Healthcare Industry Salaries in USA 2025
What doctors, nurses, and medical professionals really earn
Healthcare Salary Range (By Role)
Healthcare Industry Overview 2025
Healthcare is America's largest employer and one of its highest-paying sectors. With an aging population, expanding coverage, and persistent shortages, demand for healthcare workers continues to outpace supply across nearly every role.
This pillar provides comprehensive salary data for healthcare careers—from entry-level medical assistants to specialist physicians earning half a million dollars annually. Whether you're a nurse practitioner, radiologist, physical therapist, or healthcare administrator, you'll find relevant benchmarks here.
Healthcare compensation varies dramatically by role, specialty, location, and setting (hospital vs. private practice vs. clinic). The figures represent national averages—your actual pay depends on these factors plus experience and negotiation.
Healthcare Pay Snapshot: 2025
| Role Category | Salary Range 2025 |
|---|---|
| Medical Assistant / CNA | $32,000–$45,000 |
| LPN / LVN | $45,000–$60,000 |
| Registered Nurse (RN) | $65,000–$95,000 |
| Nurse Practitioner (NP) | $110,000–$145,000 |
| Physician Assistant (PA) | $115,000–$140,000 |
| Physical / Occupational Therapist | $75,000–$100,000 |
| Pharmacist | $120,000–$145,000 |
| Primary Care Physician | $220,000–$280,000 |
| Specialist Physician | $300,000–$500,000+ |
| Healthcare Administrator | $85,000–$180,000+ |
Salaries by Healthcare Category
Nursing
Nursing offers one of the clearest career ladders in healthcare. CNAs start around $35,000, LPNs earn $45,000–$60,000, RNs average $75,000–$85,000 nationally, and Nurse Practitioners reach $120,000–$145,000. Travel nurses can earn $100,000–$150,000+ during high-demand periods. Critical care, OR, and ER nurses typically earn 10–20% premiums. For detailed data, see our Nurse Practitioner salary guide.
Physicians
Physician compensation varies enormously by specialty. Primary care (family medicine, internal medicine, pediatrics) averages $220,000–$280,000. Specialists earn significantly more: cardiologists $400,000–$500,000, orthopedic surgeons $500,000–$700,000, and plastic surgeons $400,000–$600,000. Radiologists average $350,000–$500,000. Rural areas often pay premiums to attract physicians.
Allied Health
Physical therapists earn $80,000–$100,000, occupational therapists similar ranges. Speech-language pathologists average $75,000–$95,000. Respiratory therapists earn $60,000–$80,000. These roles typically require master's degrees and offer stable employment with good work-life balance.
Technicians & Technologists
Radiology technicians earn $55,000–$75,000, surgical technicians $50,000–$65,000, and laboratory technicians $45,000–$65,000. MRI and CT technologists can reach $70,000–$90,000 with specialized training.
Healthcare Administration
Healthcare administrators manage the business side of medicine. Entry-level roles start at $55,000–$70,000, mid-level managers earn $85,000–$120,000, and hospital executives can exceed $200,000–$500,000+ at major systems.
Salaries by Setting
| Healthcare Setting | Pay Comparison |
|---|---|
| Hospital (Large Urban) | Highest base pay, best benefits |
| Private Practice | Variable; ownership can mean higher income |
| Outpatient Clinic | Moderate pay, better hours |
| Long-Term Care / Nursing Home | Lower pay, consistent demand |
| Home Health | Growing sector, flexible schedules |
| Travel / Contract | Premium pay (20–50%+ above staff) |
Geographic Salary Variations
Healthcare salaries vary significantly by location, driven by cost of living and local shortages.
Highest-Paying States for Healthcare
California, New York, Massachusetts, and Washington pay 15–30% above national averages for most healthcare roles. California RNs average $120,000+; New York physicians earn premiums. See our state salary guides for regional data.
Rural Premiums
Rural areas often pay 10–20% bonuses to attract healthcare workers, plus loan repayment programs. Physicians in underserved areas may earn $50,000–$100,000+ above urban peers while enjoying lower costs of living.
Healthcare Career Paths & Salary Progression
Healthcare offers clear advancement paths. A typical nursing progression:
| Career Stage | Role | Typical Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Entry (Certificate) | CNA / Medical Assistant | $32,000–$40,000 |
| Early Career (1-2 years) | LPN | $48,000–$58,000 |
| Professional (BSN) | Registered Nurse | $70,000–$90,000 |
| Advanced (MSN) | Nurse Practitioner | $115,000–$145,000 |
| Leadership | Director of Nursing | $100,000–$150,000 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average healthcare salary in 2025?
It varies enormously by role. Support staff average $35,000–$45,000, nurses $70,000–$90,000, and physicians $250,000–$400,000+. The median across all healthcare workers is approximately $55,000–$65,000.
Which healthcare jobs pay the most?
Specialist physicians earn the most: orthopedic surgeons ($500,000+), cardiologists ($450,000+), radiologists ($400,000+), and anesthesiologists ($400,000+). Among non-physicians, CRNAs (nurse anesthetists) earn $200,000+.
Is nursing a good career financially?
Yes. RNs average $80,000 nationally with strong job security. Nurse Practitioners earn $120,000–$145,000 with 2–3 years of additional education. Travel nursing can exceed $100,000–$150,000. The shortage ensures continued demand.
How long does it take to become a doctor?
11–15 years: 4 years undergraduate, 4 years medical school, 3–7 years residency (depending on specialty). The investment is substantial but compensation reflects this—physicians earn $250,000–$500,000+ annually.