Healthcare Salary Statistics 2026
Healthcare occupations employ 17,725,530 people in the United States. Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations have a median wage of $86,530, and Healthcare Support Occupations have a median of $38,340 (BLS, OEWS May 2025, via PayCrunch).
Wage estimates: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025. Rankings, ratios and shares on this page are PayCrunch calculations from that national file. Figures are annual and not adjusted for cost of living.
Pay for US healthcare occupations in the two healthcare major groups of the BLS OEWS May 2025 national file: practitioners and technical occupations, and healthcare support occupations.
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Healthcare occupations employ 17,725,530 people in the United States. Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations have a median wage of $86,530, and Healthcare Support Occupations have a median of $38,340 (BLS, OEWS May 2025, via PayCrunch).
Key statistics
Each line is one figure with its source. Quote any of them directly; the citation format is at the foot of the page.
- Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations employ 9,823,860 people, with a median wage of $86,530 and a mean of $108,700.Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS May 2025.
- Healthcare Support Occupations employ 7,901,670 people, with a median wage of $38,340 and a mean of $40,800.Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS May 2025.
- Together the two groups employ 17,725,530 people, 11.4% of US employment of 155,495,730.Source: PayCrunch calculation from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS May 2025.
- Pediatric Surgeons have the highest healthcare median, at $559,030, with a mean of $502,050 and employment of 1,190.Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS May 2025.
- Cardiologists are second, at a median of $496,010.Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS May 2025.
- Radiologists are third, at a median of $420,860.Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS May 2025.
- Physical Therapist Aides have the lowest healthcare median, at $35,240, with employment of 48,150.Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS May 2025.
- Home Health and Personal Care Aides is the largest healthcare occupation, with 4,305,810 jobs and a median of $35,800.Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS May 2025.
- Registered Nurses are next, with 3,379,720 jobs and a median of $97,550.Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS May 2025.
- Nursing Assistants follow, with 1,448,910 jobs and a median of $42,260.Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS May 2025.
- 37 detailed healthcare occupations have a median of $100,000 or more and employ 2,448,770 people, 13.8% of healthcare employment. 37 of them are in Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations.Source: PayCrunch calculation from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS May 2025.
- The national file lists 88 detailed healthcare occupations in these two groups.Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS May 2025.
All 88 healthcare occupations by median wage
Every detailed occupation in SOC major groups 29 and 31 with a published annual median, sorted by that median. Employment and the mean are the figures BLS publishes for the same occupation.
| Occupation▲ | SOC▲ | Employment▲ | Median▲ | Mean▲ |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pediatric Surgeons | 29-1243 | 1,190 | $559,030 | $502,050 |
| Cardiologists | 29-1212 | 17,290 | $496,010 | $454,940 |
| Radiologists | 29-1224 | 26,770 | $420,860 | $381,530 |
| Surgeons, All Other | 29-1249 | 25,140 | $414,010 | $373,930 |
| Anesthesiologists | 29-1211 | 38,760 | $391,490 | $360,570 |
| Orthopedic Surgeons, Except Pediatric | 29-1242 | 14,100 | $358,550 | $373,570 |
| Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons | 29-1022 | 4,910 | $352,220 | $346,490 |
| Emergency Medicine Physicians | 29-1214 | 32,880 | $335,550 | $317,480 |
| Dermatologists | 29-1213 | 11,370 | $328,730 | $323,530 |
| Physicians, Pathologists | 29-1222 | 11,110 | $312,400 | $285,420 |
| Prosthodontists | 29-1024 | 870 | $311,180 | $268,630 |
| Ophthalmologists, Except Pediatric | 29-1241 | 8,950 | $300,080 | $304,650 |
| Obstetricians and Gynecologists | 29-1218 | 21,260 | $292,910 | $279,040 |
| Orthodontists | 29-1023 | 6,210 | $289,140 | $259,400 |
| Psychiatrists | 29-1223 | 27,980 | $281,870 | $269,940 |
| Physicians, All Other | 29-1229 | 342,720 | $265,930 | $262,040 |
| General Internal Medicine Physicians | 29-1216 | 67,150 | $256,560 | $267,200 |
| Neurologists | 29-1217 | 10,590 | $248,560 | $267,630 |
| Family Medicine Physicians | 29-1215 | 107,510 | $244,180 | $255,820 |
| Nurse Anesthetists | 29-1151 | 51,840 | $236,590 | $248,320 |
| Dentists, All Other Specialists | 29-1029 | 5,230 | $224,990 | $247,930 |
| Pediatricians, General | 29-1221 | 39,390 | $210,040 | $212,110 |
| Dentists, General | 29-1021 | 124,390 | $170,950 | $191,350 |
| Podiatrists | 29-1081 | 9,680 | $160,300 | $175,480 |
| Medical Dosimetrists | 29-2036 | 3,410 | $147,470 | $148,500 |
| Pharmacists | 29-1051 | 321,970 | $140,910 | $140,920 |
| Optometrists | 29-1041 | 42,790 | $136,570 | $141,550 |
| Physician Assistants | 29-1071 | 162,150 | $135,880 | $141,280 |
| Nurse Midwives | 29-1161 | 7,920 | $134,040 | $136,980 |
| Nurse Practitioners | 29-1171 | 323,040 | $132,300 | $137,300 |
| Veterinarians | 29-1131 | 83,900 | $130,100 | $142,680 |
| Healthcare Diagnosing or Treating Practitioners, All Other | 29-1299 | 28,630 | $115,210 | $127,660 |
| Radiation Therapists | 29-1124 | 17,070 | $105,310 | $114,990 |
| Physical Therapists | 29-1123 | 267,330 | $102,760 | $105,280 |
| Nuclear Medicine Technologists | 29-2033 | 17,080 | $101,370 | $105,160 |
| Occupational Therapists | 29-1122 | 162,450 | $100,330 | $101,280 |
| Genetic Counselors | 29-9092 | 3,740 | $100,040 | $104,620 |
| Dental Hygienists | 29-1292 | 222,740 | $98,100 | $98,990 |
| Speech-Language Pathologists | 29-1127 | 183,390 | $97,870 | $98,170 |
| Registered Nurses | 29-1141 | 3,379,720 | $97,550 | $101,420 |
| Diagnostic Medical Sonographers | 29-2032 | 90,160 | $96,590 | $97,240 |
| Audiologists | 29-1181 | 13,660 | $95,780 | $97,740 |
| Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists | 29-2035 | 43,390 | $95,480 | $96,120 |
| Respiratory Therapists | 29-1126 | 139,790 | $82,280 | $87,300 |
| Orthotists and Prosthetists | 29-2091 | 9,390 | $81,110 | $83,740 |
| Radiologic Technologists and Technicians | 29-2034 | 230,490 | $80,110 | $83,840 |
| Chiropractors | 29-1011 | 39,630 | $79,200 | $90,520 |
| Therapists, All Other | 29-1129 | 22,640 | $77,930 | $90,420 |
| Dietitians and Nutritionists | 29-1031 | 77,570 | $76,400 | $77,130 |
| Acupuncturists | 29-1291 | 7,830 | $76,040 | $87,020 |
| Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians | 29-2031 | 62,960 | $74,310 | $76,940 |
| Occupational Therapy Assistants | 31-2011 | 51,290 | $72,300 | $70,710 |
| Physical Therapist Assistants | 31-2021 | 112,430 | $68,380 | $68,730 |
| Health Information Technologists and Medical Registrars | 29-9021 | 38,100 | $68,020 | $74,970 |
| Surgical Assistants | 29-9093 | 22,270 | $66,800 | $72,710 |
| Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Workers, All Other | 29-9099 | 35,010 | $65,790 | $76,720 |
| Hearing Aid Specialists | 29-2092 | 11,270 | $65,160 | $66,370 |
| Surgical Technologists | 29-2055 | 117,460 | $64,650 | $68,710 |
| Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses | 29-2061 | 648,410 | $64,400 | $67,050 |
| Clinical Laboratory Technologists and Technicians | 29-2010 | 332,940 | $62,930 | $67,350 |
| Athletic Trainers | 29-9091 | 30,500 | $62,520 | $66,620 |
| Recreational Therapists | 29-1125 | 14,930 | $61,960 | $67,630 |
| Paramedics | 29-2043 | 100,610 | $60,600 | $63,360 |
| Exercise Physiologists | 29-1128 | 8,560 | $59,460 | $60,940 |
| Massage Therapists | 31-9011 | 98,790 | $58,450 | $63,830 |
| Medical Records Specialists | 29-2072 | 194,720 | $51,140 | $56,790 |
| Health Technologists and Technicians, All Other | 29-2099 | 182,610 | $50,290 | $58,710 |
| Healthcare Support Workers, All Other | 31-9099 | 109,740 | $48,430 | $50,810 |
| Dental Assistants | 31-9091 | 387,790 | $48,070 | $50,200 |
| Medical Equipment Preparers | 31-9093 | 77,420 | $47,700 | $50,510 |
| Veterinary Technologists and Technicians | 29-2056 | 129,140 | $47,380 | $49,120 |
| Opticians, Dispensing | 29-2081 | 73,530 | $47,260 | $51,770 |
| Pharmacy Technicians | 29-2052 | 471,680 | $45,750 | $46,620 |
| Medical Assistants | 31-9092 | 817,870 | $45,690 | $46,120 |
| Ophthalmic Medical Technicians | 29-2057 | 71,010 | $45,570 | $47,060 |
| Phlebotomists | 31-9097 | 143,540 | $45,230 | $45,520 |
| Psychiatric Technicians | 29-2053 | 156,960 | $45,130 | $46,610 |
| Psychiatric Aides | 31-1133 | 35,520 | $44,910 | $45,690 |
| Emergency Medical Technicians | 29-2042 | 180,510 | $44,470 | $46,830 |
| Nursing Assistants | 31-1131 | 1,448,910 | $42,260 | $42,700 |
| Medical Transcriptionists | 31-9094 | 41,550 | $40,410 | $41,710 |
| Occupational Therapy Aides | 31-2012 | 4,310 | $39,160 | $44,110 |
| Orderlies | 31-1132 | 52,440 | $38,290 | $40,660 |
| Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers | 31-9096 | 126,580 | $38,150 | $40,340 |
| Pharmacy Aides | 31-9095 | 39,530 | $37,680 | $40,450 |
| Dietetic Technicians | 29-2051 | 31,560 | $37,640 | $40,630 |
| Home Health and Personal Care Aides | 31-1120 | 4,305,810 | $35,800 | $36,120 |
| Physical Therapist Aides | 31-2022 | 48,150 | $35,240 | $36,430 |
National figures, BLS OEWS May 2025. Click a column to sort.
The 15 largest healthcare occupations
The same occupations, ranked by national employment.
| Occupation▲ | SOC▲ | Employment▲ | Median▲ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Home Health and Personal Care Aides | 31-1120 | 4,305,810 | $35,800 |
| Registered Nurses | 29-1141 | 3,379,720 | $97,550 |
| Nursing Assistants | 31-1131 | 1,448,910 | $42,260 |
| Medical Assistants | 31-9092 | 817,870 | $45,690 |
| Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses | 29-2061 | 648,410 | $64,400 |
| Pharmacy Technicians | 29-2052 | 471,680 | $45,750 |
| Dental Assistants | 31-9091 | 387,790 | $48,070 |
| Physicians, All Other | 29-1229 | 342,720 | $265,930 |
| Clinical Laboratory Technologists and Technicians | 29-2010 | 332,940 | $62,930 |
| Nurse Practitioners | 29-1171 | 323,040 | $132,300 |
| Pharmacists | 29-1051 | 321,970 | $140,910 |
| Physical Therapists | 29-1123 | 267,330 | $102,760 |
| Radiologic Technologists and Technicians | 29-2034 | 230,490 | $80,110 |
| Dental Hygienists | 29-1292 | 222,740 | $98,100 |
| Medical Records Specialists | 29-2072 | 194,720 | $51,140 |
National figures, BLS OEWS May 2025. Click a column to sort.
Pay for individual occupations
Pages for healthcare occupations in the tables above, where PayCrunch has a page for that SOC code. Nursing occupations are broken out on the nurse salary statistics page.
How to cite this page
Ready to paste for the page:
PayCrunch (2026). Healthcare Salary Statistics 2026. Aggregated from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025. https://paycrunch.co/stats/healthcare-salary-statistics.html (accessed 16 October 2026).
Ready to paste for the lead figure on this page:
Healthcare occupations employ 17,725,530 people in the United States. Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations have a median wage of $86,530, and Healthcare Support Occupations have a median of $38,340 (BLS, OEWS May 2025, via PayCrunch).
Method
Source
Every wage and employment figure on this page comes from the national file of the Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics release of May 2025, published by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. No wage here is a PayCrunch estimate. Rankings, ratios and shares are PayCrunch calculations from that file and are labelled as such.
What is counted
Healthcare here is two SOC major groups: 29-0000, Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations, and 31-0000, Healthcare Support Occupations. Employment, median and mean for each group are the published major-group row. The combined employment figure adds those two published totals. It is not a sum of the detailed rows. The occupation tables are the detailed occupations whose SOC code starts with 29- or 31- (88 occupations). A detailed occupation is counted in the six-figure set when its published annual median is at least $100,000. Rankings that need a median or an employment figure leave out an occupation that does not publish that figure.
Rows left out
An occupation with no published annual median or percentile is left out of any ranking that needs that figure. In this release that is a handful of occupations for which BLS publishes an hourly wage only. The all-occupations median, and the all-occupations 10th and 90th percentiles, are the single total row in the file. That row describes workers. It is not the median of the occupation-level medians, which is a different statistic and is published on the average salary statistics page.
Rebuilding these numbers
The script that computes every figure on this page is .github/stats-gen/gen_national_stats_pages.py. It reads data/open/national_M2025_dl.xlsx and regenerates this page. Nothing on this page is typed by hand.
Limitations
- OEWS is a survey. Every figure carries sampling error, and the error is largest where the occupation is smallest.
- Wage and salary employment only. OEWS excludes the self-employed, so occupations with many independent workers are under-covered.
- The 90th percentile is not a maximum. It is a point on a wage distribution. Pay above it exists.
- No cost-of-living adjustment. All figures are nominal annual wages.
- SOC titles are classification labels, not job titles as employers use them, and one SOC code can cover several distinct jobs.
- One release only. These are May 2025 figures; OEWS releases are not straightforwardly comparable across years.
Frequently asked questions
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