The 38 Best Health Care Jobs of 2014
An industry dedicated to quality care
Demand for support staff for top-tier professionals, home health care needs for aging Americans and affordable quality care are driving employment increases throughout the health care industry. Here are the Best Health Care Jobs of 2014.
1. Dentist
Median Salary: $145,240
Unemployment Rate: 1.5 percent
Expected Job Openings: 23,300
More studies are linking oral health to overall health, so regular visits to the dentist are important. Dentists are among the best-paid health care professionals due to their expertise and extensive oral procedures.
Read more about dentists.
2. Nurse Practitioner
Median Salary: $89,960
Unemployment Rate: 0.9 percent
Expected Job Openings: 37,100
Nurse practitioners can extend the services a physician provides by authorizing treatments, performing physical exams and counseling patients in hospitals and clinics.
Read more about nurse practitioners.
3. Pharmacist
Median Salary: $116,670
Unemployment Rate: 3.2 percent
Expected Job Openings: 41,400
Pharmacists mix medical knowledge with customer service and are tasked with dispensing medicine and advice.
Read more about pharmacists.
4. Registered Nurse
Median Salary: $65,470
Unemployment Rate: 2.6 percent
Expected Job Openings: 526,800
Registered nurses may specialize in a specific condition, part of the body, or environment -- like working in an emergency room. Their duties range from giving medicine to patients to performing procedures.
Read more about registered nurses.
5. Physical Therapist
Median Salary: $79,860
Unemployment Rate: 0.2 percent
Expected Job Openings: 73,500
As the population ages, the demand to hire physical therapists will grow. Physical therapists are charged with increasing the mobility and relieving the pain of movement for their patients.
Read more about physical therapists.
6. Physician
Median Salary: $187,199
Unemployment Rate: 0.8 percent
Expected Job Openings: 123,300
The titles of Medical Doctor (M.D.) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.) are earned after years of study, medical school, internships and residency. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts employment for physicians and surgeons will increase by nearly 18 percent by 2022.
Read more about physicians.
7. Dental Hygienist
Median Salary: $70,210
Unemployment Rate: 2.8 percent
Expected Job Openings: 64,200
Dental hygienists do more than scrape tartar off your teeth. They also focus on preventive care and provide guidance to patients. Hygienists work in private offices as well as in research-focused occupations, schools and public health programs.
Read more about dental hygienists.
8. Physician Assistant
Median Salary: $90,930
Unemployment Rate: 1.2 percent
Expected Job Openings: 33,300
Physician assistants must be prepared to face a range of concerns, illnesses and injuries while they move from patient to patient. They work in primary care, family medicine, psychiatry and emergency medicine practices.
Read more about physician assistants.
9. Occupational Therapist
Median Salary: $75,400
Unemployment Rate: 2.3 percent
Expected Job Openings: 32,800
Occupational therapists help their patients live independent lifestyles despite conditional limitations. They may work in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, schools, medical offices and clients' homes.
Read more about occupational therapists.
10. Phlebotomist
Median Salary: $29,730
Unemployment Rate: 4.1 percent
Expected Job Openings: 27,100
A quick and relatively painless blood-drawing experience will make you appreciate these professionals. Working in hospitals, diagnostic laboratories and blood donor centers, phlebotomists need good hand-eye coordination. Having good people skills also helps in this field.
Read more about phlebotomists.
11. Physical Therapist Assistant
Median Salary: $52,160
Unemployment Rate: 3.4 percent
Expected Job Openings: 29,300
Physical therapist assistants work with clients and on the business side of therapy practices. They may create and execute treatment plans, aid therapists with patients and teach rehabilitation techniques to patients.
Read more about physical therapist assistants.
12. Veterinarian
Median Salary: $84,460
Unemployment Rate: 1.2 percent
Expected Job Openings: 22,000
The demand for veterinarians is expected to increase as more people bring their pets to private practices for care. Veterinarians also fill roles related to animal safety, disease control and public health.
Read more about veterinarians.
13. Occupational Therapy Assistant
Median Salary: $53,240
Unemployment Rate: 1.6 percent
Expected Job Openings: 12,900
The BLS estimates this profession will grow by 42.6 percent by 2022, as more baby boomers need assistance with physical and emotional health issues. Occupational therapy assistant tasks may include helping the elderly with necessities like getting dressed or grocery shopping.
Read more about occupational therapy assistants.
14. Clinical Laboratory Technician
Median Salary: $37,240
Unemployment Rate: 3.1 percent
Expected Job Openings: 47,900
Clinical laboratory technicians conduct tests and analyses physicians need to diagnose conditions. These analytical professionals should have knowledge of laboratory equipment and excellent judgment.
Read more about clinical laboratory technicians.
15. Dietitian and Nutritionist
Median Salary: $55,240
Unemployment Rate: 2.8 percent
Expected Job Openings: 14,200
Dietitians and nutritionists must be assertive to help people alter their eating habits. The BLS predicts the national spotlight on obesity and health-conscious parents will drive employment growth in this profession.
Read more about dietitians and nutritionists.
16. Diagnostic Medical Sonographer
Median Salary: $65,860
Unemployment Rate: 4.1 percent
Expected Job Openings: 27,000
Beyond determining the sex and condition of babies in the womb, sonographers examine muscles, the nervous system, the abdominal cavity and breast tissue to diagnose medical conditions. The advances in imaging technology will lead facilities to use sonographers in place of more invasive and costly procedures.
Read more about diagnostic medical sonographers.
17. Massage Therapist
Median Salary: $35,970
Unemployment Rate: 3.7 percent
Expected Job Openings: 30,900
Often considered professionals with the "magic touch," massage therapists relieve pain, reduce stress and relax muscles. In spas and small businesses, these professionals use techniques such as reflexology and acupressure to meet their clients' treatment needs.
Read more about massage therapists.
18. Veterinary Technologist and Technician
Median Salary: $30,290
Unemployment Rate: 2.2 percent
Expected Job Openings: 25,000
Veterinary technologists and technicians manage lab work, radiology, nursing care and assist in animal surgeries. Although their duties often overlap, technologists typically have bachelor's degrees and technicians typically hold an associate degree.
Read more about veterinary technologists and technicians.
19. Esthetician
Median Salary: $28,640
Unemployment Rate: 3.9 percent
Expected Job Openings: 17,700
You can find these professionals in salons, spas and medical offices, evaluating skin condition and appearance, discussing possible treatments and executing treatments such as peels, scrubs and masks. However, compared with other health care jobs, the pay isn't particularly high in this field.
Read more about estheticians.
20. Respiratory Therapist
Median Salary: $55,870
Unemployment Rate: 3.6 percent
Expected Job Openings: 22,700
Respiratory therapists provide care for patients with heart and lung problems such as asthma, chronic bronchitis, sleep apnea or stroke. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 15 million adults in the U.S. live with obstructive pulmonary disease, which will contribute to an increasing need for respiratory therapists.
Read more about respiratory therapists.
21. Epidemiologist
Median Salary: $65,270
Unemployment Rate: 2.2 percent
Expected Job Openings: 14,200
Examining the causes of diseases is a focal point of epidemiologists' work; their research helps determine triggers, transmissions and recurrence of diseases. Epidemiologists use critical thinking, mathematical and statistical skills to develop their findings.
Read more about epidemiologists.
22. Substance Abuse Counselor
Median Salary: $38,520
Unemployment Rate: 4.8 percent
Expected Job Openings: 28,200
Substance abuse counselors help their patients rebuild work and personal relationships and recognize destructive behavioral patterns. Now that insurance covers counseling under the Affordable Care Act, the BLS predicts these jobs will be in greater demand, growing at a rate of 31 percent by 2022.
Read more about substance abuse counselors.
23. Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurse
Median Salary: $41,540
Unemployment Rate: 6.7 percent
Expected Job Openings: 182,900
Licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses check patients' vital signs, deliver medicine, dress wounds, start IVs and monitor medical equipment. In this profession, bedside manner is a necessity.
Read more about LPNs and LVNs.
24. Medical Assistant
Median Salary: $29,370
Unemployment Rate: 6.7 percent
Expected Job Openings: 162,900
Likely the first and last faces you see when you visit the doctor, medical assistants fulfill a range of office work and tasks. Medical assistants may also work in specialized roles like assisting a optometrist or podiatrist.
Read more about medical assistants.
25. Medical Equipment Repairer
Median Salary: $44,570
Unemployment Rate: 9.8 percent
Expected Job Openings: 12,800
These troubleshooters fix medical machines like CAT and MRI scanners. According to the BLS, a greater reliance on equipment like X-rays and ultrasounds to make diagnoses and treatment plans will spur employment growth for medical equipment repairers by about 30 percent by 2022.
Read more about medical equipment repairers.
26. Clinical Social Worker
Median Salary: $49,830
Unemployment Rate: 3.9 percent
Expected Job Openings: 39,200
Clinical social workers deal with the societal side of medical problems. Daily tasks may include research and paperwork as well as diagnosing and treating mental, behavioral and emotional disorders.
Read more about clinical social workers.
27. Medical Secretary
Median Salary: $31,350
Unemployment Rate: 6.2 percent
Expected Job Openings: 189,200
In a busy and hectic environment, medical secretaries may check shot records, scan insurance cards, collect copayments, take medical histories and order surgical supplies. The BLS predicts 36 percent employment growth in this profession by 2022, with the most hiring opportunities in physicians' offices and surgical hospitals where medical secretaries are critical.
Read more about medical secretaries.
28. Radiologic Technologist
Median Salary: $54,340
Unemployment Rate: 4.1 percent
Expected Job Openings: 41,500
Radiologic technologists use X-ray generators and CAT and MRI scanners to treat and measure a patient's illness or injury. Most of these technologists work in state, local and private hospitals, physician offices and medical and diagnostic laboratories.
Read more about radiologic technologists.
29. Optician
Median Salary: $33,330
Unemployment Rate: 5.2 percent
Expected Job Openings: 15,800
Opticians are responsible for making sure your glasses or contact lenses fit your eyes and lifestyle. They balance the science of eye prescriptions and the art of matching glasses to a facial structure.
Read more about opticians.
30. Dental Assistant
Median Salary: $34,500
Unemployment Rate: 4.1 percent
Expected Job Openings: 74,400
Dental assistants don't undergo the extensive training period of a dentist or hygienist, and only some states require them to obtain a license. Still, these medical professionals fulfill important positions in any dental office -- preparing patients for treatments and cleanings, as well as maintaining patient records.
Read more about dental assistants.
31. Home Health Aide
Median Salary: $20,820
Unemployment Rate: 8.4 percent
Expected Job Openings: 424,200
According to the BLS, older Americans are choosing to stay in their homes, which has increased the need for home health aides. Employment should spike in this job by 48.5 percent by 2022. These aides may help with household duties, like sweeping and washing clothes, and administer care for patients, including dressing injuries and bathing.
Read more about home health aides.
32. Personal Care Aide
Median Salary: $19,910
Unemployment Rate: 10 percent
Expected Job Openings: 580,800
Personal care aides work in homes like home health aides, but don't perform medical tasks. Their work starts after the client has been seen by a medical professional. Daily duties include helping clients complete basic living tasks like preparing meals and getting dressed.
Read more about personal care aides.
33. Marriage and Family Therapist
Median Salary: $46,670
Unemployment Rate: 7.1 percent
Expected Job Openings: 11,600
These professionals help resolve conflicts and assist couples, families and individuals in managing and overcoming emotional issues. Completing a bachelor's degree program is a prerequisite to practice, and having a master's degree is recommended.
Read more about marriage and family therapists.
34. Surgical Technologist
Median Salary: $41,790
Unemployment Rate: 4.5 percent
Expected Job Openings: 29,300
Surgical technologists make sure tools and utensils are sterile, counted and provided during surgical procedures. With additional certification, these technologists can earn the first assisting role in procedures, which would allow them to perform tasks like suctioning and suturing wounds.
Read more about surgical technologists.
35. Nursing Aide
Median Salary: $24,420
Unemployment Rate: 8.6 percent
Expected Job Openings: 312,200
Nursing aides help patients throughout the day by bathing, feeding and moving them from room to room. Nursing aides often work in nursing care facilities and hospitals, but some are employed by community care facilities and home health care services.
Read more about nursing aides.
36. Pharmacy Technician
Median Salary: $29,320
Unemployment Rate: 8.4 percent
Expected Job Openings: 70,700
Pharmacy technicians' precision and attention to detail allows them to fill medications quickly, but showing empathy is an equally important skill. While the majority work in pharmacies, drugstores and hospitals, some also work in department, grocery and general merchandise stores.
Read more about pharmacy technicians.
37. Paramedic
Median Salary: $31,020
Unemployment Rate: 5.5 percent
Expected Job Openings: 55,300
Also known as emergency medical technicians, paramedics are first responders to emergencies from explosions to car accidents. They have to be quick to act and competent to care for the sick and wounded on the scene before transporting them to a nearby medical facility.
Read more about paramedics.
38. Mental Health Counselor
Median Salary: $40,080
Unemployment Rate: 3.1 percent
Expected Job Openings: 36,700
Mental health counselors are problem-solvers who work with couples, college students and professionals. With psychiatrists and psychologists charging higher rates for therapy, more insurance companies are directing patients to visit these counselors.
Read more about mental health counselors.
