Healthcare is a dynamic and ever-evolving field where allied health professionals continually rise to meet increasing challenges. This diverse workforce encompasses a wide array of non-nursing, non-physician roles, such as radiologic technologists, respiratory therapists, dietitians, and occupational therapists. These skilled experts play vital roles in modern medicine, contributing to advancements in medical imaging technology and providing specialized therapies that enhance patient outcomes. With the rising demand for their expertise in various healthcare settings, including hospitals, clinics, and emerging fields like telehealth, many allied health roles are experiencing salary increases, as reported by Vivian Health. If you are considering a rewarding healthcare career that offers financial stability, allied health presents numerous opportunities.
Whether you are an aspiring healthcare professional or a seasoned practitioner looking to advance your career, this guide provides valuable insights into some of the most lucrative career paths in allied healthcare. Let’s explore the projected top 10 highest-paying allied health specialties for 2025.
Projected Top 10 Allied Health Specialty Salaries in 2025:
According to the Association of Schools Advancing Health Professions, allied health professionals constitute a significant portion of the healthcare workforce nationwide, with estimates suggesting they make up to 60%. Salaries for these professionals vary based on specialty, education, experience, facility, and location.
To identify allied health specialties with strong earning potential in the upcoming year, Vivian Health’s travel salary data was utilized to rank the 10 roles with the highest average travel salaries over the past 12 months. The rankings include current average hourly rates for staff positions within each specialty and highlight the highest travel and staff salaries as of December 16, 2024.
1. Perfusionist:
– Education Requirements: Bachelor’s degree and Accredited Perfusion Technology Program
– Relevant Certifications: CCP
– Average Weekly Travel Rate: $5,552
– Highest Weekly Travel Rate: $6,144
– Average Hourly Staff Rate: $89.75
– Highest Hourly Staff Rate: $95
Perfusionists, also known as cardiac or cardiopulmonary perfusionists, specialize in operating and monitoring the output of a heart-lung machine during cardiac and complex surgeries. They ensure that patients receive vital oxygen-rich blood to essential organs while the heart is stopped, regulating blood flow, temperature, and oxygen circulation to maintain patient stability during critical procedures.
2. Dosimetrist:
– Education Requirements: Bachelor’s degree in biological sciences, radiologic sciences, medical dosimetry, or related field
– Relevant Certifications: CMD
– Average Weekly Travel Rate: $3,538
– Highest Weekly Travel Rate: $3,900
– Average Hourly Staff Rate: $44.05
– Highest Hourly Staff Rate: $62
Dosimetrists work closely with radiation oncologists, medical physicists, and radiation therapists to calculate optimal radiation doses for tumor treatment using internal and external radiation sources. They specialize in determining radiation treatments to deliver
Dosimetrists are experts in delivering radiation therapy with precision, targeting specific areas of a patient’s body while minimizing damage to healthy organs and tissues. They possess in-depth knowledge of anatomy, math, physics, and radiobiology, and utilize specialized computer software for treatment planning to improve cancer outcomes and reduce side effects.
Pediatric Echocardiographers specialize in performing ultrasound imaging of the heart in infants, children, and adolescents. With advanced echocardiography equipment, they capture detailed images to diagnose and monitor heart conditions. Their expertise ensures accurate assessments of cardiac structure and function, providing crucial information for pediatric cardiologists to develop treatment plans and improve outcomes for young patients.
Pathologists’ Assistants are skilled professionals who assist pathologists in examining and processing tissue samples for diagnosing diseases or performing autopsies. Their meticulous work is essential for accurate diagnoses, effective treatment plans, and improved patient outcomes. By streamlining laboratory workflows and supporting pathologists, they ensure a high standard of care and efficiency in healthcare.
Pharmacists, with a Doctor of Pharmacy degree, specialize in preparing, dispensing, and ensuring the safe use of prescription medications. Their expertise in drug interactions, dosages, and patient-specific needs allows them to provide authoritative guidance to patients and healthcare professionals. Pharmacists play a crucial role in pharmaceutical care, focusing on the safe, rational, and cost-effective use of prescription drugs in various practice settings.
6. Interventional Radiology Technologist
Requirements: Associate or Bachelor’s degree from an accredited radiologic technology program
Certifications: CI / CV / VI
Average Weekly Travel Rate: $2,893
Highest Weekly Travel Rate: $4,234
Average Hourly Staff Rate: $42.65
Highest Hourly Staff Rate: $63
Interventional Radiology Technologists, also known as IR techs, are essential in the radiology field. They operate advanced imaging equipment to assist physicians in diagnosing and treating diseases using minimally invasive procedures. These procedures reduce risk, pain, and recovery time compared to traditional surgeries. IR techs specialize in real-time imaging to precisely target treatment areas with minimal patient discomfort, assisting in various procedures such as angioplasty and stent placement.
7. Catheterization Lab Technologist
Requirements: Associate of Applied Science or Associate of Science in cardiovascular technology
Certifications: RCIS
Average Weekly Travel Rate: $2,800
Highest Weekly Travel Rate: $4,423
Average Hourly Staff Rate: $42.23
Highest Hourly Staff Rate: $55
Catheterization Lab Technologists, also known as Cath Lab Techs, play critical roles in diagnosing and treating heart conditions through minimally invasive procedures. They perform cardiac catheterizations and assist in angioplasties, stent insertions, and pacemaker implantations to ensure patient safety and successful cardiac interventions.
8. Multi-Modality Technologist
Requirements: Associate or Bachelor’s degree in radiologic technology
Certifications: ABMP MRI / CT / R.T.(R)(ARRT) / ARLS
Average Weekly Travel Rate: $2,750
Highest Weekly Travel Rate: $3,593
Average Hourly Staff Rate: $46.44
Highest Hourly Staff Rate: $61
Multi-Modality Technologists are imaging professionals skilled in operating various diagnostic imaging systems such as X-ray, CT, MRI, and ultrasound. Their versatility enables them to provide comprehensive diagnostic support across specialties, improving patient care and workflow efficiency.
9. Echo Technologist
Requirements: Associate Degree in Cardiovascular Sonography
Certifications: RDCS – AE / RDCS – PE / RDCS – FE
Average Weekly Travel Rate: $2,735
Highest Weekly Travel Rate: $3,502
Average Hourly Staff Rate: $53.57
Highest Hourly Staff Rate: $72
Echo Technologists, specializing in cardiovascular sonography, play vital roles in diagnosing heart conditions using advanced imaging techniques to ensure accurate treatment and patient care.
Echocardiographers specialize in performing ultrasound imaging of the heart to assess its structure and function. With advanced echocardiography equipment, they capture detailed images crucial for diagnosing heart conditions such as valve disorders, heart failure, and congenital abnormalities. Working closely with cardiologists, echo technologists provide accurate and real-time imaging vital for developing treatment plans. Their expertise ensures noninvasive, reliable diagnostics key in detecting and monitoring cardiovascular issues. By delivering precise imaging, echo technologists contribute to early diagnosis, effective treatment, and improved outcomes for patients with heart-related conditions.
Vascular Interventional Technologists assist physicians in performing minimally invasive procedures to diagnose and treat vascular conditions. Utilizing advanced imaging techniques like fluoroscopy, ultrasound, and CT, they guide catheters, stents, and other tools through blood vessels. Their expertise supports procedures such as angioplasty, embolization, and thrombectomy, which restore blood flow and treat vascular diseases. Vascular interventional techs ensure accurate imaging, patient safety, and procedural efficiency, playing a crucial role in delivering precise, life-saving treatments that reduce recovery times and improve outcomes for patients with vascular conditions.
The demand for allied health workers is on the rise due to several factors, including an aging population, technological advancements in healthcare, and an increased focus on preventative health measures. While higher demand does not always translate to higher wages, a significant need for allied health workers in a particular field can provide leverage when negotiating salaries. Conversely, fields where the supply exceeds demand may impact your ability to negotiate compensation.
The National Center for Health Workforce Analysis (NCHWA) predicts shortages in various essential allied health fields through 2037. Shortages are expected in professions such as respiratory therapists, pharmacists, and physical therapists. Between 2022 and 2037, projections from the Bureau of Health Workforce indicate a 22% increase in demand for allied health workers overall, with varying degrees of growth across specialties. The following table illustrates the specialties expected to experience the highest demand increases during this 15-year period, potentially positioning them among the fastest-growing healthcare careers.
Some states mandate professional certification as part of the licensure process for allied health professionals in specific fields. Even when certifications are optional, obtaining them can lead to higher-paying allied health positions, as many employers prefer certified healthcare professionals.
This information was provided by Vivian Health and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
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