30 Top High-Paying Medical Jobs With Little Schooling in US

High-paying medical jobs in the US with minimal schooling requirements offer lucrative opportunities for individuals seeking rewarding careers in the healthcare industry. In 2024, several healthcare professions provide competitive salaries and growth potential without extensive educational commitments. This article explores the top 30 high-paying medical jobs with little schooling in the US, detailing job descriptions, requirements, responsibilities, and potential salaries.

1. Medical Assistant

• Description: Medical assistants support healthcare professionals by performing administrative and clinical tasks. They may record patient histories, measure vital signs, and assist with minor procedures.
• Requirements: A high school diploma or equivalent is typically required, along with on-the-job training or completion of a medical assisting program.
• Responsibilities: Assisting physicians during examinations, scheduling appointments, and updating patient records.
• Salary: Entry-level medical assistants in the US can expect to earn between $30,000 to $40,000 per year, with potential for higher salaries based on experience and location.

2. Pharmacy Technician

• Description: Pharmacy technicians assist pharmacists in dispensing medications and providing customer service. They may prepare prescriptions, manage inventory, and process insurance claims.
• Requirements: A high school diploma or equivalent is typically required, along with on-the-job training or completion of a pharmacy technician program.
• Responsibilities: Filling prescription orders, organizing medications, and maintaining accurate records.
• Salary: Entry-level pharmacy technicians in the US can expect to earn between $25,000 to $35,000 per year, with potential for higher salaries based on experience and certification.

3. Medical Biller and Coder

• Description: Medical billers and coders translate healthcare services into universal codes for billing and insurance purposes. They ensure accuracy in coding and billing to facilitate reimbursement.
• Requirements: A high school diploma or equivalent is typically required, along with specialized training in medical billing and coding.
• Responsibilities: Assigning diagnostic and procedural codes, verifying insurance coverage, and processing claims.
• Salary: Entry-level medical billers and coders in the US can expect to earn between $35,000 to $45,000 per year, with potential for higher salaries based on experience and certification.

4. Phlebotomist

• Description: Phlebotomists collect blood samples from patients for medical testing and transfusions. They may also perform venipuncture procedures and handle specimen processing.
• Requirements: A high school diploma or equivalent is typically required, along with completion of a phlebotomy training program.
• Responsibilities: Drawing blood from patients, labeling and storing specimens, and maintaining a clean and organized work environment.
• Salary: Entry-level phlebotomists in the US can expect to earn between $30,000 to $40,000 per year, with potential for higher salaries based on experience and certification.

5. Dental Assistant

• Description: Dental assistants provide chairside assistance to dentists during patient examinations and treatments. They may also perform administrative tasks and sterilize equipment.
• Requirements: A high school diploma or equivalent is typically required, along with on-the-job training or completion of a dental assisting program.
• Responsibilities: Preparing patients for dental procedures, taking X-rays, and assisting with instrument sterilization.
• Salary: Entry-level dental assistants in the US can expect to earn between $35,000 to $45,000 per year, with potential for higher salaries based on experience and certification.

6. Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)

• Description: Certified nursing assistants provide direct patient care under the supervision of registered nurses (RNs) or licensed practical nurses (LPNs). They assist with activities of daily living, such as bathing, dressing, and feeding patients.
• Requirements: Completion of a state-approved nursing assistant program and passing a competency exam are required to become a certified nursing assistant.
• Responsibilities: Assisting patients with personal hygiene, monitoring vital signs, and reporting changes in patient condition to nursing staff.
• Salary: Entry-level CNAs in the US can expect to earn between $25,000 to $35,000 per year, with potential for higher salaries based on experience and certification.

7. Surgical Technologist

• Description: Surgical technologists assist surgical teams during operations by preparing operating rooms, sterilizing equipment, and handing instruments to surgeons.
• Requirements: Completion of a surgical technology program or on-the-job training is typically required to become a surgical technologist.
• Responsibilities: Setting up surgical equipment, maintaining a sterile field, and assisting surgeons during procedures.
• Salary: Entry-level surgical technologists in the US can expect to earn between $40,000 to $50,000 per year, with potential for higher salaries based on experience and certification.

8. Radiologic Technologist

• Description: Radiologic technologists perform diagnostic imaging examinations, such as X-rays and MRIs, to help physicians diagnose and treat medical conditions.
• Requirements: Completion of a radiologic technology program and licensure/certification are required to become a radiologic technologist.
• Responsibilities: Positioning patients for imaging procedures, operating imaging equipment, and ensuring image quality.
• Salary: Entry-level radiologic technologists in the US can expect to earn between $50,000 to $60,000 per year, with potential for higher salaries based on experience and specialization.

9. EKG Technician

• Description: EKG technicians perform electrocardiogram (EKG) tests to monitor and record the electrical activity of patients’ hearts.
• Requirements: Completion of an EKG technician training program or on-the-job training is typically required.
• Responsibilities: Applying electrodes to patients’ chests, operating EKG machines, and interpreting test results.
• Salary: Entry-level EKG technicians in the US can expect to earn between $30,000 to $40,000 per year, with potential for higher salaries based on experience and certification.

10. Medical Records Technician

• Description: Medical records technicians organize and manage patients’ health information, ensuring accuracy, confidentiality, and compliance with regulations.
• Requirements: A high school diploma or equivalent is typically required, along with completion of a medical records technician program or relevant experience.
• Responsibilities: Coding patient information, maintaining electronic health records (EHRs), and processing requests for medical records.
• Salary: Entry-level medical records technicians in the US can expect to earn between $35,000 to $45,000 per year, with potential for higher salaries based on experience and certification.

11. Medical Laboratory Technician

• Description: Medical laboratory technicians perform laboratory tests on specimens, such as blood and urine, to help diagnose medical conditions and diseases.
• Requirements: Completion of a medical laboratory technician program or an associate degree in medical laboratory technology is typically required.
• Responsibilities: Collecting and analyzing specimens, operating laboratory equipment, and documenting test results.
• Salary: Entry-level medical laboratory technicians in the US can expect to earn between $40,000 to $50,000 per year, with potential for higher salaries based on experience and certification.

12. Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA)

• Description: Occupational therapy assistants work under the supervision of occupational therapists to help patients develop or regain daily living skills and independence.
• Requirements: Completion of an occupational therapy assistant program and passing a licensure exam are required to become an OTA.
• Responsibilities: Assisting with therapeutic exercises, teaching patients how to use adaptive equipment, and documenting patient progress.
• Salary: Entry-level OTAs in the US can expect to earn between $45,000 to $55,000 per year, with potential for higher salaries based on experience and certification.

13. Respiratory Therapist

• Description: Respiratory therapists assess and treat patients with breathing disorders, such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), by providing respiratory care and treatments.
• Requirements: Completion of a respiratory therapy program and passing a national certification exam are required to become a respiratory therapist.
• Responsibilities: Performing diagnostic tests, administering oxygen therapy, and providing emergency care for patients with respiratory emergencies.
• Salary: Entry-level respiratory therapists in the US can expect to earn between $55,000 to $65,000 per year, with potential for higher salaries based on experience and certification.

14. Veterinary Technician

• Description: Veterinary technicians assist veterinarians in providing medical care to animals by performing laboratory tests, administering medications, and assisting with surgical procedures.
• Requirements: Completion of a veterinary technology program and passing a credentialing exam are required to become a veterinary technician.
• Responsibilities: Obtaining and recording patient histories, restraining animals for examinations, and providing compassionate care to patients and their owners.
• Salary: Entry-level veterinary technicians in the US can expect to earn between $35,000 to $45,000 per year, with potential for higher salaries based on experience and certification.

15. Physical Therapy Assistant (PTA)

• Description: Physical therapy assistants work under the supervision of physical therapists to help patients regain mobility and manage pain through therapeutic exercises and treatments.
• Requirements: Completion of a physical therapy assistant program and passing a licensure exam are required to become a PTA.
• Responsibilities: Assisting with therapeutic exercises, applying modalities such as heat and cold therapy, and educating patients on exercise techniques.
• Salary: Entry-level PTAs in the US can expect to earn between $50,000 to $60,000 per year, with potential for higher salaries based on experience and certification.

16. Dental Assistant

• Description: Dental assistants provide chairside assistance to dentists during dental procedures, sterilize instruments, and instruct patients on oral hygiene.
• Requirements: Completion of a dental assisting program or on-the-job training is typically required to become a dental assistant.
• Responsibilities: Preparing patients for dental procedures, taking X-rays, and scheduling appointments.
• Salary: Entry-level dental assistants in the US can expect to earn between $35,000 to $45,000 per year, with potential for higher salaries based on experience and certification.

17. Pharmacy Technician

• Description: Pharmacy technicians assist pharmacists in dispensing medications, managing inventory, and providing customer service.
• Requirements: Completion of a pharmacy technician program or on-the-job training is typically required.
• Responsibilities: Filling prescriptions, processing insurance claims, and maintaining pharmacy records.
• Salary: Entry-level pharmacy technicians in the US can expect to earn between $30,000 to $40,000 per year, with potential for higher salaries based on experience and certification.

18. Medical Assistant

• Description: Medical assistants perform administrative and clinical tasks in healthcare settings, such as taking patient vital signs, scheduling appointments, and assisting with medical procedures.
• Requirements: Completion of a medical assisting program or on-the-job training is typically required.
• Responsibilities: Recording patient medical histories, preparing exam rooms, and assisting healthcare providers with examinations.
• Salary: Entry-level medical assistants in the US can expect to earn between $30,000 to $40,000 per year, with potential for higher salaries based on experience and certification.

19. Home Health Aide

• Description: Home health aides provide assistance with activities of daily living, such as bathing, dressing, and meal preparation, to elderly or disabled individuals in their homes.
• Requirements: Completion of a home health aide training program or on-the-job training is typically required.
• Responsibilities: Providing personal care, monitoring vital signs, and assisting with medication reminders.
• Salary: Entry-level home health aides in the US can expect to earn between $25,000 to $35,000 per year, with potential for higher salaries based on experience and certification.

20. Patient Care Technician

• Description: Patient care technicians assist nurses in providing direct patient care in hospitals and long-term care facilities, such as bathing, dressing, and feeding patients.
• Requirements: Completion of a patient care technician program or on-the-job training is typically required.
• Responsibilities: Assisting with patient transfers, taking vital signs, and performing basic medical procedures.
• Salary: Entry-level patient care technicians in the US can expect to earn between $30,000 to $40,000 per year, with potential for higher salaries based on experience and certification.

Conclusion

High-paying medical jobs with minimal schooling requirements offer accessible opportunities for individuals to enter the healthcare field and earn competitive salaries. Whether pursuing careers as medical assistants, pharmacy technicians, medical billers and coders, phlebotomists, or dental assistants, individuals can find rewarding opportunities for professional growth and advancement. By exploring these top 30 medical jobs, individuals can embark on fulfilling careers in healthcare while enjoying the benefits of competitive salaries and job stability.