Non-physicians fill some of the highest paid jobs in the Healthcare Industry. With the dramatic rise in the need for Healthcare Managers and Executives, higher and higher salaries are being paid to these managers found within the field of healthcare. While Healthcare Managers and Executives do not provide direct patient care, their role is critical to the function of the Healthcare Industry as a whole. This article will look at the 20 highest paid non-physician jobs in healthcare, according to the 2014 edition of the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Handbook. We will outline the median salary, the predicted rise in employment rates, necessary education, the details of the position and any other relevant information regarding the career.

20 Highest Paid Non-Physician Jobs in Healthcare

#20 – Respiratory Therapist

Respiratory therapists treat patients who have difficult breathing. This could be in the more serious cases such as chronic respiratory disease, or a milder respiratory issue such as asthma or emphysema. The patients they treat range from premature neonates with undeveloped lungs to elderly patients who suffer from lung disease. Respiratory Therapists may also give emergency care to patients suffering from heart attacks, other cardiac events, accidents, drowning, shock or many other emergent situations.

Median Salary: $55,870

Predicted Rise in Employment: Predicted 19% Rise between 2012 and 2020

Required Education: Minimum of Associate’s Degree

Additional Information:
Respiratory therapists are responsible for the following (and more):

• Interview and examination of patients suffering from breathing or cardiopulmonary disorders
• Consult with doctors to develop patient treatment plans
• Perform diagnostic tests such as measuring lung capacity
• Treat patients using various methods, including chest physiotherapy and aerosol medications
• Monitor and record the progress of treatment
• Supervise respiratory therapy technicians during tests and evaluate the findings of the tests
• Teach patients how to use home treatments

#19 – Genetic Counselor

Genetic counselors are responsible for assessing individual or family risk for a variety of inherited conditions, such as genetic disorders and birth defects. These highly skilled professionals offer information and advice to other healthcare providers, as well as to individuals and families concerned with the risk of inherited conditions.

Median Salary: $56,800

Predicted Rise in Employment: Predicted 41% Rise between 2012 and 2020

Required Education: Minimum of Master’s Degree

Additional Information:
The field of Genetic Counseling is seeing a much faster than average rate of growth, with a prediction of almost 1,000 new positions nationwide by 2020.

#18 – Diagnostic Medical Sonographers and Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians, Including Vascular Technologists

Diagnostic medical sonographers and cardiovascular technologists and technicians, including vascular technologists, operate special, technologically advanced imaging equipment to create images or conduct tests. The images and test results help physicians assess and diagnose medical conditions. In some cases these technologists will help physicians and surgeons during surgical procedures.

Median Salary: $60,350

Predicted Rise in Employment: Predicted 39% Rise between 2012 and 2020

Required Education: Minimum of Associate’s Degree

Additional Information:
This varied field is expecting much faster than average rates of growth, with a prediction of approximately 42,700 new positions nationwide by 2020.

#17 – Orthotic and Prosthetics Professionals

Orthotists and prosthetists, often referred to as O&P professionals, design medical supportive devices and measure and fit patients for these helpful aides. These devices include artificial limbs (arms, hands, legs, and feet), braces, and other medical or surgical devices.

Median Salary: $62,670

Predicted Rise in Employment: Predicted 36% Rise between 2012 and 2020

Required Education: Minimum of Master’s Degree

Additional Information:
With the number of injured veterans in the United States, this field of employment will see significant growth over the next ten years. It is also expected that the salary level for the O&P profession will also grow.

#16 – Insurance Underwriter

Insurance underwriters are the people responsible for deciding whether or not to provide insurance to individuals and under what circumstances. They evaluate insurance applications and determine coverage amounts and premiums.

Median Salary: $62,870

Predicted Rise in Employment: This field is currently seeing a declining trend of -6%

Required Education: Minimum of Bachelor’s Degree

Additional Information:
While this field is seeing a declining trend due to the increased use of computer programs, there will still be a need to replace workers who retire or transfer to a different occupation. This will create many additional job openings over the next ten years. Job opportunities will be most readily available for those with a background in finance, and strong computer and communication skills.

#15 – Registered Nurse

Registered nurses (RNs) provide and coordinate direct patient care, educate patients and their families as well as the public about various health conditions, and provide advice and emotional support to patients and their family members.

Median Salary: $65,470

Predicted Rise in Employment: Predicted 19% Rise between 2012 and 2020

Required Education: Minimum of Associate’s Degree

Additional Information:
Employment of registered nurses is expected to see a rate of growth upwards of 19 percent from 2012 to 2022, which is faster than average growth for all occupations nationwide. Growth will occur for a number of reasons, including the increased emphasis on preventative care; growing rates of chronic conditions, such as diabetes and obesity; and the rising demand for healthcare services from the baby boomer population, as they live longer and more active lives.

#14 – Occupational Health and Safety Specialist

Occupational Health and Safety Technicians are responsible for collecting data on the safety and health conditions of various workplaces. These highly trained technicians work with occupational health and safety specialists to conduct tests and measure hazards to help prevent harm to workers, property, the environment, and the general public.

Median Salary: $66,790

Predicted Rise in Employment: Predicted 11% Rise between 2012 and 2020

Required Education: Minimum of Bachelor’s Degree

Additional Information:
Positions in the field of Occupational Health and Safety Technology is expected to grow eleven percent from 2012 to 2022, which is as fast as the average for all occupations. This rise is in large part due to new environmental regulations and laws, which will require new or revised procedures in the workplace.

#13 – Speech Pathologist

Speech-language pathologists (also referred to as speech therapists) assess, diagnose, treat, and help to prevent communication and swallowing disorders in patients of all ages. Speech, language, and swallowing disorders result from a variety of causes, such as a stroke, brain injury, hearing loss, developmental delay, a cleft palate, cerebral palsy, or emotional problems.

Median Salary: $69,870

Predicted Rise in Employment: Predicted 23% Rise between 2012 and 2020

Required Education: Minimum of Master’s Degree

Additional Information:
Employment of Speech-Language Pathologists is expected to grow 19 percent from 2012 to 2022, which is considered faster than the average growth for all occupations. As the average age of the “baby-boom” population advances, there will be more instances of health conditions that cause speech or language impairments, such as strokes and hearing loss. Additionally, speech therapists are important for young children suffering from language or speech delays.

#12 – Nuclear Medicine Technician

Nuclear Medicine Technologists use a technologically advanced scanner to generate images of various areas of a patient’s body to help treat various conditions. They prepare radioactive drugs and administer them to patients undergoing the scans. The radioactive drugs cause abnormal areas of the body to appear different from normal areas in the images.

Median Salary: $70,180

Predicted Rise in Employment: Predicted 20% Rise between 2012 and 2020

Required Education: Minimum of Associate’s Degree

Additional Information:
Nuclear medicine technologists must hold a minimum of an Associate’s Degree in nuclear medicine technology. Higher education programs in nuclear medicine technology or related healthcare fields can lead to a certificate, an Associate’s degree, or a Bachelor’s Degree. These technologists must hold licensure in some states; these requirements vary by state.

#11 – Occupational Therapist

Occupational therapists (OTs) treat injured, sick, or disabled patients through the therapeutic use of everyday activities. OTs help patients develop, recover, and improve the skills needed for daily living and working. These skills include tasks such as eating, grooming and normal day-to-day functional skills.

Median Salary: $75,400

Predicted Rise in Employment: Predicted 29% Rise between 2012 and 2020

Required Education:

Additional Information:
Employment of Occupational Therapists is projected to grow 29 percent from 2012 to 2022, which is much faster than average growth for all occupations. Occupational therapy will continue to be an important part of treatment for people with various illnesses and disabilities, such as Alzheimer’s disease, cerebral palsy, autism, or the loss of a limb.