Jan 14
3
Top 10 In-Demand Medical Professions That Really Pay You Back
With Americans spending more money on medical care, it’s no surprise that most of the highest paying jobs in the US are in the healthcare industry. If you want to pursue a career in healthcare, you might want to take a look at ten of these in-demand medical careers. These medical professions have the fattest paychecks and the best employment opportunities projected for the next ten years.
1. Anesthesiologists
What they do. Anesthesiologists focus on the care of surgical patients particularly in pain relief. They administer drugs and monitor the patient’s response to the administered drug while in surgery.
How much they earn. Anesthesiologists typically earn about $232,830 every year.
Job outlook. Job growth is projected to rise for anesthesiologists with the demand for higher levels of care. This is the highest-paying occupation out of all medical professions.
How to become one. After getting your bachelor’s degree (4 years)from college, you’ll need to finish medical school (4 years), complete your anesthesiology residency (4 years) and then get licensed to practice medicine. You may also get board certified, which is optional.
2. Surgeons
What they do. Surgeons operate on people to treat injury, disease and deformities. They also do surgeries on people to prevent life-threatening conditions. Surgeons may specialize in orthopedic, neurological, cardiovascular or reconstructive surgery.
How much they earn. The average salary for surgeons is $230,540 per year.
Job outlook. With a faster than average growth, more employment opportunities are projected for surgeons in the next decade.
How to become one. Get your 4-year bachelor’s degree from college, finish medical school in 4 years, complete your residency program (which may take anywhere from 3 to 8 years) then get licensed to practice.
3. Obstetricians and Gynecologists
What they do. OB/GYNs provide care through the diagnosis and treatment of health-related issues that are specific to women. They treat and counsel women throughout their pregnancy and deliver babies as well.
How much they earn. OB/GYNs earn about $216,760 per year.
Job outlook. The demand for healthcare ensures that employment for OB/GYNs will continue to increase in the next ten years.
How to become one. Finish your 4-year undergraduate college degree as well as your 4 years in med school. Undergo medical residency for another four years, then pass the medical board exams and your specialization exams.
4. Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
What they do. Oral and maxillofacial surgeons do operations and surgeries of the mouth, teeth, jaws, gums and even of the neck and head. They also remove impacted teeth and repair cleft lip and palate.
How much they earn. Oral and maxillofacial surgeons typically earn $216,440 a year.
Job outlook. With a faster-than-average rate of 24%, employment is expected to rise in coming years for oral and maxillofacial surgeons.
How to become one. You’ll be spending many years studying to be an oral maxillofacial surgeon: 4 years of a bachelor’s degree, 4 years of dental school, 4 years of medical school then another 4 to 6 years of residency training. This occupation is one of the toughest medical professions ever.
5. General internists
What they do. General internists diagnose and provide treatment for problems that affect the internal organs without surgery. They usually recommend treatment through medications or hospitalization. If patients need more specialized care, general internists refer them to specialists.
How much they earn. The average salary for a general internist is $191,520 annually.
Job outlook. With a job outlook of 24% which is faster than average, general internists will have plenty of employment opportunities in the next ten years.
How to become one. Get a bachelor’s degree (4 years), get into medical school (4 years), complete your residency training (2-6 years) then get board certified.
6. Orthodontists
What they do. Orthodontists help straighten teeth. They use pressure on teeth by installing braces or other dental appliances.
How much they earn. The median pay for orthodontists is $186,320 per year.
Job outlook. Job outlook is looking good for orthodontists in the coming years with more baby boomers needing complicated dental work.
How to become one. You’ll need at least 2 years of pre-dental education, 4 years of dental school, another 4 years for a graduate program and then you get board certified to practice.
7. Family and General Practitioners
What they do. Family and general practitioners diagnose and treat a range of conditions. From respiratory problems to injuries, these physicians often have a base of patients that they treat over time. They often make referrals to other specialists when these patients have more serious conditions. This occupation works the closest with families out of all medical professions.
How much they earn. Family and general practitioners typically make $180,850 per year.
Job outlook. The growing and aging population’s demand for health care will continue to rise, with family and general practitioners having more employment opportunities in relation to this.
How to become one. Get your 4-year undergraduate degree and spend 4 years in medical school, then complete your residency training which is about 3-4 years. After that, you have to get certified and then you may opt for fellowship training.
8. Psychiatrists
What they do. Psychiatrists are mental health physicians that assess and diagnose mental illnesses through counseling, hospitalization, psychoanalysis and medication.
How much they earn. The average wage for psychiatrists is $177,520 a year.
Job outlook. With a faster-than-average job outlook for this profession, psychiatrists will enjoy consistent employment in the coming years.
How to become one. After getting your b.s. degree, attend medical school for four years, then complete another four years of your residency training in psychiatry. Then get licensed and certified to practice.
9. Pediatricians
What they do. Pediatricians provide care for infants and children, teenagers and young adults. They assess and treat health problems that are specific to younger people. Pediatricians often treat everyday illnesses, minor injuries, infectious diseases as well as administer vaccinations.
How much they earn. The average pediatrician earns about $167,640 per year.
Job outlook. With the growing population and concern for health, pediatricians will be seeing a rise in their employment opportunities in the next ten years.
How to become one. Complete 4 years of undergraduate school, 4 years of med school and 3 years of pediatric residency training. Then get board certified to practice.
10. Podiatrists
What they do. Podiatrists give medical and surgical care to patients with lower leg, ankle and foot problems. They assess, treat and perform surgeries in relation to foot and leg problems.
How much they earn. Podiatrists typically earn $132,470 per year.
Job outlook. With the aging and growing population continuing to rise, more people with leg and foot problems will be needing the attention of podiatrists.
How to become one. After completing a 4-year bachelor’s program, you’ll need to study for another 4 years in med school. After that, a three-year residency is required before you can get a license to practice.
Nobody gets in a career just for the money, but it’s no secret that these top medical professions get better pay with more job opportunities than any other occupation. With all of these careers getting a positive job outlook, steady employment is expected for these medical professions in the coming years.