If you’re interested in pursuing a career in medicine, one of the first things you’ll want to consider is how much money your chosen profession will make. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, many medical jobs are among the highest-paying occupations in the country. This list ranks the top highest-paying jobs in various fields of medicine.
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These are the top highest paying jobs in the medical field.
- Anesthesiologist
- Surgeon
- Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon
- Obstetrician and Gynecologist
- Orthodontist
- Psychiatrist
- Emergency Room Physician
Anesthesiologist
An anesthesiologist is a doctor who administers anaesthesia to patients before and during a surgical procedure so that they do not feel pain. Anesthesiologists also monitor their patients throughout the surgical process to ensure they are comfortable and safe.
Anesthesiologists are highly trained medical professionals required to complete four years of medical school and three years of residency before being eligible for board certification by the American Board of Anesthesiology (ABA). The average annual salary for an anesthesiologist was $242,880 as of May 2017.
In order to become an anesthesiologist, you’ll need a bachelor’s degree from a 4-year college or university followed by direct admission into medical school after receiving your bachelor’s degree. To qualify for admission into medical school, you must have at least 3 letters of recommendation from professors or employers showing that you’ve shown leadership qualities at work or in extracurricular activities; medical schools prefer applicants with one year of volunteer experience working in underserved communities where they helped people learn how health care providers worked together effectively.
Surgeon
If you’re looking to earn a high salary, become a surgeon. Surgeons are the most highly trained and specialized doctors in the medical field. They have to go through 4 years of medical school, another 4 years of residency and then an additional 1-2 years in fellowship training. Once they are certified by their respective state as a surgeon, they will be able to perform surgery on patients and make six figures each year.
Oral and maxillofacial surgeon
Oral and maxillofacial surgeons are doctors who specialize in various parts of the mouth, head, and neck. They can perform procedures like tooth extractions, gum surgery, and reconstructive work on the jawbone.
Oral and maxillofacial surgeons must complete four years of undergraduate school followed by four years of medical school to become a doctor. After graduating from medical school, they must complete a surgical residency for three years before becoming an oral and maxillofacial surgeon.
The average annual salary for oral and maxillofacial surgeons is $210,000
Obstetrician and gynaecologist
OB/GYN. If you’re interested in working with pregnant or post-partum women, OB/GYN is the best field for you. The job requires a medical degree and residency training, as well as licensure and malpractice insurance. Additionally, you may need to have a business license depending on where you live and what kind of practice you have (i.e., private practice). You’ll also need a medical license if your plans include performing surgery or administering anaesthesia outside of an operating room setting (as opposed to being present but not involved).
Orthodontist
Orthodontists are doctors, who specialize in straightening teeth. They can work in private practice or at a hospital. Orthodontists who work for hospitals tend to have more limited hours and more access to dental insurance. Orthodontists can specialize in treating children or adults, as well as specific types of teeth (for example, braces may be used on the top and bottom front teeth only).
Psychiatrist
Psychiatrists are physicians who specialize in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of mental disorders. They are licensed medical doctors (M.D.) who have completed at least eight years of education after high school and have passed a special examination given by the National Board of Medical Examiners. The majority of states require psychiatrists to be fully licensed physicians before they can practice as psychiatrists.
Psychiatrists receive training in the biological, psychological, and social aspects of mental illness during their medical school curriculum or through postgraduate residency programs that the last one to three years depending on their speciality area. Once they have completed their training, most psychiatrists become board-certified through the American Board of Psychiatry & Neurology or one of its many branches such as Addiction Psychiatry; Child/Adolescent Psychiatry; Neuropsychiatry & Behavioral Neurology; Forensic Psychiatry; Geriatric Psychiatry; Hospice & Palliative Medicine; Psychopharmacology & Substance Abuse Disorders.
Emergency room physician
An emergency room physician (ER doctor) is a doctor who works in an emergency room. The ER doctor’s job is to diagnose and treat patients who need immediate attention for injuries or illnesses. Emergency rooms are located at hospitals, and they can be very busy places because many people go to them when they are injured or sick.
According to the American College of Emergency Physicians, there are more than 40,000 emergency physicians in the United States alone. Although your duties may vary depending on where you work, generally speaking, you will perform the following tasks:
- Conduct physical exams on patients
- Diagnose and treat life-threatening illnesses or injuries
- Order diagnostic tests such as CT scans and X-rays
Doctor of internal medicine
A Doctor of Internal Medicine (MD) is a medical doctor who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases. They work at hospitals or clinics and can specialize in various fields such as cardiology or oncology. The average salary for an internal medicine specialist is $217,000 per year, while the median salary is $175,000 annually.
The starting salary for an MD varies depending on the speciality. For example, a first-year internist can expect to make more than half that amount—around $100,000 annually—while other specialities like neurology pay much less ($45-$65K).
Physical therapist
Physical therapists work with patients who have physical disabilities. Physical therapists work with patients to help them improve their mobility and function. Physical therapists help patients prevent further injury and disability, helping them recover from injury.
Conclusion
If you have a passion for helping others and are looking for a stable career, the medical field offers a variety of options. As we can see from this list, many of these jobs do require postgraduate education—but all of them offer good work-life balance and significant earning potential. By doing your research and choosing one that fits your skill set and interests, you’ll be well on your way to a rewarding career.