Fastest-growing jobs in health care

- Projected job growth rate, 2024-34: 4.4%
- Total employment in 2024: 5,900
- Projected employment change, 2024-34: +300
- 2024 median annual income: $239,200

Department of Labor job description: "Examine, diagnose, and treat dental malocclusions and oral cavity anomalies. Design and fabricate appliances to realign teeth and jaws to produce and maintain normal function and to improve appearance."

- Projected job growth rate, 2024-34: 4.5%
- Total employment in 2024: 115,600
- Projected employment change, 2024-34: +5,200
- 2024 median annual income: $62,830

Department of Labor job description: "Assist in operations, under the supervision of surgeons, registered nurses, or other surgical personnel. May help set up operating room, prepare and transport patients for surgery, adjust lights and equipment, pass instruments and other supplies to surgeons and surgeons' assistants, hold retractors, cut sutures, and help count sponges, needles, supplies, and instruments."

- Projected job growth rate, 2024-34: 4.5%
- Total employment in 2024: 900
- Projected employment change, 2024-34: +
- 2024 median annual income: $239,200

Department of Labor job description: "Diagnose, treat, rehabilitate, design, and fit prostheses that maintain oral function, health, and appearance for patients with clinical conditions associated with teeth, oral and maxillofacial tissues, or the jaw."

- Projected job growth rate, 2024-34: 4.6%
- Total employment in 2024: 335,100
- Projected employment change, 2024-34: +15,400
- 2024 median annual income: $137,480

Department of Labor job description: "Dispense drugs prescribed by physicians and other health practitioners and provide information to patients about medications and their use. May advise physicians and other health practitioners on the selection, dosage, interactions, and side effects of medications."

- Projected job growth rate, 2024-34: 4.9%
- Total employment in 2024: 3,391,000
- Projected employment change, 2024-34: +166,100
- 2024 median annual income: $93,600

Department of Labor job description: "Assess patient health problems and needs, develop and implement nursing care plans, and maintain medical records. Administer nursing care to ill, injured, convalescent, or disabled patients. May advise patients on health maintenance and disease prevention or provide case management. Licensing or registration required."

- Projected job growth rate, 2024-34: 5.0%
- Total employment in 2024: 101,900
- Projected employment change, 2024-34: +5,100
- 2024 median annual income: $58,410

Department of Labor job description: "Administer basic or advanced emergency medical care and assess injuries and illnesses. May administer medication intravenously, use equipment such as EKGs, or administer advanced life support to sick or injured individuals."

- Projected job growth rate, 2024-34: 5.1%
- Total employment in 2024: 181,000
- Projected employment change, 2024-34: +9,200
- 2024 median annual income: $41,340

Department of Labor job description: "Assess injuries and illnesses and administer basic emergency medical care. May transport injured or sick persons to medical facilities."

- Projected job growth rate, 2024-34: 5.1%
- Total employment in 2024: 25,300
- Projected employment change, 2024-34: +1,300
- 2024 median annual income: $60,290

Department of Labor job description: "Assist in operations, under the supervision of surgeons. May, in accordance with state laws, help surgeons to make incisions and close surgical sites, manipulate or remove tissues, implant surgical devices or drains, suction the surgical site, place catheters, clamp or cauterize vessels or tissue, and apply dressings to surgical site."

- Projected job growth rate, 2024-34: 5.2%
- Total employment in 2024: 178,800
- Projected employment change, 2024-34: +9,300
- 2024 median annual income: $48,790

Department of Labor job description: "All health technologists and technicians not listed separately."

- Projected job growth rate, 2024-34: 5.4%
- Total employment in 2024: 8,300
- Projected employment change, 2024-34: +500
- 2024 median annual income: $239,200

Department of Labor job description: "Diagnose, manage, and treat disorders and diseases of the brain, spinal cord, and peripheral nerves, with a primarily nonsurgical focus."

- Projected job growth rate, 2024-34: 5.5%
- Total employment in 2024: 90,900
- Projected employment change, 2024-34: +5,000
- 2024 median annual income: $73,850

Department of Labor job description: "Plan and conduct food service or nutritional programs to assist in the promotion of health and control of disease. May supervise activities of a department providing quality food services, counsel individuals, or conduct nutritional research."

- Projected job growth rate, 2024-34: 5.6%
- Total employment in 2024: 139,700
- Projected employment change, 2024-34: +7,900
- 2024 median annual income: $43,660

Department of Labor job description: "Draw blood for tests, transfusions, donations, or research. May explain the procedure to patients and assist in the recovery of patients with adverse reactions."

- Projected job growth rate, 2024-34: 6.1%
- Total employment in 2024: 27,100
- Projected employment change, 2024-34: +1,700
- 2024 median annual income: $239,200

Department of Labor job description: "Diagnose, treat, and help prevent mental disorders."

- Projected job growth rate, 2024-34: 6.4%
- Total employment in 2024: 490,400
- Projected employment change, 2024-34: +31,500
- 2024 median annual income: $43,460

Department of Labor job description: "Prepare medications under the direction of a pharmacist. May measure, mix, count out, label, and record amounts and dosages of medications according to prescription orders."

- Projected job growth rate, 2024-34: 6.4%
- Total employment in 2024: 381,900
- Projected employment change, 2024-34: +24,400
- 2024 median annual income: $47,300

Department of Labor job description: "Perform limited clinical duties under the direction of a dentist. Clinical duties may include equipment preparation and sterilization, preparing patients for treatment, assisting the dentist during treatment, and providing patients with instructions for oral healthcare procedures. May perform administrative duties such as scheduling appointments, maintaining medical records, billing, and coding information for insurance purposes."

- Projected job growth rate, 2024-34: 6.4%
- Total employment in 2024: 10,900
- Projected employment change, 2024-34: +700
- 2024 median annual income: $239,200

Department of Labor job description: "Diagnose and treat diseases relating to the skin, hair, and nails. May perform both medical and dermatological surgery functions."

- Projected job growth rate, 2024-34: 6.8%
- Total employment in 2024: 15,300
- Projected employment change, 2024-34: +1,000
- 2024 median annual income: $78,140

Department of Labor job description: "Diagnose, treat, and prevent disorders by stimulating specific acupuncture points within the body using acupuncture needles. May also use cups, nutritional supplements, therapeutic massage, acupressure, and other alternative health therapies."

- Projected job growth rate, 2024-34: 7.0%
- Total employment in 2024: 221,600
- Projected employment change, 2024-34: +15,500
- 2024 median annual income: $94,260

Department of Labor job description: "Administer oral hygiene care to patients. Assess patient oral hygiene problems or needs and maintain health records. Advise patients on oral health maintenance and disease prevention. May provide advanced care such as providing fluoride treatment or administering topical anesthesia."

- Projected job growth rate, 2024-34: 7.1%
- Total employment in 2024: 194,800
- Projected employment change, 2024-34: +13,800
- 2024 median annual income: $50,250

Department of Labor job description: "Compile, process, and maintain medical records of hospital and clinic patients in a manner consistent with medical, administrative, ethical, legal, and regulatory requirements of the healthcare system. Classify medical and healthcare concepts, including diagnosis, procedures, medical services, and equipment, into the healthcare industry's numerical coding system. Includes medical coders."

- Projected job growth rate, 2024-34: 7.1%
- Total employment in 2024: 44,100
- Projected employment change, 2024-34: +3,100
- 2024 median annual income: $88,180

Department of Labor job description: "Operate Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scanners. Monitor patient safety and comfort, and view images of area being scanned to ensure quality of pictures. May administer gadolinium contrast dosage intravenously. May interview patient, explain MRI procedures, and position patient on examining table. May enter into the computer data such as patient history, anatomical area to be scanned, orientation specified, and position of entry."

- Projected job growth rate, 2024-34: 8.0%
- Total employment in 2024: 47,800
- Projected employment change, 2024-34: +3,800
- 2024 median annual income: $134,830

Department of Labor job description: "Diagnose, manage, and treat conditions and diseases of the human eye and visual system. Examine eyes and visual system, diagnose problems or impairments, prescribe corrective lenses, and provide treatment. May prescribe therapeutic drugs to treat specific eye conditions."

- Projected job growth rate, 2024-34: 8.6%
- Total employment in 2024: 53,800
- Projected employment change, 2024-34: +4,600
- 2024 median annual income: $223,210

Department of Labor job description: "Administer anesthesia, monitor patient's vital signs, and oversee patient recovery from anesthesia. May assist anesthesiologists, surgeons, other physicians, or dentists. Must be registered nurses who have specialized graduate education."

- Projected job growth rate, 2024-34: 8.7%
- Total employment in 2024: 117,800
- Projected employment change, 2024-34: +10,300
- 2024 median annual income: $37,320

Department of Labor job description: "Feed, water, and examine pets and other nonfarm animals for signs of illness, disease, or injury in laboratories and animal hospitals and clinics. Clean and disinfect cages and work areas, and sterilize laboratory and surgical equipment. May provide routine postoperative care, administer medication orally or topically, or prepare samples for laboratory examination under the supervision of veterinary or laboratory animal technologists or technicians, veterinarians, or scientists."

- Projected job growth rate, 2024-34: 9.1%
- Total employment in 2024: 134,200
- Projected employment change, 2024-34: +12,200
- 2024 median annual income: $45,980

Department of Labor job description: "Perform medical tests in a laboratory environment for use in the treatment and diagnosis of diseases in animals. Prepare vaccines and serums for prevention of diseases. Prepare tissue samples, take blood samples, and execute laboratory tests, such as urinalysis and blood counts. Clean and sterilize instruments and materials and maintain equipment and machines. May assist a veterinarian during surgery."

- Projected job growth rate, 2024-34: 9.3%
- Total employment in 2024: 4,000
- Projected employment change, 2024-34: +400
- 2024 median annual income: $98,910

Department of Labor job description: "Assess individual or family risk for a variety of inherited conditions, such as genetic disorders and birth defects. Provide information to other healthcare providers or to individuals and families concerned with the risk of inherited conditions. Advise individuals and families to support informed decision-making and coping methods for those at risk. May help conduct research related to genetic conditions or genetic counseling."

- Projected job growth rate, 2024-34: 9.5%
- Total employment in 2024: 23,900
- Projected employment change, 2024-34: +2,300
- 2024 median annual income: $58,160

Department of Labor job description: "Assess, plan, or implement fitness programs that include exercise or physical activities such as those designed to improve cardiorespiratory function, body composition, muscular strength, muscular endurance, or flexibility."

- Projected job growth rate, 2024-34: 9.5%
- Total employment in 2024: 57,200
- Projected employment change, 2024-34: +5,400
- 2024 median annual income: $79,000

Department of Labor job description: "Assess, treat, and care for patients by manipulation of spine and musculoskeletal system. May provide spinal adjustment or address sacral or pelvic misalignment."

- Projected job growth rate, 2024-34: 9.5%
- Total employment in 2024: 15,800
- Projected employment change, 2024-34: +1,500
- 2024 median annual income: $92,120

Department of Labor job description: "Assess and treat persons with hearing and related disorders. May fit hearing aids and provide auditory training. May perform research related to hearing problems."

- Projected job growth rate, 2024-34: 9.6%
- Total employment in 2024: 86,400
- Projected employment change, 2024-34: +8,300
- 2024 median annual income: $125,510

Department of Labor job description: "Diagnose, treat, or research diseases and injuries of animals. Includes veterinarians who conduct research and development, inspect livestock, or care for pets and companion animals."

- Projected job growth rate, 2024-34: 10.0%
- Total employment in 2024: 76,500
- Projected employment change, 2024-34: +7,600
- 2024 median annual income: $46,490

Department of Labor job description: "Prepare, sterilize, install, or clean laboratory or healthcare equipment. May perform routine laboratory tasks and operate or inspect equipment."

- Projected job growth rate, 2024-34: 10.9%
- Total employment in 2024: 267,200
- Projected employment change, 2024-34: +29,300
- 2024 median annual income: $101,020

Department of Labor job description: "Assess, plan, organize, and participate in rehabilitative programs that improve mobility, relieve pain, increase strength, and improve or correct disabling conditions resulting from disease or injury."

- Projected job growth rate, 2024-34: 11.1%
- Total employment in 2024: 33,900
- Projected employment change, 2024-34: +3,800
- 2024 median annual income: $60,250

Department of Labor job description: "Evaluate and treat musculoskeletal injuries or illnesses. Provide preventive, therapeutic, emergency, and rehabilitative care."

- Projected job growth rate, 2024-34: 11.1%
- Total employment in 2024: 8,600
- Projected employment change, 2024-34: +900
- 2024 median annual income: $128,790

Department of Labor job description: "Diagnose and coordinate all aspects of the birthing process, either independently or as part of a healthcare team. May provide well-woman gynecological care. Must have specialized, graduate nursing education."

- Projected job growth rate, 2024-34: 11.5%
- Total employment in 2024: 56,100
- Projected employment change, 2024-34: +6,400
- 2024 median annual income: $65,010

Department of Labor job description: "All therapists not listed separately."

- Projected job growth rate, 2024-34: 12.1%
- Total employment in 2024: 139,600
- Projected employment change, 2024-34: +16,800
- 2024 median annual income: $80,450

Department of Labor job description: "Assess, treat, and care for patients with breathing disorders. Assume primary responsibility for all respiratory care modalities, including the supervision of respiratory therapy technicians. Initiate and conduct therapeutic procedures; maintain patient records; and select, assemble, check, and operate equipment."

- Projected job growth rate, 2024-34: 12.5%
- Total employment in 2024: 811,000
- Projected employment change, 2024-34: +101,200
- 2024 median annual income: $44,200

Department of Labor job description: "Perform administrative and certain clinical duties under the direction of a physician. Administrative duties may include scheduling appointments, maintaining medical records, billing, and coding information for insurance purposes. Clinical duties may include taking and recording vital signs and medical histories, preparing patients for examination, drawing blood, and administering medications as directed by physician."

- Projected job growth rate, 2024-34: 13.0%
- Total employment in 2024: 90,000
- Projected employment change, 2024-34: +11,700
- 2024 median annual income: $89,340

Department of Labor job description: "Produce ultrasonic recordings of internal organs for use by physicians. Includes vascular technologists."

- Projected job growth rate, 2024-34: 13.3%
- Total employment in 2024: 10,100
- Projected employment change, 2024-34: +1,300
- 2024 median annual income: $78,310

Department of Labor job description: "Design, measure, fit, and adapt orthopedic braces, appliances or prostheses, such as limbs or facial parts for patients with disabling conditions."

- Projected job growth rate, 2024-34: 13.8%
- Total employment in 2024: 160,000
- Projected employment change, 2024-34: +22,100
- 2024 median annual income: $98,340

Department of Labor job description: "Assess, plan, and organize rehabilitative programs that help build or restore vocational, homemaking, and daily living skills, as well as general independence, to persons with disabilities or developmental delays. Use therapeutic techniques, adapt the individual's environment, teach skills, and modify specific tasks that present barriers to the individual."

- Projected job growth rate, 2024-34: 14.7%
- Total employment in 2024: 41,900
- Projected employment change, 2024-34: +6,200
- 2024 median annual income: $67,310

Department of Labor job description: "Apply knowledge of healthcare and information systems to assist in the design, development, and continued modification and analysis of computerized healthcare systems. Abstract, collect, and analyze treatment and follow-up information of patients. May educate staff and assist in problem-solving to promote the implementation of the healthcare information system. May design, develop, test, and implement databases with complete history, diagnosis, treatment, and health status to help monitor diseases."

- Projected job growth rate, 2024-34: 15.0%
- Total employment in 2024: 187,400
- Projected employment change, 2024-34: +28,200
- 2024 median annual income: $95,410

Department of Labor job description: "Assess and treat persons with speech, language, voice, and fluency disorders. May select alternative communication systems and teach their use. May perform research related to speech and language problems."

- Projected job growth rate, 2024-34: 15.4%
- Total employment in 2024: 168,000
- Projected employment change, 2024-34: +25,900
- 2024 median annual income: $57,950

Department of Labor job description: "Perform therapeutic massages of soft tissues and joints. May assist in the assessment of range of motion and muscle strength, or propose client therapy plans."

- Projected job growth rate, 2024-34: 17.0%
- Total employment in 2024: 4,347,700
- Projected employment change, 2024-34: +739,800
- 2024 median annual income: $34,900

Department of Labor job description: "Monitor the health status of an individual with disabilities or illness, and address their health-related needs, such as changing bandages, dressing wounds, or administering medication. Work is performed under the direction of off-site or intermittent on-site licensed nursing staff. Provide assistance with routine healthcare tasks or activities of daily living, such as feeding, bathing, toileting, or ambulation. May also help with tasks such as preparing meals, doing light housekeeping, and doing laundry, depending on the patient's abilities."

- Projected job growth rate, 2024-34: 18.4%
- Total employment in 2024: 10,700
- Projected employment change, 2024-34: +2,000
- 2024 median annual income: $61,560

Department of Labor job description: "Select and fit hearing aids for customers. Administer and interpret tests of hearing. Assess hearing instrument efficacy. Take ear impressions and prepare, design, and modify ear molds."

- Projected job growth rate, 2024-34: 19.2%
- Total employment in 2024: 49,200
- Projected employment change, 2024-34: +9,500
- 2024 median annual income: $68,340

Department of Labor job description: "Assist occupational therapists in providing occupational therapy treatments and procedures. May, in accordance with state laws, assist in development of treatment plans, carry out routine functions, direct activity programs, and document the progress of treatments. Generally requires formal training."

- Projected job growth rate, 2024-34: 19.8%
- Total employment in 2024: 78,800
- Projected employment change, 2024-34: +15,600
- 2024 median annual income: $44,080

Department of Labor job description: "Assist ophthalmologists by performing ophthalmic clinical functions. May administer eye exams, administer eye medications, and instruct the patient in care and use of corrective lenses."

- Projected job growth rate, 2024-34: 20.0%
- Total employment in 2024: 144,500
- Projected employment change, 2024-34: +28,900
- 2024 median annual income: $42,590

Department of Labor job description: "Care for individuals with mental or emotional conditions or disabilities, following the instructions of physicians or other health practitioners. Monitor patients' physical and emotional well-being and report to medical staff. May participate in rehabilitation and treatment programs, help with personal hygiene, and administer oral or injectable medications."

- Projected job growth rate, 2024-34: 20.4%
- Total employment in 2024: 162,700
- Projected employment change, 2024-34: +33,200
- 2024 median annual income: $133,260

Department of Labor job description: "Provide healthcare services typically performed by a physician, under the supervision of a physician. Conduct complete physicals, provide treatment, and counsel patients. May, in some cases, prescribe medication. Must graduate from an accredited educational program for physician assistants."

- Projected job growth rate, 2024-34: 22.0%
- Total employment in 2024: 111,500
- Projected employment change, 2024-34: +24,500
- 2024 median annual income: $65,510

Department of Labor job description: "Assist physical therapists in providing physical therapy treatments and procedures. May, in accordance with state laws, assist in the development of treatment plans, carry out routine functions, document the progress of treatment, and modify specific treatments in accordance with patient status and within the scope of treatment plans established by a physical therapist. Generally requires formal training."

- Projected job growth rate, 2024-34: 40.1%
- Total employment in 2024: 320,400
- Projected employment change, 2024-34: +128,400
- 2024 median annual income: $129,210

Department of Labor job description: "Diagnose and treat acute, episodic, or chronic illness, independently or as part of a healthcare team. May focus on health promotion and disease prevention. May order, perform, or interpret diagnostic tests such as lab work and X-rays. May prescribe medication. Must be registered nurses who have specialized graduate education."