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10 Health Care Jobs That Don't Require a Medical Degree But Pay Over $60K

Build a stable, high-paying health care career without med school.

By Andy Lindquist

Edited by Amanda Machado

Updated Dec. 21, 2025

Many people are looking for another career path that offers stability and a lucrative salary to move beyond living paycheck to paycheck, but without spending years in school.

The healthcare industry is booming, with plenty of jobs that fit the bill. Contrary to popular belief, you don't need to go to medical or nursing school to earn a substantial income in this field.

Here are 10 healthcare jobs that pay over $60,000 a year on average and don't require a nursing or medical school degree.

Editor's note: Salary information comes from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

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Physical therapy aide

Median annual salary: $60,050

A physical therapist aide, or PTA, works under the direct supervision of a physical therapist to assist patients through a variety of modalities. They help treat patients by providing ice, electrical stimulation, balance exercises, bracing, gait training, and any other recommendations from the supervising therapist.

To become an accredited PTA, you'll need to pass the National Physical Therapy exam from the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy, which governs the industry nationally.

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Surgical technologist

Median annual salary: $62,480

Also known as an operating room technician, a surgical technologist is a critical component of the surgical team. That means prepping operating rooms, setting up the necessary equipment for surgery, and providing sterile surgical instruments for the doctors. This is a fast-paced, high-impact role that will keep you on your feet constantly, so be prepared to be doing something every second of your shift.

You'll need an associate's degree from an accredited program along with a Certified Surgical Technician (CST) certificate. Given the constant need for surgery and the growing list of innovations in the field, this role is expected to grow by 5% over the next decade, well above the national average.

Occupational therapy assistant

Median annual salary: $66,050

As an OTA, you'll help patients recover from their injuries and maintain the physical skills needed for daily living. That could mean helping an injured worker relearn the motor skills necessary to lift boxes again or helping an elderly patient learn to dress after a stroke.

An associate's degree from an accredited occupational assistant program is required, and most states also require you to pass a national exam to be licensed. This role is expected to grow at the national average of 3% over the next decade.

Cardiovascular technologist and technician

Median annual salary: $67,260

In this role, you'll assist physicians in diagnosing and treating heart and blood vessel conditions. That could mean you'd perform a variety of tasks, such as EKGs, monitoring patients' heart rates, and assisting with catheterizations.

You'll need to get an associate's degree and get a license from the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography. There's a demand for professionals in this field, so the projected growth rate is 3%, just at the national average for all jobs.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technologist

Median annual salary: $78,980

This is a specialized technical role in which you will operate an MRI machine to produce diagnostic images for patients and doctors. Due to the nature of the MRI machine, you'll need to be well-versed in its physics and in how to best prepare patients for the procedure, which may involve extended periods spent potentially lying inside the machine. That means safely shielding certain patients and positioning them comfortably in the machine.

You'll need to obtain an associate's degree in radiologic tech and then pass a specialized MRI certification exam from the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT).

Radiologic technologist

Median annual salary: $78,980

A radiologic technologist or "rad tech" performs X-rays and other diagnostic imaging examinations, except for things like MRIs or ultrasounds. That means you'll work in a variety of settings, from hospitals to outpatient care centers to doctors' offices. You'll need an associate's degree in addition to passing the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) exam to attain your licensure.

This job is expected to grow by 5% over the next 10 years, slightly above the national average for all jobs, so it's a field that will need more and more professionals.

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Respiratory therapist

Median annual salary: $80,450

Respiratory therapists provide care to individuals with breathing difficulties. A variety of acute and chronic conditions, such as asthma or emphysema, can cause these breathing issues. This is a crucial role in hospitals and nursing homes where patients are older and require constant care. Due to the nature of this job and the growing elderly population, this job is expected to increase by 12% over the next decade.

To become a respiratory therapist, you'll need to get an associate's degree and pass the Certified Respiratory Therapist exam (CRT), though some states require an additional certification as well.

Diagnostic medical sonographer

Median annual salary: $89,340

Also known as ultrasound technicians, these medical professionals use specialized equipment to produce images of the body's organs and tissues. While they're mainly known for producing pregnancy ultrasounds, sonographers produce a variety of images.

This is a fast-growing role with a projected 13% growth rate over the next decade, well above the national average.

To become a sonographer, you'll need to complete an associate's degree in diagnostic medical sonography and pass an exam from the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS) to obtain licensure.

Radiation therapist

Median annual salary: $101,990

In this job, you'll administer targeted doses of radiation to cancer patients. This vital role is highly impactful, and it's a mix of highly technical skills and interpersonal communication as you help people with cancer get the treatment they need to survive and thrive.

You'll need an associate's degree in radiation therapy as well as licensure from the American Registry of Radiologic Technicians. While the role takes some getting used to for people outside the industry, this is a lucrative and high-impact job.

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Medical and health services manager

Median annual salary: $117,960

Medical and health services managers plan, direct, and coordinate the business activities of healthcare providers. That might mean managing an entire medical facility, a specific clinical area, or a medical practice for a group of physicians.

Having a background in management and administrative roles in other industries is a good starting point. A bachelor's degree in health administration, health management, or business administration would help get you in the door as well.

Bottom line

Transitioning into the healthcare industry doesn't require a decade of schooling or a mountain of student debt. There are many high-paying, secure roles available to those willing to complete a two-year associate degree or specialized certification.

This move also comes with exceptional job security that few other industries can match. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the healthcare sector is projected to see about 1.9 million job openings each year through 2033, driven mainly by the need to replace workers who transfer or retire comfortably.

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