5 High-Paying Allied Health Jobs You Should Consider
Are you considering a career in the booming healthcare industry but not into direct patient care? No worries, you still have plenty of options. Allied health is a broad category of medical professions that are vital in delivering quality healthcare services. Here are the top five highest-paying allied health jobs that may interest you.
1. Physician Assistant
Physician Assistants (PAs) work as part of a healthcare team under the supervision of a physician. They are responsible for diagnosing illnesses, prescribing medication, and developing treatment plans. PAs work in various specialties, including pediatrics, emergency medicine, oncology, and surgery. The median annual salary of PAs in the US is $112,260, and the demand for this occupation is projected to grow by 31% between 2019 and 2029.
2. Radiologic Technologist
Radiologic Technologists, also known as Radiographers, operate diagnostic imaging equipment, such as X-ray machines, CT scanners, and MRI scanners. They capture images of internal structures to help doctors diagnose and treat medical conditions. The median annual salary for Radiologic Technologists in the US is $62,280, with an expected job growth of 7% between 2019 and 2029.
3. Cardiovascular Technologist
Cardiovascular Technologists perform diagnostic tests on patients with heart or blood vessel problems. They use sophisticated equipment to monitor heart activity, measure blood flow, and analyze cardiac function. They work in a variety of settings, such as hospitals, clinics, and diagnostic laboratories. The median annual salary for Cardiovascular Technologists in the US is $59,100, with a projected job growth of 5% from 2019 to 2029.
4. Occupational Therapy Assistant
Occupational Therapy Assistants (OTAs) work with patients recovering from injuries, illnesses, or disabilities to help them improve their mobility and daily living skills. They assist Occupational Therapists in planning and implementing treatment plans, which may involve exercises, adaptive equipment, and assistive technology. The median annual salary for OTAs in the US is $62,940, with an expected job growth of 35% from 2019 to 2029.
5. Dental Hygienist
Dental Hygienists provide preventative dental care services, such as teeth cleaning, fluoride treatments, and oral health education. They also assist dentists in oral surgeries and procedures. Dental Hygienists work in dental offices, clinics, and community health centers. The median annual salary for Dental Hygienists in the US is $76,220, with an expected job growth of 6% from 2019 to 2029.
Final Thoughts
The allied health field offers many lucrative career options for those who do not want to become physicians or nurses but still want to work in healthcare. These five high-paying allied health jobs offer job security, good compensation, and opportunities for career growth. With the healthcare industry growing at a rapid rate, now would be an excellent time to consider an allied health career if you enjoy helping others and want job stability.
