What Are the Highest-Paying Jobs in Health Science?
If you’re interested in a career within the healthcare field but don’t want to go to medical school, this collection of high-paying health science careers might be just what you need.
Health science professions come with attractive salaries, rapid job growth, and the rewarding feeling of making a difference in people’s lives. Whether you have a passion for research and office work or prefer hands-on interactions with individual patients, there’s a health science career that aligns with your aspirations.
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Exploring Lucrative Health Science Careers
In this guide, we’ll delve into some of the top-paying healthcare jobs that don’t require a medical degree.
Overview of Health Science Careers
Many health science graduates specialize in various areas such as public health, bioinformatics, diet and nutrition, or epidemiology. While a master’s degree is necessary for some of the highest-paying health science positions, there are plenty of excellent, well-paying jobs available for those with only an undergraduate degree. Given the increasing demand for health science roles, some employers may even assist with funding a graduate education.
Top-Paying Health Science Jobs for Undergraduates
Perhaps you’re seeking a high-paying health science career without the commitment of pursuing a master’s degree. These roles provide the chance to make a positive impact, earn a competitive income, and present opportunities for career advancement. Regardless of your strengths, the following are some of the best-paying healthcare jobs for individuals with an undergraduate degree, as per data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
| Career | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Medical and Health Services Manager | $119,840 |
| Biomedical Engineer | $101,020 |
| Radiation Therapist | $94,000 |
| Dental Hygienist | $81,360 |
| Dietitian or Nutritionist | $65,620 |
Source: BLS
1. Healthcare Administrator
Healthcare administrators are in charge of managing hospitals, health systems, physician offices, and other healthcare programs. They need to grasp the functioning of healthcare systems but don’t need clinical expertise. Effective organizational skills, excellent communication, comfort with technology and data, and strong problem-solving abilities are crucial for medical and health services managers. They collaborate with a diverse group of professionals, including medical, legal, IT, administrative, and other staff members.
Most healthcare administrators hold a bachelor’s degree in a field like health administration, business administration, or health informatics and gain experience in the healthcare sector. Their annual salaries typically exceed $100,000, encompassing those with both graduate and undergraduate degrees.
Average Annual Salary: $119,840
2. Biomedical Engineer
Biomedical engineers specialize in creating medical products and are usually employed by medical equipment and supply manufacturers, research and development firms, or other medical industries.
While their main focus is designing or enhancing medical devices and equipment, some biomedical engineers specialize in tasks like installation and troubleshooting, project management, or sales and support. This profession allows you to stay at the forefront of emerging technologies, such as remote robotic surgeries or developing brain-machine interfaces.
Most biomedical engineers major in bioengineering or another form of engineering, like mechanical or electrical engineering. A master’s degree can be beneficial for senior roles or management, although it’s not required for entry-level positions. Internships can provide valuable experience, help build a professional network, and allow exploration of different areas within the field.
Average Annual Salary: $101,020
3. Radiation Therapist
Radiation therapists administer radiation therapy, mainly to patients with cancer. You can become a radiation therapist with either an associate degree or a bachelor’s degree, although many employers prefer a four-year bachelor’s degree for managerial and higher-level positions. In most states, certification is required, typically earned by graduating from an accredited program and passing the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists certification examination.
Radiation therapists need to be detail-oriented and prioritize safety. Due to patients often being in distress, this role demands empathy and strong communication skills, in addition to technical expertise. Physical stamina is essential to assist patients as needed.
Average Annual Salary: $94,000
4. Dental Hygienist
Dental hygienists carry out dental cleanings, take X-rays, polish teeth, and support dentists in various procedures. They also educate patients on maintaining good dental hygiene. Most dental hygienist positions necessitate an associate degree, typically taking three years and requiring state licensure. Specific requirements differ by state, but generally involve graduating from an accredited program and passing a licensing exam.
Dental hygienists should excel in patient communication, addressing physical and mental discomfort. This physically demanding job involves frequent bending and standing.
Average Annual Salary: $81,360
5. Nutrition Specialist
Dietitians and nutritionists educate clients about food choices and nutrition and guide them in adopting the right diet for their health requirements. They work in various settings, including hospitals, government agencies, nursing homes, and healthcare service offices.
Dietitians must achieve certification and are legally permitted to treat clinical conditions related to diet and nutrition. Nutritionist requirements differ by state and are usually less stringent, with some states having no specific requirements. Nevertheless, nutritionists can obtain certification from the Board for Certification of Nutrition Specialists.
Dietitians and nutritionists need to comprehend psychology, communication, and the biology of diet and nutrition.
Average Annual Salary: $65,620
Top-Paying Advanced Health Science Careers
Several of the most lucrative healthcare positions demand a master’s degree and frequently necessitate certification. The typical salary in health science for these roles surpasses the average U.S. salary of $58,260, as reported by the BLS. Additionally, many of these professions are experiencing above-average growth, largely due to the aging U.S. population and the increased demand for healthcare.
| Career | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Physician Assistant | $119,460 |
| Occupational Therapist | $89,470 |
| Epidemiologist | $86,740 |
| Genetic Counselor | $86,640 |
| Speech-Language Pathologists | $85,820 |
Source: BLS
1. Physician Assistant
Physician assistants are not licensed doctors, but they can diagnose and treat medical conditions. They typically work in hospitals, clinics, schools, and correctional facilities. Legally, a physician must supervise their work, though the level of oversight varies by state. Effective communication is vital in this role.
Typical undergraduate degrees for physician assistants include health science fields or biology. To become a physician assistant, you must complete a master’s degree from an accredited program and pass the licensing examination from the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants. Many physician assistants pursue additional certifications in specialized areas.
Average Annual Salary: $119,460
2. Genetic Counselor
Genetic counseling has emerged as a relatively new field as genetics advances, raising complex emotional and ethical issues. This profession deals with genetic embryonic screening, genetic testing for inherited conditions, and more. Licensing requirements vary by state, but most employers demand certification from the American Board of Genetics Counseling. To become certified, you must graduate from an accredited master’s program and pass an exam.
Genetic counselors must excel in communication and show respect and empathy to patients who often face challenging decisions and difficult situations. While most genetic counselors work within hospital or health systems, some practice independently.
Average Annual Salary: $86,640
3. Occupational Therapist
Occupational therapists assist patients dealing with injuries or physical conditions that affect their daily lives. They teach patients how to perform exercises and everyday activities with reduced pain and injury risk.
To become an occupational therapist, you must earn a master’s degree from an accredited institution, complete fieldwork hours, and pass the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy examination for licensure. Most occupational therapists work in hospitals, physical therapy practices, or schools, but they can also find employment in nursing homes or home care.
Occupational therapists should be physically capable of assisting patients with limited mobility and should be able to motivate patients, especially when exercises are challenging.
Average Annual Salary: $89,470
4. Speech-Language Pathologists
Speech-language pathologists help patients with speech and swallowing difficulties. They work with children in schools and adults in private speech therapy practices or hospitals. These professionals aid patients in regaining their ability to speak after incidents like strokes, and they also work with individuals developing their speech abilities.
Typically, speech-language pathologists hold an undergraduate degree in speech therapy, health sciences, or biology. Licensing is required in all states. To obtain a license, you must graduate from an accredited master’s program, complete fieldwork hours, and pass an examination. Many states or employers also demand certification from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. In most states, speech-language pathologists working in schools need a specific license for working with children.
Average Annual Salary: $85,820
5. Epidemiologist
Epidemiologists investigate the distribution, causes, and prevention of diseases. This profession requires an understanding of both the biological origins of diseases and the social factors influencing them, such as beliefs, behaviors, and cultures.
The importance of epidemiologists was underscored during the COVID-19 pandemic in preventing infectious diseases and mitigating their impact. Many epidemiologists work to prevent noninfectious diseases, like cancer, by studying environmental factors such as pollution and behaviors like smoking or dietary habits.
While many epidemiologists hold doctoral degrees, entry-level positions often require a master’s degree. Unlike most top-paying healthcare careers, this role does not typically require licensing.
Average Annual Salary: $86,740
Frequently Asked Questions About Health Science Jobs
1. Can you become a doctor with a health science degree?
Yes, you can become a doctor with an undergraduate or graduate health science degree by attending medical school. You can also use your health science degree to enter a doctoral program in fields other than medicine, such as public health, epidemiology, biomedical engineering, or related disciplines.
2. What are the most in-demand health science jobs?
Some of the most in-demand health science jobs include:
– Occupational therapy assistant
– Home health and personal care aide
– Physical therapy assistant
– Medical and health services manager
– Substance use and mental health counselor
Some positions, such as home health and personal care aide, do not require extensive education or training. Others, such as occupational or physical therapy assistant, offer opportunities for advancement with more training and experience.
3. Can you earn a health science degree online?
Many schools offer undergraduate or graduate health science degrees online or in a hybrid format, with some on-campus requirements. If your health science program involves fieldwork, you may be able to complete that in your local community, especially if you live in an area with numerous healthcare providers.
4. Is health science a challenging field?
The difficulty of the health science field depends on your individual strengths and areas that require improvement. A fundamental understanding of medicine, research methods, statistics, social sciences, and communication is necessary. However, you can choose a specialization that aligns with your strengths to make the most of your abilities.
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