In the United States, employment in healthcare occupations makes up about 10% of total employment. And according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, overall employment in healthcare occupations is projected to grow much faster than the 3% average for all occupations from 2022 to 2032. 

• Employment growth for healthcare practitioners and technical support occupations (such as registered nurses, dentists and physical therapists) is projected to be 8%.
• Growth for healthcare support occupations (such as home health and personal care aides, dental assistants and physical therapist assistants and aides) is projected to be 15%. 

We’re highlighting 10 healthcare occupations with employment that is projected to grow faster than the average from 2022 to 2032, and that have a median annual wage higher than the average for all occupations in 2022 of $46,310. They require different levels of education for entry, ranging from a postsecondary nondegree award to a doctoral degree.

1. Audiologists diagnose, manage and treat patients who have hearing, balance or related problems.

Median annual wage, 2022: $82,680

Employment growth, projected 2022-32: 11% (much faster than average)

Number of jobs, 2022: 14,400

Typical entry-level education: Doctoral degree

2. Exercise physiologists assess, plan, and implement fitness and exercise programs to help people improve their health.

Median annual wage, 2022: $51,350

Employment growth, projected 2022-32: 10% (much faster than average)

Number of jobs, 2022: 16,500

Typical entry-level education: Bachelor’s degree

3. Nurse anesthetists, nurse midwives and nurse practitioners coordinate patient care and may provide primary and specialty healthcare.

Median annual wage, 2022: $125,900

Employment growth, projected 2022-32: 38% (much faster than average)

Number of jobs, 2022: 323,900

Typical entry-level education: Master’s Degree

4. Optometrists diagnose, manage, and treat conditions and diseases of the human eye and visual system.

Median annual wage, 2022: $125,590

Employment growth, projected 2022-32: 9% (much faster than average)

Number of jobs, 2022: 43,400

Typical entry-level education: Doctoral degree

5. Paramedics assess injuries and illnesses, provide emergency medical care and may transport patients to medical facilities.

Median annual wage, 2022: $49,090

Employment growth, projected 2022-32: 5% (faster than average)

Number of jobs, 2022: 98,300

Typical entry-level education: Postsecondary nondegree award

6. Physical therapists assess, plan and organize rehabilitative programs to help those with injuries or illnesses improve movement and manage pain.

Median annual wage, 2022: $97,720

Employment growth, projected 2022-32: 15% (much faster than average)

Number of jobs, 2022: 246,800

Typical entry-level education: Doctoral degree

7. Physician assistants examine, diagnose and treat patients under the supervision of a physician.

Median annual wage, 2022: $126,010

Employment growth, projected 2022-32: 27% (much faster than average)

Number of jobs, 2022: 148,000

Typical entry-level education: Master’s degree

8. Registered nurses provide and coordinate patient care and educate patients and the public about various health conditions.

Median annual wage, 2022: $81,220

Employment growth, projected 2022-32: 6% (faster than average)

Number of jobs, 2022: 3,172,500

Typical entry-level education: Bachelor’s degree

9. Respiratory therapists care for patients who have trouble breathing — for example, because of a chronic condition such as asthma.

Median annual wage, 2022: $70,540

Employment growth, projected 2022-32: 13% (much faster than average)

Number of jobs, 2022:133,100

Typical entry-level education: Associate degree

10. Surgical assistants and technologists assist surgeons with various aspects of the surgical process such as setting up the operating room, passing instruments and making incisions.

Median annual wage, 2022: $56,350

Employment growth, projected 2022-32: 5% (faster than average)

Number of jobs, 2022: 128,900

Typical entry-level education: Postsecondary nondegree award

Explore these and hundreds of other occupations in the Occupational Outlook Handbook online or by downloading the CareerInfo app, available for iOS and devices. You’ll also find career exploration and assessment tools at the U.S. Department of Labor’s O*NET Resource Center.

Visit Workplace Fairness to learn about the various rights that healthcare workers have.