Top 10 Highest Paying Healthcare Field Jobs: A Career Counselor's Guide

Healthcare is one of the most important and rewarding fields to pursue, and it also happens to be one of the highest-paying industries out there. In this article, we will be discussing the top 10 highest-paying healthcare field jobs, along with the educational requirements, salary expectations, career growth, the best schools to attend, and important high school courses to take for each.

1. Surgeons: Surgeons are responsible for performing operations on patients to treat injuries, diseases, and deformities. They typically have a medical degree, as well as several years of residency and training. The average salary for a surgeon is $414,000 per year. The best schools to attend for surgery are generally Ivy League universities and top-ranked medical schools. In high school, it is important to take courses in biology, chemistry, and physics.
2. Anesthesiologists: Anesthesiologists are responsible for administering anesthesia to patients before and during surgical procedures, as well as managing pain during childbirth and other medical procedures. They typically have a medical degree, as well as several years of residency and training. The average salary for an anesthesiologist is $401,000 per year. The best schools to attend for anesthesiology are generally Ivy League universities and top-ranked medical schools. In high school, it is important to take courses in biology, chemistry, and physics.
3. Obstetricians and Gynecologists: Obstetricians and Gynecologists are responsible for providing medical care for women, including prenatal care, childbirth, and the treatment of reproductive disorders. They typically have a medical degree, as well as several years of residency and training. The average salary for an obstetrician/gynecologist is $251,000 per year. The best schools to attend for obstetrics and gynecology is generally Ivy League universities and top-ranked medical schools. In high school, it is important to take courses in biology, chemistry, and physics.
4. Orthodontists: Orthodontists are responsible for straightening and aligning teeth, as well as treating jaw and bite problems. They typically have a dental degree and several years of specialty training. The average salary for an orthodontist is $228,000 per year. The best schools to attend for orthodontics are generally Ivy League universities and top-ranked dental schools. In high school, it is important to take courses in biology, chemistry, and physics.
5. Psychiatrists: Psychiatrists are responsible for diagnosing and treating mental health disorders, including depression, anxiety, and schizophrenia. They typically have a medical degree, as well as several years of residency and training. The average salary for a psychiatrist is $220,000 per year. The best schools to attend for psychiatry are generally Ivy League universities and top-ranked medical schools. In high school, it is important to take courses in biology, chemistry, and physics.
6. Dentists: Dentists are responsible for the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of oral diseases and injuries. They typically have a dental degree and several years of specialty training. The average salary for a dentist is $228,000 per year. The best schools to attend for dentistry are generally Ivy League universities and top-ranked dental schools. In high school, it is important to take courses in biology, chemistry, and physics.

7. Pharmacists: Pharmacists are responsible for dispensing medication and providing advice on their use. They typically have a pharmacy degree and several years of specialty training. The average salary for a pharmacist is $128,000 per year. The best schools to attend for pharmacy are generally Ivy League universities and top-ranked pharmacy schools. In high school, it is important to take courses in biology, chemistry, and math.

8. Nurse Anesthetists: Nurse anesthetists are responsible for administering anesthesia to patients before and during surgical procedures, as well as managing pain during childbirth and other medical procedures. They typically have a nursing degree and a master's degree in nurse anesthesia. The average salary for a nurse anesthetist is $165,000 per year. The best schools to attend for nurse anesthesia are generally Ivy League universities and top-ranked nursing schools. In high school, it is important to take courses in biology, chemistry, and physics.

9. Physician Assistants: Physician assistants are responsible for providing medical care to patients under the supervision of a physician. They typically have a master's degree in physician assistant studies. The average salary for a physician assistant is $112,000 per year. The best schools to attend for physician assistant studies are generally Ivy League universities and top-ranked medical schools. In high school, it is important to take courses in biology, chemistry, and physics.

10. Occupational Therapists: Occupational therapists are responsible for helping patients recover from injuries and illnesses, and improve their ability to perform daily activities. They typically have a master's degree in occupational therapy. The average salary for an occupational therapist is $87,000 per year. The best schools to attend for occupational therapy are generally Ivy League universities and top-ranked medical schools. In high school, it is important to take courses in biology, chemistry, and physics.

Overall, healthcare is a field that offers many opportunities for growth, high pay, and the ability to make a positive impact on people's lives. It is important to consider your interests and goals before choosing a career path in healthcare. Additionally, it's important to attend the best school for your chosen field, and take relevant high school courses in order to better prepare yourself for the educational requirements of these in-demand and high-paying healthcare field jobs.