What Are the Highest-Paying Jobs in Health Science?

Medical and health services managers oversee hospitals, physician’s offices, and other healthcare facilities and programs. They must understand how health systems work but do not require any clinical expertise. Medical and health services managers should have strong organization, communication, data analysis, and problem-solving skills. Most medical and health services managers have undergraduate degrees in management or health sciences fields, such as health administration, business administration, and health informatics.

Average Annual Salary:$110,680

Biomedical engineers develop medical products. They usually work for medical equipment and supply manufacturers, research and development firms, or other medical industries. Some specialties include installation and troubleshooting, project management, sales, and customer support. Most of these engineers major in bioengineering or another form of engineering, such as mechanical or electrical.

Average Annual Salary:$100,730

These professionals administer radiation therapy to patients with cancer. You can become a radiation therapist with either an associate degree or a bachelor’s degree. In most states, you must become certified by graduating from an accredited school and passing the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists certification examination. Radiation therapists must be detail-oriented and focused on safety. Because patients are often in physical or mental distress, this work requires empathy, communication skills, technical expertise, and physical stamina.

Average Annual Salary:$98,300

Dental hygienists perform dental cleanings, take X-rays, polish teeth, and assist dentists with different procedures. They also educate patients on effective dental hygiene. Most dental hygienist positions require only an associate degree, which typically takes three years. Specific requirements vary by state, but most require graduating from an accredited program and passing a licensing examination. Dental hygienists must be clear communicators who address their patients’ physical and mental discomfort. This job involves frequent bending and standing.

Average Annual Salary:$87,530

Dietitians and nutritionists educate clients on nutrition and help them adopt the right diets for their health needs. They work in various settings, including hospitals, government branches, residential care, and outpatient facilities. Dietitians are legally allowed to treat clinical conditions related to diet and nutrition. Requirements for nutritionists vary by state, and some states do not have any formal stipulations. However, nutritionists can receive certification from the Board for Certification of Nutrition Specialists. Dietitians and nutritionists must understand the psychology and biology of their patients’ eating habits.

Average Annual Salary:$69,680

Physician assistants are not licensed physicians, but they can diagnose and treat conditions. A physician must supervise their work, but the degree of oversight varies by state. They typically work in hospitals and other healthcare settings, such as clinics, schools, and correctional facilities. Typical undergraduate degrees for physician assistants include kinesiology or biology. Each candidate must complete a master’s degree from an accredited program and pass the licensing examination from the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants.

Average Annual Salary:$130,020

Occupational therapists help patients improve injuries or other physical conditions affecting their daily lives. To qualify for professional practice, an aspiring therapist must earn a master’s degree from an accredited school, complete fieldwork hours, and pass the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy exam. Most occupational therapists work in hospitals, physical therapy practices, schools, nursing homes, and home care. Occupational therapists must be physically able to assist patients with limited mobility and demonstrate exercises. They also need to motivate patients, especially when exercises are painful or tiring.

Average Annual Salary:$96,370

Genetic counseling is a relatively new field that developed in response to industry advances. State licensing requirements vary, but most employers require certification from the American Board of Genetics Counseling. Certification requires candidates to graduate from accredited master’s programs and pass the exam. Genetic counselors must treat their patients with respect and empathy because they’re often facing some of the most difficult situations of their lives. While most genetic counselors work within hospitals and health systems, some practice independently.

Average Annual Salary:$95,770

Speech-language pathologists help patients with speech and/or swallowing issues. They often work in schools, private practices, and hospitals. Speech-language pathologists help patients recover their ability to speak after accidents or illnesses, such as a stroke. They also work with patients who are still developing their speech abilities. Typically, speech-language pathologists hold undergraduate degrees in speech therapy, health sciences, or biology. All states require licensure, which stipulates that each candidate graduates from an accredited master’s program, completes fieldwork hours, and passes an examination. Many states or employers require American Speech-Language-Hearing Association certification and a license to work in schools.

Average Annual Salary:$89,290

Epidemiologists study the distribution, causation, and prevention of diseases. This position requires understanding both the biological and social causes. Many epidemiologists work to prevent noninfectious preventable diseases by studying environmental and behavioral factors. Most epidemiologists work for governments, hospitals, and nonprofits. They analyze data from research in laboratories and/or communities. Entry-level positions typically require a master’s degree but not licensure.

Average Annual Salary:$81,390