Are you considering a career in one of the many allied health technologist professions? Or maybe just wondering if the grass is greener somewhere else? Perhaps you'd like to know which of these specialties has the best potential for career stability and long-term income? Or which is expected to grow most rapidly in the next decade? We went to one of our most valued resources, the US Bureau of Labor Statistics for their research on employment in allied health technology. Here's what the BLS said about six popular areas of practice; their most recent statistics are from 2023.
| Discipline | Median Annual Pay (2023) | Approx. # of Jobs in U.S. | Predicted Job Growth - next 10 Years |
| Diagnostic Medical Sonographers, Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians | $80,850 | 142,800 | 10% (much faster than average) |
| Medical Dosimetrists | $132,880 | 3,500 | 3% (average) |
| Nuclear Medicine Technologists | $92,500 | 18,100 | 0% (little or no) |
| Radiation Therapists | $98,300 | 15,900 | 2% (average) |
| Radiologic and MRI Technologists | $76,020 | 264,100 | 6% (faster than average) |
| Surgical Assistants and Technologists | $60,370 | 128,900 | 5% (faster than average) |
Diagnostic medical sonographers and cardiovascular technologists and technicians represent a fairly large segment of the allied health community. The annual wages for these professions are excellent (and traveling can improve them even further!). The future looks bright, with 10% growth predicted through 2032.
Medical dosimetrists calculate radiation doses and design treatment plans for patients with cancer and other life threatening conditions. As you can imagine, with the level of precision required and potential risks in this profession, the pay is top tier. However, there aren't a huge number of professionals in this category, and over the next decade the employment growth rate appears to be just about average. Medical dosimetrists are usually required to have a Bachelor's degree, and complete a certified dosimetry program. Healthcare employers are likely to require certification.
Nuclear medicine technologists prepare and administer radioactive drugs for imaging or treatment. The average annual salary for staff in this field is attractive but the projected growth rate for the profession is holding steady rather than growing.
Radiation therapists administer doses of radiation to patients who have cancer and other serious conditions. This is another field that requires the ultimate precision for patient and practitioner alike. Employers typically expect candidates to have an Associate or Bachelor's degree, along with licensing and certification if required in the state of practice.
Radiologic technologists perform a variety diagnostic imaging examinations on patients whereas MRI technologists operate magnetic resonance imaging scanners. There are several areas of specialization within this field, and as such it is one of the larger allied health employment categories. Associate degrees are generally expected, and a preference is often shown for candidates who are certified. Depending upon the area of specialization and the state, licensure may also be required. The average pay is very good, though not as high as in some other disciplines, but the upside is that the large number of practitioners spread throughout the country means career mobility -- and more opportunity to travel!
Surgical technologists assist with O.R. procedures, maintaining a sterile field, moving and preparing patients for surgery, and assisting surgeons with access to their surgical equipment. Surgical techs are in somewhat of a unique category - when compared to some of the other specialties listed here - as they tend to practice more in the operating theater, and less often with advanced technology. Though, to be honest, technology is everywhere in healthcare! Surgical techs generally need a certificate or Associate degree. Certification is required by many employers. This is a wide, and growing field -- faster than average, according to the BLS.