical degree, several six-figure healthcare jobs require a doctoral, master’s, bachelor’s, or associate degree instead.

Here’s how the 35 highest-paying medical jobs compare by salary, projected job growth, and education requirements:

Level of Education & Training for High-Paying Medical Jobs

Education requirements for high-paying medical jobs range from postsecondary certificates and associate degrees to medical school, residency, and fellowship. More specialized clinical roles generally require more education and training.

Here’s how the main career paths differ:

Common Healthcare Degree & Credential Abbreviations

This guide uses several common abbreviations for healthcare degrees, licenses, and credentials:

Highest-Paying Physician & Surgeon Careers

The highest-paying physician and surgeon careers include neurosurgeon, cardiothoracic surgeon, pediatric surgeon, cardiologist, and radiologist, all of which require extensive medical education and specialty training.

Here are 16 of the highest-paying physician and surgeon careers:

• 1.

  Anesthesiologist

  Anesthesiologists administer anesthesia, monitor vital functions during procedures, and manage pain and other medical needs before, during, and after surgery.

  • Average salary: $360,570
  • Education and entry requirements: Bachelor’s degree, MD/DO, medical license, residency, and board certification commonly pursued
  • Time to enter: About 12–13 years
  • Residency requirements: About 4 years
• 2.

  Cardiologist

  Cardiologists diagnose and treat heart and cardiovascular conditions, such as heart disease, abnormal heart rhythms, high blood pressure, and heart failure.

  • Average salary: $454,940
  • Education and entry requirements: Bachelor’s degree, MD/DO, medical license, internal medicine residency, and cardiology fellowship
  • Time to enter: About 13–14 years
  • Residency requirements: 3 years, plus a 3-year fellowship, on average
• 3.

  Cardiothoracic Surgeon

  Cardiothoracic surgeons operate on the heart, lungs, esophagus, and other chest organs and structures to treat cardiovascular and thoracic conditions.

  • Average salary: $519,000
  • Education and entry requirements: Bachelor’s degree, MD/DO, medical license, general surgery or integrated cardiothoracic surgery residency, and specialty training
  • Time to enter: About 14–16 years
  • Residency requirements: Typically 6–8 years of surgical training, depending on the pathway
• 4.

  Dermatologist

  Dermatologists diagnose and treat conditions affecting the skin, hair, and nails and may perform medical, surgical, and cosmetic procedures.

  • Average salary: $323,530
  • Education and entry requirements: Bachelor’s degree, MD/DO, medical license, and dermatology residency
  • Time to enter: About 12 years
  • Residency requirements: About 4 years
• 5.

  Emergency Medicine Physician

  Emergency medicine physicians rapidly evaluate, diagnose, and treat patients with acute illnesses, serious injuries, and other potentially life-threatening medical emergencies.

  • Average salary: $317,480
  • Education and entry requirements: Bachelor’s degree, MD/DO, medical license, and emergency medicine residency
  • Time to enter: About 11–12 years
  • Residency requirements: About 3–4 years
• 6.

  Neurologist

  Neurologists diagnose and treat disorders of the brain, spinal cord, and nerves, including epilepsy, stroke, multiple sclerosis, and movement disorders.

  • Average salary: $267,630
  • Education and entry requirements: Bachelor’s degree, MD/DO, medical license, and neurology residency
  • Time to enter: About 12 years
  • Residency requirements: About 4 years
• 7.

  Neurosurgeon

  Neurosurgeons diagnose and surgically treat conditions affecting the brain, spine, spinal cord, and nervous system, including tumors, traumatic injuries, and neurological disorders.

  • Average salary: $725,401
  • Education and entry requirements: Bachelor’s degree, MD/DO, medical license, and neurological surgery residency
  • Time to enter: About 15 years or more
  • Residency requirements: About 7 years, with additional fellowship training for some subspecialties
• 8.

  OB/GYN

  Obstetricians and gynecologists, or OB/GYNs, provide reproductive and pregnancy care, deliver babies, and diagnose and treat conditions affecting the female reproductive system.

  • Average salary: $279,040
  • Education and entry requirements: Bachelor’s degree, MD/DO, medical license, and OB/GYN residency
  • Time to enter: About 12 years
  • Residency requirements: About 4 years
• 9.

  Ophthalmologist

  Ophthalmologists are medical doctors who diagnose and treat eye diseases, prescribe medications and vision correction, and perform eye surgery.

  • Average salary: $304,650
  • Education and entry requirements: Bachelor’s degree, MD/DO, medical license, and ophthalmology residency
  • Time to enter: About 12 years
  • Residency requirements: About 4 years
• 10.

  Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon

  Oral and maxillofacial surgeons perform surgical procedures involving the mouth, teeth, jaws, face, and related structures to treat injuries and disorders.

  • Average salary: $346,490
  • Education and entry requirements: Bachelor’s degree or prerequisites, DDS/DMD, specialty residency, and state license
  • Time to enter: About 12–14 years
  • Residency requirements: About 4–6 years
• 11.

  Orthopedic Surgeon

  Orthopedic surgeons diagnose and surgically treat injuries and conditions affecting bones, joints, muscles, ligaments, tendons, and other parts of the musculoskeletal system.

  • Average salary: $373,570
  • Education and entry requirements: Bachelor’s degree, MD/DO, medical license, and orthopedic surgery residency
  • Time to enter: About 13 years
  • Residency requirements: About 5 years
• 12.

  Pathologist

  Pathologists diagnose diseases by examining tissues, cells, blood, and other specimens and provide findings that help guide patient treatment.

  • Average salary: $285,420
  • Education and entry requirements: Bachelor’s degree, MD/DO, medical license, and pathology residency
  • Time to enter: About 11–12 years
  • Residency requirements: About 3–4 years
• 13.

  Pediatric Surgeon

  Pediatric surgeons perform operations on infants, children, and adolescents to treat congenital conditions, injuries, diseases, and other conditions requiring surgery.

  • Average salary: $502,050
  • Education and entry requirements: Bachelor’s degree, MD/DO, medical license, general surgery residency, and pediatric surgery fellowship
  • Time to enter: About 15 years
  • Residency requirements: About 5 years, plus a 2-year fellowship
• 14.

  Psychiatrist

  Psychiatrists are medical doctors who diagnose and treat mental, behavioral, and emotional disorders using medications, psychotherapy, and other treatments.

  • Average salary: $269,940
  • Education and entry requirements: Bachelor’s degree, MD/DO, medical license, and psychiatry residency
  • Time to enter: About 12 years
  • Residency requirements: About 4 years
• 15.

  Radiologist

  Radiologists interpret X-rays, CT scans, MRIs, and other medical images to diagnose conditions and guide patient care.

  • Average salary: $381,530
  • Education and entry requirements: Bachelor’s degree, MD/DO, medical license, diagnostic radiology residency, and fellowship commonly pursued
  • Time to enter: About 13–14 years
  • Residency requirements: About 5 years, commonly with an additional 1–2-year fellowship
• 16.

  Surgeon

  Surgeons perform operations to treat diseases, injuries, deformities, and other medical conditions and oversee patients’ surgical care and recovery.

  • Average salary: $364,360
  • Education and entry requirements: Bachelor’s degree, MD/DO, medical license, and surgical residency
  • Time to enter: About 13 years or more
  • Residency requirements: About 5 years

High-Paying Doctoral Healthcare Careers (Non-MD/DO)

High-paying doctoral healthcare careers that don’t require an MD or DO include dentist, podiatrist, optometrist, pharmacist, and physical therapist roles, each requiring a field-specific professional doctoral degree.

Here are five high-paying doctoral healthcare careers:

• 1.

  Dentist

  Dentists diagnose and treat conditions affecting the teeth, gums, and mouth and provide preventive care to maintain patients’ oral health.

  • Average salary: $202,280
  • Education and entry requirements: Bachelor’s degree or prerequisites, DDS/DMD, and state license
  • Time to enter: About 8 years
  • Residency requirements: None for general dentistry
• 2.

  Optometrist

  Optometrists provide primary vision care by examining eyes, diagnosing vision problems and certain eye conditions, and prescribing corrective lenses and treatments.

  • Average salary: $141,550
  • Education and entry requirements: Bachelor’s degree or prerequisites, OD, and state license
  • Time to enter: About 7–8 years
  • Residency requirements: None typically required
• 3.

  Pharmacist

  Pharmacists dispense prescription medications, evaluate their safe and appropriate use, counsel patients, and collaborate with healthcare professionals on medication management.

  • Average salary: $140,920
  • Education and entry requirements: Undergraduate prerequisites, PharmD, and state license
  • Time to enter: About 6–8 years
  • Residency requirements: None typically required
• 4.

  Physical Therapist

  Physical therapists use exercises, movement, and other treatments to improve mobility, manage pain, and help patients regain or maintain physical function.

  • Average salary: $105,280
  • Education and entry requirements: Bachelor’s degree or prerequisites, DPT, and state license
  • Time to enter: About 7 years
  • Residency requirements: None typically required
• 5.

  Podiatrist

  Podiatrists diagnose and treat conditions affecting the feet and ankles using medical treatments, corrective devices, and surgery when necessary.

  • Average salary: $175,480
  • Education and entry requirements: Bachelor’s degree or prerequisites, DPM, residency, and state license
  • Time to enter: About 11 years
  • Residency requirements: About 3 years

High-Paying Medical Jobs Without Being a Doctor: Advanced Practice Careers

High-paying medical jobs that don’t require becoming a physician include CRNA, physician assistant, nurse practitioner, and certified nurse midwife roles, which require graduate or advanced professional training.

Here are four high-paying advanced practice healthcare careers:

• 1.

  Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM)

  Certified nurse midwives provide advanced nursing care focused on pregnancy, childbirth, postpartum care, reproductive health, and other primary healthcare needs.

  • Average salary: $136,980
  • Education and entry requirements: Nursing degree, RN license, graduate nurse-midwifery degree, APRN license, and certification
  • Time to enter: About 6–8 years
• 2.

  Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA)

  CRNAs are advanced practice nurses who administer anesthesia, monitor patients during procedures, and manage anesthesia-related care before and after treatment.

  • Average salary: $248,320
  • Education and entry requirements: Nursing degree, RN license, critical care experience, doctoral nurse anesthesia degree, and certification
  • Time to enter: About 7–10 years
• 3.

  Nurse Practitioner

  Nurse practitioners provide advanced nursing care, including diagnosing conditions, ordering tests, prescribing treatments, and managing care within primary or specialty practice.

  • Average salary: $137,300
  • Education and entry requirements: Nursing degree, RN license, graduate nursing degree, APRN license, and certification
  • Time to enter: About 6–8 years
• 4.

  Physician Assistant

  Physician assistants diagnose and treat patients, prescribe medications, and perform procedures while collaborating with physicians and other healthcare professionals.

  • Average salary: $141,280
  • Education and entry requirements: Bachelor’s degree, master’s-level PA degree, certification, and state license
  • Time to enter: About 6–7 years

Medical Jobs That Pay Well With Little Schooling: Allied Health, Technical, & Healthcare Management Roles

Medical jobs that pay well with less schooling include medical dosimetrists, medical and health services managers, cardiovascular perfusionists, and several allied health careers. These roles offer strong earning potential without the lengthy education and training required to become a physician, though some still require specialized degrees, certifications, or clinical training.

Here are 10 high-paying healthcare careers with different education and training pathways:

• 1.

  Cardiovascular Perfusionist

  Cardiovascular perfusionists operate heart-lung machines and other circulatory support equipment to maintain patients’ blood flow and oxygen levels during cardiac procedures.

  • Average salary: $158,926
  • Education and entry requirements: Bachelor’s degree, perfusion program, and certification
  • Time to enter: About 5–6 years
• 2.

  Dental Hygienist

  Dental hygienists clean teeth, assess patients for signs of oral disease, provide preventive treatments, and educate patients about oral health.

  • Average salary: $98,990
  • Education and entry requirements: Associate degree in dental hygiene and state license
  • Time to enter: About 2–3 years
• 3.

  Diagnostic Medical Sonographer

  Diagnostic medical sonographers use ultrasound equipment to create images of internal organs, tissues, and blood flow that help physicians diagnose medical conditions.

  • Average salary: $97,240
  • Education and entry requirements: Associate degree or certificate; certification may be preferred
  • Time to enter: About 2–4 years
• 4.

  Medical & Health Services Manager

  Medical and health services managers oversee the operations, staff, budgets, policies, and regulatory compliance of healthcare facilities, departments, or clinical services.

  • Average salary: $140,970
  • Education and entry requirements: Bachelor’s degree and relevant healthcare experience
  • Time to enter: About 4–6 years or more
• 5.

  Medical Dosimetrist

  Medical dosimetrists calculate radiation doses and develop individualized treatment plans that safely target tumors while limiting radiation exposure to healthy tissue.

  • Average salary: $148,500
  • Education and entry requirements: Bachelor’s degree, medical dosimetry program, and certification
  • Time to enter: About 4–5 years
• 6.

  MRI Technologist

  MRI technologists operate magnetic resonance imaging equipment, position patients, and produce detailed images physicians use to diagnose injuries and medical conditions.

  • Average salary: $96,120
  • Education and entry requirements: Associate degree, MRI training, and certification or state license as required
  • Time to enter: About 2–4 years
• 7.

  Nuclear Medicine Technologist

  Nuclear medicine technologists prepare and administer radioactive drugs and operate specialized imaging equipment to help diagnose and, in some cases, treat diseases.

  • Average salary: $105,160
  • Education and entry requirements: Associate degree and certification or state license as required
  • Time to enter: About 2–4 years
• 8.

  Occupational Therapist

  Occupational therapists help people develop, regain, or adapt the skills they need to perform everyday activities after illness, injury, disability, or other challenges.

  • Average salary: $101,280
  • Education and entry requirements: Bachelor’s degree, master’s degree in occupational therapy, and state license
  • Time to enter: About 6–7 years
• 9.

  Radiation Therapist

  Radiation therapists operate specialized equipment to deliver prescribed doses of radiation to tumors and other targeted areas while monitoring patients throughout treatment.

  • Average salary: $114,990
  • Education and entry requirements: Associate or bachelor’s degree in radiation therapy and certification or state license as required
  • Time to enter: About 2–4 years
• 10.

  Speech-Language Pathologist

  Speech-language pathologists assess, diagnose, and treat communication and swallowing disorders in children and adults, helping patients improve speech, language, voice, and related skills.

  • Average salary: $98,170
  • Education and entry requirements: Master’s degree in speech-language pathology, supervised clinical training, and state license
  • Time to enter: About 6–7 years

Best High-Paying Medical Jobs by Career Priority

The best high-paying medical job depends on your priorities, including salary, training time, job growth, patient interaction, and the type of work you want to do.

Career Priority	Recommended Careers	Why They Fit
Salary potential	Neurosurgeon, cardiothoracic surgeon	Highest estimated salaries on the list at $725,401 and $519,000, respectively
Starting your career faster	Dental hygienist, diagnostic medical sonographer, MRI technologist	Typically require 2–4 years of education and training
Job growth	Nurse practitioner, medical and health services manager, physician assistant	Projected job growth of 41%, 24.2%, and 21.1%, respectively
High pay without medical school	CRNA, dentist	Average salaries of $248,320 and $202,280, respectively, without requiring an MD or DO
Shorter path to six figures	Nuclear medicine technologist, radiation therapist	Average salaries above $100,000, with typical entry pathways of 2–4 years
Less direct patient care	Medical dosimetrist, medical and health services manager	Focus more on treatment planning or healthcare operations than ongoing hands-on patient care
Hands-on patient care	Physician assistant, nurse practitioner, certified nurse midwife	Provide direct patient assessment, diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing care
Specialized technical work	Cardiovascular perfusionist, medical dosimetrist, nuclear medicine technologist	Use specialized technology, equipment, or treatment planning in healthcare settings

What Affects Healthcare Salaries?

Healthcare salaries vary by specialty, location, work setting, experience, and credentials. Specialized training and certifications may increase earning potential, while local demand and employer competition can drive pay differences across locations and healthcare settings.

For example, specialty alone can significantly affect pay. Surgeons earn an average of $364,360 per year, while neurosurgeons average $725,401. Pay for the same specialty can also vary by location: Neurosurgeons average $835,201 in New York and $786,201 in New Jersey, according to Salary.com.

Are There High-Paying Healthcare Jobs Without Degree Requirements?

Yes. Some high-paying healthcare jobs offer pathways that don’t require a college degree. For example, diagnostic medical sonographers earn an average salary of $97,240. While an associate degree is the typical entry-level requirement, some candidates may qualify through postsecondary certificate programs.

Other options include cardiovascular technologists, who earn an average of $76,940, and surgical technologists, who average $68,710. While these roles don’t rank among the highest-paying medical jobs featured above, some positions can be entered through postsecondary certificate programs rather than a college degree.

How to Choose a High-Paying Healthcare Career

To choose the best high-paying healthcare career for you, compare salary, education and training requirements, job growth, work demands, and how well each role fits your interests and career goals.

Your Path to High Pay in Healthcare

Healthcare careers can be demanding. They require extensive training, adaptability, resilience, and a genuine commitment to the work. As you consider the 35 highest-paying medical jobs covered here, look beyond earning potential and think about the education, responsibilities, schedule, and work environment that fit the life you want.

The right career should reflect not only what you want to earn, but also the work you’ll find meaningful and fulfilling over time. Weigh those priorities together as you find a job and build a healthcare career that works for you.