Top 10 Highest Paying Medical Degrees and Graduates Salaries

1. Physicians and Surgeons

• 2021 Median Salary-$208,000+

Physicians and surgeons have the highest median salary of all medical professionals. This job title covers a lot of ground, including both primary and specialty healthcare physicians and surgeons. As a doctor, you would typically perform diagnostic tests, prescribe medications, review medical histories, and advise patients on both preventative care and treatment plans for specific medical conditions.

Physicians and surgeons will usually earn a bachelor’s degree in medicine, biology, health science, or a related field. This undergraduate study would typically be followed by a medical degree, which can take roughly four years to complete. The training and education required thereafter can vary depending on your area of specialization.

2. Dentists

• 2021 Median Salary-$163,220

Dentists are responsible for helping patients achieve good oral health care as well as treating patients who have problems with teeth, gums, and other parts of the mouth. Some dentists may pursue additional surgical training in order to provide dental surgery services. Dentists may also prescribe medication to assist patients with pain management.

Dentists will typically earn a bachelor’s degree in biology, health science, or a related area before going on to earn a dental medicine degree through an accredited dental program. After earning your degree in medical dentistry, you would be required to earn a dental license through the state where you practice. Licensing usually requires passage of both written and clinical exams.

3. Podiatrists

• 2021 Median Salary-$145,840

Podiatrists are medical doctors responsible for treating patients with medical conditions relating to the foot, ankle, and lower leg. Podiatrists may conduct diagnostic tests, provide treatment, and conduct surgery.

To become a podiatrist, you must earn a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM) degree. This is generally followed by a 3-year residency program and, subsequently, licensing through the state where you practice.

4. Pharmacists

• 2021 Median Salary-$128,570

Pharmacists are responsible for dispensing prescription medications and educating patients on the proper dosage and potential side effects of prescribed medications. Pharmacists will typically coordinate directly with the physician offices that prescribe medications to ensure the proper administration of drugs.

In order to become a pharmacist, you must have a Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.). The basic threshold for entering this program is a bachelor’s degree in chemistry, biomedicine, or a related field.

The Pharm.D. degree is a 4-year professional degree that serves as the basic threshold for licensing. Students will typically be required to sit for two sequential exams before qualifying to work as pharmacists.

5. Optometrists

• 2021 Median Salary-$124,300

Optometrists provide diagnosis, treatment, and medical and surgical care for conditions relating to eyes and vision. This includes treatment for diseases, injuries, and disorders of the eye.

In order to become an optometrist, you would typically need a Doctor of Optometry (O.D.) degree. The basic threshold for entering the O.D. program is typically a bachelor’s degree in biology, health science, or a related field. Following completion of your doctoral program, you would typically be required to earn a license in the state where you practice.

6. Advanced Practice Registered Nurses

• 2021 Median Salary-$123,780

Advanced practice registered nurses perform an extremely wide range of functions. Advanced practice nurses may include nurse anesthetists, nurse midwives, nurse practitioners, and more. Among the wide range of functions performed under this umbrella health care title, nurses provide direct patient care, help patients manage pain, administer anesthesia, perform diagnostic tests, dispense prescription medications, and implement patient treatment plans.

Students who plan to become nurse anesthetists, nurse midwives, or nurse practitioners must earn at least a master’s degree specific to the role they plan to pursue. After earning a master’s degree, you would generally be required to pass a certification exam and earn licensing in the state where you practice.

7. Physicians Assistants

• 2021 Median Salary-$121,530

Physician assistants work closely with physicians to diagnose, treat, and manage pain for patients. As a physician assistant, you would typically perform a wide range of functions related to patient care including diagnostic testing, review of patient medical histories, and implementation of patient treatment plans.

To become a physician assistant, you would typically need a master’s degree in an area like nursing, medical science, or health science. Physician assistants are also required to earn a license from the state where they practice.

8. Veterinarians

• 2021 Median Salary-$100,370

Veterinarians are medical doctors responsible for the care of animals. Veterinary medicine may be practiced in a wide range of contexts including for farming operations, zoological societies, or as primary medical providers for privately owned pets. Some veterinarians will have surgical training as well.

To become a veterinarian, you must earn a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree. The basic threshold for enrolling in a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine program is a bachelor’s degree in biology, zoology, or a related area. You will typically be required to earn a license in the state where you practice.

9. Physical Therapists

• 2021 Median Salary-$95620

Physical therapists support patients through recovery from illness or injury. This includes oversight of physical therapy exercises, support with pain management, and implementation or recovery and treatment plans. Some physical therapists will specialize in supporting the needs of elderly patients with mobility, strength, and conditioning challenges.

To become a physical therapist, you must earn a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree. The basic threshold for enrolling in this terminal degree program is a bachelor’s degree in a related area such as physical education or kinesiology. You would also be required to earn a license in the state where you practice.

10. Occupational Therapists

• 2021 Median Salary-$85,570

Occupational therapists support patients who may be struggling with everyday activities due to illness, injury, or chronic disability. As an occupational therapist, you’ll play a lead role in educating patients on how to effectively manage and overcome physical limitations. This may be through exercises, pain management, strength training, and more.

In order to become an occupational therapist, you would typically need a master’s degree in occupational therapy or a related field such as kinesiology. You would also be required to earn a license in the state where you practice.