We rounded up a list of the 16 highest-paying premed jobs that offer students clinical experience and a solid financial footing before medical school.
Working in healthcare as a premed student can be super helpful for a few reasons. For starters, it gives you hands-on experience that can help you understand the healthcare system, patient care, and medical procedures in a deeper way. This experience can be especially useful if you’re still figuring out your future career path or considering different specialties.
Secondly, healthcare jobs can offer networking opportunities and connections with healthcare professionals that can come in handy later in your career. Plus, healthcare jobs often have flexible schedules, which can help you balance work and school more easily.
Finally, working in healthcare can be really rewarding because you get to make a positive difference in people’s lives.
Overall, working in healthcare as a premed student is a great way to get experience, build connections, and prepare for a career in healthcare. Here are some great opportunities for premeds to beef up their clinical experience (while also making some much needed cash).
1. Radiologic Technologist
Radiologic Technologists operate imaging equipment to produce images of the body that help diagnose medical conditions. They work with physicians to evaluate images and develop treatment plans for patients.
According to Glassdoor, the median annual salary for radiologic technologists is $78,194 in 2023.
Becoming a radiologic technologist typically requires completing an associate’s degree program.
2. Occupational Therapy Assistant
Occupational Therapy Assistants work under the supervision of Occupational Therapists to provide patient care and rehabilitation. They help patients with everyday tasks and activities, such as dressing and eating, and may also help develop treatment plans.
According to Glassdoor, the median annual salary for occupational therapy assistants is $63,106 in 2023.
Becoming an occupational therapy assistant typically requires completing an associate’s degree program.
3. Clinical Laboratory Technician
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technicians collect and analyze samples of body fluids and tissues to help diagnose medical conditions.
According to Glassdoor, the median annual salary for clinical laboratory technicians is $49,168 in 2023.
Becoming a medical and clinical laboratory technician typically requires completing a postsecondary certificate or associate’s degree program.
4. Surgical Technologist
Surgical Technologists assist surgeons during surgical procedures by preparing equipment, helping with patient positioning, and maintaining a sterile environment.
According to Glassdoor, the median annual salary for surgical technologists is $68,586 in 2023.
Becoming a surgical technologist typically requires completing a postsecondary non-degree program.
5. Medical Records and Health Information Technician
Medical Records and Health Information Technicians are responsible for organizing and managing patients’ medical records. They ensure that medical records are accurate, complete, and secure.
According to Glassdoor, the median annual salary for medical records and health information technicians is $35,001 in 2023.
Becoming a medical records and health information technician typically requires completing a postsecondary certificate or associate’s degree program.
6. Dialysis Technician
Dialysis Technicians are healthcare professionals who operate and maintain equipment used in dialysis treatments for patients with kidney disease. They may also monitor patients during treatments and record their vital signs.
According to Glassdoor, the median annual salary for dialysis technicians is $40,335 in 2023.
Becoming a dialysis technician typically requires completing a training program that may last several months to a year.
7. Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) and Paramedic
EMTs and paramedics provide emergency medical care to patients at the scene of an accident or during transport to a hospital. They may perform basic life support procedures, administer medications, and communicate with other healthcare professionals.
According to Glassdoor, the median annual salary for EMTs is $39,509 in 2023.
Becoming an EMT typically requires completing a postsecondary certificate program, while becoming a paramedic typically requires completing an associate’s degree program.
8. Phlebotomist
Phlebotomists are responsible for drawing blood from patients for medical testing, transfusions, or donations. They may also be responsible for labeling and tracking blood samples.
According to Glassdoor, the median annual salary for phlebotomists is $40,499 in 2023.
Becoming a phlebotomist typically requires completing a postsecondary non-degree program.
9. Medical Assistant
Medical Assistants work with physicians and other healthcare professionals to provide patient care. They may take medical histories, measure vital signs, and assist with medical procedures.
According to Glassdoor, the median annual salary for medical assistants is $36,452 in 2023.
Becoming a medical assistant typically requires completing a postsecondary non-degree program.
10. Medical Transcriptionist
Medical Transcriptionists listen to dictated recordings by physicians and other healthcare professionals and transcribe them into medical reports and other documents.
According to Glassdoor, the median annual salary for medical transcriptionists is $47,986 in 2023.
Becoming a medical transcriptionist typically requires completing a postsecondary certificate or associate’s degree program.
11. EKG Technician
EKG Technicians are responsible for administering and interpreting electrocardiogram (EKG) tests, which measure the electrical activity of the heart. They may also assist with stress tests and Holter monitoring.
According to Glassdoor, the median annual salary for EKG Technicians is $36,819 in 2023.
Becoming an EKG Technician typically requires completing a postsecondary non-degree program.
12. Pharmacy Technician
Pharmacy Technicians assist pharmacists with dispensing prescription medications and providing advice to patients. They may also perform administrative tasks such as answering phones and maintaining patient records.
According to Glassdoor, the median annual salary for pharmacy technicians is $37,358 in 2023.
Becoming a pharmacy technician typically requires completing a postsecondary certificate or associate’s degree program.
13. Patient Care Technician
Patient Care Technicians (PCTs) work under the supervision of nurses and other healthcare professionals to provide basic care to patients. Their duties may include taking vital signs, helping with daily activities such as bathing and dressing, and performing basic medical procedures such as drawing blood.
According to Glassdoor, the average annual salary for PCTs is $37,466 in 2023.
Becoming a PCT typically requires completing a training program that may last several weeks to several months.
14. Certified Nursing Assistant
Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) are healthcare professionals who provide basic care to patients in hospitals, nursing homes, and other healthcare facilities. Their duties may include bathing and dressing patients, helping with meals, and taking vital signs.
According to Glassdoor, the median annual salary for nursing assistants is $37,028 in 2023.
Becoming a CNA typically requires completing a state-approved nursing assistant program and passing a competency exam.
15. Medical Scribe
Medical Scribes assist healthcare professionals with documentation and administrative tasks. They may transcribe physician-patient encounters, maintain patient records, and assist with billing and coding.
According to Glassdoor, the average annual salary for medical scribes is $37,888 in 2023.
Becoming a medical scribe typically requires completing on-the-job training or a short-term training program.
16. Behavioral Health Technician
Behavioral Health Technicians assist in the care of patients with mental health or substance abuse disorders. They may help patients with daily living activities, monitor their behavior, and assist with therapy sessions.
According to Glassdoor, the average annual salary for behavioral health technicians is $37,654 in 2023.
Becoming a Behavioral Health Technician typically requires completing on-the-job training or a short-term training program.
Make the Most Of Your Premed Experience
There are several healthcare careers available to premedical students that offer competitive salaries. While some careers require more education and training than others, all of these careers provide an opportunity to make a positive impact on patients’ lives.
Clinical work experience is just one of the extracurricular areas where you need to shine. Make sure your resume is also packed with research experience, physician shadowing, volunteering, leadership, and life experiences.
Find Out Your MSC Score to See How Your Extracurriculars Stack Up
