The healthcare industry continues to evolve at a rapid pace, and with it, the demand for highly skilled professionals who can deliver specialized care, operate advanced technology, and support expanding patient populations. As we move into this year, job seekers are not only researching where the highest salaries are—they’re also looking for the exact certifications required to land these high-paying roles.
Whether you’re a licensed clinician looking to advance your career or someone entering the field for the first time, understanding the landscape of the highest paying healthcare jobs this year can set you on a lucrative and fulfilling career path.
This guide breaks down the top-paying roles, the certifications required, and why these specialties remain in such high demand.
-
Physician Assistants (PAs)
Average Salary (2025): $130,000–$150,000+
Physician Assistants remain one of the most financially rewarding career paths due to widespread staffing shortages, rising patient loads, and increased demand in specialties like orthopedics, general surgery, cardiology, and emergency medicine.
Required Certifications:
- Master’s degree from an accredited PA program
- PA-C (Physician Assistant – Certified) from the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA)
- State-specific licensure
- Additional specialty credentials optional but valuable (e.g., CAQ in Psychiatry, Orthopedic Surgery, Emergency Medicine)
Why It Pays So Well:
PAs provide high-level diagnostic and treatment care, often functioning at capacity similar to physicians in busy settings. Their versatility makes them essential across hospitals, outpatient centers, and specialty groups.
-
Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs)
Average Salary (2025): $200,000–$250,000+
CRNAs consistently top the list of the highest paying nursing professions, especially with the rising need for anesthesia services nationwide.
Required Certifications:
- Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) specializing in anesthesia
- National Certification Exam for Nurse Anesthetists
- Clinical credentials such as BLS, ACLS, and PALS
Why It Pays So Well:
CRNAs manage complex anesthesia care before, during, and after surgery. Their expertise directly impacts patient safety, which is why salaries remain exceptionally strong this year.
-
Healthcare IT Specialists & Clinical Informatics Professionals
Average Salary (2025): $110,000–$155,000
As healthcare systems adopt AI, automation, and digital health tools, tech-heavy clinical roles are becoming some of the most profitable.
Required Certifications:
- Certified Professional in Health Information Management Systems (CPHIMS)
- Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA)
- Clinical Informatics Certification for eligible nurses, pharmacists, and physicians
- Optional: CompTIA Security+, CISSP for cybersecurity-focused roles
Why It Pays So Well:
Hospitals rely on informatics professionals to manage data, improve workflow, ensure regulatory compliance, and protect sensitive patient information.
-
Pharmacists
Average Salary (2025): $135,000–$160,000
While retail pharmacy is evolving, specialized clinical pharmacy roles are surging in demand—particularly in oncology, geriatrics, psychiatric care, and ambulatory infusion centers.
Required Certifications:
- Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.)
- NAPLEX licensure
- Optional board certifications:
- BCOP (Oncology)
- BCPS (Pharmacotherapy)
- BCPP (Psychiatric Pharmacy)
Why It Pays So Well:
Pharmacists play key roles in medication therapy management, chronic disease support, and interdisciplinary care.
-
Physical Therapists (Specialized PTs)
Average Salary (2025): $95,000–$125,000
Physical therapy remains one of the most stable and financially strong allied health professions—especially with specialization.
Required Certifications:
- Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)
- State licensure examination
- Additional specialty certifications from ABPTS:
- OCS (Orthopedics)
- NCS (Neurology)
- SCS (Sports)
- GCS (Geriatrics)
Why It Pays So Well:
An aging population, increased sports injuries, and demand for non-surgical treatments keep PT salaries highly competitive.
-
Diagnostic Medical Sonographers
Average Salary (2025): $90,000–$115,000
Sonographers specializing in vascular, cardiac, and high-risk OB fields are seeing rapid salary growth.
Required Certifications:
- RDMS (Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer)
- RVT (Registered Vascular Technologist)
- RDCS (Registered Diagnostic Cardiac Sonographer)
- Accredited program diploma or Associate degree
Why It Pays So Well:
Ultrasound is the fastest-growing imaging modality due to its low cost and safety for patients.
-
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners (PMHNPs)
Average Salary (2025): $145,000–$180,000
Mental health demand has skyrocketed nationwide, making PMHNPs some of the most sought-after clinicians.
Required Certifications:
- MSN or DNP with psychiatric specialty
- ANCC PMHNP Certification
- State APRN licensure
Why It Pays So Well:
There is a nationwide shortage of psychiatric providers, and PMHNPs help close critical gaps in care.
What These Jobs Have in Common
Across all top-paying healthcare jobs this year, three trends are clear:
- Specialized certifications dramatically increase earning potential.
Clinicians with advanced or niche credentials almost always command higher salaries.
- Technology skills matter more than ever.
Healthcare IT, informatics, cybersecurity awareness, and EMR proficiency are now essential.
- The highest-paying jobs are in fields with shortages.
Demand = higher pay. Specialties with workforce gaps—psychiatry, anesthesia, and imaging—continue to offer top salaries.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What healthcare jobs pay the most in 2026?
Nurse anesthetists, physician assistants, psychiatric nurse practitioners, and healthcare IT specialists rank among the highest paid due to high demand, advanced certifications, and specialized responsibilities.
- Do I need certifications to get a high-paying healthcare job?
Yes. While some entry-level roles require only a degree or license, most top-paying careers—such as CRNA, PMHNP, and advanced imaging—require specialized certifications to validate skills and expand scope of practice.
- Are healthcare salaries expected to rise in 2026?
Yes. With shortages in nursing, mental health, imaging, and anesthesia, salary projections show continued increases across many clinical roles.
- How can I find high-paying healthcare jobs near me?
Radius Staffing Solutions connects healthcare professionals nationwide with top-paying roles across hospitals, clinics, rehab centers, and specialty practices. Job seekers can browse openings or work directly with a recruiter for personalized placement support.
