The first full week of November is Allied Health Professions Week. Learn more about the annual celebration of allied health professionals here.
As healthcare demand continues to surge across the United States, allied health professionals are taking on an even more critical role in keeping systems running smoothly. From diagnostic experts to rehabilitation specialists and technologists, these skilled professionals make up roughly 60% of the U.S. healthcare workforce—and their impact is growing. With an aging population, advances in medical technology, and a greater focus on preventative care, the need for allied health expertise is expanding faster than ever.
Whether you’re considering a new career path or looking to advance within your field, understanding where the greatest opportunities lie can help you plan your next move in this dynamic and rewarding sector. Listed below are six of the fastest-growing allied health careers for 2026 and beyond.
All job growth and pay information is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Occupational Therapy Assistant
Median pay: $66,050 per year / $31.76 per hour
Entry-level education: Associate degree
Projected growth: 18%
An occupational therapy assistant (OTA) works under the supervision of an occupational therapist to help patients develop, recover, or maintain the skills needed for daily living and meaningful activities. They play a hands-on role in implementing treatment plans designed to improve a patient’s strength, coordination, and independence after injury, illness, or disability.
OTAs guide patients through therapeutic exercises and activities, assist with adaptive equipment training, and monitor progress to report back to the supervising therapist. They may also help modify environments, such as home or workplace setups, to better support a patient’s needs.
Physical Therapy Assistant
Median pay: $60,050 per year / $28.87 per hour
Entry-level education: Associate degree
Projected growth: 16%
A physical therapy assistant (PTA) works under the direction of a physical therapist to help patients recover movement, strength, and mobility following injury, surgery, or illness. PTAs guide patients through therapeutic exercises, stretches, and mobility training, often using specialized equipment to enhance recovery. They monitor progress, document outcomes, and communicate updates to the supervising physical therapist to adjust care as needed.
Speech-Language Pathologist
Median pay: $95,410 per year / $45.87 per hour
Entry-level education: Master’s degree
Projected growth: 15%
A speech-language pathologist (SLP) is a licensed clinician who evaluates and treats communication and swallowing disorders. They work with children and adults who have difficulties with speech, language, voice, or fluency, as well as those recovering from strokes, brain injuries, or medical conditions that affect swallowing.
SLPs design personalized therapy plans, teach strategies to improve communication, and support safe eating and drinking. They collaborate closely with families, educators, and healthcare providers to maximize progress. If you want to help people find their voice, improve their communication, and safely manage swallowing challenges, among other responsibilities, this in-demand medical career may be the one you’re looking for.
Diagnostic Medical Sonographer
Median pay: $89,340 per year / $42.95 per hour
Entry-level education: Associate degree
Projected growth: 13%
A diagnostic medical sonographer is a healthcare professional who uses ultrasound technology to create images of the inside of the body. These images help physicians diagnose and monitor a wide range of conditions. Sonographers prepare patients for procedures by explaining the process, positioning them properly, and applying gel to improve image quality. They operate ultrasound equipment to capture clear, detailed images of organs, tissues, blood flow, or developing fetuses, and they adjust the equipment to ensure accuracy.
While they do not provide official diagnoses, sonographers recognize normal and abnormal findings and highlight areas of concern for the physician’s review. Many specialize in areas such as obstetrics and gynecology, cardiology, vascular imaging, abdominal imaging, or musculoskeletal sonography. Their role combines technical skill with patient care, as they work closely with both patients and physicians to provide essential information for treatment decisions.
Respiratory Therapist
Median pay: $80,450 per year / $38.68 per hour
Entry-level education: Associate degree
Projected growth: 12%
A respiratory therapist is a specialized healthcare professional who helps patients with breathing or cardiopulmonary disorders. They assess lung function, administer treatments such as oxygen therapy or inhaled medications, and manage equipment like ventilators.
Respiratory therapists care for patients of all ages, from premature infants with underdeveloped lungs to older adults with chronic conditions such as asthma, COPD, or pneumonia. They often respond to emergencies, performing airway management and life-support interventions.
Medical Assistant
Median pay: $44,200 per year / $21.25 per hour
Entry-level education: Postsecondary nondegree award
Projected growth: 12%
A medical assistant is a key member of the healthcare team who supports physicians, nurses, and other clinicians in both administrative and clinical capacities. They work in diverse environments—such as hospitals, outpatient clinics, and private practices—and their exact responsibilities can vary depending on the size and specialty of the facility.
On the administrative side, medical assistants handle tasks such as scheduling appointments, updating patient records, managing billing and insurance forms, and maintaining communication between patients and providers.
Clinically, medical assistants can record vital signs, prepare patients for examinations, assist with minor procedures, perform basic laboratory tests, and administer medications or injections under a physician’s supervision. In some settings, they may also handle electrocardiograms (EKGs), remove sutures, or provide patient education on medications and treatment plans.
Looking for your next allied health role?
Prolink pairs you with a team of experienced recruiters connected to some of the top medical facilities across the country. Whether you’re looking for local or travel, temporary or permanent, East Coast or West—we have an allied health position that fits your goals and lifestyle. Click below to connect with a recruiter today.
