The Average Salary for Health Care Careers

Besides the position of physician, there are a number of careers available in the health care industry, a field which the US Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts will increase by 11 percent through 2016. This growth will result in 3 million new jobs.

Nurses

In May 2008, the average annual salaries for licensed practical nurses and registered nurses were $40,110 and $65,130, respectively. Nurses who had obtained higher education to become nurse anesthetists, certified nurse midwives or nurse practitioners averaged $135,000, $84,000, and $78,000, respectively, according to Nursing Link.

Technologists

Radiological, surgical, cardiovascular, medical laboratory, and nuclear medicine technologists averaged annual salaries between $40,070 and $67,480 as of May 2008. Respiratory and radiation therapists earned $75,450 and $53,150, respectively.

Assistants

Physicians assistants averaged $81,610 in May 2008, while general medical assistants earned an average annual salary of $29,060. Nursing aides and orderlies typically earned an average of $24,620 each year.

Emergency Medical Workers and Licensed Therapists

Emergency medical technicians and paramedics earned an average of $31,980 in May 2008. In addition, occupational, physical, and speech therapists earned an average of $67,920, $74,410, and $66,130 respectively.

Health Care Clerical Workers

In May 2008, health information specialists like coders, billers, and records specialists each had an average salary of $32,960, while medical transcriptionists earned an average of $32,960. Those who worked in the field of medical or health service management earned an average of $88,750 in 2008, and receptionists averaged $25,400.

References

• US Bureau of Labor Statistics Industry Overview
• Nursing Link