### Bureau of Labor Statistics U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Healthcare Occupations Workers in these occupations help clients maintain and improve wellbeing. Overall employment in healthcare occupations is projected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations from 2022 to 2032. About 1.8 million openings are projected each year, on average, in these occupations due to employment growth and the need to replace workers who leave the occupations permanently. The median annual wage for healthcare practitioners and technical occupations (such as dental hygienists, physicians and surgeons, and registered nurses) was $80,820 in May 2023, which was higher than the median annual wage for all occupations of $48,060. Healthcare support occupations (such as home health and personal care aides, medical transcriptionists, and occupational therapy assistants) had a median annual wage of $36,140 in May 2023, which was lower than the median annual wage for all occupations. BLS employment projections, wage, and other data for related occupations not shown in the following table are available on the Data for Occupations Not Covered in Detail page. Information highlighting physical demands, cognitive and mental requirements, and other qualifications for workers in the healthcare practitioners and technical and healthcare support groups are available in BLS Occupational Requirements Survey (ORS) profiles. **Occupation**
                **Job Summary**
                **Entry-Level Education**
                **2022     MEDIAN PAY****Athletic Trainers**
            Athletic trainers specialize in preventing, diagnosing, and treating muscle and bone injuries and illnesses.
            Master's degree
            $57,930**Audiologists**
            Audiologists diagnose, manage, and treat patients who have hearing, balance, or related problems.
            Doctoral or professional degree
            $87,740**Chiropractors**
            Chiropractors evaluate and treat patients' neuromusculoskeletal system, which includes nerves, bones, muscles, ligaments, and tendons.
            Doctoral or professional degree
            $76,530**Clinical Laboratory Technologists and Technicians**
            Clinical laboratory technologists and technicians perform medical laboratory tests for the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disease.
            Bachelor's degree
            $60,780**Dental Assistants**
            Dental assistants provide patient care, take x rays, keep records, and schedule appointments.
            Postsecondary nondegree award
            $46,540**Dental Hygienists**
            Dental hygienists examine patients for signs of oral diseases, such as gingivitis, and provide preventive care, including oral hygiene.
            Associate's degree
            $87,530**Dentists**
            Dentists diagnose and treat problems with patients’ teeth, gums, and related parts of the mouth.
            Doctoral or professional degree
            $170,910**Diagnostic Medical Sonographers and Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians**
            Diagnostic medical sonographers and cardiovascular technologists and technicians operate special equipment to create images or to conduct tests.
            Associate's degree
            $80,850**Dietitians and Nutritionists**
            Dietitians and nutritionists plan and conduct food service or nutritional programs to help people lead healthy lives.
            Bachelor's degree
            $69,680**EMTs and Paramedics**
            Emergency medical technicians (EMTs) and paramedics assess injuries and illnesses, provide emergency medical care, and may transport patients to medical facilities.
            Postsecondary nondegree award
            $44,780**Exercise Physiologists**
            Exercise physiologists develop fitness and exercise programs to help people improve their health.
            Bachelor's degree
            $54,860**Genetic Counselors**
            Genetic counselors assess clients' risk for a variety of inherited conditions, such as birth defects.
            Master's degree
            $95,770**Health Information Technologists and Medical Registrars**
            Health information technologists and medical registrars advise organizations on computerized healthcare systems and analyze clinical data.
            Associate's degree
            $62,990**Home Health and Personal Care Aides**
            Home health and personal care aides monitor the condition of people with disabilities or chronic illnesses and help them with daily living activities.
            High school diploma or equivalent
            $33,530**Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses**
            Licensed practical nurses (LPNs) and licensed vocational nurses (LVNs) provide basic medical care.
            Postsecondary nondegree award
            $59,730**Massage Therapists**
            Massage therapists treat clients by applying pressure to manipulate the body's soft tissues and joints.
            Postsecondary nondegree award
            $55,310**Medical Assistants**
            Medical assistants complete administrative and clinical tasks, such as scheduling appointments and taking patients’ vital signs.
            Postsecondary nondegree award
            $42,000**Medical Dosimetrists**
            Medical dosimetrists calculate doses of radiation and design and oversee treatment plans for patients with cancer and other serious diseases.
            Bachelor's degree
            $132,880**Medical Records Specialists**
            Medical records specialists compile, process, and maintain patient files.
            Postsecondary nondegree award
            $48,780**Medical Transcriptionists**
            Medical transcriptionists use electronic devices to convert voice recordings from physicians and other healthcare workers into formal reports.
            Postsecondary nondegree award
            $37,060**Nuclear Medicine Technologists**
            Nuclear medicine technologists prepare and administer radioactive drugs for imaging or treatment.
            Associate's degree
            $92,500**Nurse Anesthetists, Nurse Midwives, and Nurse Practitioners**
            Nurse anesthetists, nurse midwives, and nurse practitioners coordinate patient care and may provide primary and specialty healthcare.
            Master's degree
            $129,480**Nursing Assistants and Orderlies**
            Nursing assistants provide basic care and help patients with activities of daily living. Orderlies transport patients and clean treatment areas.
            See How to Become One
            $38,130**Occupational Health and Safety Specialists and Technicians**
            Occupational health and safety specialists and technicians collect data on, analyze, and design improvements to work environments and procedures.
            See How to Become One
            $77,580**Occupational Therapists**
            Occupational therapists evaluate and treat people who have injuries, illnesses, or disabilities to help them with vocational, daily living, and other skills that promote independence.
            Master's degree
            $96,370**Occupational Therapy Assistants and Aides**
            Occupational therapy assistants and aides help occupational therapists provide treatments and procedures to clients, or they do routine tasks such as preparing treatment rooms.
            See How to Become One
            $65,450**Opticians**
            Opticians fit customers for eyeglasses and contact lenses and help them select which frames and lenses to buy.
            High school diploma or equivalent
            $44,170**Optometrists**
            Optometrists diagnose, manage, and treat conditions and diseases of the human eye and visual system, including examining eyes and prescribing corrective lenses.
            Doctoral or professional degree
            $131,860**Orthotists and Prosthetists**
            Orthotists and prosthetists measure, design, fit, and adapt medical devices, such as supportive braces and artificial limbs, for patients who have disabling conditions.
            Master's degree
            $78,100**Pharmacists**
            Pharmacists dispense prescription medications and provide information to patients about the drugs and their use.
            Doctoral or professional degree
            $136,030**Pharmacy Technicians**
            Pharmacy technicians help pharmacists dispense prescription medication to customers or health professionals.
            High school diploma or equivalent
            $40,300**Phlebotomists**
            Phlebotomists draw blood for tests, transfusions, research, or blood donations.
            Postsecondary nondegree award
            $41,810**Physical Therapist Assistants and Aides**
            Physical therapist assistants and aides are supervised by physical therapists to help patients regain movement and manage pain after injuries and illnesses.
            See How to Become One
            $58,740**Physical Therapists**
            Physical therapists help injured or ill people improve movement and manage pain.
            Doctoral or professional degree
            $99,710**Physician Assistants**
            Physician assistants examine, diagnose, and treat patients under the supervision of a physician.
            Master's degree
            $130,020**Physicians and Surgeons**
            Physicians and surgeons diagnose and treat injuries or illnesses and address health maintenance.
            Doctoral or professional degree
            This wage is equal to or greater than $239,200 per year.**Podiatrists**
            Podiatrists provide medical and surgical care for people with foot, ankle, and lower leg problems.
            Doctoral or professional degree
            $141,650**Psychiatric Technicians and Aides**
            Psychiatric technicians and aides care for people who have mental conditions or developmental disabilities.
            See How to Become One
            $39,610**Radiation Therapists**
            Radiation therapists administer doses of radiation to patients who have cancer or other serious diseases.
            Associate's degree
            $98,300**Radiologic and MRI Technologists**
            Radiologic technologists perform diagnostic imaging examinations on patients. MRI technologists operate magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanners to create diagnostic images.
            Associate's degree
            $76,020**Recreational Therapists**
            Recreational therapists plan, direct, and coordinate recreation-based medical treatment programs for people with disabilities, injuries, or illnesses.
            Bachelor's degree
            $57,120**Registered Nurses**
            Registered nurses (RNs) provide and coordinate patient care and educate patients and the public about various health conditions.
            Bachelor's degree
            $86,070**Respiratory Therapists**
            Respiratory therapists care for patients who have trouble breathing—for example, because of a chronic condition such as asthma.
            Associate's degree
            $77,960**Speech-Language Pathologists**
            Speech-language pathologists assess and treat people who have communication disorders.
            Master's degree
            $89,290**Surgical Assistants and Technologists**
            Surgical assistants and technologists help with surgical operations.
            Postsecondary nondegree award
            $60,370**Veterinarians**
            Veterinarians care for the health of animals and work to protect public health.
            Doctoral or professional degree
            $119,100**Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers**
            Veterinary assistants and laboratory animal caretakers handle routine animal care and help scientists, veterinarians, and others with their daily tasks.
            High school diploma or equivalent
            $36,440**Veterinary Technologists and Technicians**
            Veterinary technologists and technicians do medical tests that help diagnose animals’ injuries and illnesses.
            Associate's degree
            $43,740 **Last Modified Date:**
                        Wednesday, April 17, 2024


**U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics**
Office of Occupational Statistics and Employment Projections 
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