While some workers fear that AI could jeopardize their job security, the healthcare industry faces a different challenge. With a growing demand for healthcare workers, AI may help alleviate the administrative burden on an understaffed and overworked workforce. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a significant increase in job opportunities in the healthcare sector, with an estimated addition of 1.9 million jobs annually between 2023 and 2033. This surge in demand is fueled by the aging population in the United States, coupled with challenges such as workforce shortages due to the COVID-19 pandemic and potential impacts from immigration policies.
QMedic analyzed Department of Labor data to identify high-paying healthcare positions expected to experience substantial growth in the next decade. These positions were ranked based on their median wage in 2023, which had to exceed the national median of $48,060 to make the list. Despite the promising outlook for job growth, the industry is grappling with issues such as burnout, strikes, and calls for better wages.
Only 52% of healthcare workers feel they are fairly compensated, according to a 2023 Qualtrics report, making it the lowest-rated industry in terms of pay satisfaction. The median annual wage for healthcare practitioners, including technicians, registered nurses, and surgeons, was $80,820 as of May 2023. The lingering effects of the pandemic, such as high burnout rates and turnover, continue to impact the industry, prompting concerns about staffing shortages.
Despite ongoing dissatisfaction, factors like retirements, strikes, and the aging population’s healthcare needs are driving demand for workers in the industry. This demand, coupled with challenges in finding skilled employees, is leading to increased efforts to attract and retain talent through competitive salaries and benefits.
Looking ahead, the healthcare industry is expected to see growth in various high-paying occupations over the next decade. Let’s explore what some of these top-paying jobs will entail.
023-33: +16.3% – Median wage in 2023: $62,990
Health information technologists and medical registrars collaborate to analyze extensive clinical data and provide valuable insights. They also offer guidance to organizations on managing and accessing electronic health record system data. The educational requirements for these positions range from a certificate to a postgraduate degree. With the increasing volume of electronic health information, there is a growing demand for professionals to fill these roles.
#4. Speech-language pathologists
– Current employment levels: 180,800
– Projected growth, 2023-33: +18.4%
– Median wage in 2023: $89,290
Speech-language pathologists play a crucial role in researching, evaluating, and treating individuals with communication disorders and swallowing difficulties. These experts are particularly sought after to care for the aging baby boomer population at risk of conditions like strokes or dementia that may impact their speech and language abilities. Speech-language pathologists typically hold master’s degrees or higher qualifications, along with state licenses. They may specialize in working with specific demographics or conditions, such as children with autism, and provide patient education on language comprehension and alternative communication methods.
#3. Veterinarians
– Current employment levels: 88,200
– Projected growth, 2023-33: +19.1%
– Median wage in 2023: $119,100
Veterinarians cater to the needs of beloved pets, with an increasing emphasis on advanced treatment options akin to those available for humans. Working in various settings from zoos to clinics, veterinarians are well-compensated for their expertise in administering complex procedures like kidney transplants and cancer treatments to sick and injured animals. To practice, veterinarians must hold a doctor of veterinary medicine degree, obtain state licenses, and expect around 4,300 annual job openings over the next decade.
#2. Nurse practitioners
– Current employment levels: 292,500
– Projected growth, 2023-33: +46.3%
– Median wage in 2023: $126,260
Nurse practitioners deliver advanced nursing care and can operate independently of physicians, focusing on specific patient populations like the elderly or individuals with mental health conditions. The demand for nurse practitioners is rapidly expanding, driven by the shift towards preventive healthcare practices. A master’s degree and proper licensure and certification are essential for nurse practitioner roles.
#1. Physician assistants
– Current employment levels: 153,400
– Projected growth, 2023-33: +28.5%
– Median wage in 2023: $130,020
Physician assistants enjoy lucrative careers with a promising growth outlook, offering an estimated 12,900 annual job opportunities over the next decade due to retirements and career changes. Working closely with physicians, physician assistants provide primary care services, including patient examinations, diagnoses, and treatment under physician supervision. These professionals can
Edited by Paris Close, with photo selection by Lacy Kerrick, this article first appeared on QMedic and was created in collaboration with Stacker Studio.
