Healthcare Careers
Heal, research, innovate. Healthcare careers combine science with human impact.
Healthcare is one of the most resilient and fastest-growing industries. From surgeons and nurses to biomedical engineers and health data analysts, healthcare offers diverse career paths. With an aging population and advances in medical technology, demand for healthcare professionals will continue to surge through 2034 and beyond.
All Healthcare Careers
Veterinarian
Veterinarians diagnose, treat, and prevent diseases and injuries in animals. They perform surgeries, prescribe medications, and advise owners on animal care.
Physical Therapist
Physical therapists help injured or ill people improve movement and manage pain. They design treatment plans using exercises, stretches, and hands-on therapy.
Dentist
Dentists diagnose and treat problems with patients' teeth, gums, and related parts of the mouth. They provide preventive care, restorations, and educate patients on oral health.
๐ฅ Gene Therapy Engineer / Gene Therapy Startup Founder
Use CRISPR and gene editing to directly modify human DNA to cure diseases โ sickle cell anemia, inherited blindness, certain cancers. "Rewriting the source code of life."
Registered Nurse
Registered nurses provide and coordinate patient care, educate patients about health conditions, and provide emotional support.
๐ฅ Longevity Tech Entrepreneur
Use science to slow or reverse aging at the cellular level โ gene editing, stem cells, senolytics. Not anti-aging creams, real frontier biotech.
๐ฅ MedTech / HealthTech Founder
Build technology that solves healthcare problems โ wearables, telemedicine, AI diagnostics.
Physician / Doctor
Physicians diagnose and treat injuries and diseases. They examine patients, take medical histories, prescribe medications, and order diagnostic tests.
Sleep Science Consultant
Combine neuroscience, wearable data, and behavioral psychology to optimize sleep.
Psychologist
Psychologists study cognitive, emotional, and social processes and behavior by observing, interpreting, and recording how individuals relate to one another.
Dental hygienists
Dental hygienists play a vital role in the US economy, with 222K professionals employed nationwide. The median annual salary is $94,260, with projected growth of 7% through 2034 (Much faster than average).
Massage therapists
Massage therapists play a vital role in the US economy, with 168K professionals employed nationwide. The median annual salary is $57,950, with projected growth of 15% through 2034 (Much faster than average).
Phlebotomists
Phlebotomists play a vital role in the US economy, with 140K professionals employed nationwide. The median annual salary is $43,660, with projected growth of 6% through 2034 (Faster than average).
Nursing assistants and orderlies
Nursing assistants and orderlies play a vital role in the US economy, with 1.5 million professionals employed nationwide. The median annual salary is $39,430, with projected growth of 2% through 2034 (Slower than average).
Veterinary assistants and laboratory animal caretakers
Veterinary assistants and laboratory animal caretakers play a vital role in the US economy, with 118K professionals employed nationwide. The median annual salary is $37,320, with projected growth of 9% through 2034 (Much faster than average).
Barbers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists
Barbers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists play a vital role in the US economy, with 651K professionals employed nationwide. The median annual salary is $35,420, with projected growth of 5% through 2034 (Faster than average).
Home health and personal care aides
Home health and personal care aides play a vital role in the US economy, with 4.3 million professionals employed nationwide. The median annual salary is $34,900, with projected growth of 17% through 2034 (Much faster than average).
Manicurists and pedicurists
Manicurists and pedicurists play a vital role in the US economy, with 210K professionals employed nationwide. The median annual salary is $34,660, with projected growth of 7% through 2034 (Much faster than average).
Animal care and service workers
Animal care and service workers play a vital role in the US economy, with 439K professionals employed nationwide. The median annual salary is $33,860, with projected growth of 11% through 2034 (Much faster than average).
Childcare workers
Childcare workers play a vital role in the US economy, with 992K professionals employed nationwide. The median annual salary is $32,050, with projected growth of -3% through 2034 (Decline).
Pharmacist
Pharmacists dispense prescription medications, advise patients on proper drug use and side effects, and collaborate with physicians on treatment plans.
Occupational therapists
Occupational therapists play a vital role in the US economy, with 160K professionals employed nationwide. The median annual salary is $98,340, with projected growth of 14% through 2034 (Much faster than average).
Chiropractors
Chiropractors play a vital role in the US economy, with 57K professionals employed nationwide. The median annual salary is $79,000, with projected growth of 10% through 2034 (Much faster than average).
Occupational therapy assistants and aides
Occupational therapy assistants and aides play a vital role in the US economy, with 54K professionals employed nationwide. The median annual salary is $66,050, with projected growth of 18% through 2034 (Much faster than average).
Surgical assistants and technologists
Surgical assistants and technologists play a vital role in the US economy, with 141K professionals employed nationwide. The median annual salary is $62,480, with projected growth of 5% through 2034 (Faster than average).
Recreational therapists
Recreational therapists play a vital role in the US economy, with 16K professionals employed nationwide. The median annual salary is $60,280, with projected growth of 3% through 2034 (As fast as average).
Athletic trainers
Athletic trainers play a vital role in the US economy, with 34K professionals employed nationwide. The median annual salary is $60,250, with projected growth of 11% through 2034 (Much faster than average).
Physical therapist assistants and aides
Physical therapist assistants and aides play a vital role in the US economy, with 157K professionals employed nationwide. The median annual salary is $60,050, with projected growth of 16% through 2034 (Much faster than average).
Funeral service workers
Funeral service workers play a vital role in the US economy, with 60K professionals employed nationwide. The median annual salary is $59,420, with projected growth of 4% through 2034 (As fast as average).
Dental assistants
Dental assistants play a vital role in the US economy, with 382K professionals employed nationwide. The median annual salary is $47,300, with projected growth of 6% through 2034 (Faster than average).
EMTs and paramedics
EMTs and paramedics play a vital role in the US economy, with 283K professionals employed nationwide. The median annual salary is $46,350, with projected growth of 5% through 2034 (Faster than average).
Fitness trainers and instructors
Fitness trainers and instructors play a vital role in the US economy, with 370K professionals employed nationwide. The median annual salary is $46,180, with projected growth of 12% through 2034 (Much faster than average).
Psychiatric technicians and aides
Psychiatric technicians and aides play a vital role in the US economy, with 183K professionals employed nationwide. The median annual salary is $42,200, with projected growth of 16% through 2034 (Much faster than average).
Skincare specialists
Skincare specialists play a vital role in the US economy, with 97K professionals employed nationwide. The median annual salary is $41,560, with projected growth of 7% through 2034 (Much faster than average).
Recreation workers
Recreation workers play a vital role in the US economy, with 328K professionals employed nationwide. The median annual salary is $35,380, with projected growth of 4% through 2034 (As fast as average).
Podiatrists
Podiatrists play a vital role in the US economy, with 10K professionals employed nationwide. The median annual salary is $152,800, with projected growth of 2% through 2034 (Slower than average).
Optometrists
Optometrists play a vital role in the US economy, with 48K professionals employed nationwide. The median annual salary is $134,830, with projected growth of 8% through 2034 (Much faster than average).
Radiation therapists
Radiation therapists play a vital role in the US economy, with 19K professionals employed nationwide. The median annual salary is $101,990, with projected growth of 2% through 2034 (Slower than average).
Nuclear medicine technologists
Nuclear medicine technologists play a vital role in the US economy, with 20K professionals employed nationwide. The median annual salary is $97,020, with projected growth of 3% through 2034 (As fast as average).
Audiologists
Audiologists play a vital role in the US economy, with 16K professionals employed nationwide. The median annual salary is $92,120, with projected growth of 9% through 2034 (Much faster than average).
Respiratory therapists
Respiratory therapists play a vital role in the US economy, with 140K professionals employed nationwide. The median annual salary is $80,450, with projected growth of 12% through 2034 (Much faster than average).
Radiologic and MRI technologists
Radiologic and MRI technologists play a vital role in the US economy, with 272K professionals employed nationwide. The median annual salary is $78,980, with projected growth of 5% through 2034 (Faster than average).
Orthotists and prosthetists
Orthotists and prosthetists play a vital role in the US economy, with 10K professionals employed nationwide. The median annual salary is $78,310, with projected growth of 13% through 2034 (Much faster than average).
Cardiovascular technologists and technicians
Cardiovascular technologists and technicians play a vital role in the US economy, with 65K professionals employed nationwide. The median annual salary is $67,260, with projected growth of 3% through 2034 (As fast as average).
Licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses
Licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses play a vital role in the US economy, with 651K professionals employed nationwide. The median annual salary is $62,340, with projected growth of 3% through 2034 (As fast as average).
Exercise physiologists
Exercise physiologists play a vital role in the US economy, with 24K professionals employed nationwide. The median annual salary is $58,160, with projected growth of 9% through 2034 (Much faster than average).
Opticians
Opticians play a vital role in the US economy, with 80K professionals employed nationwide. The median annual salary is $46,560, with projected growth of 3% through 2034 (As fast as average).
Veterinary technologists and technicians
Veterinary technologists and technicians play a vital role in the US economy, with 134K professionals employed nationwide. The median annual salary is $45,980, with projected growth of 9% through 2034 (Much faster than average).
Medical assistants
Medical assistants play a vital role in the US economy, with 811K professionals employed nationwide. The median annual salary is $44,200, with projected growth of 12% through 2034 (Much faster than average).
Pharmacy technicians
Pharmacy technicians play a vital role in the US economy, with 490K professionals employed nationwide. The median annual salary is $43,460, with projected growth of 6% through 2034 (Faster than average).
Tour and travel guides
Tour and travel guides play a vital role in the US economy, with 56K professionals employed nationwide. The median annual salary is $36,660, with projected growth of 8% through 2034 (Much faster than average).
Gambling services workers
Gambling services workers play a vital role in the US economy, with 151K professionals employed nationwide. The median annual salary is $35,630, with projected growth of 0% through 2034 (Little or no change).
Physician assistants
Physician assistants play a vital role in the US economy, with 163K professionals employed nationwide. The median annual salary is $133,260, with projected growth of 20% through 2034 (Much faster than average).
Nurse anesthetists, nurse midwives, and nurse practitioners
Nurse anesthetists, nurse midwives, and nurse practitioners play a vital role in the US economy, with 383K professionals employed nationwide. The median annual salary is $132,050, with projected growth of 35% through 2034 (Much faster than average).
Speech-language pathologists
Speech-language pathologists play a vital role in the US economy, with 187K professionals employed nationwide. The median annual salary is $95,410, with projected growth of 15% through 2034 (Much faster than average).
Diagnostic medical sonographers
Diagnostic medical sonographers play a vital role in the US economy, with 90K professionals employed nationwide. The median annual salary is $89,340, with projected growth of 13% through 2034 (Much faster than average).
Occupational health and safety specialists and technicians
Occupational health and safety specialists and technicians play a vital role in the US economy, with 164K professionals employed nationwide. The median annual salary is $78,900, with projected growth of 12% through 2034 (Much faster than average).
Clinical laboratory technologists and technicians
Clinical laboratory technologists and technicians play a vital role in the US economy, with 351K professionals employed nationwide. The median annual salary is $61,890, with projected growth of 2% through 2034 (Slower than average).
Concierges
Concierges play a vital role in the US economy, with 46K professionals employed nationwide. The median annual salary is $37,320, with projected growth of 2% through 2034 (Slower than average).
Genetic counselors
Genetic counselors play a vital role in the US economy, with 4K professionals employed nationwide. The median annual salary is $98,910, with projected growth of 9% through 2034 (Much faster than average).
Dietitians and nutritionists
Dietitians and nutritionists play a vital role in the US economy, with 91K professionals employed nationwide. The median annual salary is $73,850, with projected growth of 6% through 2034 (Faster than average).
Medical dosimetrists
Medical dosimetrists play a vital role in the US economy, with 5K professionals employed nationwide. The median annual salary is $138,110, with projected growth of 3% through 2034 (As fast as average).
Health information technologists and medical registrars
Health information technologists and medical registrars play a vital role in the US economy, with 42K professionals employed nationwide. The median annual salary is $67,310, with projected growth of 15% through 2034 (Much faster than average).
Medical records specialists
Medical records specialists play a vital role in the US economy, with 195K professionals employed nationwide. The median annual salary is $50,250, with projected growth of 7% through 2034 (Much faster than average).
Medical transcriptionists
Medical transcriptionists play a vital role in the US economy, with 44K professionals employed nationwide. The median annual salary is $37,550, with projected growth of -5% through 2034 (Decline).
Recommended AP Courses for Healthcare
These AP courses are most frequently connected to Healthcare careers. Taking them in high school gives you a head start.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the highest-paying careers in Healthcare?
The highest-paying Healthcare careers include Physician / Doctor ($229,300), Dentist ($170,910), Longevity Tech Entrepreneur ($160,000). The average salary across all Healthcare careers on PathLeap is $78,279.
Which Healthcare careers are safest from AI?
The most AI-resilient Healthcare careers include Veterinarian (AI risk: 3/100), Physical Therapist (AI risk: 3/100), Dentist (AI risk: 5/100). These careers involve skills that are harder for AI to replicate.
What AP courses should I take for Healthcare?
The most recommended AP courses for Healthcare careers are AP Biology, AP Chemistry, AP Computer Science Principles, AP Physics 1: Algebra-Based. These courses build foundational skills valued in Healthcare.
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