Intrigued by a career in medicine that also pads your wallet?
You’re about to explore a list of the best jobs for people passionate about medicine. If you’re someone who wants to save lives, contribute to scientific advancements, or both, then these roles could be your ideal match.
What Makes a Good Job for People Interested in Medicine (High Paying)?
We looked for jobs that:
- Offer hands-on medical experience or patient interaction
- Require specialized medical knowledge or skills
- Provide opportunities for continuous learning and growth in the medical field
- Are in demand, ensuring job security
- Come with high earning potential right out of the gate
Best Jobs for People Interested in Medicine (High Paying)
Some roles in this list might need a specialized degree but don’t sweat it if you’re not up for years of med school. A lot of these gigs pay well and only require certifications or a specific skill set, making them accessible and lucrative.
Ready? Let’s jump into this hand-picked list of high-paying medical jobs.
1. Medical Dosimetrist
Average salary: $129,001
A medical dosimetrist creates radiation treatment plans for cancer patients.
Job duties:
- Creating radiation treatment plans
- Collaborating with medical physicists
- Calibrating radiation equipment
- Analyzing radiologic images
- Consulting with radiation oncologists
- Monitoring patient responses
Job requirements:
- Certification in Medical Dosimetry
- Completion of a dosimetry training program
- Familiarity with radiation therapy technology
- Good mathematical skills
- Attention to detail
- Ability to work in a team
2. Perfusionist
Average salary: $151,631
A perfusionist operates the cardiopulmonary bypass machine during open-heart surgeries.
Job duties:
- Operating cardiopulmonary bypass machine
- Monitoring patient’s blood flow
- Managing oxygen levels
- Administering medications during surgery
- Coordinating with surgeons
- Maintaining equipment
Job requirements:
- Certified Clinical Perfusionist (CCP) credential
- Completion of an accredited perfusion program
- Hands-on training in perfusion technology
- Familiarity with surgical procedures
- Basic understanding of pharmacology
- Strong communication skills
- Ability to handle stressful situations
3. Healthcare Administrator
Average salary: $84,763
A healthcare administrator manages the operations and services in healthcare facilities, sometimes known as a healthcare executive or healthcare manager.
Job duties:
- Overseeing facility operations
- Budget planning
- Hiring and training staff
- Implementing policies
- Coordinating healthcare services
- Managing patient data
- Quality control
Job requirements:
- Bachelor’s or Master’s in Healthcare Administration
- Previous managerial experience
- Knowledge of healthcare laws and regulations
- Good communication skills
- Budgeting skills
- Leadership qualities
4. Medical Illustrator
Average salary: $62,748
A medical illustrator creates visual content for medical textbooks, research, and patient education.
Job duties:
- Drawing anatomical structures
- Collaborating with medical professionals
- Working on digital platforms
- Creating 3D models
- Researching medical subjects
- Meeting deadlines
- Updating previous illustrations
Job requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences and an accredited Medical Illustration program
- Portfolio of previous work
- Technical proficiency in graphic software
- Understanding of medical terminology
- Strong visual and spatial skills
- Ability to work under tight deadlines
5. Ophthalmic Medical Technologist
Average salary: $59,109
An Ophthalmic Medical Technologist assists ophthalmologists in diagnosing and treating eye disorders.
Job duties:
- Operating diagnostic equipment
- Assisting in minor surgical procedures
- Patient eye care education
- Performing eye exams
- Preparing patient for surgery
- Collecting patient data
- Administering medications under supervision
Job requirements:
- Accredited training program in Ophthalmic Medical Technology
- Certification from a recognized board
- Hands-on clinical experience
- Familiarity with diagnostic equipment
- Strong attention to detail
- People skills
6. Health Informatics Specialist
Average salary: $71,223
A Health Informatics Specialist manages and analyzes health information, often going by titles like health information technician or health data analyst.
Job duties:
- Data collection
- Analysis of health records
- Workflow design
- Creating data reports
- Consulting with healthcare providers
- Training staff on new systems
- Maintaining patient confidentiality
Job requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree in Health Informatics or related field
- Relevant certifications
- Experience in healthcare or IT
- Knowledge of medical terminology
- Data analysis skills
- Adaptability with tech changes
7. Anesthesia Technician
Average salary: $50,748
An Anesthesia Technician helps anesthesiologists prepare and administer anesthesia.
Job duties:
- Equipment sterilization
- Prepping anesthesia meds
- Assisting during procedures
- Monitoring equipment
- Stocking supplies
- Patient prep
- Basic patient monitoring
Job requirements:
- High school diploma and vocational training
- Certification in Anesthesia Technology
- Basic Life Support (BLS) certification
- Familiarity with medical equipment
- Good communication skills
- Ability to work in a fast-paced environment
8. Diagnostic Medical Sonographer
Average salary: $56/hour
A Diagnostic Medical Sonographer, often known as an ultrasound technician, uses ultrasound machines to visualize the inside of the body.
Job duties:
- Operating ultrasound equipment
- Capturing images
- Prepping patients
- Maintaining equipment
- Reporting findings
- Consulting with physicians
- Record keeping
Job requirements:
- Accredited Diagnostic Medical Sonography program completion
- Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (RDMS) certification
- Clinical experience preferred
- Basic computer skills
- Attention to detail
- Interpersonal skills
- Good hand-eye coordination
9. Endoscopy Technician
Average salary: $45,421
An Endoscopy Technician assists medical professionals in endoscopic procedures.
Job duties:
- Cleaning equipment
- Setting up the procedure room
- Assisting with patient prep
- Handling instruments during procedures
- Sterilizing post-procedure
- Inventory management
- Basic patient care
Job requirements:
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Certification in endoscopic technology
- Basic Life Support (BLS) certification
- Familiarity with endoscopic equipment and tools
- Good communication skills
- Comfortable in a clinical setting
10. Nuclear Medicine Technologist
Average salary: $91,658
A Nuclear Medicine Technologist administers radiopharmaceuticals and captures images for diagnostic purposes.
Job duties:
- Preparing radiopharmaceuticals
- Administering injections
- Calibrating equipment
- Imaging capture
- Data analysis
- Patient care
- Following safety protocols
Job requirements:
- Associate or Bachelor’s degree in nuclear medicine technology
- Certified Nuclear Medicine Technologist (CNMT) license
- Experience with imaging equipment
- Basic computer skills
- Attention to detail
- Interpersonal skills
- Knowledge of safety protocols
11. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Technician
Average salary: $76,121
An MRI Technician operates MRI machines to capture detailed images of the inside of a patient’s body.
Job duties:
- Prepping the MRI room
- Calibrating MRI machine
- Patient positioning
- Capturing images
- Data storage
- Machine maintenance
- Patient communication
Job requirements:
- Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in radiologic technology
- MRI certification
- Basic Life Support (BLS) certification
- Familiarity with MRI safety protocols
- Patient care skills
- Basic computer know-how
12. Respiratory Therapist
Average salary: $75,562
A Respiratory Therapist provides treatment to patients with breathing issues, commonly found in critical care units and outpatient clinics.
Job duties:
- Assessing patient needs
- Administering oxygen
- Operating ventilators
- Monitoring patient response
- Collaborating with healthcare team
- Record-keeping
- Educating patients
Job requirements:
- Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in respiratory therapy
- Respiratory Therapist license
- Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certification
- Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) certification
- Good communication skills
- Teamwork abilities
- Comfortable in high-stress situations
13. Pedorthist
Average salary: $62,425
A Pedorthist specializes in footwear and orthotics to help with foot and lower limb issues.
Job duties:
- Evaluating foot conditions
- Designing orthotics
- Fitting footwear
- Adjusting existing orthotics
- Consulting with healthcare providers
- Providing patient education
- Keeping records
Job requirements:
- Certified Pedorthist (C.Ped) credential
- Associate’s degree or higher in a related field
- Clinical experience in pedorthics
- Basic computer skills for record-keeping
- Good communication skills
- Attention to detail
- Ability to work independently
See, There Are Careers for People Interested in Medicine (High Paying)!
From Perfusionist to Diagnostic Medical Sonographer, this roundup offers a stellar selection of jobs that let you dive into the medical field without skimping on the paycheck.
What’s catching your eye? We’re curious—drop it in the comments!