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The demand for healthcare professionals is constantly increasing due to a growing and aging population, combined with the need to replace retiring professionals. As a result, choosing a career in healthcare remains a stable and lucrative choice. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the healthcare sector is experiencing faster job growth than many other fields, with an estimated 1.8 million job openings anticipated annually between 2022 and 2032. However, job growth rates vary among healthcare careers.
This career guide spotlights 30 healthcare careers, listed from highest to lowest growth potential. Our list comprises projected career growth, average and highest salary rates available for staff and travel jobs, education requirements and relevant certifications. We collected the data at the end of October 2023, obtaining growth percentages from the BLS and salary data from Vivian Health. We determined annual staff salaries by multiplying the average hourly rate by a 40-hour workweek by 52 weeks a year.
The 30 Fastest Growing Healthcare Careers in 2024
1. Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist
Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) are advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) specializing in anesthesia care during medical procedures. They administer anesthesia, monitor vital signs, manage pain and aid in patient recovery. Their role is crucial for ensuring patient safety and comfort during surgery.
- Percentage of Growth: 38%
- Average Hourly Staff Rate: $88.51
- Average Annual Staff Salary: $184,101
- Highest Hourly Staff Rate: $126
- Average Weekly Travel Rate: $7,233
- Highest Weekly Travel Rate: $11,040
- Education Requirements: Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) / Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) / Doctoral degree in Nurse Anesthesia
- Relevant Certifications: NBCRNA
2. Nurse Midwife
A Nurse Midwife specializes in women’s healthcare, particularly reproductive health, especially during pregnancy and childbirth. They offer comprehensive services, including prenatal care, childbirth assistance and gynecological exams. Essential tasks include physical exams, diagnosis, medication prescriptions and health education.
- Percentage of Growth: 38%
- Average Hourly Staff Rate: $65.88
- Average Annual Salary: $137,030
- Highest Hourly Rate: $72
- Average Weekly Travel Rate: N/A
- Highest Weekly Travel Rate: N/A
- Education Requirements: BSN / MSN / DNP (optional)
- Relevant Certifications: CNM
3. Nurse Practitioner
Nurse Practitioners (NPs) are APRNs who offer holistic healthcare services throughout a patient’s life. They collaborate with medical teams, taking on a vital role in diagnosing and treating illnesses, supporting wellness and delivering patient-focused care. Key responsibilities include assessing patients, interpreting tests, prescribing medications, creating treatment strategies, offering patient education and championing optimal health outcomes.
- Percentage of Growth: 38%
- Average Hourly Staff Rate: $65.88
- Average Annual Salary: $137,030
- Highest Hourly Staff Rate: $78
- Average Weekly Travel Rate: $3,303
- Highest Weekly Travel Rate: $8,762
- Education Requirements: BSN / MSN / DNP (optional)
- Relevant Certifications: AGNP / FNP-C / FNP-BC / AGPCNP-BC
4. Physician Assistant
Physician Assistants (PAs) work under physician supervision and provide a wide array of medical services. These services can include physical exams, diagnostic test interpretation, diagnosis and treatment, prescribing medications, treatment plans and patient education. Their collaboration with physicians and various healthcare professionals ensures patient-centered, high-quality care.
- Percentage of Growth: 27%
- Average Hourly Staff Rate: $79.81
- Average Annual Salary: $166,005
- Highest Hourly Staff Rate: $87
- Average Weekly Travel Rate: $2,178
- Highest Weekly Travel Rate: $3,199
- Education Requirements: Master’s degree from a recognized Physician Assistant program
- Relevant Certifications: PANCE
5. Occupational Therapist Assistant
Occupational Therapist Assistants (OTAs) support people of all ages in regaining daily life skills and enhancing their quality of life. Under Occupational Therapists’ guidance, OTAs help clients facing various challenges by implementing tailored treatment plans and assisting with exercises and adaptive equipment use.
- Percentage of Growth: 23%
- Average Hourly Staff Rate: $44.25
- Average Annual Salary: $92,040
- Highest Hourly Staff Rate: $58
- Average Weekly Travel Rate: $1,546
- Highest Weekly Travel Rate: $2,287
- Education Requirements: Associate degree accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education
- Relevant Certifications: COTA
6. Home Health Aide
Home Health nursing aides provide vital healthcare services to patients in their homes, working under nurse supervision to deliver necessary care and support. The support these healthcare professionals provide helps patients remain in a home setting instead of transitioning to institutional care.
- Percentage of Growth: 22%
- Average Hourly Staff Rate: $18.55
- Average Annual Salary: $38,584
- Highest Hourly Staff Rate: $24
- Average Weekly Travel Rate: N/A
- Highest Weekly Travel Rate: N/A
- Education Requirements: Nursing assistant training program
- Relevant Certifications: BLS
7. Physical Therapy Assistant
Physical Therapy Assistants (PTAs) work alongside licensed physical therapists to help patients recover mobility and manage pain through therapeutic exercises and interventions. They assist in developing treatment plans, guide patients through exercises and utilize modalities like ultrasound and electrical stimulation. PTAs educate patients on exercise techniques while ensuring a safe therapy environment.
- Percentage of Growth: 19%
- Average Hourly Staff Rate: $35.43
- Average Annual Salary: $73,694
- Highest Hourly Staff Rate: $55
- Average Weekly Travel Rate: $1,461
- Highest Weekly Travel Rate: $2,561
- Education Requirements: Associate Degree in Physical Therapy Assisting
- Relevant Certifications: NPTE
8. Speech-Language Pathologist
Speech Language Pathologists (SLPs) are specialized healthcare providers who diagnose and treat communication disorders, addressing speech, language, fluency and swallowing issues across all age groups. Their essential role involves creating personalized treatment plans and employing therapeutic techniques to enhance patients’ communication skills and overall quality of life.
- Percentage of Growth: 19%
- Average Hourly Staff Rate: $48.11
- Average Annual Salary: $100,069
- Highest Hourly Staff Rate: $67
- Average Weekly Travel Rate: $2,125
- Highest Weekly Travel Rate: $3,600
- Education Requirements: Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology
- Relevant Certifications: CCC-SLP
9. Physical Therapist
Physical Therapists aid patients in recovering from physical impairments, creating personalized treatments and exercises to enhance mobility and alleviate pain. Responsibilities include assessing patients, developing treatment plans and administering exercises and therapies. A key aspect of this role is educating patients and their families on self-care and monitoring progress for treatment adjustments.
- Percentage of Growth: 15%
- Average Hourly Staff Rate: $45.05
- Average Annual Salary: $93,704
- Highest Hourly Staff Rate: $67
- Average Weekly Travel Rate: $2,118
- Highest Weekly Travel Rate: $3,925
- Education Requirements: Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)
- Relevant Certifications: OCS / SCS / BCPR
10. Medical Assistant
Medical Assistants perform administrative tasks like appointment scheduling, patient record management and billing alongside clinical duties, such as taking vital signs, preparing patients for examinations and aiding in minor medical procedures. Their responsibilities include medication administration, specimen collection, electronic health record management, front desk tasks and patient education on medical conditions and treatments.
- Percentage of Growth: 14%
- Average Hourly Staff Rate: $39.22
- Average Annual Salary: $81,578
- Highest Hourly Rate: $100
- Average Weekly Travel Rate: $1,113
- Highest Weekly Travel Rate: $2,037
- Education Requirements: Certification
- Relevant Certifications: CMA / RMA-AMT
11. Respiratory Therapist
Respiratory therapists (RTs) evaluate, treat and educate patients with lung and breathing disorders. Their roles encompass administering oxygen, medication and emergency care. They are also the healthcare team member who sets up ventilators. RTs work closely with physicians to determine appropriate respiratory care and support patients with asthma, sleep apnea and chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases.
- Percentage of Growth: 13%
- Average Hourly Staff Rate: $37.51
- Average Annual Salary: $78,021
- Highest Hourly Staff Rate: $100
- Average Weekly Travel Rate: $1,996
- Highest Weekly Travel Rate: $3,260
- Education Requirements: Associate degree or higher from an accredited respiratory therapy program (Bachelor’s or Master’s preferred)
- Relevant Certifications: CRT, RRT
12. Occupational Therapist
Occupational Therapists (OTs) aid people in overcoming physical, cognitive or emotional obstacles to engage in meaningful pursuits and perform activities of daily living. They create personalized treatment plans to boost independence and improve quality of life through therapy.
- Percentage of Growth: 12%
- Average Hourly Staff Rate: $48.39
- Average Annual Salary: $100,651
- Highest Hourly Staff Rate: $67
- Average Weekly Travel Rate: $2,041
- Highest Weekly Travel Rate: $3,269
- Education Requirements: Completed an accredited program in Occupational Therapy, then earn a Master’s Degree or Doctoral Degree in Occupational Therapy
- Relevant Certifications: OTR
13. Audiologist
Audiologists diagnose and treat hearing and balance disorders. They work in various settings, using advanced tools and personalized treatment plans. Their role is crucial in addressing auditory and vestibular challenges.
- Percentage of Growth: 11%
- Average Hourly Staff Rate: $44.25
- Average Annual Salary: $92,040
- Highest Hourly Staff Rate: $62.00
- Average Weekly Travel Rate: $2,983
- Highest Weekly Travel Rate: $4,242
- Education Requirements: Doctor of Audiology or PhD in Audiology
- Relevant Certifications: CCC-A
14. Cardiovascular Technologist
Cardiovascular technologists specialize in cardiac and vascular procedures and diagnostics. They perform diagnostic tests, working in hospitals or outpatient facilities. Besides conducting imaging tests, their responsibilities include preparing patients, assisting in procedures and managing equipment. Cardiovascular technologists are crucial in diagnosing and treating heart and vascular conditions, ensuring patient care and diagnostic precision.
- Percentage of Growth: 10%
- Average Hourly Staff Rate: $45.92
- Average Annual Salary: $95,514
- Highest Hourly Staff Rate: $59
- Average Weekly Travel Rate: $2,760
- Highest Weekly Travel Rate: $5,713
- Education Requirements: Certificate or diploma, advancing to Associate or Bachelor’s Degree in Cardiovascular Technology
- Relevant Certifications: CCT-CCI / RCS-CCI / ACS-CCI / RDMS-RVT
15. Registered Ultrasound Technologist
Ultrasound technologists, or diagnostic medical sonographers, use high-frequency sound waves and specialized equipment to create images of the body’s internal structures, aiding in the diagnosis and monitoring of medical conditions. They perform tasks that include operating ultrasound equipment, preparing patients, analyzing images, collaborating with physicians and maintaining patient records. Ultrasound technologists may specialize in obstetrics, cardiac, abdominal or vascular sonography.
- Percentage of Growth: 10%
- Average Hourly Staff Rate: $48.90
- Average Annual Salary: $101,712
- Highest Hourly Staff Rate: $100
- Average Weekly Travel Rate: $2,464
- Highest Weekly Travel Rate: $6,192
- Education Requirements: Associate Degree in Diagnostic Medical Sonography or related field (Bachelor’s recommended)
- Relevant Certifications: R.T.(S)(ARRT) / R.T (VS)(ARRT) / ACS / RCS
16. Phlebotomist
Phlebotomists specialize in safe blood collection for testing, transfusions or donation. They collect, label and transport blood samples for analysis. Phlebotomists maintain records and prioritize patient comfort and education. Maintaining a sterile, organized work environment is also essential to their role.
- Percentage of Growth: 8%
- Average Hourly Staff Rate: $17.54
- Average Annual Salary: $36,483
- Highest Hourly Staff Rate: $100
- Average Weekly Travel Rate: $1,292
- Highest Weekly Travel Rate: $1,424
- Education Requirements: High School Diploma or equivalent and Phlebotomy Training Program
- Relevant Certifications: PBT-ASCP / RPT-AMT
17. Registered Dietitian
Registered Dietitians (RDs) specialize in nutrition to enhance health and manage diseases. They evaluate and enhance dietary habits for individuals, promoting well-being. RDs offer personalized nutrition advice, craft custom meal plans and educate individuals on healthy food choices. They work in diverse settings like hospitals, clinics, schools and public health organizations, playing a necessary role in health and nutrition improvement.
- Percentage of Growth: 7%
- Average Hourly Staff Rate: $37.78
- Average Annual Salary: $78,582
- Highest Hourly Staff Rate: $100
- Average Weekly Travel Rate: $2,206
- Highest Weekly Travel Rate: $3,439
- Education Requirements: Bachelor’s Degree in Dietetics
- Relevant Certifications: RD/RDN
18. Social Worker
Social workers are essential advocates and supporters, working in diverse settings to address social and emotional challenges. Their key responsibilities include assessing client needs, counseling and connecting patients to required resources like housing, healthcare and financial assistance. Social workers especially focus on advocating for vulnerable populations, which include children, the elderly, individuals dealing with mental health issues and those experiencing domestic violence or substance abuse.
- Percentage of Growth: 7%
- Average Hourly Staff Rate: $37.44
- Average Annual Salary: $77,875
- Highest Hourly Staff Rate: $65
- Average Weekly Travel Rate: $2,291
- Highest Weekly Travel Rate: $3,665
- Education Requirements: Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work / Master of Social Work (MSW) (optional)
- Relevant Certifications: ACSW-NASW / LCSW
19. MRI Technologist
MRI Technologists operate MRI machines to create detailed internal body images for diagnosis and treatment. Their key tasks involve preparing patients, operating the MRI scanner and ensuring patient safety and comfort. MRI technologists collaborate with radiologists and medical professionals to interpret and analyze images, aiding in diagnosing various medical conditions.
- Percentage of Growth: 6%
- Average Hourly Staff Rate: $42.43
- Average Annual Salary: $88,254
- Highest Hourly Staff Rate: $100
- Average Weekly Travel Rate: $2,497
- Highest Weekly Travel Rate: $3,705
- Education Requirements: Associate Degree or Bachelor’s Degree in Radiologic Technology
- Relevant Certifications: ARMRIT / R.T.(MRI)(ARRT)
20. Radiology Technologist
Radiology Technologists conduct diagnostic imaging procedures like X-rays, CT scans, MRIs and mammograms. They assist in diagnosing and treating medical conditions, ensuring image quality, patient safety and compassionate care.
- Percentage of Growth: 6%
- Average Hourly Staff Rate: $35.61
- Average Annual Salary: $74,069
- Highest Hourly Staff Rate: $100
- Average Weekly Travel Rate: $2,447
- Highest Weekly Travel Rate: $5,642
- Education Requirements: Accredited Radiologic Technology Program
- Relevant Certifications: R.T.(R)(ARRT) / R.T.(MRI)(ARRT) / R.T.(M)(ARRT) / R.T.(VI)(ARRT)
21. Registered Nurse
Registered Nurses (RNs) deliver direct patient care by assessing health, administering treatments and monitoring conditions. RNs educate patients and families about medical conditions and act as patient advocates, ensuring high-quality, patient-centered care. RNs may specialize in various areas, aiming to provide quality healthcare, improve patient outcomes and support the healthcare team.
- Percentage of Growth: 6%
- Average Hourly Staff Rate: $42.47
- Average Annual Salary: $88,338
- Highest Hourly Staff Rate: $82
- Average Weekly Travel Rate: $2,200
- Highest Weekly Travel Rate: $6,900
- Education Requirements: Associate (ASN) (BSN preferred / MSN optional)
- Relevant Certifications: BLS / ACLS / Additional certifications based on specialty area
22. Licensed Practical Nurse
Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs), also called Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVNs), deliver essential nursing care in diverse healthcare settings under RN and physician supervision. Their responsibilities encompass administering medication, monitoring vital signs, aiding with patients’ hygiene, gathering patient data, providing basic care and collaborating with the healthcare team to optimize patient well-being.
- Percentage of Growth: 5%
- Average Hourly Staff Rate: $31.62
- Average Annual Salary: $65,770
- Highest Hourly Staff Rate: $40
- Average Weekly Travel Rate: $1,489
- Highest Weekly Travel Rate: $3,290
- Education Requirements: Diploma
- Relevant Certifications: BLS
23. Paramedic
Paramedics are crucial in emergency medical care, saving lives and stabilizing patients during critical situations. They’re part of the emergency medical services team, responding to 911 calls, providing on-site medical assistance and safely transporting patients to medical facilities. A career as a paramedic is ideal for those who excel under pressure and have a strong desire to help others during life-threatening emergencies.
- Percentage of Growth: 5%
- Average Hourly Staff Rate: $18.67
- Average Annual Salary: $38,834
- Highest Hourly Staff Rate: $29
- Average Weekly Travel Rate: $1,816
- Highest Weekly Travel Rate: $2,034
- Education Requirements: High School Diploma or equivalent and Accredited Paramedic Program Certification
- Relevant Certifications: EMT
24. Surgical Technologist
Surgical Technologists are essential operating room team members responsible for maintaining sterility, preparing equipment and assisting surgeons during procedures. They arrange instruments, hand them to the surgeon and manage supplies during surgeries. Surgical technologists also aid in post-surgical tasks like wound dressing and patient transfer.
- Percentage of Growth: 5%
- Average Hourly Staff Rate: $35.91
- Average Annual Salary: $74,693
- Highest Hourly Staff Rate: $100
- Average Weekly Travel Rate: $2,039
- Highest Weekly Travel Rate: $ 3,457
- Education Requirements: Post-Secondary Certificate or Associate Degree
- Relevant Certifications: CST
25. Certified Nursing Assistant
Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) directly care for patients and aid the healthcare team. Their tasks encompass assisting with daily activities, transferring patients, conducting housekeeping duties and updating patient records. By ensuring patients are well-nourished, clean and comfortable in hygienic environments, CNAs enable nurses to focus on more complex care.
- Percentage of Growth: 4%
- Average Hourly Staff Rate: $18.55
- Average Annual Salary: $38,584
- Highest Hourly Staff Rate: $24
- Average Weekly Travel Rate: $1,022
- Highest Weekly Travel Rate: $1,605
- Education Requirements: High School Diploma or equivalent and State-Approved CNA Training Course
- Relevant Certifications: CNA
26. Recreational Therapist
Recreational therapists improve the well-being of individuals with diverse health conditions through leisure activities. They design programs using arts, sports, music and games to address physical, cognitive, emotional and social needs. Their clients, spanning various ages and backgrounds, include those with disabilities, illnesses, injuries or mental health challenges.
- Percentage of Growth: 4%
- Average Hourly Staff Rate: $44.25
- Average Annual Salary: $92,040
- Highest Hourly Staff Rate: $58
- Average Weekly Travel Rate: $1,779
- Highest Weekly Travel Rate: $2,043
- Education Requirements: Bachelor’s Degree
- Relevant Certifications: CTRS
27. Dosimetrist
Dosimetrists are crucial in radiation oncology, creating and implementing patient-specific radiation treatment plans. They work under medical physicist and radiation oncologist supervision and use advanced computer technology to optimize treatment effectiveness while minimizing side effects. Their duties include measuring radiation exposure, educating patients on treatment plans and collaborating with the healthcare team.
- Percentage of Growth: 3%
- Average Hourly Staff Rate: $44.05
- Average Annual Salary: $91,624
- Highest Hourly Staff Rate: $68
- Average Weekly Travel Rate: $2,967
- Highest Weekly Travel Rate: $3,460
- Education Requirements: Bachelor of Science in Medical Dosimetry (Master’s optional)
- Relevant Certifications: CMD
28. Pharmacist
Pharmacists are medication specialists who dispense and ensure the safe use of prescribed drugs and work with physicians and patients. They also advise on over-the-counter medications, supervise pharmacy staff, manage records and collaborate with insurance companies. Some pharmacists administer vaccinations and conduct health screenings.
- Percentage of Growth: 3%
- Average Hourly Staff Rate: $73.54
- Average Annual Salary: $152,963
- Highest Hourly Staff Rate: $100
- Average Weekly Travel Rate: $2,653
- Highest Weekly Travel Rate: $4,000
- Education Requirements: Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) degree
- Relevant Certifications: NAPLEX
29. Radiation Therapist
Radiation Therapists are vital in cancer treatment, delivering radiation therapy to patients with precision. Collaborating closely with oncologists, they target cancer cells to minimize harm to healthy tissue. Job duties include operating radiation equipment, administering treatments, ensuring patient positioning, monitoring patients and maintaining records. It’s a career that directly impacts patient survival and quality of life.
- Percentage of Growth: 2%
- Average Hourly Staff Rate: $59.15
- Average Annual Salary: $123,032
- Highest Hourly Staff Rate: $59
- Average Weekly Travel Rate: $2,521
- Highest Weekly Travel Rate: $3,454
- Education Requirements: Associate or Bachelor’s Degree in Radiation Therapy
- Relevant Certifications: R.T.(T)(ARRT)
30. Nuclear Medicine Technologist
Nuclear Medicine Technologists harness the power of radioactive materials to conduct diagnostic imaging procedures. Working closely with physicians, they contribute to diagnosing and treating various medical conditions, from cancer and heart disease to neurological disorders. By skillfully operating advanced imaging equipment, these professionals unveil intricate images of patient’s internal organs and tissues, offering invaluable insights into their overall health.
- Percentage of Growth: 0%
- Average Hourly Staff Rate: $51.13
- Average Annual Salary: $106,350
- Highest Hourly Staff Rate: $67
- Average Weekly Travel Rate: $2,525
- Highest Weekly Travel Rate: $4,053
- Education Requirements: Associate or Bachelor’s Degree in Nuclear Medicine Technology or related field
- Relevant Certifications: CNMT (NMTCB) / R.T.(N)(ARRT)
If you’re looking for a career that offers job security, diverse opportunities, competitive compensation and the chance to make a tangible difference, the healthcare sector is an obvious choice. Take the time to explore your interests and passions, research the educational and professional prerequisites for your chosen healthcare profession and consult with mentors and advisors for valuable guidance.
Armed with this knowledge, you can confidently pursue your ideal healthcare role in a field that promises a bright and profoundly fulfilling future. Take a deeper dive into various healthcare professions with Vivian Health’s career tools and choose a career that best suits your professional goals.
