The healthcare industry offers a wide range of opportunities for technicians and technologists, many of which don’t require advanced degrees or extensive certification, but still offer competitive salaries and rewarding work for healthcare professionals of all levels.
If you’re exploring a career as a healthcare tech or looking for a specialty that aligns with your financial needs and level of education, read on to see the top 10 highest paying specialties for healthcare techs, along with the degrees and certifications required for each.
What Factors Influence Healthcare Technician Salaries?
While many factors influence the pay you can expect as a healthcare technician, these three typically have the biggest impact:
Location
The biggest factor in determining healthcare tech salaries is where you work. Cities with the highest cost of living will typically offer the highest salaries to match, while more rural areas offer the reverse. Locations with a high concentration of healthcare facilities will offer higher salaries to attract top talent in a crowded market.
Specialization and Certification
Many healthcare tech roles require or encourage specialized training and certifications. Employers will pay more to hire candidates who have taken the time to acquire the training needed to perform in these more technical roles.
Experience and Education
Of course, your level of education and years of experience directly impact your earning potential. Healthcare techs with years of experience can expect to earn more than entry-level techs. While some healthcare tech roles require only a high school diploma and/or vocational training, earning an associate’s or bachelor’s degree is a surefire way to earn a higher salary.
Top 10 Healthcare Technician and Technologist Jobs by Average Salary
1. Nuclear Medicine Technologist
Nuclear medicine technologists prepare and administer radioactive drugs for imaging or treatment. These roles typically require an associate’s degree and advanced training, but offer some of the highest salaries in the field.
- Average Salary: $92,500
- Typical Education Requirement: Associate’s degree
- Certification Required?: Yes
2. Diagnostic Medical Sonographer and Cardiovascular Technologist
Diagnostic medical sonographers and cardiovascular technologists operate specialized testing and imaging equipment. In some states, these techs can enjoy a high salary without the need for advanced certification.
- Average Salary: $80,850
- Typical Education Requirement: Associate’s degree
- Certification Required?: Varies by state
3. Occupational Health and Safety Technician
Occupational health and safety technicians analyze and implement improvements to work environments and procedures. This specialty offers some of the highest salaries, despite requiring only a high school diploma and vocational training.
- Average Salary: $77,580
- Typical Education Requirement: High school diploma or equivalent
- Certification Required?: Varies by state
4. Radiologic and MRI Technologist
Radiologic technologists perform different kinds of diagnostic imaging exams, while MRI technologists operate MRI scanners. Both require certification, meaning these tech jobs will typically pay more than other specialties.
- Average Salary: $76,020
- Typical Education Requirement: Associate’s degree
- Certification Required?: Yes
5. Clinical Laboratory Technologist and Technician
Clinical laboratory techs perform medical laboratory tests for the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disease. Unlike most tech jobs, this specialty typically requires a bachelor’s degree.
- Average Salary: $60,780
- Typical Education Requirement: Bachelor’s degree
- Certification Required?: Yes
6. Surgical Technologist
Surgical techs assist surgeons in the operating room. This specialty is a popular choice because it usually requires only a high school degree or vocational training, but pays well compared to specialties with similar requirements.
- Average Salary: $60,730
- Typical Education Requirement: Vocational training
- Certification Required?: Varies by state
7. Veterinary Technologist and Technician
Veterinary techs help diagnose animals’ injuries and illnesses. Typically, an associate’s degree is required.
- Average Salary: $43,740
- Typical Education Requirement: Associate’s degree
- Certification Required?: In most states
8. Phlebotomist
Phlebotomists draw blood for tests, transfusions, research, or blood donations. Most states require phlebotomists to obtain certification and/or vocational training.
- Average Salary: $41,810
- Typical Education Requirement: Vocational training
- Certification Required?: In most states
9. Pharmacy Technician
Pharmacy techs assist pharmacists with dispensing prescription medication to customers. While some states require certification, this specialty is a great choice for those looking to break into the medical field with only a high school diploma.
- Average Salary: $40,300
- Typical Education Requirement: High school diploma or equivalent
- Certification Required?: Varies by state
10. Psychiatric Technician
Psychiatric techs care for people who have mental conditions or developmental disabilities. This specialty typically doesn’t require additional certification or degrees.
- Average Salary: $39,610
- Typical Education Requirement: High school diploma or equivalent
- Certification Required?: Not mandatory
How to Maximize Your Earning Potential as a Healthcare Technician
Pursue Certification
Some specialties require certification, while others may only encourage it. Regardless, candidates with certifications are more likely to win top-paying jobs. Depending on your specialty, research industry-recognized certifying organizations in your state to determine whether certification is right for you.
Choose the Right Setting
Certain facilities may offer higher salaries to stay competitive. For example, hospitals typically pay more due to high demand, and specialty clinics due to the specialized skillsets required for most roles. Do your research to understand which setting meets your financial needs and professional goals.
Keep Your Skills Current
Healthcare employers are eager to hire techs who are up-to-date with the latest advancements in the field. Seek out educational opportunities, attend conferences, and subscribe to medical journals relevant to your specialty to stay competitive and earn the highest salary.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
