The healthcare industry has faced tough times over the past few years responding to the COVID-19 pandemic, and its impact has greatly affected the workforce.
A significant portion of the healthcare workforce has indicated they plan to leave the industry altogether, mostly due to burnout worsened by the pandemic, which could leave a huge need for certain positions. Despite the heavy burden of burnout, healthcare jobs are still some of the best out there, with many commanding high salaries. In fact, several healthcare jobs are rated among the top 100 best jobs, as ranked by U.S. News & World Report, which recently published its 100 Best Jobs list for 2023.
Nurse practitioner was rated the second best job overall, across all industries in U.S. News & World Report’s 2023 list, with a median salary above $120,000 and a huge projected demand for jobs. Medical and health services manager was ranked as the No. 3 best job overall, physician assistant was ranked No. 4 overall, followed by physical therapist (No. 6). Rounding out the top 10 overall best job was dentist (No. 10).
It may be surprising that some of the highest-paid healthcare jobs, including physician and surgeon, were lower on the list of best jobs within the healthcare space. US News & World Report ranked jobs based on salary, unemployment rate and stress, reflecting the desires of workers who want higher salaries, lots of open positions and opportunities for promotion.
Here are the best jobs in healthcare as ranked by U.S. News & World Report:
- Nurse practitioner. Median salary: $120,680. Projected jobs: 112,700
- Physician Assistant. Median salary: 121,530. Projected jobs: 38,400
- Physical Therapist. Median salary: $95,620. Projected jobs: 40,400
- Dentist. Median salary: $160,370. Projected jobs: 7,700
- Veterinarian. Median salary: $100,370. Projected jobs: 16,800
- Physician. Median salary: $208,000. Projected jobs: 19,400
- Orthodontist. Median salary: $208,000. Projected jobs: 300
- Registered nurse. Median salary: $77,600. Projected jobs: 195,400
- Oral and maxillofacial surgeon. Median salary: $208,000. Projected jobs: 300
- Nurse anesthetist. Median salary: $95,610. Projected jobs: 5,300
See the full healthcare ranking here.
Amy joined TriMed Media as a Senior Writer for HealthExec after covering home care for three years. When not writing about all things healthcare, she fulfills her lifelong dream of becoming a pirate by sailing in regattas and enjoying rum. Fun fact: she sailed 333 miles across Lake Michigan in the Chicago Yacht Club "Race to Mackinac."