What medical jobs pay $40 an hour?
What medical jobs pay $40 an hour?
Several medical jobs pay $40 an hour or more, especially for trained and certified professionals with some experience. These roles typically require either a specialized technical certification or a degree in nursing, imaging, or therapy. Here’s a breakdown by category:
1. Registered Nurse (RN)
Average Pay: $38–$55 per hour in hospitals and clinics (often higher in NYC, California, and Massachusetts).
Education: Associate or bachelor’s degree in nursing (ADN or BSN) plus a nursing license (NCLEX-RN).
Where They Work: Hospitals, surgical units, outpatient clinics, schools, and telehealth.
Why It Pays Well: RNs handle critical care, administer medications, and coordinate treatment plans—core duties that require clinical judgment and state licensure.
2. Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (Ultrasound Technician)
Average Pay: $38–$45 per hour nationally; up to $50 in large cities like New York or Los Angeles.
Education: Associate degree or postsecondary certificate in diagnostic medical sonography.
Certification: ARDMS (American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography).
Why It Pays Well: Sonographers perform imaging procedures that help diagnose serious conditions, from cardiac problems to pregnancies.
3. Radiation Therapist
Average Pay: $40–$55 per hour.
Education: Associate or bachelor’s degree in radiation therapy, plus ARRT certification.
Where They Work: Hospitals and cancer treatment centers.
Why It Pays Well: Radiation therapists work directly with oncologists to deliver precise cancer treatments.
4. Dental Hygienist
Average Pay: $38–$50 per hour (especially high in New York, New Jersey, and California).
Education: Associate degree in dental hygiene and state licensure.
Where They Work: Private dental practices and dental clinics.
Why It Pays Well: Hygienists perform preventive care and work closely with dentists in high-demand practices.
5. Physician Assistant (PA)
Average Pay: $45–$70 per hour depending on specialty.
Education: Master’s degree in Physician Assistant Studies, plus national certification (PANCE).
Where They Work: Hospitals, clinics, surgical practices, and urgent care centers.
Why It Pays Well: PAs perform many of the same tasks as physicians, including diagnosing illnesses and prescribing medications.
6. Nurse Practitioner (NP)
Average Pay: $50–$70 per hour (average annual pay around $120,000).
Education: Master’s or Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree and certification.
Specialties: Family practice, pediatrics, psychiatry, acute care.
Why It Pays Well: NPs provide advanced patient care, sometimes independently, and are in high demand due to physician shortages.
7. MRI Technologist
Average Pay: $37–$45 per hour.
Education: Associate degree in radiologic technology or MRI-specific training.
Certification: ARRT (Magnetic Resonance Imaging).
Why It Pays Well: MRI technologists handle advanced imaging equipment used for neurological and musculoskeletal diagnostics.
8. Surgical Technologist (Experienced)
Average Pay: $35–$42 per hour in major hospitals and surgical centers.
Education: Certificate or associate degree in surgical technology.
Why It Pays Well: Surgical techs assist surgeons directly during procedures, managing sterile equipment and patient prep.
9. Occupational Therapist (OT)
Average Pay: $40–$55 per hour.
Education: Master’s degree in occupational therapy and state licensure.
Where They Work: Hospitals, rehab centers, and schools.
Why It Pays Well: OTs help patients regain independence after injuries or surgeries, a vital and growing healthcare need.
10. Physical Therapist (PT)
Average Pay: $42–$60 per hour.
Education: Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree and state licensure.
Where They Work: Hospitals, sports medicine facilities, and outpatient rehab centers.
Summary of Medical Jobs Paying $40/hour+
Job TitleTypical Hourly PayEducation RequiredRegistered Nurse$38–$55ADN or BSNDiagnostic Medical Sonographer$38–$50Associate or certificateRadiation Therapist$40–$55Associate or bachelor’sDental Hygienist$38–$50Associate degreePhysician Assistant$45–$70Master’s degreeNurse Practitioner$50–$70Master’s or DNPMRI Technologist$37–$45Associate degreeSurgical Technologist$35–$42Certificate or associateOccupational Therapist$40–$55Master’s degreePhysical Therapist$42–$60Doctorate (DPT)
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