Career Category

Best Healthcare Careers in 2026

Healthcare remains one of the most resilient and fastest-growing career sectors in the economy. An aging population, expanding access to insurance, and breakthroughs in telehealth and precision medicine are driving sustained demand for clinical, administrative, and allied-health professionals. From registered nurses and physical therapists to health informatics specialists, the field rewards people who combine scientific knowledge with genuine empathy. Many healthcare roles offer strong starting salaries, clear advancement paths, and the satisfaction of making a measurable difference in patients’ lives. Whether you’re drawn to hands-on patient care or the data-driven side of public health, these are the healthcare careers projected to grow fastest through 2034.

286 careers sorted by projected growth rate

Nurse Practitioners
⭐ Bright Outlook · Median $132k · 41k openings/yr
+40%
Much faster than average
Nurse Anesthetists
⭐ Bright Outlook · Median $237k · 6k openings/yr
+38%
Much faster than average
Medical and Health Services Managers
⭐ Bright Outlook · Median $124k · 61k openings/yr
+29%
Much faster than average
Genetic Counselors
⭐ Bright Outlook · Median $100k · 1k openings/yr
+29%
Much faster than average
Physician Assistants
⭐ Bright Outlook · Median $136k · 13k openings/yr
+28%
Much faster than average
Anesthesiologist Assistants
⭐ Bright Outlook · Median $136k · 13k openings/yr
+28%
Much faster than average
AI Product Manager
⭐ Bright Outlook · Median $175k
+28%
Much faster than average
Cloud Solutions Architect
⭐ Bright Outlook · Median $134k
+25%
Much faster than average
Medical Science Liaison
⭐ Bright Outlook · Median $94k · 2k openings/yr
+25%
Much faster than average
Astronaut
Median $49k · 0k openings/yr
+25%
Much faster than average
Speech-Language Pathologists
⭐ Bright Outlook · Median $98k · 14k openings/yr
+19%
Faster than average
Physical Therapist Assistants
⭐ Bright Outlook · Median $68k · 9k openings/yr
+19%
Faster than average
Influencer Marketing Manager
⭐ Bright Outlook · Median $134k
+19%
Faster than average
Content Creator / Digital Creator
⭐ Bright Outlook · Median $74k
+18%
Faster than average
Clinical Trial Manager
⭐ Bright Outlook · Median $79k · 3k openings/yr
+18%
Faster than average
Personal Financial Advisors
⭐ Bright Outlook · Median $105k · 29k openings/yr
+17%
Faster than average
Social Media Manager
⭐ Bright Outlook · Median $134k
+17%
Faster than average
UX/UI Designer
⭐ Bright Outlook · Median $104k
+16%
Faster than average
Growth Marketing Manager
⭐ Bright Outlook · Median $134k
+16%
Faster than average
Dental Assistants
⭐ Bright Outlook · Median $48k · 51k openings/yr
+15%
Faster than average
Podcast Producer
⭐ Bright Outlook · Median $74k
+15%
Faster than average
Product Manager
⭐ Bright Outlook · Median $175k
+15%
Faster than average
Physical Therapists
⭐ Bright Outlook · Median $103k · 5k openings/yr
+14%
Faster than average
Athletic Trainers
⭐ Bright Outlook · Median $63k · 3k openings/yr
+14%
Faster than average
Medical Assistants
⭐ Bright Outlook · Median $46k · 107k openings/yr
+14%
Faster than average
Community Manager
⭐ Bright Outlook · Median $134k
+14%
Faster than average
Healthcare Consultant
⭐ Bright Outlook · Median $142k
+14%
Faster than average
Coaches and Scouts
⭐ Bright Outlook · Median $47k · 40k openings/yr
+13%
Faster than average
Respiratory Therapists
⭐ Bright Outlook · Median $82k · 9k openings/yr
+13%
Faster than average
Social and Human Service Assistants
⭐ Bright Outlook · Median $46k · 40k openings/yr
+12%
Faster than average
Occupational Therapists
⭐ Bright Outlook · Median $100k · 10k openings/yr
+12%
Faster than average
Low Vision Therapists, Orientation and Mobility Specialists, and Vision Rehabilitation Therapists
⭐ Bright Outlook · Median $100k · 10k openings/yr
+12%
Faster than average
Orderlies
⭐ Bright Outlook · Median $38k · 15k openings/yr
+12%
Faster than average
Psychiatric Aides
⭐ Bright Outlook · Median $45k · 9k openings/yr
+12%
Faster than average
Occupational Therapy Assistants
⭐ Bright Outlook · Median $72k
+12%
Faster than average
Occupational Therapy Aides
⭐ Bright Outlook · Median $39k
+12%
Faster than average
Physical Therapist Aides
⭐ Bright Outlook · Median $35k
+12%
Faster than average
Massage Therapists
⭐ Bright Outlook · Median $58k
+12%
Faster than average
Medical Equipment Preparers
⭐ Bright Outlook · Median $48k
+12%
Faster than average
Medical Transcriptionists
⭐ Bright Outlook · Median $40k
+12%
Faster than average
Pharmacy Aides
⭐ Bright Outlook · Median $38k
+12%
Faster than average
Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers
⭐ Bright Outlook · Median $38k
+12%
Faster than average
Speech-Language Pathology Assistants
⭐ Bright Outlook · Median $48k
+12%
Faster than average
Venture Capital Analyst
⭐ Bright Outlook · Median $81k
+12%
Faster than average
Health Informatics Specialists
⭐ Bright Outlook · Median $106k · 45k openings/yr
+11%
Faster than average
Phlebotomists
⭐ Bright Outlook · Median $45k · 19k openings/yr
+11%
Faster than average
Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists
⭐ Bright Outlook · Median $103k · 10k openings/yr
+10%
Faster than average
Rehabilitation Counselors
⭐ Bright Outlook · Median $47k · 14k openings/yr
+10%
Faster than average
Healthcare Social Workers
⭐ Bright Outlook · Median $68k · 22k openings/yr
+10%
Faster than average
Medical Device Sales Representative
⭐ Bright Outlook · Median $105k · 5k openings/yr
+9%
Average
Equal Opportunity Representatives and Officers
⭐ Bright Outlook · Median $81k · 29k openings/yr
+8%
Average
Human Resources Specialists
⭐ Bright Outlook · Median $76k · 33k openings/yr
+8%
Average
Dental Hygienists
⭐ Bright Outlook · Median $98k · 15k openings/yr
+8%
Average
Marriage and Family Therapists
Median $67k · 8k openings/yr
+7%
Average
Child, Family, and School Social Workers
⭐ Bright Outlook · Median $60k · 40k openings/yr
+7%
Average
Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers
Median $60k · 13k openings/yr
+7%
Average
Health Education Specialists
⭐ Bright Outlook · Median $64k · 6k openings/yr
+7%
Average
Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialists
Median $66k
+7%
Average
Community Health Workers
Median $52k
+7%
Average
Clergy
Median $61k
+7%
Average
Directors, Religious Activities and Education
Median $52k
+7%
Average
Media Programming Directors
⭐ Bright Outlook · Median $90k · 17k openings/yr
+7%
Average
Talent Directors
⭐ Bright Outlook · Median $90k · 17k openings/yr
+7%
Average
Dietitians and Nutritionists
⭐ Bright Outlook · Median $76k · 6k openings/yr
+7%
Average
Medical Secretaries and Administrative Assistants
⭐ Bright Outlook · Median $46k · 60k openings/yr
+7%
Average
Pharmaceutical Sales Representative
⭐ Bright Outlook · Median $105k · 7k openings/yr
+7%
Average
Agents and Business Managers of Artists, Performers, and Athletes
Median $83k
+6%
Average
Labor Relations Specialists
Median $95k
+6%
Average
Meeting, Convention, and Event Planners
Median $61k
+6%
Average
Fundraisers
Median $73k
+6%
Average
Compensation, Benefits, and Job Analysis Specialists
Median $78k
+6%
Average
Training and Development Specialists
Median $69k · 47k openings/yr
+6%
Average
Credit Counselors
Median $52k
+6%
Average
Loan Officers
Median $77k · 24k openings/yr
+6%
Average
Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health
⭐ Bright Outlook · Median $82k · 7k openings/yr
+6%
Average
Public Relations Specialists
⭐ Bright Outlook · Median $75k · 32k openings/yr
+6%
Average
Chiropractors
Median $79k
+6%
Average
Dentists, General
Median $171k
+6%
Average
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
Median $352k
+6%
Average
Orthodontists
Median $289k
+6%
Average
Prosthodontists
Median $311k
+6%
Average
Optometrists
Median $137k
+6%
Average
Pharmacists
Median $141k · 13k openings/yr
+6%
Average
Radiation Therapists
Median $105k
+6%
Average
Recreational Therapists
Median $62k
+6%
Average
Exercise Physiologists
Median $59k
+6%
Average
Art Therapists
Median $78k
+6%
Average
Music Therapists
Median $78k
+6%
Average
Registered Nurses
⭐ Bright Outlook · Median $98k · 195k openings/yr
+6%
Average
Acute Care Nurses
⭐ Bright Outlook · Median $98k · 195k openings/yr
+6%
Average
Advanced Practice Psychiatric Nurses
⭐ Bright Outlook · Median $98k · 195k openings/yr
+6%
Average
Critical Care Nurses
⭐ Bright Outlook · Median $98k · 195k openings/yr
+6%
Average
Clinical Nurse Specialists
⭐ Bright Outlook · Median $98k · 195k openings/yr
+6%
Average
Nurse Midwives
Median $134k
+6%
Average
Cardiologists
Median $496k
+6%
Average
Dermatologists
Median $329k
+6%
Average
Emergency Medicine Physicians
Median $336k
+6%
Average
General Internal Medicine Physicians
Median $257k
+6%
Average
Neurologists
Median $249k
+6%
Average
Obstetricians and Gynecologists
Median $293k
+6%
Average
Pediatricians, General
Median $210k
+6%
Average
Physicians, Pathologists
Median $312k
+6%
Average
Radiologists
Median $421k
+6%
Average
Allergists and Immunologists
Median $266k
+6%
Average
Hospitalists
Median $266k
+6%
Average
Urologists
Median $266k
+6%
Average
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Physicians
Median $266k
+6%
Average
Preventive Medicine Physicians
Median $266k
+6%
Average
Sports Medicine Physicians
Median $266k
+6%
Average
Ophthalmologists, Except Pediatric
Median $300k
+6%
Average
Orthopedic Surgeons, Except Pediatric
Median $359k
+6%
Average
Pediatric Surgeons
Median $559k
+6%
Average
Acupuncturists
Median $76k
+6%
Average
Naturopathic Physicians
Median $115k
+6%
Average
Orthoptists
Median $115k
+6%
Average
Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians
Median $74k
+6%
Average
Diagnostic Medical Sonographers
Median $97k
+6%
Average
Nuclear Medicine Technologists
Median $101k
+6%
Average
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists
Median $95k
+6%
Average
Medical Dosimetrists
Median $147k
+6%
Average
Paramedics
Median $61k
+6%
Average
Dietetic Technicians
Median $38k
+6%
Average
Psychiatric Technicians
Median $45k
+6%
Average
Ophthalmic Medical Technicians
Median $46k
+6%
Average
Medical Records Specialists
Median $51k
+6%
Average
Orthotists and Prosthetists
Median $81k
+6%
Average
Hearing Aid Specialists
Median $65k
+6%
Average
Neurodiagnostic Technologists
Median $50k
+6%
Average
Ophthalmic Medical Technologists
Median $50k
+6%
Average
Patient Representatives
Median $50k
+6%
Average
Health Information Technologists and Medical Registrars
Median $68k
+6%
Average
Surgical Assistants
Median $67k
+6%
Average
Midwives
Median $66k
+6%
Average
First-Line Supervisors of Entertainment and Recreation Workers, Except Gambling Services
Median $49k
+6%
Average
First-Line Supervisors of Personal Service Workers
Median $49k
+6%
Average
Animal Trainers
Median $40k
+6%
Average
Animal Caretakers
Median $35k
+6%
Average
Ushers, Lobby Attendants, and Ticket Takers
Median $33k
+6%
Average
Amusement and Recreation Attendants
Median $32k
+6%
Average
Locker Room, Coatroom, and Dressing Room Attendants
Median $36k
+6%
Average
Funeral Attendants
Median $36k
+6%
Average
Morticians, Undertakers, and Funeral Arrangers
Median $55k
+6%
Average
Barbers
Median $38k
+6%
Average
Shampooers
Median $33k
+6%
Average
Skincare Specialists
Median $45k
+6%
Average
Baggage Porters and Bellhops
Median $37k
+6%
Average
Concierges
Median $39k
+6%
Average
Childcare Workers
Median $35k · 40k openings/yr
+6%
Average
Nannies
Median $35k · 40k openings/yr
+6%
Average
Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors
Median $47k
+6%
Average
Recreation Workers
Median $37k
+6%
Average
Residential Advisors
Median $42k
+6%
Average
Music Producer
Median $90k
+6%
Average
Chief Executives
Median $214k
+5%
Average
Chief Sustainability Officers
Median $214k
+5%
Average
Public Relations Managers
Median $147k
+5%
Average
Fundraising Managers
Median $125k
+5%
Average
Administrative Services Managers
Median $114k
+5%
Average
Facilities Managers
Median $107k
+5%
Average
Compensation and Benefits Managers
Median $149k
+5%
Average
Human Resources Managers
Median $149k
+5%
Average
Training and Development Managers
Median $133k
+5%
Average
Education and Childcare Administrators, Preschool and Daycare
Median $59k
+5%
Average
Education Administrators, Kindergarten through Secondary
Median $106k
+5%
Average
Education Administrators, Postsecondary
Median $105k
+5%
Average
Food Service Managers
Median $69k
+5%
Average
Entertainment and Recreation Managers, Except Gambling
Median $80k
+5%
Average
Lodging Managers
Median $69k
+5%
Average
Clinical Research Coordinators
Median $167k
+5%
Average
Property, Real Estate, and Community Association Managers
Median $70k
+5%
Average
Social and Community Service Managers
Median $80k
+5%
Average
Emergency Management Directors
Median $93k
+5%
Average
Funeral Home Managers
Median $79k
+5%
Average
Fitness and Wellness Coordinators
Median $70k
+5%
Average
Spa Managers
Median $70k
+5%
Average
Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors
⭐ Bright Outlook · Median $64k · 32k openings/yr
+5%
Average
Arbitrators, Mediators, and Conciliators
Median $76k
+5%
Average
Judges, Magistrate Judges, and Magistrates
Median $154k
+5%
Average
Family Medicine Physicians
⭐ Bright Outlook · Median $244k · 6k openings/yr
+5%
Average
Emergency Medical Technicians
⭐ Bright Outlook · Median $44k · 21k openings/yr
+5%
Average
Surgical Technologists
⭐ Bright Outlook · Median $65k · 9k openings/yr
+5%
Average
Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses
⭐ Bright Outlook · Median $64k · 55k openings/yr
+5%
Average
Cooks, Private Household
Median $48k
+5%
Average
Bartenders
Median $34k
+5%
Average
Baristas
Median $31k
+5%
Average
Waiters and Waitresses
Median $35k
+5%
Average
Food Servers, Nonrestaurant
Median $35k
+5%
Average
Dining Room and Cafeteria Attendants and Bartender Helpers
Median $34k
+5%
Average
Hosts and Hostesses, Restaurant, Lounge, and Coffee Shop
Median $31k
+5%
Average
First-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers
Median $80k
+5%
Average
Medical Equipment Repairers
Median $62k
+5%
Average
Bioengineers and Biomedical Engineers
Median $109k
+4%
Slower than average
Health and Safety Engineers, Except Mining Safety Engineers and Inspectors
Median $115k
+4%
Slower than average
Park Naturalists
Median $73k
+4%
Slower than average
Epidemiologists
Median $87k
+4%
Slower than average
Industrial-Organizational Psychologists
Median $194k
+4%
Slower than average
Clinical and Counseling Psychologists
Median $101k
+4%
Slower than average
School Psychologists
Median $96k
+4%
Slower than average
Neuropsychologists
Median $111k
+4%
Slower than average
Clinical Neuropsychologists
Median $111k
+4%
Slower than average
Sociologists
Median $106k
+4%
Slower than average
Anthropologists and Archeologists
Median $71k
+4%
Slower than average
Environmental Science and Protection Technicians, Including Health
Median $55k
+4%
Slower than average
Occupational Health and Safety Specialists
Median $90k
+4%
Slower than average
Occupational Health and Safety Technicians
Median $62k
+4%
Slower than average
Athletes and Sports Competitors
Median $67k
+4%
Slower than average
Choreographers
Median $55k
+4%
Slower than average
Broadcast Announcers and Radio Disc Jockeys
Median $47k
+4%
Slower than average
Audiologists
Median $96k
+4%
Slower than average
Pharmacy Technicians
Median $46k · 42k openings/yr
+4%
Slower than average
Nursing Assistants
Median $42k · 222k openings/yr
+4%
Slower than average
Flight Attendants
Median $64k
+4%
Slower than average
Ambulance Drivers and Attendants, Except Emergency Medical Technicians
Median $35k
+4%
Slower than average
Bus Drivers, School
Median $48k
+4%
Slower than average
Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity
Median $59k
+4%
Slower than average
Passenger Attendants
Median $38k
+4%
Slower than average
Diplomat
Median $214k · 1k openings/yr
+4%
Slower than average
Anesthesiologists
Median $391k
+3%
Slower than average
Psychiatrists
Median $282k · 2k openings/yr
+3%
Slower than average
First-Line Supervisors of Correctional Officers
Median $78k
+3%
Slower than average
First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives
Median $106k
+3%
Slower than average
First-Line Supervisors of Firefighting and Prevention Workers
Median $94k
+3%
Slower than average
First-Line Supervisors of Security Workers
Median $56k
+3%
Slower than average
Correctional Officers and Jailers
Median $59k
+3%
Slower than average
Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, and Other Recreational Protective Service Workers
Median $34k
+3%
Slower than average
School Bus Monitors
Median $35k
+3%
Slower than average
Business Teachers, Postsecondary
Median $99k
+2%
Slower than average
Computer Science Teachers, Postsecondary
Median $97k
+2%
Slower than average
Mathematical Science Teachers, Postsecondary
Median $80k
+2%
Slower than average
Architecture Teachers, Postsecondary
Median $97k
+2%
Slower than average
Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary
Median $109k
+2%
Slower than average
Agricultural Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary
Median $99k
+2%
Slower than average
Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary
Median $85k
+2%
Slower than average
Forestry and Conservation Science Teachers, Postsecondary
Median $101k
+2%
Slower than average
Atmospheric, Earth, Marine, and Space Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary
Median $103k
+2%
Slower than average
Chemistry Teachers, Postsecondary
Median $93k
+2%
Slower than average
Environmental Science Teachers, Postsecondary
Median $95k
+2%
Slower than average
Physics Teachers, Postsecondary
Median $100k
+2%
Slower than average
Anthropology and Archeology Teachers, Postsecondary
Median $100k
+2%
Slower than average
Area, Ethnic, and Cultural Studies Teachers, Postsecondary
Median $85k
+2%
Slower than average
Economics Teachers, Postsecondary
Median $124k
+2%
Slower than average
Geography Teachers, Postsecondary
Median $98k
+2%
Slower than average
Political Science Teachers, Postsecondary
Median $98k
+2%
Slower than average
Psychology Teachers, Postsecondary
Median $80k
+2%
Slower than average
Sociology Teachers, Postsecondary
Median $84k
+2%
Slower than average
Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary
Median $107k
+2%
Slower than average
Nursing Instructors and Teachers, Postsecondary
Median $80k
+2%
Slower than average
Education Teachers, Postsecondary
Median $75k
+2%
Slower than average
Library Science Teachers, Postsecondary
Median $80k
+2%
Slower than average
Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement Teachers, Postsecondary
Median $77k
+2%
Slower than average
Law Teachers, Postsecondary
Median $129k
+2%
Slower than average
Social Work Teachers, Postsecondary
Median $78k
+2%
Slower than average
Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary
Median $79k
+2%
Slower than average
Communications Teachers, Postsecondary
Median $79k
+2%
Slower than average
English Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary
Median $79k
+2%
Slower than average
Foreign Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary
Median $79k
+2%
Slower than average
History Teachers, Postsecondary
Median $84k
+2%
Slower than average
Philosophy and Religion Teachers, Postsecondary
Median $80k
+2%
Slower than average
Family and Consumer Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary
Median $76k
+2%
Slower than average
Recreation and Fitness Studies Teachers, Postsecondary
Median $77k
+2%
Slower than average
Career/Technical Education Teachers, Postsecondary
Median $64k
+2%
Slower than average
Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education
Median $38k · 56k openings/yr
+2%
Slower than average
Kindergarten Teachers, Except Special Education
Median $63k
+2%
Slower than average
Middle School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education
Median $64k · 53k openings/yr
+2%
Slower than average
Career/Technical Education Teachers, Middle School
Median $65k
+2%
Slower than average
Career/Technical Education Teachers, Secondary School
Median $66k
+2%
Slower than average
Special Education Teachers, Preschool
Median $65k
+2%
Slower than average
Special Education Teachers, Middle School
Median $67k
+2%
Slower than average
Special Education Teachers, Secondary School
Median $74k · 41k openings/yr
+2%
Slower than average
Adapted Physical Education Specialists
Median $77k
+2%
Slower than average
Adult Basic Education, Adult Secondary Education, and English as a Second Language Instructors
Median $62k
+2%
Slower than average
Self-Enrichment Teachers
Median $47k
+2%
Slower than average
Substitute Teachers, Short-Term
Median $42k · 70k openings/yr
+2%
Slower than average
Tutors
Median $43k
+2%
Slower than average
Curators
Median $63k
+2%
Slower than average
Librarians and Media Collections Specialists
Median $68k
+2%
Slower than average
Library Technicians
Median $45k
+2%
Slower than average
Farm and Home Management Educators
Median $60k
+2%
Slower than average
Instructional Coordinators
Median $77k
+2%
Slower than average
Teaching Assistants, Postsecondary
Median $43k
+2%
Slower than average
First-Line Supervisors of Housekeeping and Janitorial Workers
Median $49k · 34k openings/yr
+2%
Slower than average
Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education
Median $64k · 113k openings/yr
+1%
Slower than average
Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education
Median $72k · 78k openings/yr
+1%
Slower than average
Podiatrists
Median $160k · 0k openings/yr
+1%
Slower than average
Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists
Median $36k · 82k openings/yr
+1%
Slower than average
Sales Representatives of Services, Except Advertising, Insurance, Financial Services, and Travel
Median $70k · 28k openings/yr
+1%
Slower than average

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