Being a doctor sounds great—prestige, purpose, and of course, the paycheck. But if you’re anything like me, you might have chickened out doing a fetal pig dissection freshman year. I mean… really? If can’t even confidently do that, how am I supposed to make a living slicing people open? What if I faint at the sight of blood?
Good news: The medical field is huge, and there are plenty of high-paying careers where you can help people, earn great money, and skip the gore. Here are some top choices for the squeamish (but ambitious).
Radiation Therapist
Median Salary: $101K /year
Radiation therapists help treat cancer patients using targeted radiation therapy. They pinpoint where the treatment is needed, operate radiation machines, and monitor patients during sessions.
Medical and Health Services Manager
Median Salary: $118K /year
Think of this role as the behind-the-scenes boss of hospitals or clinics. These managers keep operations running smoothly, oversee staff hiring and training, manage budgets, and ensure top-notch patient care.
MRI/CT Technologist
Median Salary: $79K /year
These specialists operate MRI and CT scan machines to help diagnose patients. You’ll work with advanced imaging equipment and help patients stay calm during scans.
Genetic Counselor
Median Salary: $96K /year
Genetic counselors analyze DNA and family history to assess risk for inherited conditions. Then, they guide patients through the medical and emotional aspects of that information.
Health Data Analyst
Median Salary: $104K /year
Health data analysts work with medical records, billing systems, and patient statistics. They help doctors and hospitals make informed, data-driven decisions.
Pharmacist
Median Salary: $137K /year
Pharmacists (you’ve probably seen them at your local Walgreens) dispense medications, advise patients on how to take them, and ensure prescriptions are safe and effective.
Medical Laboratory Scientist
Median Salary: $101K /year
These scientists perform detailed tests on blood, urine, and other samples (yes, technically there’s blood—but it’s in a tube, not on the floor). Their work supports about 60 to 70% of all clinical decisions. Lab coat on. Gloves on. No patient contact.
Which of these careers caught your eye? Drop a comment!
(Shoutout to Career Explorer for the median salary info!)