Not only can you make a lot of money, but you can also find plenty of jobs hiring in the health care sector. The health care sector is always growing. And so can your salary.

There are many good reasons to consider a job in the medical field. Not only is a health care job the highest-paying job in your state, employment in the sector is expected to continue to grow rapidly in the coming years, too.
Health care jobs are expected to grow 18% from 2016 to 2026—that comes out to 2.3 million new jobs—which is much faster than the average for all occupations, according to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Occupational Outlook Handbook. In fact, for the first time in history, health care is the largest source of jobs in the U.S.

Sure, you’ll need some specialized education (hello, med school) to land many of these jobs, but between the high pay and job security, any one of these positions would be well worth the investment.

Check out the top-paying health care positions below to see if a career in medicine is for you.

1. Physicians and surgeons
What you’d do: Physicians and surgeons are the highest earning professionals in the health care world. Physicians diagnose and treat patients as well as take medical histories and prescribe medication. Surgeons are also responsible for treating patients, but focus more on operating to repair ailments such as broken bones or cancerous tumors.
What you’d need: Doctoral or professional degree
What you’d make: $208,000 per year or more

2. Dentists
What you’d do: Dentists treat patients’ teeth and gums as well as provide preventative help on maintaining good oral health.
What you’d need: You must first get a bachelor’s degree, then go to a dental school (four years) and pass a licensing exam.
What you’d make: $159,770 per year

3. Podiatrists
What you’d do: Podiatrists provide medical and surgical care for foot, ankle, and lower leg problems.
What you’d need: Doctoral or professional degree
What you’d make: $124,830 per year

4. Pharmacists
What you’d do: Pharmacists dispense prescription medications to patients and offer advice about safely administering medicine without causing adverse reactions.
What you’d need: Doctoral or professional degree. What you’d make: $122,230 per year

5. Nurse anesthetists, nurse midwives, and nurse practitioners
What you’d do: Nurse anesthetists provide anesthesia and medical care during and after surgeries. Nurse midwives provide family planning services and prenatal care to women. Nurse practitioners serve as primary care providers and help integrate health promotion strategies into their patients’ lives.
What you’d need: Master’s degree.
What you’d make: $107,460 per year

6. Optometrists
What you’d do: Optometrists examine and treat visual problems and manage any diseases or injuries to the eyes.
What you’d need: Doctoral or professional degree
What you’d make: $106,140 per year

7. Physician assistants
What you’d do: Physician assistants include examining, diagnosing, and treating patients with help from teams of physicians and surgeons.
What you’d need: Master’s degree
What you’d make: $101,480 per year

8. Veterinarians
What you’d do: Vets care for the health of animals by diagnosing, treating, and researching medical conditions of pets, livestock, and other animals.
What you’d need: Doctoral or professional degree
What you’d make: $88,770

9. Physical therapists
What you’d do: Physical therapists help injured patients improve their mobility and manage their pain through exercise and non-invasive procedures.
What you’d need: Doctoral or professional degree. What you’d make: $85,400 per year

10. Occupational therapists
What you’d do: Occupational therapists work to treat disabled patients through everyday activities.
What you’d need: Master’s degree. What you’d make: $81,910 per year

How to get hired in health care
If a career in medicine is where you're headed, you're poised to have a pretty bright (and lucrative) future. Could you use some help navigating the job search? Speak with Medical Trvael consultants today or spend time to research the internet if you have the required qualification