15 Highest-Paying Medical Jobs

Anesthesiologist

Median Salary: $331,190

• Job Outlook: +1%
• Required Education: Bachelor's degree in a pre-med field, medical doctor degree with an anesthesiology specialization, residency
• Licenses/Certifications: Pass a U.S. Medical Licensing Examination

Anesthesiologists administer anesthesia and care for patients before, during, and after surgery. They conduct a pre-surgery assessment and create an anesthetic plan for the surgery. This plan often includes a dose of general anesthesia or regional nerve blocking for post-surgery pain.

Surgeon

Median Salary: $297,800

• Job Outlook: +3%
• Required Education: Bachelor's degree in a pre-med field, medical doctor degree with a surgical specialization, residency
• Licenses/Certifications: Pass a U.S. Medical Licensing Examination

Surgeons perform surgical operations on patients. They treat injuries like broken bones, diseases, and congenital disabilities. Surgeons perform exams to diagnose illnesses and discuss surgical interventions. They also conduct follow-up visits to monitor the surgical results.

Obstetrician and Gynecologist

Median Salary: $296,210

• Job Outlook: +2%
• Required Education: Bachelor's degree in a pre-med field, medical doctor degree with an obstetrics and gynecology specialization, residency
• Licenses/Certifications: Pass a U.S. Medical Licensing Examination

Obstetricians and gynecologists provide care for women's reproductive systems. Gynecologists specialize in Pap smears and fertility tests. Obstetricians provide care during pregnancy and deliver babies. Both also diagnose and treat ovarian cancers and cysts, menopause symptoms, and irregular periods.

Physician

Median Salary: $231,500

• Job Outlook: +3%
• Required Education: Bachelor's degree in a pre-med field, medical doctor degree with a general medicine specialization or a doctor of osteopathic medicine, residency
• Licenses/Certifications: Pass a U.S. Medical Licensing Examination

Physicians care for patients' well-being, from treating chronic illnesses to assessing their health condition. They perform medical exams, prescribe medications, offer treatment options, and address patients' concerns about their health.

Pediatrician

Median Salary: $198,420

• Job Outlook: +1%
• Required Education: Bachelor's degree in a pre-med field, medical doctor degree with a pediatrics specialization, residency
• Licenses/Certifications: Pass a U.S. Medical Licensing Examination

Pediatricians provide care to children. They specialize in diagnosing and treating childhood conditions like diabetes, genetic disorders, and congenital disabilities. They also conduct physical exams and ensure children meet developmental benchmarks.

Nurse Anesthetist

Median Salary: $195,610

• Job Outlook: +12%
• Required Education: Bachelor's degree in nursing, master of science in nursing with an anesthesiology specialization
• Licenses/Certifications: Pass the National Certification Examination from the National Board of Certification and Recertification for Nurse Anesthetists

Nurse anesthetists assist anesthesiologists in giving patients pain medication and provide care before, during, and after surgery. They also screen patients for diseases and health conditions and assess the risks of adverse reactions to anesthesia.

Dentist

Median Salary: $163,220

• Job Outlook: +6%
• Required Education: Bachelor's degree in a pre-med program, doctor of dental surgery or doctor of medicine in dentistry
• Licenses/Certifications: Pass the National Board Dental Examinations

Dentists provide care for teeth. They diagnose and treat oral health conditions, conduct routine exams and cleanings, and advise on maintaining or improving oral health. Dentists also refer patients to orthodontic surgeons for procedures like wisdom tooth removal and root canals.

Podiatrist

Median Salary: $145,840

• Job Outlook: +2%
• Required Education: Bachelor's degree in a pre-med field, doctor of podiatric medicine, residency
• Licenses/Certifications: Pass the American Podiatric Medical Licensing Exam

Podiatrists help with mobility issues, specifically for feet and ankles. They diagnose and treat sprains, fractures, heel pain, and nerve issues. They also work with patients with conditions that affect their feet and ankles, like arthritis and diabetes.

Chief Nursing Officer

Average Salary: $138,260*

• Job Outlook: +28% (Medical and Health Services Manager)
• Required Education: Bachelor's degree in nursing, master of science in nursing
• Licenses/Certifications: Pass a National Council Licensure Examination

*Based on Payscale data from March 2023.

Chief nursing officers work as lead nurses. They oversee registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, and nursing assistants. Some chief nursing officers coordinate work schedules and find backup care when a nurse cannot attend their shift.

Pharmacist

Median Salary: $128,570

• Job Outlook: +2%
• Required Education: Bachelor's degree in a pre-med field, doctor of pharmacy
• Licenses/Certifications: Pass the North American Pharmacist Licensure Exam

Pharmacists fill medical subscriptions and advise patients on how to use a prescription safely. They also recommend over-the-counter medications and contact physicians to verify the correct instructions and dosages for patients.

Optometrist

Median Salary: $124,300

• Job Outlook: +10%
• Required Education: ​​Bachelor's degree in a pre-med field, doctor of optometry
• Licenses/Certifications: Pass the National Board of Examiners in Optometry Exams

Optometrists manage patients' eye health. They conduct vision tests, adjust contact and eyeglass prescriptions, and treat vision issues. During eye checkups, optometrists also examine patients for potential eye diseases.

Physician Assistant

Median Salary: $121,530

• Job Outlook: +28%
• Required Education: Bachelor's degree in a pre-med field, master's degree in physician assistant studies
• Licenses/Certifications: Pass the Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination

Physician assistants work closely with licensed physicians. They examine and diagnose patients, treat injuries, and administer immunizations. They also prescribe medication and counsel patients on how to manage their conditions.

Nurse Practitioner

Median Salary: $120,680

• Job Outlook: +46%
• Required Education: Bachelor's degree in nursing, master of science in nursing
• Licenses/Certifications: Certification through the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certification Board or the American Nurses Credentialing Center

Nurse practitioners are primary and specialty care providers who manage patients' health and treat injuries and illnesses. They can order diagnostic and laboratory tests, diagnose diseases, and, in some states, prescribe medications without a doctor or physician's supervision.

Nurse Midwife

Median Salary: $112,830

• Job Outlook: +7%
• Required Education: Bachelor's degree in nursing, master of science in nursing
• Licenses/Certifications: Certification through the American Midwifery Certification Board

Nurse midwives care for women throughout their lives, from adolescence through the menopausal years. They specialize in reproductive health and childbirth, providing care during pre-conception, pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum.

Medical and Health Services Manager

Median Salary: $101,340

• Job Outlook: +28%
• Required Education: Bachelor's degree in healthcare administration
• Licenses/Certifications: N/A

Medical and health services managers handle day-to-day operations for healthcare providers. Their main duty is ensuring healthcare facilities run smoothly so healthcare professionals can do their jobs. They manage finances, work with insurance companies, and oversee administrative staff.