America's richest careers lie in healthcare and doctors routinely work 50 to 60 hours a week
Healthcare is a lucrative field with promising job prospects. In fact, it tops the list of the highest-paid professions in the United States. Twenty-two of the 25 highest-paying occupations are healthcare positions and being your own employer, or owning your own practice, will significantly affect salary potential. However, that is not considered here outside of chief executive officers.
In This Article:
- Cardiologists the highest paid doctors in the United States
- Anesthesiologists the second highest paid doctors in the United States
- Oral and maxillofacial surgeons treat diseases around the mouth and jaw
- Emergency medicine physicians act immediately to prevent death or serious injury
- Orthopedic surgeons diagnose and treat musculoskeletal conditions
- Dermatologists diagnose and treat skin hair and nails
- Radiologists diagnose and treat diseases using imaging techniques
- General surgeons work hours and duties
- Obstetricians and Gynecologists reproductive health and childbirth
- Pediatric surgeons diagnose and operate on fetal and pediatric conditions
Cardiologists the highest paid doctors in the United States
Cardiologists are the highest paid job in the United States. They are often scheduled to work during normal business hours, but that can turn into a 50- to 60-hour work week based on patient load and heart-related events over which doctors have no control. Their job is to diagnose, treat, manage, and prevent diseases or conditions of the cardiovascular system.
Anesthesiologists the second highest paid doctors in the United States
Anesthesiologists are the second highest paid doctors in the United States. They administer anesthetics and analgesics for pain management prior to, during, or after surgery. Their work hours vary and tend to be long and unpredictable due to following the schedule of the operating room.
Oral and maxillofacial surgeons treat diseases around the mouth and jaw
Oral and maxillofacial surgeons work for hospitals, large medical centers, and dental practices. They may be professors at dental schools or supervisors of residents in training. These surgeons treat a wide range of diseases, injuries, and defects in and around the mouth and jaw.
Emergency medicine physicians act immediately to prevent death or serious injury
Emergency medicine physicians have to act immediately in taking on-the-spot medical decisions to prevent death or serious injury. These physicians are often called to work irregular or long hours to care for patients, especially in emergency situations.
Orthopedic surgeons diagnose and treat musculoskeletal conditions
These surgeons are a medical specialist who diagnoses and treats conditions affecting the musculoskeletal system. Most orthopedic surgeons work in a hospital setting or in private clinics. This can involve both scheduled and emergency surgery, resulting in a sometimes hectic schedule and long hours.
Dermatologists diagnose and treat skin hair and nails
Dermatologists are medical doctors who specializes in diagnosing and treating conditions that affect the skin, hair, and nails. They can treat a wide range of conditions, including: acne, eczema, psoriasis, skin cancer, rashes, wrinkles, birthmarks, and scarring.
Radiologists diagnose and treat diseases using imaging techniques
A radiologist is a physician who diagnoses and treats diseases and injuries using medical imaging techniques, such as X-rays, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), nuclear medicine, and ultrasound. Most of a radiologist's work is done in an office setting and involves interpreting images, reading reports, and going over the results and diagnosis with other physicians.
General surgeons work hours and duties
On average, a general surgeon works 50 to 60 hours per week. Depending on the practice, surgeons can be on call nearly 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Duties include reviewing patient X-rays and communicating with the patient about the procedure, preparing for surgery, and completing surgeries with the assistance of other surgeons, nurses, and surgical technicians.
Obstetricians and Gynecologists reproductive health and childbirth
These doctors specialize in ovarian, uterine, and cervical reproductive health and childbirth. These doctors also diagnose, treat, and help prevent diseases of people with female reproductive systems, particularly those affecting that system.
Pediatric surgeons diagnose and operate on fetal and pediatric conditions
Pediatric surgeons diagnose and perform surgery to treat fetal abnormalities and birth defects, diseases, and injuries in fetuses, premature and newborn infants, children, and adolescents. In most cases, pediatric surgeons get jobs at children's hospitals, community hospitals, or university medical centers. They work with a team of professionals that includes pediatricians, nurses, and surgical technicians.
