The 4 Highest-Paying Jobs in Healthcare in 2019

Published on: Sep 26, 2019

Category:

Advice

The top 4 highest-paid professions in 2019 are all in healthcare, according to Glassdoor.com’s annual survey. The new study was compiled using U.S.-based employee salary reports, median annual salaries, and job openings between July 1, 2018 and June 30, 2019. Physicians, Pharmacy Managers, Dentists, and Pharmacists made the top of the list, showing not just high demand for these positions, but that they are well-compensated for their niche roles.

Despite the projected shortages of 20,000 primary care physicians by 2025, according to HRSA, and 42,600 to 121,300 physicians by 2030, according to the Association of American Medical Colleges, the healthcare sector is still on a hiring spree, with job growth beating non-healthcare job growth and owning the top share of overall U.S. jobs for the first time ever, according to a study by consulting firm, Altarum. So, if you’ve been thinking about starting a new career path, or changing career paths, the time is ripe and opportunities abound.

The only barriers to these top-paying healthcare jobs is that they require years of additional education to receive master’s and doctoral degrees, medical school, as well as fellowships, residencies, and licensing. So, what does it really take to join their ranks? We’ll take a closer look at the top 4 jobs from Glassdoor’s new list.

# 1: PHYSICIAN

What you would do: Well, you’d be in the highest-paid profession in the country, for one. Doctors are responsible for evaluating, diagnosing, and treating the health of their patients. And if you decide to become a specialist, you can earn significantly more.
Minimum requirements: 4 years undergraduate to get a bachelor’s degree, followed by 4 years in medical school to get an MD or DO, then 3-7 years in residency and fellowship programs. Finally, while licensing requirements vary by state, most require a 1-year residency and passing of a board certification exam.
What can you earn? A median annual base salary of $193,415
Number of job openings: 3,729

Piggy bank with stethoscope, isolated on white.

#2: PHARMACY MANAGER

What you would do: Pharmacy Managers typically oversee one branch, though some work across multiple branches of hospitals, pharmacies, or medical clinics, making sure all state and federal regulations are being adhered to, and their inventory is being stocked and dispensed properly. They also must manage staff, focus on customer satisfaction, and make sure things are running as efficiently as possible.
Minimum requirements: After getting an associate’s or bachelor’s degree, aspiring pharmacy managers must then get a Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) degree, which on average takes 4 years. Many then also pursue a masters or doctoral degree in pharmacy administration. Either way, they must then pass two state exams to become a licensed pharmacist and put in significant time gaining experience working in a licensed capacity before being eligible for manager/director status.
What can you earn? A median annual base salary of $144,768
Number of job openings: 3,042

#3: DENTIST

What you would do: Dentists are responsible for fixing or removing tooth decay, filling cavities, and repairing fractured teeth, as well as diagnosing and treating other issues with patients’ teeth, gums and related parts of the mouth and jaw. They perform oral surgery, screen for oral cancers, and provide guidance on prevention and overall oral health.
Minimum requirements: A 4-year undergraduate degree in pre-dentistry or biological sciences, and then 4 years in dental school to obtain a D.D.S. or D.D.M. degree. Some schools offer combination programs which can cut the time down to 6-7 years. Specialties require an additional 2 years residency. Finally, all states require dentists obtain a license by passing both written and practical exams.
What can you earn? A median annual base salary of $142,478
Number of job openings: 3,655

#4: PHARMACIST

What you would do: In general, pharmacists dispense prescribed medications to patients in their proper dosages. They also plainly communicate the do’s and don’ts of safely administering medicines to avoid possible adverse drug interactions, as well as give flu shots and general nutrition and health advice.
Minimum requirements: Pharmacists need at least a 2-year undergraduate degree, though most opt for a 4-year bachelor’s degree, and then must obtain their Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) degree, which usually takes 4 years, although some schools offer 3-year programs. After that, every state requires pharmacists pass two exams – the Multistate Pharmacy Jurisprudence Exam and the North American Pharmacist Licensure Exam – to get their license.
What can you earn? A median annual base salary of $126,438
Number of job openings: 1,884