The Fastest Growing Allied Health Careers in 2025

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Allied health encompasses a diverse range of professionals who diagnose, treat and support patients across every stage of care, often working alongside physicians, nurses and other primary healthcare providers. Found in hospitals, clinics, rehabilitation centers, private practices and even virtual settings, these healthcare workers ensure patients receive comprehensive support. As we head into 2025, some allied health fields are growing at lightning speed, driven by technological advancements and an aging population. Let’s explore the allied health jobs projected to see the most growth over the next decade.

The 16 Fastest Growing Allied Healthcare Careers in 2025

The following list includes the 16 allied healthcare careers that the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects will have above-average growth from 2023 to 2033, which includes any field with growth of 6% or more. We based all hourly and weekly wage data on roles staffing agencies and healthcare systems posted on Vivian Health’s jobs marketplace during the week of November 18, 2024.

1. Physician Assistant

• Anticipated Growth: 28%
• Average Hourly Rate: $87.15
• Average Annual Salary: $181,272
• Highest Hourly Rate: $105
• Average Weekly Travel Rate: N/A
• Highest Weekly Travel Rate: N/A
• Education Requirements: Master’s degree from a recognized Physician Assistant program
• Relevant Certifications: PANCE

A Physician Assistant (PA) is a licensed medical professional who works under the supervision of a physician to diagnose and treat illnesses, develop treatment plans, prescribe medications and perform medical procedures. They often serve as the primary healthcare provider in rural or underserved areas. The robust demand for PAs is due to the increasing need for cost-effective healthcare solutions, an aging population requiring more medical attention and a shortage of physicians. PAs help bridge the gap in care by providing high-quality medical services while reducing the workload on doctors. On average, they’re also the best-paid allied health professionals.

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2. Occupational Therapist Assistant

• Anticipated Growth: 21%
• Average Hourly Rate: $42.15
• Average Annual Salary: $87,672
• Highest Hourly Rate: $48
• Average Weekly Travel Rate: $1,456
• Highest Weekly Travel Rate: $3,400
• Education Requirements: Associate degree accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education
• Relevant Certifications: COTA

Occupational Therapist Assistants (OTAs) work under the direction of licensed occupational therapists to help patients recover and develop skills needed for daily living and working. They assist with therapeutic exercises, adaptive techniques and equipment to improve patients’ physical, emotional and developmental needs. This career is growing due to the rising number of elderly patients needing rehabilitation services. This demand is largely driven by age-related conditions such as arthritis and stroke, along with an increased emphasis on enhancing the quality of life for individuals with disabilities.

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3. Physical Therapy Assistant

• Anticipated Growth: 19%
• Average Hourly Rate: $34.85
• Average Annual Salary: $72,488
• Highest Hourly Rate: $40
• Average Weekly Travel Rate: $1,470
• Highest Weekly Travel Rate: $3,600
• Education Requirements: Associate Degree in Physical Therapy Assisting 
• Relevant Certifications: NPTE

Physical Therapist Assistants (PTAs) work under the supervision of licensed physical therapists to help patients regain mobility and manage pain following injuries, surgeries or chronic conditions. They guide patients through exercises, provide therapeutic treatments such as massage and ultrasound, and educate patients on ways to maintain their progress at home. The demand for PTAs is increasing because of the aging population’s need for post-surgical rehabilitation, the rising prevalence of chronic conditions like diabetes and obesity, and a growing emphasis on preventive care. An increase in more active lifestyles and related injuries is also helping to fuel demand for PTAs.

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4. Speech-Language Pathologist

• Anticipated Growth: 18%
• Average Hourly Rate: $51.83
• Average Annual Salary: $107,806
• Highest Hourly Rate: $66
• Average Weekly Travel Rate: $2,173
• Highest Weekly Travel Rate: $4,000
• Education Requirements: Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology
• Relevant Certifications: CCC-SLP

Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs) are healthcare professionals who assess and treat communication and swallowing disorders. They work with patients of all ages to address issues like speech delays, stuttering, aphasia and difficulty swallowing. SLPs often collaborate with educators and medical professionals to provide comprehensive care. This field is growing due to the aging population, which leads to an increase in conditions like strokes and dementia that affect communication and swallowing, as well as the rising awareness of developmental speech and language disorders in children.

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5. Registered Ultrasound Technologist

• Anticipated Growth: 15%
• Average Hourly Rate: $47.05
• Average Annual Salary: $97,864
• Highest Hourly Rate: $69
• Average Weekly Travel Rate: $2,472
• Highest Weekly Travel Rate: $3,959
• 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

A Registered Ultrasound Technologist, also known as a Diagnostic Medical Sonographer, uses ultrasound equipment to capture images of internal organs, tissues and blood flow for diagnostic purposes. They work closely with physicians to help detect and monitor conditions like pregnancy, organ abnormalities and cardiovascular issues. The demand for ultrasound technologists is increasing due to advancements in imaging technology, the growing preference for non-invasive diagnostic methods and an aging population requiring more medical imaging for chronic health conditions.

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6. Medical Assistant

• Anticipated Growth: 15%
• Average Hourly Rate: $23.74
• Average Annual Salary: $49,379
• Highest Hourly Rate: $25
• Average Weekly Travel Rate: $1,191
• Highest Weekly Travel Rate: $1,308
• Education Requirements: Certification
• Relevant Certifications: CMA / RMA-AMT 

Medical Assistants (MAs) are versatile healthcare professionals who perform both administrative and clinical tasks in various settings, including medical offices, hospitals and clinics. Their responsibilities include scheduling appointments, updating patient records, assisting with exams, taking vital signs and conducting simple lab tests. The role of MAs is expanding due to the increasing demand for efficient healthcare delivery, the growth of outpatient services and a greater emphasis on team-based care to meet the rising need for healthcare services.

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7. Physical Therapist

• Anticipated Growth: 14%
• Average Hourly Rate: $52.42
• Average Annual Salary: $109,034
• Highest Hourly Rate: $69
• Average Weekly Travel Rate: $2,177
• Highest Weekly Travel Rate: $4,400
• Education Requirements: Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) 
• Relevant Certifications: OCS / SCS / BCPR

Physical Therapists (PTs) are healthcare professionals who diagnose and treat individuals experiencing mobility issues, pain or physical impairments due to injury, surgery or chronic conditions. They develop tailored treatment plans involving exercises, manual therapy and other interventions to restore function and improve the quality of life. The demand for PTs is rising as the population ages, creating a need for services related to joint replacements, chronic pain management and recovery from falls, as well as increased focus on sports injury prevention and rehabilitation.

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8. Respiratory Therapist

• Anticipated Growth: 13%
• Average Hourly Rate: $41.16
• Average Annual Salary: $85,613
• Highest Hourly Rate: $56
• Average Weekly Travel Rate: $1,931
• Highest Weekly Travel Rate: $3,428
• Education Requirements: Associate degree or higher from an accredited respiratory therapy program (Bachelor’s or Master’s preferred)
• Relevant Certifications: CRT / RRT

Respiratory Therapists (RTs) are healthcare specialists who treat patients with breathing or cardiopulmonary disorders and perform diagnostic testing related to lung capacity and breathing. They manage conditions like asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and respiratory infections, often working in hospitals, long-term care facilities and outpatient clinics. RTs use equipment like ventilators and oxygen therapy devices and educate patients on managing respiratory conditions. This profession is growing due to the prevalence of chronic respiratory diseases, the aging population and the continued effects of respiratory illnesses on global healthcare systems, including COVID-19.

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9. Occupational Therapist

• Anticipated Growth: 11%
• Average Hourly Rate: $50.75
• Average Annual Salary: $105,560
• Highest Hourly Rate: $67
• Average Weekly Travel Rate: $2,110
• Highest Weekly Travel Rate: $4,200
• Education Requirements: Accredited program in Occupational Therapy and a Master’s or Doctoral Degree in Occupational Therapy 
• Relevant Certifications: OTR

Occupational Therapists (OTs) assess and treat individuals struggling to perform everyday activities due to physical, mental or cognitive challenges. They develop customized plans to improve independence and functionality, often incorporating adaptive tools and home modifications. This field is expanding due to the growing recognition of mental health care’s role in overall well-being, the aging population’s need for rehabilitation services and advancements in therapy methods that support people with developmental disabilities or injuries.

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10. Audiologist

• Anticipated Growth: 11%
• Average Hourly Rate: $50.70
• Average Annual Salary: $105,456
• Highest Hourly Rate: $62
• Average Weekly Travel Rate: $2,933
• Highest Weekly Travel Rate: $3,920
• Education Requirements: Doctor of Audiology or PhD in Audiology
• Relevant Certifications: CCC-A

Audiologists are healthcare professionals specializing in diagnosing and treating hearing and balance disorders. They provide services to patients of all ages, including hearing tests, fitting hearing aids and managing conditions like tinnitus and vestibular disorders. Audiologists often collaborate with ear-nose-and-throat (ENT) doctors and other medical providers to deliver comprehensive care. This career is growing because of the aging population, which leads to an increase in age-related hearing loss, and advancements in hearing aid and cochlear implant technology that improve treatment options.

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11. Phlebotomist

• Anticipated Growth: 8%
• Average Hourly Rate: $17.54
• Average Annual Salary: $36,483
• Highest Hourly Rate: $24
• Average Weekly Travel Rate: $1,784
• Highest Weekly Travel Rate: $2,402
• Education Requirements: High School Diploma or equivalent and Phlebotomy Training Program 
• Relevant Certifications: PBT-ASCP / RPT-AMT

Phlebotomists are trained medical professionals who draw blood from patients for various purposes, including testing, donations and transfusions. They ensure that samples are collected safely and accurately while prioritizing patient comfort and adhering to strict protocols for labeling and transporting specimens. This role is in high demand due to the continuous need for diagnostic blood tests in healthcare, an increasing emphasis on preventive care and the growth of blood donation and transfusion services to meet public health needs.

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12. Registered Dietitian

• Anticipated Growth: 7%
• Average Hourly Rate: $43.95
• Average Annual Salary: $91,416
• Highest Hourly Rate: $51
• Average Weekly Travel Rate: $2,074
• Highest Weekly Travel Rate: $2,882
• Education Requirements: Bachelor’s Degree in Dietetics
• Relevant Certifications: RD/RDN

Registered Dietitians (RDs) are nutrition experts who assess, develop and implement dietary plans to promote health, manage medical conditions and prevent disease. They work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, schools, clinics and private practice, to help individuals achieve their nutrition goals. This profession is expanding due to increasing public awareness of the connection between diet and chronic diseases like diabetes and heart disease, as well as the growing demand for individualized nutrition plans to support weight management, sports performance and recovery from illness.

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13. Surgical Technologist

• Anticipated Growth: 6%
• Average Hourly Rate: $36.13
• Average Annual Salary: $75,150
• Highest Hourly Rate: $54
• Average Weekly Travel Rate: $1,887
• Highest Weekly Travel Rate: $3,360
• Education Requirements: Post-Secondary Certificate or Associate Degree
• Relevant Certifications: CST

Surgical Technologists, also known as operating room technicians, assist in surgeries by preparing the operating room, sterilizing equipment and ensuring all surgical tools are available and functioning properly. They work closely with surgeons, anesthesiologists and nurses during procedures to ensure patient safety and efficient workflow. This role is growing due to the increasing number of surgeries, advancements in surgical techniques and an aging population requiring more medical procedures like joint replacements and cardiac surgeries.

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14. Paramedic

• Anticipated Growth: 6%
• Average Hourly Rate: $27.69
• Average Annual Salary: $57,959
• Highest Hourly Rate: $31
• Average Weekly Travel Rate: $1,481
• Highest Weekly Travel Rate: $1,498
• Education Requirements: High School Diploma or equivalent and Accredited Paramedic Program Certification
• Relevant Certifications: EMT

Paramedics are highly trained first responders who provide advanced medical care in emergencies. They administer medications, perform life-saving procedures like intubation and defibrillation and transport patients to medical facilities. Paramedics are critical in stabilizing patients before they reach the hospital. The demand for paramedics is rising due to the growing need for emergency medical services, an increase in accidents and health emergencies and their role in providing essential care in underserved or remote areas.

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15. Radiology Technologist

• Anticipated Growth: 6%
• Average Hourly Rate: $41.22
• Average Annual Salary: $85,748
• Highest Hourly Rate: $61
• Average Weekly Travel Rate: $2,318
• Highest Weekly Travel Rate: $4,674
• Education Requirements: Accredited Radiologic Technology Program
• Relevant Certifications: R.T.(R)(ARRT) / R.T.(MRI)(ARRT) / R.T.(M)(ARRT) / R.T.(VI)(ARRT)

Radiology Technologists (also called Radiologic Technologists) are healthcare professionals who perform diagnostic imaging procedures such as X-rays, computed tomography (CT) scans and mammograms. They work closely with radiologists, a type of doctor specializing in imaging, to capture high-quality images that help diagnose injuries or diseases. This profession is expanding due to advancements in imaging technology, the aging population’s increased need for diagnostic services and the essential role of imaging in modern healthcare for conditions like cancer, fractures and cardiovascular disease. 

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16. MRI Technologist

• Anticipated Growth: 6%
• Average Hourly Rate: $47.69
• Average Annual Salary: $99,195
• Highest Hourly Rate: $61
• Average Weekly Travel Rate: $2,574
• Highest Weekly Travel Rate: $4,092
• Education Requirements: Associate or Bachelor’s Degree in Radiologic Technology
• Relevant Certifications: ARMRIT / R.T.(MRI)(ARRT)

MRI Technologists specialize in operating magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) machines to create detailed images of internal organs, tissues and structures. They guide patients through the process, ensure their safety during the procedure and work with radiologists to interpret the results. The demand for MRI technologists is growing because of the increasing reliance on MRI scans for diagnosing complex medical conditions and soft tissue injuries, the need for non-invasive diagnostic tools and an aging population requiring more frequent imaging services.

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Search Vivian for Job Postings in All Allied Healthcare Careers

In addition to the 16 fast-growing allied health careers on our list, Vivian shares job listings for various other roles posted by top recruiters and health systems. While the BLS projects some allied healthcare roles will have below-average growth in the coming years, many still offer excellent opportunities for career advancement, including:

• 5% growth for Pharmacist, Cardiovascular Technologist and Dosimetrist roles
• 4% growth in Recreational Therapist jobs
• 3% growth for Radiation Therapist positions

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Earn More with Travel Allied Health Roles

Travel allied health jobs offer an alternative to staff positions, allowing allied health professionals to take temporary contracts in states where demand for their expertise is the highest and should continue to grow. For example, California, Texas and Florida have the highest employment of respiratory and physical therapists, while California, Texas and New York employ the most paramedics and occupational therapists, per the BLS. 

Travel contracts exist for nearly every allied health specialty, often paying more than their counterparts in staff positions. The table below compares the average weekly rates of staff jobs versus travel contracts for various allied health professionals. We calculated the average weekly rates in staff roles by multiplying the average hourly rates by 40 hours to compare them with the average weekly travel wages in the same specialties.

Allied Health Profession	Weekly Staff Rate	Weekly Travel Rate
Occupational Therapist Assistant	$1,686	$1,456
Physical Therapy Assistant	$1,394	$1,470
Speech-Language Pathologist	$2,073	$2,173
Registered Ultrasound Technologist	$1,882	$2,472
Medical Assistant	$850	$1,191
Physical Therapist	$2,096	$2,177
Respiratory Therapist	$1,646	$1,931
Occupational Therapist	$2,030	$2,110
Audiologist	$2,028	$2,933
Phlebotomist	$702	$1,784
Registered Dietitian	$1,758	$2,074
Surgical Technologist	$1,445	$1,887
Paramedic	$1,108	$1,481
Radiology Technologist	$1,649	$2,318
MRI Technologist	$1,908	$2,574

Source: Vivian Health Salary Data, November 18, 2024

Whether it’s a travel position you’re looking for or a year-round staff role, Vivian Health is the place to start your allied health job search. Create a free Vivian account to connect with the top healthcare recruiters and facilities across the U.S.

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Editor’s Note: This blog post was originally published in December 2022 and has been updated annually to reflect the most recent data. The allied health specialties currently listed were the fastest-growing based on demand through 2033.