Top 5 Highest Paying Careers in Healthcare for Non-Medical Professionals

Careers in healthcare are usually associated with medical providers, such as physicians and nurses, who deal with direct patient care. However, many healthcare careers do not involve administering shots and taking temperatures in the job description. Whether an individual is uninterested in obtaining a medical degree or simply gets queasy at the sight of blood, there are still rewarding and lucrative careers in this rapidly growing field. The following are the top five highest-paying careers in healthcare that are ideal for non-medical professionals.

Healthcare Administrator

Healthcare administrators maintain leadership and management positions within hospitals, hospital networks, and other health care systems. Some healthcare administrators manage an entire facility, while others specialize in a specific department, such as finances, human resources, or marketing. Although many universities nationwide offer a bachelor’s degree in healthcare administration, most health administrators need to receive a master’s or doctoral degree for employment in the United States. The average salary for a healthcare administrator with a master’s degree is around $125,000, while those with PhDs rival MD doctors with an annual salary of $178,250.

Healthcare Actuary

Healthcare actuaries are employed by insurance companies and self-insured medical groups, where they are responsible for determining proper prices for insurance plans. Actuaries also evaluate and minimize financial risk factors for the organization of employment. Landing a position as a healthcare actuary requires a bachelor’s degree, as well as years of hard work and experience. Most states require that actuaries pass several examinations before becoming fully qualified. However, the mean salary of $106,680 is quite worth it for those who are interested in bringing their strong background in math and statistics to the healthcare field.

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Health Educator

Health educators are responsible for encouraging individuals and communities about healthy lifestyles, as well as behaviors that will prevent illnesses. Health educators are able to assist the public with improving their overall health and well-being. Those who have a desire to teach within the booming healthcare industry should consider becoming a health educator. When health educators are employed in schools, community centers, and hospitals, they can make upwards of $73,000 annually.

Medical Equipment Technician

Medical equipment technicians work behind the scenes to provide a vital role in the maintenance of all hospitals and private practices. The technicians test, repair, and fix a wide range of medical equipment that is needed to provide safe healthcare treatments to patients. Medical equipment technicians can learn the trade through on-the-job training, or by pursuing an associate’s degree from a vocational program. With training and education, medical equipment technicians can earn as much as $66,000 every year.

Medical Social Worker

Medical social workers are responsible for working with patients and their families to make sure that they are prepared for coping with their illnesses. Generally, the social workers work with patients suffering from chronic and terminal diseases, including cancer. The profession usually requires a minimum of a master’s degree in social work to work in a healthcare setting. Although the job is physically and mentally demanding, those with a passion for psychology and providing support find this as one of the most rewarding professions. Those that serve as medical social workers earn an annual average salary around $65,000.

According to a research study conducted by Georgetown University, healthcare professions and healthcare support services will be the fastest-growing occupations through 2020. Rapid growth combined with a changing healthcare climate is expected to result in a dramatic increase in job opportunities for healthcare professionals. Those who are interested in breaking into the field and earning a solid income should consider these top five highest-paying non-clinical professions.