Some of the fastest-growing and highest-paying careers in the healthcare field are in allied health. Local and travel allied health jobs allow you to work with patients and assist doctors and nurses, but many of them require less time spent in education or offer a better work-life balance than other healthcare careers.
Are you looking for the highest-paying allied health careers? Learn about exciting and lucrative opportunities in this growing field.
Understanding allied health careers
Allied health roles do not require medical degrees or nursing certification. However, allied health workers are highly trained professionals who play a crucial role in diagnosing and treating medical conditions.
Careers in allied health are varied. They include CT technologists, speech language pathologists, audiologists, medical assistants, and much more. Some allied health professionals work with patients every day, while others only support them indirectly. Many work typical weekday schedules, but some allied health careers offer varying schedules that include overnights and weekends.
If you’ve been searching for a profession that allows you to make a good living and a positive impact, then a career in an allied health field could be right for you.
15 high-paying allied health careers in 2025
1. Dosimetrist
A dosimetrist is a healthcare professional who provides radiation therapy treatment and planning for those fighting cancer. They are part of the oncology team and work together with radiation therapists, oncologists, and medical physicists.
Using their knowledge and experience, a dosimetrist calculates appropriate doses of radiation to treat cancerous growths without damaging nearby tissues.
If you become a dosimetrist, you will likely specialize in either external beam radiation therapy or brachytherapy. You may work in a hospital, a physician’s office, or an outpatient care center. You can expect to spend a significant amount of time on the computer calculating dosages and arranging treatment plans.
Typically, dosimetrists have less contact with patients than other oncology team members, but they may need to step in to reposition patients during treatments.
To become a dosimetrist, you need to first obtain a bachelor’s degree in medical dosimetry or a related field. If you already have a degree but it’s not in a relevant subject, you can complete a certificate program or obtain your master’s degree in dosimetry.
Although your state may not require dosimetrists to maintain certification, employers often look for candidates with credentials. The most sought-after certification is that of Certified Medical Dosimetrist. You may also need to obtain work experience before becoming eligible to work as a dosimetrist.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the median annual salary for medical dosimetrists is $138,110. This is expected to increase in the future.
2. Perfusionist
A perfusionist is an allied health professional who operates cardiopulmonary bypass machines. These heart-lung machines are used when patients undergo open heart surgery and other procedures in which respiratory and cardiovascular support is necessary.
The primary role of a perfusionist is to ensure that the machine is working correctly and is calibrated to provide exactly what the patient needs. To do this, they must review the patient’s medical history and all of the notes related to their care.
During surgery, perfusionists monitor the patient and administer routine medications and blood products. They work alongside cardiovascular surgeons and other members of the surgical care team. They spend most of their time in hospital or surgical center operating rooms.
To become a perfusionist, you will need to earn a bachelor’s degree and graduate from an accredited perfusion technology or extracorporeal technology program. Most employers also seek candidates who have received certification from the American Board of Cardiovascular Perfusion.
The median annual salary for perfusionists is $155,113. This can increase significantly if you receive certification and gain experience.
3. Physician assistant (PA)
A physician assistant is a licensed allied health professional who examines, diagnoses, and treats patients under the supervision of a doctor. They review patient histories, order diagnostic tests that they interpret with assistance from the physician, and offer appropriate treatments.
PAs spend a lot of time interacting with patients. They can perform procedures like setting bones, applying stitches, and administering immunizations. They also educate patients and their families on how to manage chronic or acute conditions.
In underserved communities, physician assistants are often the most accessible primary care providers for residents.
As a physician assistant, you can work in many healthcare specialties, including pediatrics and emergency medicine. Your workplace may be a hospital, outpatient clinic, or doctor’s office.
To become a physician assistant, you must obtain a bachelor’s degree in a related field and then earn a master’s degree. Many programs require that you have some experience with patient care. This could mean having worked as an emergency medical technician or a medical assistant.
Completing a physician assistant program takes about two years. You’ll then have to get your license; there are no states that allow you to work as a physician assistant without one. The process involves passing the Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination.
In many states, you also need a formal agreement with a supervising physician. The median annual wage for this allied health career is $133,260. Those who work in government positions tend to make even higher salaries.
4. Catheterization lab technologist
A catheterization lab technologist, or cath lab tech, assists cardiologists in diagnosing and treating cardiovascular conditions. They must prepare the equipment in cath labs and run tests to assess heart health. One of the main tasks they perform is inserting a catheter into a patient’s blood vessel so that it reaches the heart. This process allows the care team to spot blockages.
Cath lab techs also assist in the placement of pacemakers, as well as in angioplasties and stent insertions. They also have a hands-on role with patients because they help prepare them for procedures, ensure that they’re comfortable throughout the process, and monitor vital signs.
As a cath lab tech, you’ll work closely with cardiologists and other healthcare professionals who make up the cardiology team. To begin your career, you must complete an accredited program or obtain an associate degree in invasive cardiovascular technology. Although certificate programs are faster to complete, most employers prefer candidates who have degrees.
Additionally, consider getting the Registered Cardiovascular Invasive Specialist (RCIS) certification. This can give you an edge over other candidates. To obtain RCIS certification, you must complete an accredited program, gain clinical experience, and pass an exam.
The median annual salary for a cath lab technologist is $67,260. Technologists who work in outpatient care centers tend to earn higher wages than those who work in hospitals.
5. Speech-language pathologist
Also called speech therapists, speech-language pathologists evaluate and treat people who have problems involving language, voice, speech, or fluency. They also help people who have difficulty swallowing or eating. The challenges they address might be physical, psychological, or both.
Typically, speech-language pathologists work with children or older adults, but their patients could be of any age. Their work might involve teaching people how to speak more fluently or use alternative communication methods.
Speech-language pathologists work with doctors and surgeons, social workers, psychologists, respiratory therapists, and many other professionals. Their work environment can vary, with a significant number of pathologists becoming part of educational institutions. Others may choose to work in a doctor’s office or at a hospital.
To become one of these allied health professionals, you will need to obtain a bachelor’s degree and go on to complete a master’s degree. The latter takes about two years. It’s essential to look for programs accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation.
Because all states require licenses for speech pathologists, you’ll need to obtain this credential by passing an exam. The median annual salary is $95,410 as of 2024.
6. Registered ultrasound technologist
Registered ultrasound technologists, also called diagnostic medical sonographers, work with special equipment that uses sound waves to create diagnostic images and conduct tests. They must calibrate the equipment correctly and position patients so that the results are as clear as possible.
Ultrasound technologists should be well-versed in interpreting the results and should know how to create clear images that help doctors. Communication is essential because of the large number of care team members that sonographers work with.
Additionally, patients who are undergoing ultrasounds may be worried about their health and have many questions about the procedure. This means that sonographers must be skilled at communication. They are also tasked with patient care throughout the procedure, positioning and monitoring them to get accurate results. Finally, they must be able to maintain thorough patient records.
Most registered ultrasound technologists work in hospitals alongside nurses and doctors. Some may choose to be part of a physician’s office or to work at outpatient centers.
To become a registered ultrasound technologist, you need to complete either a certificate program, an associate degree, or a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field. The program you choose must be accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs.
If you’re looking for certification, the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography offers it. To obtain your credentials, you must pass the Sonography Principles and Instrumentation exam as well as one specialty exam.
For ultrasound technologists, the median annual salary is $82,570, but you can expect higher pay if you have certification.
7. Physical therapist
Physical therapists assist patients who are injured or suffer illnesses that have left them with pain and mobility issues. They review patients’ medical records carefully and then diagnose what conditions may impact their well-being. With this information, they create personalized treatment plans to help their patients reach their goals.
A physical therapist has to maintain meticulous patient records. They must have good communication skills because part of their job is to educate patients and their families on living with health conditions and explaining what to expect during recovery.
These therapists may rely on a variety of techniques to help patients, including the use of assistive devices like canes and walkers. Most physical therapists work at outpatient offices or in hospitals. Some also offer their care at nursing home facilities.
To become a physical therapist, you need to earn a Doctor of Physical Therapy, which takes about three years. You must receive this degree from an accredited program after completing your bachelor’s degree in a relevant field. You’ll then have to obtain a license by passing the National Physical Therapy Examination. This is required in all states.
Physical therapists make a median annual salary of $101,020. Those who make the highest salaries work as home healthcare providers.
8. Occupational therapist
An occupational therapist is an allied health professional who helps people of all ages who have illnesses, disabilities, or injuries that prevent them from living normally. They assess and evaluate a patient’s abilities and limitations. They work with the patient to develop goals, and then they create a treatment plan to help the patient meet them.
An occupational therapist may aid patients in learning how to perform daily activities, like getting dressed or cooking a meal. They also assess and recommend changes to the person’s home and work environments to make mobility easier. If necessary, they recommend the use of assistive devices.
Occupational therapists must advocate for their clients to ensure that they have the support they need. They must also provide education for family members on the best ways of helping their loved one. These therapists also maintain detailed records and keep track of patient progress.
An occupational therapist might work in a hospital or clinical setting. Sometimes they are employed by schools and similar institutions.
To become an occupational therapist, you will need to earn a bachelor’s degree and then a master’s in occupational therapy. Your degree program must be accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education. Some master’s programs require that you have worked or volunteered in an occupational therapy setting.
A master’s degree in occupational therapy will take between two and three years, including a minimum number of hours of supervised fieldwork. You will then have to obtain your license. This requires passing the national certification exam given by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy.
Occupational therapists make a median annual salary of $98,340. The highest-paying jobs are those at nursing care facilities.
9. Respiratory therapist
A respiratory therapist assists people who have difficulty breathing because of conditions like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or asthma. They work with people of all ages, helping to diagnose and treat problems in order to improve the patient’s quality of life.
Respiratory therapists perform thorough assessments and conduct patient interviews while reviewing medical histories. They use this information to make accurate diagnoses and work with physicians to create appropriate treatment strategies.
These therapists can administer treatments like medications, oxygen therapy, and mechanical ventilation. They also manage equipment such as ventilators, nebulizers, and oxygen concentrators.
Most respiratory therapists work in hospital settings, although outpatient centers and doctors’ offices also employ them. Sometimes, they are hired by nursing facilities or private individuals who require home care.
To become a respiratory therapist, you must obtain at least an associate degree in respiratory therapy. Keep in mind, however, that most employers are looking for candidates with bachelor's degrees. No matter what program you choose, make sure that it is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care.
Respiratory therapists must be licensed in all states (except for Alaska, where national certification is still recommended). Licensing requirements vary from state to state, but the main certifying body is the National Board for Respiratory Care.
Annually, respiratory therapists make a median salary of $80,450. Of all work environments, hospitals pay the highest rates.
10. Radiologic technologist
A radiologic technologist, or rad tech, performs X-rays and other diagnostic imaging studies. They are trained in calibrating imaging machines and positioning patients to get clear images that doctors can rely on to diagnose medical conditions and injuries.
Rad techs must follow exact instructions from doctors, and they must prepare patients for the imaging procedures by explaining what to expect, taking medical histories, and ensuring that areas that are not being studied don’t receive radiation.
These professionals also need to communicate effectively with physicians to help with the diagnostic process. Many rad techs work in hospitals, but they can be employed anywhere where there are X-ray machines. This includes diagnostic laboratories and outpatient care centers.
If you’d like to become a radiologic technologist, you must have an associate’s degree. You’ll have to ensure that the program you choose is accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology.
Most states require rad techs to be certified or licensed. You’ll have to pass an exam to earn your license. If you’re pursuing certification, you can receive it from the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists.
Rad techs make a median annual salary of $77,660. Working in outpatient care centers is usually the most lucrative option, with hospitals coming in second.
11. Surgical technologist
Surgical technologists assist surgeons and other members of the surgical team before, during, and after procedures. They’re in charge of preparing the room and ensuring that the space and the tools are sterile. Preparing patients for the procedure is another vital aspect of their duties. This could include positioning them on the table and answering their questions.
Along with maintaining a sterile environment, a surgical technologist’s tasks include passing instruments to the surgeon during the procedure. Once the surgery is over, they count all of the sponges and other tools used to prevent any of them from being left behind inside the patient.
After surgery, they monitor patients and transport them to the recovery room. Additionally, they clean and sterilize the room to prepare it for the next procedure. These allied health professionals work in hospitals, dentists’ and physicians' offices, and outpatient surgical centers.
Becoming a surgical technologist requires obtaining either an associate degree or a certificate from an accredited program. The accrediting body is the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs.
Although it’s not necessary to have certification, many employers prefer it. There are a few organizations that offer certification. The most popular option is the Certified Surgical Technologist, offered through The National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting.
The median annual salary is $62,830. Outpatient care centers typically offer higher-paying surgical tech jobs.
12. Registered dietitian
A registered dietitian is a food and nutrition professional. Dietitians must have expert knowledge of how different foods and nutrients impact well-being. They begin by assessing a patient’s needs and go on to prepare individualized plans while keeping in mind preferences and budgets.
Dietitians must monitor progress over time and make changes as necessary. They also promote healthy lifestyles and encourage clients to focus on making better food choices. Typically, registered dietitians work in hospitals.
To become a registered dietitian, you need a bachelor’s or a master’s degree in food and nutrition or a related field. Certain credentials and career paths require a graduate degree. Many states require dietitians to be licensed. Becoming a registered dietitian means passing an exam offered by the Commission on Dietetic Registration.
Dietitians make an annual median wage of $73,850. Registered dietitians generally make more, however. Salaries can be as high as $91,416 for credentialed providers.
13. Phlebotomist
Phlebotomists are allied health professionals who draw blood from patients to diagnose conditions or monitor how treatment is progressing. They can also take blood for donations.
Because many people are nervous about blood tests, phlebotomists must prepare them for the procedure and put them at ease. They’re also in charge of verifying the patient’s identity, labeling and processing the blood, preparing containers for other forms of samples (including urine), and keeping the work area sanitary.
Many phlebotomists work in hospitals, outpatient care centers, diagnostic laboratories, or doctors’ offices. Others work in blood donation centers, and some carry out home healthcare services.
To become a phlebotomist, you will need to receive a postsecondary nondegree award from a phlebotomy program. The program must be accredited either by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences or the American Society for Clinical Pathology.
Some states allow aspiring phlebotomists to be hired with just a high school diploma and get on-the-job training. However, many employers require candidates to have a license or other credentials. Those positions typically pay more.
The median phlebotomist salary is $43,660. If you work at an outpatient care center, there’s a better chance of earning a higher salary.
14. Audiologist
Audiologists help people of all ages who have hearing and balance problems. They examine patients and perform diagnostic tests to provide accurate diagnoses. With the information they glean from these assessments, they create treatment plans, which might include the use of assistive devices like hearing aids.
Additionally, audiologists educate patients on how to prevent hearing loss and help family members find the most appropriate ways of communicating with loved ones with hearing difficulties. They can also diagnose balance problems related to the vestibular system in the inner ear and offer treatment strategies that improve quality of life.
Typically, audiologists work in physicians’ offices and in hospitals. They can also be employed by schools and other educational institutions.
To work as an audiologist, you will need a Doctor of Audiology degree. This degree program takes about four years. Audiologists must also be licensed, though the requirements for obtaining your license vary from one state to another.
An audiologist makes a mean annual salary of $92,120. Hospitals tend to pay more than other work environments.
15. MRI technologist
An MRI technologist uses magnetic resonance imaging technology to produce highly detailed images of the body. They know how to operate and calibrate MRI machines and how to position patients to get the clearest images.
Because many patients feel distressed during MRI tests, techs must also be able to describe the process clearly and help patients stay calm.
MRI technologists work in hospitals and imaging centers. They may also work in doctors’ offices and anywhere else there is an MRI machine.
Becoming an MRI technologist means getting an associate degree. Choose a program that has been approved by either the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology or the American Registry of Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists. Most states do not require MRI techs to be licensed.
MRI technologists make a median annual salary of $88,180. In outpatient centers, however, the median increases to $128,290.
Starting your career in allied health
If you’ve been considering entering the healthcare field but don’t want to go into nursing or begin the long process of becoming a physician, allied health careers can be the solution. Whether you complete a certification program or earn a doctoral degree, you have many opportunities for finding a job that suits you.
At Prolink, we help you find the right position to jump-start your career in healthcare. Get matched with a Prolink recruiter or click below to learn more about the allied health jobs we offer.
