Medical careers offer generous compensation for people willing to make the educational investment.
Ten out of the 20 fastest growing occupations in America are in the health care industry, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Some 14.3 million of America's jobs were in the health care sector in 2008, and the BLS expects 3.2 million new health care jobs to be created by 2018, primarily as a result of America's aging population. The top paying health care jobs require considerable investment in post-graduate education but offer attractive salaries to reward that investment.
Surgeon
Surgeons earn a mean hourly wage of $105.66 and a mean annual salary of $219,770 as of May 2009, according to the BLS. Surgeons have extensive diagnostic skills and are involved in patient care before, during and after surgery. Surgeons also receive extensive training in managing complications during surgery. A surgeon's training includes at least five years of medical school and hospital residency.
Anesthesiologist
Anesthesiologists earn a mean hourly wage of $101.80 and a mean annual salary of $211,750 as of May 2009, according to the BLS. Anesthesiologists are responsible for maintaining a patient's heart rate, blood pressure and other vitals while the patient's under anesthesia in the operating theater. They also administer epidurals to women in labor and often help patients suffering from chronic pain with pain management.
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
Oral and maxillofacial surgeons earn a mean hourly wage of $101.30 and a mean annual salary of $210,710 as of May 2009, according to the BLS. Oral and maxillofacial surgeons treat injuries and conditions of the mouth, jaws, teeth and face. They treat conditions such as impacted wisdom teeth, jaw tumors and cysts and serious facial trauma, such as jaw fractures. Oral and maxillofacial surgeons also have expertise in pain management and administrating anesthesia. Their training includes four years of post-graduate dental school and a four-year hospital surgical residency.
Obstetricians and Gynecologists
Obstetricians and gynecologists report a mean hourly wage of $98.31 and a mean annual salary of $204,470 as of May 2009, according to the BLS. They specialize in women’s health, providing care related to pregnancy and the female reproductive system, treating pregnant women during pregnancy, delivery and the post-partum stage. Obstetricians and gynecologists are also trained to treat conditions ranging from cervical and breast cancer to hormonal health issues.
General Internists
General internists earn a mean hourly wage of $88.46 and a mean annual salary of $183.90 as of May 2009, according to the BLS. Internists typically treat patients referred to them by general practitioners, and they refer patients to other specialists as they deem necessary. General internists diagnose and provide non-surgical treatment for conditions affecting the internal organs. They can provide pharmaceutical treatment or have patients hospitalized as they see fit.
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