Best Healthcare Jobs
Whether we’re having a sugar-induced cavity filled at a local dentist office, welcoming a newborn into the world, or refilling a much-needed prescription at a neighborhood pharmacy, we interact with healthcare professionals often. And not all of them are doctors. Numerous healthcare professionals (like medical assistants and clinical laboratory technicians) occupy supporting roles in hospitals and private practices throughout the country. Read more on how we ranked the Best Jobs.
The Rankings
See all Registered Nurse Job Openings
#1 Registered Nurse
Overall Score: 8.2
| Growth: | 711,900 |
| Unemployment: | 5.5% |
| Median Salary: | $64,690 |
| Satisfaction: | MEDIUM |
Registered nurses rank No. 1 on both our list of Best Healthcare Jobs and our overall Best Jobs list, and for good reason. These workers are indispensible to the countless rehabilitation centers, hospitals, and schools where they administer medication, manage medical records, and educate patients.
See all Pharmacist Job Openings
#2 Pharmacist
Overall Score: 7.6
| Growth: | 69,700 |
| Unemployment: | 5.5% |
| Median Salary: | $111,570 |
| Satisfaction: | MEDIUM |
Pharmacists mix technical, organizational, and people skills in a customer-service environment. Each day, more than 274,900 pharmacists dispense medicine and advice to patients at hospitals and retail chains. Their profession is expected to grow by 25.4 percent by 2020.
See all Medical Assistant Job Openings
#3 Medical Assistant
Overall Score: 7.5
| Growth: | 162,900 |
| Unemployment: | 5.5% |
| Median Salary: | $28,860 |
| Satisfaction: | MEDIUM |
Many medical assistants are able to maintain office files as fluidly and meticulously as they draw blood. These healthcare professionals mix administration and clinical duties in hospitals and private practices each day, where they man front desks and sterilize equipment. Their profession is expected to expand 30.9 percent by 2020.
See all Physical Therapist Job Openings
#4 Physical Therapist
Overall Score: 6.9
| Growth: | 77,400 |
| Unemployment: | 5.5% |
| Median Salary: | $76,310 |
| Satisfaction: | HIGH |
A physical therapist’s job description might include helping a paralytic regain mobility or assisting a cancer survivor renew their strength. The profession is expected to grow 39 percent by 2020.
#5 Occupational Therapist
Overall Score: 6.8
| Growth: | 36,400 |
| Unemployment: | 5.5% |
| Median Salary: | $72,320 |
| Satisfaction: | MEDIUM |
Not all therapists evaluate their clients from the laps of cozy comforters. Occupational therapists, in particular, are constantly on their feet. When they are not helping their patients cook, eat, dress, or operate machinery, they are lifting them into beds or baths and lugging their equipment from one room to the next. Occupational therapist jobs are expected to reach 33.5 percent by 2020.
#6 Clinical Laboratory Technician
Overall Score: 6.6
| Growth: | 23,800 |
| Unemployment: | 5.5% |
| Median Salary: | $36,280 |
| Satisfaction: | MEDIUM |
In many ways, clinical lab techs are the glue that holds our hospitals together. They conduct many of the tests physicians use to diagnose patients and form a treatment plan. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects this field will grow 14.7 percent by 2020.
See all Paramedic Job Openings
#7 Paramedic
Overall Score: 6.4
| Growth: | 75,400 |
| Unemployment: | 5.5% |
| Median Salary: | $30,360 |
| Satisfaction: | MEDIUM |
Without paramedics, the presence of speedy, competent care in the midst of an emergency would cease to exist. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects this occupation will grow 33.3 percent by 2020.
See all Massage Therapist Job Openings
#8 Massage Therapist
Overall Score: 5.4
| Growth: | 30,900 |
| Unemployment: | 5.5% |
| Median Salary: | $34,900 |
| Satisfaction: | LOW |
Many of us have suffered through that stubborn back spasm that just won’t go away, regardless of how much yoga we practice or medicine we take. That’s where massage therapists step in. They’re trained to use their hands to alleviate the worst pains. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects their profession will grow 20.1 percent between 2010 and 2020.
