The U.S. healthcare system is powered by far more than physicians and nurses. Behind every diagnosis, scan, and recovery and rehabilitation program for a patient is a network of allied health professionals. They keep care moving at full speed.
Despite playing a critical role in patient care, careers in allied health sometimes get overlooked. If you’re thinking about a career in healthcare or maybe considering a switch, allied health is a solid career choice. Healthcare organizations are actively hiring for these roles and demand is rising across the country.
Healthcare careers booming nationwide
In the US, healthcare is growing faster than any other sector and that growth is creating millions of jobs. It is expected to increase at an annual rate of 8.4% between 2024 and 2034, with an annual job opening rate of about 1.9 million jobs across all healthcare occupations. That’s consistent, strong growth for an industry that is an integral part of the country’s health and wellbeing. Radiologic technologists, physical therapists, lab technicians, and respiratory therapists – there’s a need for qualified professionals in all of these areas.
High-growth allied careers offer long-term, reliable employment, stable pay and excellent benefits. These roles will continue to expand, and healthcare needs will increase due to an aging, growing population.
Four high-demand Allied Health occupations to know
Let’s take a closer look at the hottest jobs in allied:
1: Radiology Technologist (Rad Tech)
Physicians rely on diagnostic imaging procedures such as X-rays, computed tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to make fast, accurate diagnoses and develop treatment plans. These professional technicians are essential in medicine, and their skills are in high demand. Employment for X-ray, CT and MRI technicians is expected to rise by 5% between 2024 and 2034, a growth rate that is higher than the average for all occupations.
Sustained demand is driven by an aging population and more chronic disease diagnoses and management. These jobs have long-term job security and can be done in any area of the country. With the right licensing and credentials, allied professionals in these areas can move anywhere and find a job.
2. Physical Therapist (PT)
Whether it’s post-surgery, managing chronic pain or other conditions, or recovering from an injury, physical therapists help patients restore mobility and health. As non-invasive treatments and preventative care gain popularity, demand for Physical Therapists (PT) and Physical Therapy Assistants is growing.
Job growth is projected at 11% between 2024 and 2034. This is well above the national average compared to jobs in other industries. Plus, it’s a lucrative area of medicine. The median annual salary for a Physical Therapist is over $100,000 a year.
This growth is being driven partially by a shift toward earlier, more preventive strategies for managing pain, chronic conditions and injuries. Physical therapy is often one of the first treatments recommended by physicians. As a result, physical therapy is seen as a core part of long-term care rather than a secondary step in recovery.
3. Respiratory Therapist
From asthma and COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) to the critically ill patient in the ICU and the child in neonatal care, respiratory therapists serve patients who experience breathing and cardiopulmonary issues. Following the COVID-19 pandemic, respiratory care teams have become a higher priority across healthcare systems, with increased investment and recognition of their critical role in patient care.
Jobs are projected to increase by 12% between 2024 and 2034 – way above the average across all industries. Approximately 8,800 openings are anticipated each year. The median average salary is north of $80,000. Respiratory therapists (RT) hold one of the key jobs in the hospital setting, since respiratory therapists work in high-risk areas such as the emergency room, intensive care units, and neonatal ICUs.
4. Clinical Laboratory Technologist/Lab Tech
Laboratory technicians play a critical, behind-the-scenes role in patient care and modern medicine. They’re reading the results and analyzing the tests that guide all diagnoses and treatments, including disease prevention. Lab techs are looking at everything from routine blood panels to advanced genetic panels, and their work directly supports clinical care.
The average annual employment opportunities for this career are projected to be about 22,600 until 2034 and the median pay for this job is over $60,000 annually, depending on specialty and area of the country.
Lab techs are in demand nationwide. Once you have the degree, certifications, and licenses to begin a lab tech career, you can go anywhere. Every state across the country needs lab techs – so traveling and working in different cities and states for a few months or years at a time would never be a problem.
Your next role in allied health starts here
As you’ve seen, allied healthcare professionals are the backbone of modern medicine in the US. From imaging and labs to respiratory care and physical therapy, professionals in these areas are in demand, with roles ranging from staff to local to travel and per diem.
If you’re a new graduate, mid-career, or even taking on less as you near retirement, StaffDNA has the easiest and most efficient way to find jobs in allied healthcare. With StaffDNA, it’s easy to find the job you love. Just download the StaffDNA app and search for jobs in allied healthcare nationwide. You’ll see all job details and pay packages without even having to register. When you’re ready to apply, easily complete your profile and get submitted to jobs. We’ll also help match you to the right jobs depending on your preferences. Get ready for your next allied role with StaffDNA.
