20 Highest-Paid Non-Physician Jobs in Healthcare

Imagine landing a career in healthcare that offers lucrative pay, incredible job security, and no requirement to go through medical school. Yes, it’s possible! The healthcare industry is brimming with opportunities, and the demand for skilled professionals is constantly growing. The best part? Many of the highest-paid jobs in healthcare don’t require you to be a physician.

In this article, we’ll explore 20 of the highest-paid non-physician jobs in healthcare. Whether you're considering a new career path, or simply curious about the financial rewards available in the healthcare sector, keep reading to discover the opportunities available to you without having to complete years of medical school training.

1. Pharmacist

Average Salary: $128,570 per year
Job Overview: Pharmacists are responsible for dispensing medications, providing consultations on drug usage, and offering health advice. With the rise of chronic diseases, the demand for pharmacists remains strong, especially in retail pharmacies, hospitals, and clinical settings.
Education Requirement: Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) degree, plus passing licensure exams.

2. Nurse Anesthetist

Average Salary: $189,190 per year
Job Overview: Nurse anesthetists administer anesthesia to patients during surgeries and other medical procedures. This critical role involves monitoring the patient’s vital signs and adjusting anesthesia as needed. They work alongside surgeons, anesthesiologists, and other healthcare professionals to ensure patient safety.
Education Requirement: Master’s degree in Nurse Anesthesia, and licensure as a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA).

3. Physician Assistant (PA)

Average Salary: $121,530 per year
Job Overview: PAs are healthcare professionals who diagnose illnesses, develop treatment plans, and often perform medical procedures under the supervision of a physician. The role of a PA is becoming increasingly vital, especially in underserved areas where healthcare professionals are in short supply.
Education Requirement: Master’s degree from an accredited PA program, plus certification from the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA).

4. Nurse Practitioner (NP)

Average Salary: $118,040 per year
Job Overview: Nurse practitioners are advanced practice registered nurses who can diagnose conditions, prescribe medications, and manage patient care. They often specialize in areas such as family medicine, pediatrics, or geriatrics. The role of NPs is expanding due to healthcare reforms and the shortage of primary care physicians.
Education Requirement: Master’s or Doctoral degree in Nursing, along with state licensure and certification.

5. Optometrist

Average Salary: $124,300 per year
Job Overview: Optometrists diagnose vision problems, prescribe corrective lenses, and provide treatments for a range of eye conditions. With an aging population and increased screen time, the need for optometrists is on the rise.
Education Requirement: Doctor of Optometry (OD) degree, plus state licensure.

6. Physical Therapist (PT)

Average Salary: $91,010 per year
Job Overview: Physical therapists help patients recover from injuries or surgeries by developing treatment plans aimed at improving mobility, reducing pain, and restoring function. With the rise in sports-related injuries and the growing elderly population, the demand for physical therapists is strong.
Education Requirement: Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree, plus licensure in the state of practice.

7. Occupational Therapist (OT)

Average Salary: $86,280 per year
Job Overview: Occupational therapists work with patients to help them perform everyday tasks, particularly after illness or injury. OTs play a vital role in rehabilitation, especially for individuals with physical, emotional, or cognitive challenges.
Education Requirement: Master’s or Doctoral degree in Occupational Therapy, plus licensure.

8. Orthotist/Prosthetist

Average Salary: $74,120 per year
Job Overview: Orthotists and prosthetists design and fit medical support devices such as braces and prosthetic limbs for patients with physical disabilities. As advances in technology improve, the field is rapidly growing.
Education Requirement: Master’s degree in Orthotics and Prosthetics, plus certification and licensure.

9. Speech-Language Pathologist

Average Salary: $80,480 per year
Job Overview: Speech-language pathologists work with patients who have speech, language, or swallowing disorders. They are crucial in helping individuals regain communication abilities, often working with stroke victims, children, or those with degenerative conditions.
Education Requirement: Master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology, plus state licensure and certification.

10. Radiation Therapist

Average Salary: $86,850 per year
Job Overview: Radiation therapists treat cancer and other diseases by administering radiation treatments. This position requires precision and a strong understanding of medical technology.
Education Requirement: Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Radiation Therapy, plus licensure and certification.

11. Genetic Counselor

Average Salary: $85,700 per year
Job Overview: Genetic counselors assess individual or family risk for a variety of inherited conditions and provide information to help patients make informed decisions about their health. As genetic testing becomes more common, the demand for genetic counselors is increasing.
Education Requirement: Master’s degree in Genetic Counseling, plus certification.

12. Medical and Health Services Manager

Average Salary: $118,800 per year
Job Overview: These professionals are responsible for managing entire healthcare facilities, specific clinical areas, or departments within hospitals and healthcare systems. They ensure that operations run smoothly and that healthcare providers deliver efficient, effective care.
Education Requirement: Bachelor’s degree, but many employers prefer a Master’s in Health Administration (MHA) or a related field.

13. Clinical Laboratory Scientist

Average Salary: $54,180 per year
Job Overview: Clinical laboratory scientists perform tests on body fluids and tissues to help diagnose diseases. Their work is critical in identifying medical conditions and informing treatment plans.
Education Requirement: Bachelor’s degree in Medical Laboratory Science, plus certification.

14. Respiratory Therapist

Average Salary: $62,810 per year
Job Overview: Respiratory therapists care for patients with breathing or cardiopulmonary disorders. They are vital in hospitals, especially in intensive care units and emergency departments, treating patients with conditions like asthma or COPD.
Education Requirement: Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Respiratory Therapy, plus licensure.

15. Diagnostic Medical Sonographer

Average Salary: $75,920 per year
Job Overview: Sonographers use ultrasound technology to create images of internal body structures, assisting physicians in diagnosing medical conditions. They may specialize in areas like obstetrics, cardiology, or vascular sonography.
Education Requirement: Associate’s degree in Diagnostic Medical Sonography, plus certification.

16. Dietitian/Nutritionist

Average Salary: $65,620 per year
Job Overview: Dietitians and nutritionists plan and monitor dietary plans to promote health and manage diseases. As nutrition becomes an integral part of healthcare, these professionals are gaining importance in preventive care.
Education Requirement: Bachelor’s degree in Nutrition or Dietetics, plus state licensure and certification.

17. Radiation Safety Officer

Average Salary: $105,000 per year
Job Overview: Radiation safety officers (RSOs) ensure that the use of radiation in hospitals, research, and industrial settings complies with safety standards to protect workers and the public from exposure.
Education Requirement: Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field, often accompanied by certification in radiation safety.

18. Biomedical Engineer

Average Salary: $97,410 per year
Job Overview: Biomedical engineers combine engineering principles with medical sciences to design and create equipment, devices, computer systems, and software used in healthcare.
Education Requirement: Bachelor’s degree in Biomedical Engineering or a related field, with advanced degrees often preferred.

19. Perfusionist

Average Salary: $128,000 per year
Job Overview: Perfusionists operate the heart-lung machines during cardiac surgeries. Their role is critical in maintaining blood flow and oxygen levels while the heart is stopped during surgery.
Education Requirement: Bachelor’s degree plus certification in perfusion technology.

20. Healthcare Data Analyst

Average Salary: $82,000 per year
Job Overview: Healthcare data analysts analyze clinical data to improve healthcare operations, patient outcomes, and overall efficiency. This role is gaining prominence as healthcare systems increasingly rely on data-driven decisions.
Education Requirement: Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Health Informatics, Statistics, or a related field.

Healthcare offers numerous high-paying roles that don’t require a medical degree. Whether you're drawn to direct patient care, administration, or technology, there’s a place for you in this rapidly growing field. The investment in education is often less than that required to become a physician, but the rewards, both financial and personal, are substantial.