18 high-paying healthcare jobs that don't need a bachelor's degree

05.05.2025 11:06

Many healthcare jobs that typically require an associate degree paid above the annual median wage.

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Not all healthcare jobs that pay decently need an advanced college degree.
A radiation therapist gig typically pays well and requires an associate degree.
Some jobs that require no more than an associate degree are projected to see robust employment growth.

Respiratory therapists, dental hygienists, and occupational therapy assistants all typically make more than the median salary.

These are also jobs that generally need just an associate degree and are projected to grow quickly.

The US healthcare sector has been adding many new jobs, outshining other fields. The aging population will need new workers to help with medical needs as healthcare workers retire.

Business Insider previously looked at which jobs in the US are high-paying based on May 2024 average annual pay. Many of the top occupations were doctors, who usually need years of schooling and high-level degrees. That could mean being saddled with thousands of dollars in student loans and other schooling costs.

There are other ways to enter the medical workforce. BI analyzed annual median pay from the Bureau of Labor Statistics to determine which healthcare practitioners, technical occupations, and support jobs that don't need a bachelor's degree or higher educational attainment typically pay the best. We excluded a few catchall unspecific occupation titles.

Below are the jobs that paid above the national median annual wage, $49,500 in May 2024, along with their employment estimates from that month. We also included the education usually needed and projected employment change from 2023 to 2033, based on what the Bureau of Labor Statistics said.

18. Medical records specialists

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Median annual pay: $50,250

Typical education: Postsecondary nondegree award

Employment estimate: 187,910

Projected employment change: 16,700

17. Massage therapists

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Median annual pay: $57,950

Typical education: Postsecondary nondegree award

Employment estimate: 96,040

Projected employment change: 26,000

16. Paramedics

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Median annual pay: $58,410

Typical education: Postsecondary nondegree award

Employment estimate: 99,530

Projected employment change: 5,900

15. Surgical assistants

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Median annual pay: $60,290

Typical education: Postsecondary nondegree award

Employment estimate: 22,860

Projected employment change: 1,400

14. Hearing aid specialists

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Median annual pay: $61,560

Typical education: High school diploma or equivalent

Employment estimate: 10,580

Projected employment change: 1,600

13. Licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses

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Median annual pay: $62,340

Typical education: Postsecondary nondegree award

Employment estimate: 632,430

Projected employment change: 16,900

12. Surgical technologists

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Median annual pay: $62,830

Typical education: Postsecondary nondegree award

Employment estimate: 113,890

Projected employment change: 6,500

11. Physical therapist assistants

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Median annual pay: $65,510