Healthcare roles are currently in high demand across North America, driven by an aging population, rising rates of chronic conditions, and ongoing staffing shortages. This has led to strong job growth projections for a wide range of positions. The following blog post details the top 10 most in-demand healthcare roles right now.
Top 10 In-Demand Healthcare Roles in North America
1. Registered Nurse (RN) 🩺
Registered Nurses are the backbone of the healthcare system. They provide direct patient care, administer medications, educate patients and families, and collaborate with other healthcare professionals. The demand for RNs is exceptionally high, with thousands of vacancies in both the U.S. and Canada. Specializations in critical care, geriatrics, and emergency medicine are particularly sought after.
- Job Outlook: Employment of RNs is projected to grow by 6% in the U.S. and 15% in Canada from 2023 to 2033.
- Median Salary (North America): Around $85,000 – $95,000 annually, with variations based on location, experience, and specialization.
2. Nurse Practitioner (NP) 👩⚕️
Nurse Practitioners are advanced practice registered nurses who can diagnose and treat illnesses, prescribe medication, and manage patient care independently. They often fill gaps in primary care, especially in rural and underserved areas. This role offers more autonomy and responsibility than a traditional RN position.
- Job Outlook: This is one of the fastest-growing healthcare roles, with a projected growth of 40% in the U.S. from 2023 to 2033.
- Median Salary (North America): Typically between $110,000 – $130,000 annually.
3. Physician Assistant (PA) 👨⚕️
Physician Assistants are licensed medical professionals who practice medicine under the supervision of a physician. They perform physical exams, order and interpret tests, and assist in surgery. Their versatility allows them to work in nearly all medical specialties, and the demand for PAs is increasing to help address physician shortages.
- Job Outlook: Employment is projected to grow by 28% in the U.S. from 2023 to 2033.
- Median Salary (North America): The median annual wage is approximately $133,000.
4. Physical Therapist (PT) 💪
Physical Therapists help patients regain mobility and manage pain after injuries, illnesses, or surgery. The aging “Baby Boomer” population, which is more active than previous generations, is a significant driver of demand for PTs. This career offers a rewarding opportunity to directly improve a person’s quality of life.
- Job Outlook: Employment is projected to grow by 14% in the U.S. from 2023 to 2033.
- Median Salary (North America): The median annual wage is about $101,000.
5. Medical and Health Services Manager 📈
Also known as healthcare administrators, these professionals are responsible for the business side of healthcare. They plan, direct, and coordinate medical and health services, ensuring facilities run smoothly and efficiently. This role is ideal for those who want to impact healthcare on a large scale without providing direct patient care.
- Job Outlook: Employment is projected to grow by 29% in the U.S. from 2023 to 2033.
- Median Salary (North America): The median annual wage is around $117,000.
6. Medical Laboratory Technologist 🔬
Medical Laboratory Technologists perform diagnostic tests on patient samples to help physicians detect and treat diseases. With advancements in medical diagnostics and an increasing focus on preventive care, their role is more critical than ever. This career is well-suited for those who have an interest in science and enjoy working in a lab setting.
- Job Outlook: The demand for these professionals is on the rise to support critical diagnostic testing in various healthcare settings.
- Median Salary (North America): Salaries vary widely by location and experience but are generally competitive.
7. Occupational Therapist (OT) 🧠
Occupational Therapists help individuals who are injured, ill, or disabled to regain or develop the skills needed for daily living and working. They design therapy plans to improve a patient’s ability to perform everyday tasks. OTs are essential for helping people achieve independence and a higher quality of life.
- Job Outlook: Employment is projected to grow by 14% in the U.S. from 2023 to 2033.
- Median Salary (North America): Salaries are generally in the $85,000 – $95,000 range.
8. Respiratory Therapist (RT) 💨
Respiratory Therapists specialize in treating patients with breathing disorders, such as asthma, COPD, and those with post-COVID lung issues. They manage ventilators and administer oxygen therapy. The pandemic highlighted the importance of this role, leading to a surge in demand.
- Job Outlook: Employment is projected to grow by 14% in the U.S. from 2023 to 2033.
- Median Salary (North America): The median annual wage is approximately $70,000 – $85,000.
9. Home Health and Personal Care Aide 👋
Home Health Aides and Personal Care Aides provide essential personal care services and companionship to individuals in their homes. As more people prefer to age in place, the demand for these compassionate professionals is soaring.
- Job Outlook: This is a high-growth field, with a projected growth of 21% in the U.S. from 2023 to 2033.
- Median Salary (North America): The median annual wage is lower than other roles, typically around $35,000 – $40,000, but provides an entry point into the healthcare field.
10. Pharmacist 💊
Pharmacists do more than just dispense medication; they also offer immunizations, provide medication reviews, and consult on chronic disease management. With an aging population and a growing number of prescriptions, pharmacists remain a vital part of the healthcare system.
- Job Outlook: The demand for pharmacists remains steady, with an average salary of $90,000 – $110,000 in Canada.
- Median Salary (North America): In the U.S., the median annual wage for pharmacists is around $132,000.