The five highest paying jobs in health sciences

For years, the United States has been facing a huge shortage in skilled, licensed healthcare professionals. Due to an aging population — not to mention the remaining ripple effects of the COVID-19 pandemic — we can expect to see an increasing demand for healthcare services in the decades to come.

In fact, according to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics (BLS), employment in healthcare occupations is projected to grow much faster than average compared to other occupational groups. The BLS expects to see 1.9 million new job openings every year between 2023 and 2033.

If you’ve ever considered a healthcare career but didn’t want to dedicate years and years to your education, you’re in luck: career, technical and vocational schools around the country offer a faster path to the field of health sciences.

Becoming a home health aide, nursing assistant, or medical technician requires less time in school than earning a traditional degree and can help you prepare for a job in your industry. Career and technical schools can be great places to receive the hands-on training and certification preparation needed to join the healthcare workforce.

Check out schools that offer these programs

At the Imagine America Foundation, we partner with career and technical schools around the country that offer high-quality courses and instructors — and we’re eager to help you find your perfect match.

If the medical field is something that has always interested you, now is the perfect time to jump in! Job vacancy and increased access to training programs can make it possible to begin your healthcare career journey sooner than you thought possible.

The only thing to figure out now is which job you want to train for! Here are five of the highest-paying (and fast-growing) trade jobs in the health sciences field for those who hold an associate degree, according to 2023 data from the BLS. Check it out!

Highest-paying trade school jobs in healthcare and health sciences

1. Radiation Therapist

Average annual salary: $101,990

The field of radiation therapy is growing at a fast rate, and the BLS is expecting 3% growth through 2033. Radiation therapists work in hospital settings to help doctors and oncologists administer radiation therapy.

They are on the frontlines of radiation treatment and work closely with their patients, offering information and care throughout the treatment process. Radiation therapists are also in charge of keeping detailed notes about the treatment and the patient’s reaction to it.

2. Dental Hygienist

Average annual salary: $94,260

Dental hygienists clean and examine their patients’ teeth in dental offices. They work under the supervision of a dentist to help their patients improve or maintain their dental hygiene. A dental hygienist can also take x-rays of teeth and provide preventative care.

Jobs for dental hygienists are expected to grow about 9% over the next ten years — much faster than average. In order to become a dental hygienist, you must hold an associate degree in dental hygiene and a license in this field.

3. Diagnostic Medical Sonographer

Average annual salary: $82,570

A diagnostic medical sonographer takes ultrasound pictures for patients, typically in a medical office or hospital. They are in charge of preparing patients for the procedure, reviewing images, and interpreting them with doctors. They are also in charge of maintaining the medical machines they use.

The projected growth for diagnostic medical sonographer jobs is 11% through 2033, much faster than the average for all occupations. And take note: this field reports a high level of job satisfaction throughout the county.

4. Health Information Technologists and Medical Registrars

Average annual salary: $67,310

Health information technologists and medical registrars help to design and develop electronic healthcare systems. They abstract, collect, and analyze clinical data related to medical treatment, followup, and results. Their work supports the delivery and improvement of patient care.

They play a crucial role in patient care, especially when it comes to teams of doctors needing to communicate with each other in order to coordinate prompt and proper patient treatment. The field of medical records and health information technicians is expected to grow much faster than average, at a rate of 16% through 2033.

5.Licensed Practical Nurse

Average annual salary: $62,340

Becoming a licensed practical nurse (or LPN) is a great way to enter the medical field without spending years and years on education. The number of LPN jobs is expected to grow at an average rate of 3% over the next ten years.

As an LPN, you may work at a hospital, school, home, business, or other medical setting to provide basic healthcare and training to those in need. It is also an LPN’s job to work with doctors and nurses to provide the best care possible for their patients. Becoming a licensed practical nurse is a great first step on the journey to becoming a nurse or other medical service provider.

If you are ready to find the hands-on training you need to get started in one of these healthcare careers, register with the Imagine America Foundation today to apply for a scholarship to attend one of our participating health science schools.

Check out career colleges and technical schools in your area that offer healthcare programs