20 Highest Paid Non-Physician Jobs in Healthcare

You don’t need to be a physician to have a high paying job in the healthcare field. Non-physicians fill some of the highest paid jobs in the healthcare industry! With the dramatic rise in the need for healthcare administrators, physician assistants, genetic counselors, and others, higher and higher salaries are being paid to these healthcare professionals. These positions are part of a healthcare team focused on overall wellness and disease treatment and prevention.

This article explores the 20 highest paid non-physician jobs in healthcare, according to the 2018 edition of the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Handbook. We’ll outline the:

• median salary
• the predicted rise in employment rates
• necessary education
• details of the position
• other relevant information regarding the career

Top Non-Physician Roles by Rank (20-15)

20. Respiratory Therapist

If you’ve ever sought treatment for breathing difficulty, you probably saw a respiratory therapist. Respiratory therapists treat a variety of breathing disorders including chronic respiratory diseases like asthma or emphysema. The patients they treat range from premature neonates with undeveloped lungs to elderly patients suffering from lung disease.

Career Details:

• Median Salary: $60,280
• Predicted Rise in Employment: Predicted 23% Rise between 2016 and 2026
• Required Education: Minimum of Associate’s Degree

Although the minimum requirement to become a respiratory therapist is an associates degree, respiratory therapists need to become licensed in their state (except Alaska). Employment is expected to rise at a rate much faster than average due to growth in the middle-aged and elderly population, who are more susceptible to respiratory conditions.

19. Dietitians and Nutritionists

Dietitians and nutritionists are health care professionals who are experts in the area of food and nutrition. They use their knowledge to promote a healthy diet and manage disease. Dietitians and nutritionists are valuable resources in the treatment of obesity and diabetes.

Career Details:

• Median Salary: $60,370
• Predicted Rise in Employment: Predicted 15% Rise between 2016 and 2026
• Required Education: Minimum of Bachelor’s Degree

Continued growth is expected for dietician and nutritionists roles as we learn more about the connection between diet and overall health.

18. Radiologic and MRI Technicians

Another top non-physician healthcare job that pays well are radiologic and MRI technologists. These professionals, known as radiographers, perform imaging services such as x-rays. MRI technologists are trained to provide patients with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans to help physicians with diagnostics.

Career Details:

• Median Salary: $61,240
• Predicted Rise in Employment: Predicted 13% Rise between 2016 and 2026
• Required Education: Minimum of Associates’s Degree

Employment of radiologic or MRI technologists is expected to grow by almost 30,300 jobs through 2026. Most professionals need an associate’s degree and become licensed or certified in their states.

17. Diagnostic Medical Sonographers and Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians, Including Vascular Technologists

Diagnostic imaging professionals include medical sonographers, cardiovascular technologists and technicians, including vascular technologists. They’re also called diagnostic imaging workers. They use specialized equipment to create images or conduct tests that help physicians make informed diagnostics. Most of these professionals work in hospitals but some work in doctors’ offices or lab settings.

Career Details:

• Median Salary: $67,080
• Predicted Rise in Employment: Predicted 17% Rise between 2016 and 2026
• Required Education: Minimum of Associate’s Degree

This varied field is expecting much faster than average rates of growth, with a prediction of about 21,100 new positions nationwide by 2026.

16. Orthotic and Prosthetics Professionals

Orthotic and prosthetics professionals are among the highest paid non-physician health care providers. These professionals design, fabricate, measure and fit orthotic and prosthetic devices for all ages. They work with artificial limbs, braces, and other medical or surgical prosthetic devices. Positions are found in a variety of industries including:

• manufacturing
• health and personal care
• hospitals.

Career Details:

• Median Salary: $69,120
• Predicted Rise in Employment: Predicted 22% Rise between 2016 and 2026
• Required Education: Minimum of Master’s Degree

The demand for orthotic and prosthetic professionals is expected to continue to grow as the baby boom population enters old age. Cardiovascular disease and diabetes, the leading causes of limb loss, are more common with older individuals.

15. Occupational Health and Safety Specialist and ...

Summary of Key Data (Ranks 20-16)

The data below highlights the earning potential and predicted growth for these essential healthcare roles:

• 20. Respiratory Therapist: Salary $60,280, 23% Growth, Associate’s Degree Required.
• 19. Dietitians and Nutritionists: Salary $60,370, 15% Growth, Bachelor’s Degree Required.
• 18. Radiologic and MRI Technicians: Salary $61,240, 13% Growth, Associate’s Degree Required.
• 17. Diagnostic Medical Sonographers/Cardiovascular Technologists: Salary $67,080, 17% Growth, Associate’s Degree Required.
• 16. Orthotic and Prosthetics Professionals: Salary $69,120, 22% Growth, Master’s Degree Required.