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Highest and lowest paying health care jobs in Birmingham

Anybody who has taken a course in marketing, psychology or sociology is likely familiar with Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs. First detailed by psychologist Andrew Maslow in his 1943 work “A Theory of Human Motivation,” the hierarchy breaks down the complex network of human thoughts into a categorical triage, placing self-development at the top and security and physical health at the bottom. In setting up this pyramid, Maslow framed self-recognition and creative development as ultimate goals, while also prioritizing personal safety and strong physical health.

As such, it has never been more important to recognize the health care professionals who work tirelessly to keep the population healthy. In 2020, the United States spent 19.7% of its GDP on health. While it’s encouraging to know that the country is investing in those responsible for maintaining the nation’s well-being, not all health care professionals receive equal compensation.

Stacker compiled a list of the highest and lowest paying health care jobs in Birmingham using data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Jobs are ranked by 2020 annual mean wage. Job descriptions are from O*NET. Keep reading to see which health care jobs make the most and least in your city.

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#48. Orderlies

Birmingham-Hoover, AL
– Annual mean salary: $22,810
– #107 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 170

National
– Annual mean salary: $31,780
– Employment: 43,570
– Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
– Metros with highest average pay:
— Sacramento–Roseville–Arden-Arcade, CA ($54,270)
— San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($51,580)
— Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA ($51,170)
– Job description: Transport patients to areas such as operating rooms or x-ray rooms using wheelchairs, stretchers, or moveable beds. May maintain stocks of supplies or clean and transport equipment. Psychiatric orderlies are included in Psychiatric Aides.

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#47. Psychiatric aides

Birmingham-Hoover, AL
– Annual mean salary: $23,700
– #53 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 140

National
– Annual mean salary: $33,300
– Employment: 51,550
– Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
– Metros with highest average pay:
— Utica-Rome, NY ($50,890)
— Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA ($49,610)
— Rochester, NY ($48,300)
– Job description: Assist mentally impaired or emotionally disturbed patients, working under direction of nursing and medical staff. May assist with daily living activities, lead patients in educational and recreational activities, or accompany patients to and from examinations and treatments. May restrain violent patients. Includes psychiatric orderlies.

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#46. Veterinary assistants and laboratory animal caretakers

Birmingham-Hoover, AL
– Annual mean salary: $23,870
– #251 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 400

National
– Annual mean salary: $30,980
– Employment: 98,810
– Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
– Metros with highest average pay:
— San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($45,950)
— New Haven, CT ($45,360)
— Boston-Cambridge-Nashua, MA-NH ($41,210)
– Job description: Feed, water, and examine pets and other nonfarm animals for signs of illness, disease, or injury in laboratories and animal hospitals and clinics. Clean and disinfect cages and work areas, and sterilize laboratory and surgical equipment. May provide routine postoperative care, administer medication orally or topically, or prepare samples for laboratory examination under the supervision of veterinary or laboratory animal technologists or technicians, veterinarians, or scientists.

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#45. Physical therapist aides

Birmingham-Hoover, AL
– Annual mean salary: $24,200
– #158 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 240

National
– Annual mean salary: $30,110
– Employment: 45,790
– Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
– Metros with highest average pay:
— Savannah, GA ($53,640)
— Akron, OH ($49,570)
— Hartford-West Hartford-East Hartford, CT ($49,470)
– Job description: Under close supervision of a physical therapist or physical therapy assistant, perform only delegated, selected, or routine tasks in specific situations. These duties include preparing the patient and the treatment area.

GagliardiPhotography // Shutterstock

#44. Nursing assistants

Birmingham-Hoover, AL
– Annual mean salary: $25,750
– #352 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 5,150

National
– Annual mean salary: $32,050
– Employment: 1,371,050
– Entry level education requirements: Postsecondary nondegree award
– Metros with highest average pay:
— San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($48,420)
— Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA ($43,960)
— Vallejo-Fairfield, CA ($42,200)
– Job description: Provide or assist with basic care or support under the direction of onsite licensed nursing staff. Perform duties such as monitoring of health status, feeding, bathing, dressing, grooming, toileting, or ambulation of patients in a health or nursing facility. May include medication administration and other health-related tasks. Includes nursing care attendants, nursing aides, and nursing attendants.

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#43. Psychiatric technicians

Birmingham-Hoover, AL
– Annual mean salary: $28,900
– #120 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 810

National
– Annual mean salary: $38,080
– Employment: 85,330
– Entry level education requirements: Postsecondary nondegree award
– Metros with highest average pay:
— Stockton-Lodi, CA ($69,970)
— Bakersfield, CA ($69,960)
— Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura, CA ($69,140)
– Job description: Care for individuals with mental or emotional conditions or disabilities, following the instructions of physicians or other health practitioners. Monitor patients’ physical and emotional well-being and report to medical staff. May participate in rehabilitation and treatment programs, help with personal hygiene, and administer oral or injectable medications.

Dragana Gordic // Shutterstock

#42. Pharmacy technicians

Birmingham-Hoover, AL
– Annual mean salary: $31,070
– #339 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 2,100

National
– Annual mean salary: $36,450
– Employment: 415,310
– Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
– Metros with highest average pay:
— San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($56,620)
— San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($56,020)
— Santa Rosa, CA ($52,810)
– Job description: Prepare medications under the direction of a pharmacist. May measure, mix, count out, label, and record amounts and dosages of medications according to prescription orders.

Milkovasa // Shutterstock

#41. Medical assistants

Birmingham-Hoover, AL
– Annual mean salary: $31,390
– #313 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 3,240

National
– Annual mean salary: $36,930
– Employment: 710,200
– Entry level education requirements: Postsecondary nondegree award
– Metros with highest average pay:
— San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($53,960)
— Vallejo-Fairfield, CA ($53,660)
— Santa Rosa, CA ($52,520)
– Job description: Perform administrative and certain clinical duties under the direction of a physician. Administrative duties may include scheduling appointments, maintaining medical records, billing, and coding information for insurance purposes. Clinical duties may include taking and recording vital signs and medical histories, preparing patients for examination, drawing blood, and administering medications as directed by physician.

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#40. Pharmacy aides

Birmingham-Hoover, AL
– Annual mean salary: $31,860
– #55 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: data not available

National
– Annual mean salary: $32,250
– Employment: 38,900
– Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
– Metros with highest average pay:
— Vallejo-Fairfield, CA ($55,930)
— San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($48,360)
— Fresno, CA ($45,210)
– Job description: Record drugs delivered to the pharmacy, store incoming merchandise, and inform the supervisor of stock needs. May operate cash register and accept prescriptions for filling.

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#39. Medical equipment preparers

Birmingham-Hoover, AL
– Annual mean salary: $32,490
– #164 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 370

National
– Annual mean salary: $41,070
– Employment: 56,870
– Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
– Metros with highest average pay:
— Vallejo-Fairfield, CA ($65,400)
— San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($65,280)
— Sacramento–Roseville–Arden-Arcade, CA ($64,970)
– Job description: Prepare, sterilize, install, or clean laboratory or healthcare equipment. May perform routine laboratory tasks and operate or inspect equipment.

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Maria Sbytova // Shutterstock

#38. Veterinary technologists and technicians

Birmingham-Hoover, AL
– Annual mean salary: $33,340
– #206 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 170

National
– Annual mean salary: $37,860
– Employment: 109,490
– Entry level education requirements: Associate’s degree
– Metros with highest average pay:
— Harrisburg-Carlisle, PA ($56,020)
— Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA ($53,580)
— San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($53,440)
– Job description: Perform medical tests in a laboratory environment for use in the treatment and diagnosis of diseases in animals. Prepare vaccines and serums for prevention of diseases. Prepare tissue samples, take blood samples, and execute laboratory tests, such as urinalysis and blood counts. Clean and sterilize instruments and materials and maintain equipment and machines. May assist a veterinarian during surgery.

Syda Productions // Shutterstock

#37. Dental assistants

Birmingham-Hoover, AL
– Annual mean salary: $33,810
– #366 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 780

National
– Annual mean salary: $42,310
– Employment: 312,140
– Entry level education requirements: Postsecondary nondegree award
– Metros with highest average pay:
— Santa Rosa, CA ($58,570)
— Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI ($56,240)
— Vallejo-Fairfield, CA ($54,550)
– Job description: Perform limited clinical duties under the direction of a dentist. Clinical duties may include equipment preparation and sterilization, preparing patients for treatment, assisting the dentist during treatment, and providing patients with instructions for oral healthcare procedures. May perform administrative duties such as scheduling appointments, maintaining medical records, billing, and coding information for insurance purposes.

Tyler Olson // Shutterstock

#36. Phlebotomists

Birmingham-Hoover, AL
– Annual mean salary: $33,900
– #180 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 790

National
– Annual mean salary: $37,280
– Employment: 128,020
– Entry level education requirements: Postsecondary nondegree award
– Metros with highest average pay:
— Redding, CA ($52,770)
— San Diego-Carlsbad, CA ($51,920)
— Santa Rosa, CA ($51,620)
– Job description: Draw blood for tests, transfusions, donations, or research. May explain the procedure to patients and assist in the recovery of patients with adverse reactions.

Rido // Shutterstock

#35. Opticians, dispensing

Birmingham-Hoover, AL
– Annual mean salary: $35,740
– #182 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 340

National
– Annual mean salary: $41,380
– Employment: 68,180
– Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
– Metros with highest average pay:
— Utica-Rome, NY ($71,220)
— Danbury, CT ($68,590)
— Norwich-New London-Westerly, CT-RI ($66,900)
– Job description: Design, measure, fit, and adapt lenses and frames for client according to written optical prescription or specification. Assist client with inserting, removing, and caring for contact lenses. Assist client with selecting frames. Measure customer for size of eyeglasses and coordinate frames with facial and eye measurements and optical prescription. Prepare work order for optical laboratory containing instructions for grinding and mounting lenses in frames. Verify exactness of finished lens spectacles. Adjust frame and lens position to fit client. May shape or reshape frames. Includes contact lens opticians.

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#34. Ophthalmic medical technicians

Birmingham-Hoover, AL
– Annual mean salary: $36,560
– #140 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 260

National
– Annual mean salary: $40,010
– Employment: 59,960
– Entry level education requirements: Postsecondary nondegree award
– Metros with highest average pay:
— San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($67,300)
— San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($57,190)
— Duluth, MN-WI ($56,200)
– Job description: Assist ophthalmologists by performing ophthalmic clinical functions. May administer eye exams, administer eye medications, and instruct the patient in care and use of corrective lenses.

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Syda Productions // Shutterstock

#33. Medical transcriptionists

Birmingham-Hoover, AL
– Annual mean salary: $37,010
– #92 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 120

National
– Annual mean salary: $37,310
– Employment: 49,530
– Entry level education requirements: Postsecondary nondegree award
– Metros with highest average pay:
— Hagerstown-Martinsburg, MD-WV ($58,050)
— Bend-Redmond, OR ($56,450)
— Lakeland-Winter Haven, FL ($55,720)
– Job description: Transcribe medical reports recorded by physicians and other healthcare practitioners using various electronic devices, covering office visits, emergency room visits, diagnostic imaging studies, operations, chart reviews, and final summaries. Transcribe dictated reports and translate abbreviations into fully understandable form. Edit as necessary and return reports in either printed or electronic form for review and signature, or correction.

DenisProduction.com // Shutterstock

#32. Athletic trainers

Birmingham-Hoover, AL
– Annual mean salary: $40,770
– #144 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 110

National
– Annual mean salary: $52,230
– Employment: 27,430
– Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
– Metros with highest average pay:
— Trenton, NJ ($71,890)
— Macon, GA ($68,350)
— Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, TX ($67,280)
– Job description: Evaluate and treat musculoskeletal injuries or illnesses. Provide preventive, therapeutic, emergency, and rehabilitative care.

Gerain0812 // Shutterstock

#31. Surgical technologists

Birmingham-Hoover, AL
– Annual mean salary: $40,810
– #244 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 460

National
– Annual mean salary: $51,510
– Employment: 107,400
– Entry level education requirements: Postsecondary nondegree award
– Metros with highest average pay:
— San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($79,230)
— San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($74,080)
— Vallejo-Fairfield, CA ($73,460)
– Job description: Assist in operations, under the supervision of surgeons, registered nurses, or other surgical personnel. May help set up operating room, prepare and transport patients for surgery, adjust lights and equipment, pass instruments and other supplies to surgeons and surgeons’ assistants, hold retractors, cut sutures, and help count sponges, needles, supplies, and instruments.

NDAB Creativity // Shutterstock

#30. Massage therapists

Birmingham-Hoover, AL
– Annual mean salary: $42,550
– #135 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 190

National
– Annual mean salary: $47,350
– Employment: 85,040
– Entry level education requirements: Postsecondary nondegree award
– Metros with highest average pay:
— Port St. Lucie, FL ($81,640)
— Anchorage, AK ($77,530)
— Boston-Cambridge-Nashua, MA-NH ($72,730)
– Job description: Perform therapeutic massages of soft tissues and joints. May assist in the assessment of range of motion and muscle strength, or propose client therapy plans.

Jacob Lund // Shutterstock

#29. Licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses

Birmingham-Hoover, AL
– Annual mean salary: $44,040
– #295 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 2,750

National
– Annual mean salary: $50,090
– Employment: 676,440
– Entry level education requirements: Postsecondary nondegree award
– Metros with highest average pay:
— San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($75,950)
— Santa Rosa, CA ($74,820)
— San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($74,520)
– Job description: Care for ill, injured, or convalescing patients or persons with disabilities in hospitals, nursing homes, clinics, private homes, group homes, and similar institutions. May work under the supervision of a registered nurse. Licensing required.

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#28. Recreational therapists

Birmingham-Hoover, AL
– Annual mean salary: $46,330
– #76 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 40

National
– Annual mean salary: $51,260
– Employment: 20,080
– Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
– Metros with highest average pay:
— Vallejo-Fairfield, CA ($92,840)
— San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles-Arroyo Grande, CA ($89,970)
— Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA ($85,230)
– Job description: Plan, direct, or coordinate medically-approved recreation programs for patients in hospitals, nursing homes, or other institutions. Activities include sports, trips, dramatics, social activities, and crafts. May assess a patient condition and recommend appropriate recreational activity.

Halfpoint // Shutterstock

#27. Cardiovascular technologists and technicians

Birmingham-Hoover, AL
– Annual mean salary: $48,990
– #137 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 260

National
– Annual mean salary: $60,940
– Employment: 55,980
– Entry level education requirements: Associate’s degree
– Metros with highest average pay:
— Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura, CA ($104,430)
— San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($89,930)
— Vallejo-Fairfield, CA ($88,450)
– Job description: Conduct tests on pulmonary or cardiovascular systems of patients for diagnostic, therapeutic, or research purposes. May conduct or assist in electrocardiograms, cardiac catheterizations, pulmonary functions, lung capacity, and similar tests.

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#26. Dental hygienists

Birmingham-Hoover, AL
– Annual mean salary: $49,340
– #372 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 1,080

National
– Annual mean salary: $78,050
– Employment: 194,830
– Entry level education requirements: Associate’s degree
– Metros with highest average pay:
— Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA ($133,730)
— San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($120,340)
— Santa Rosa, CA ($118,980)
– Job description: Administer oral hygiene care to patients. Assess patient oral hygiene problems or needs and maintain health records. Advise patients on oral health maintenance and disease prevention. May provide advanced care such as providing fluoride treatment or administering topical anesthesia.

lenetstan // Shutterstock

#25. Radiologic technologists and technicians

Birmingham-Hoover, AL
– Annual mean salary: $50,440
– #311 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 1,030

National
– Annual mean salary: $64,840
– Employment: 206,720
– Entry level education requirements: Associate’s degree
– Metros with highest average pay:
— Vallejo-Fairfield, CA ($120,270)
— San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($116,250)
— San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($114,850)
– Job description: Take x-rays and CAT scans or administer nonradioactive materials into patient’s bloodstream for diagnostic or research purposes. Includes radiologic technologists and technicians who specialize in other scanning modalities.

Dmytro Zinkevych // Shutterstock

#24. Respiratory therapists

Birmingham-Hoover, AL
– Annual mean salary: $53,570
– #231 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 790

National
– Annual mean salary: $65,640
– Employment: 131,890
– Entry level education requirements: Associate’s degree
– Metros with highest average pay:
— San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($104,200)
— San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($100,710)
— Vallejo-Fairfield, CA ($100,080)
– Job description: Assess, treat, and care for patients with breathing disorders. Assume primary responsibility for all respiratory care modalities, including the supervision of respiratory therapy technicians. Initiate and conduct therapeutic procedures; maintain patient records; and select, assemble, check, and operate equipment.

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#23. Dietitians and nutritionists

Birmingham-Hoover, AL
– Annual mean salary: $57,290
– #203 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 220

National
– Annual mean salary: $64,150
– Employment: 66,330
– Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
– Metros with highest average pay:
— Santa Rosa, CA ($95,140)
— San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($95,060)
— Vallejo-Fairfield, CA ($93,640)
– Job description: Plan and conduct food service or nutritional programs to assist in the promotion of health and control of disease. May supervise activities of a department providing quantity food services, counsel individuals, or conduct nutritional research.

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#22. Physical therapist assistants

Birmingham-Hoover, AL
– Annual mean salary: $58,130
– #165 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 440

National
– Annual mean salary: $59,440
– Employment: 92,740
– Entry level education requirements: Associate’s degree
– Metros with highest average pay:
— Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, TX ($81,510)
— Sacramento–Roseville–Arden-Arcade, CA ($78,370)
— Visalia-Porterville, CA ($78,240)
– Job description: Assist physical therapists in providing physical therapy treatments and procedures. May, in accordance with state laws, assist in the development of treatment plans, carry out routine functions, document the progress of treatment, and modify specific treatments in accordance with patient status and within the scope of treatment plans established by a physical therapist. Generally requires formal training.

SofikoS // Shutterstock

#21. Diagnostic medical sonographers

Birmingham-Hoover, AL
– Annual mean salary: $62,310
– #214 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 390

National
– Annual mean salary: $77,790
– Employment: 73,920
– Entry level education requirements: Associate’s degree
– Metros with highest average pay:
— Sacramento–Roseville–Arden-Arcade, CA ($138,130)
— Santa Rosa, CA ($126,610)
— Stockton-Lodi, CA ($121,710)
– Job description: Produce ultrasonic recordings of internal organs for use by physicians. Includes vascular technologists.

Rawpixel.com // Shutterstock

#20. Registered nurses

Birmingham-Hoover, AL
– Annual mean salary: $62,470
– #325 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 16,430

National
– Annual mean salary: $80,010
– Employment: 2,986,500
– Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
– Metros with highest average pay:
— San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($149,200)
— San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($146,870)
— Vallejo-Fairfield, CA ($142,140)
– Job description: Assess patient health problems and needs, develop and implement nursing care plans, and maintain medical records. Administer nursing care to ill, injured, convalescent, or disabled patients. May advise patients on health maintenance and disease prevention or provide case management. Licensing or registration required.

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#19. Magnetic resonance imaging technologists

Birmingham-Hoover, AL
– Annual mean salary: $62,810
– #139 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 210

National
– Annual mean salary: $75,960
– Employment: 39,270
– Entry level education requirements: Associate’s degree
– Metros with highest average pay:
— Vallejo-Fairfield, CA ($140,980)
— San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($126,590)
— Modesto, CA ($112,080)
– Job description: Operate Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scanners. Monitor patient safety and comfort, and view images of area being scanned to ensure quality of pictures. May administer gadolinium contrast dosage intravenously. May interview patient, explain MRI procedures, and position patient on examining table. May enter into the computer data such as patient history, anatomical area to be scanned, orientation specified, and position of entry.

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#18. Nuclear medicine technologists

Birmingham-Hoover, AL
– Annual mean salary: $66,940
– #90 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 140

National
– Annual mean salary: $82,080
– Employment: 17,510
– Entry level education requirements: Associate’s degree
– Metros with highest average pay:
— San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($139,410)
— San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($136,650)
— Sacramento–Roseville–Arden-Arcade, CA ($135,660)
– Job description: Prepare, administer, and measure radioactive isotopes in therapeutic, diagnostic, and tracer studies using a variety of radioisotope equipment. Prepare stock solutions of radioactive materials and calculate doses to be administered by radiologists. Subject patients to radiation. Execute blood volume, red cell survival, and fat absorption studies following standard laboratory techniques.

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#17. Audiologists

Birmingham-Hoover, AL
– Annual mean salary: $67,670
– #77 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: data not available

National
– Annual mean salary: $89,230
– Employment: 13,300
– Entry level education requirements: Doctoral or professional degree
– Metros with highest average pay:
— Reno, NV ($151,460)
— Tulsa, OK ($128,620)
— Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR ($127,210)
– Job description: Assess and treat persons with hearing and related disorders. May fit hearing aids and provide auditory training. May perform research related to hearing problems.

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#16. Occupational therapy assistants

Birmingham-Hoover, AL
– Annual mean salary: $68,440
– #44 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 90

National
– Annual mean salary: $63,420
– Employment: 42,750
– Entry level education requirements: Associate’s degree
– Metros with highest average pay:
— Sacramento–Roseville–Arden-Arcade, CA ($89,380)
— McAllen-Edinburg-Mission, TX ($86,850)
— Visalia-Porterville, CA ($84,370)
– Job description: Assist occupational therapists in providing occupational therapy treatments and procedures. May, in accordance with state laws, assist in development of treatment plans, carry out routine functions, direct activity programs, and document the progress of treatments. Generally requires formal training.

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#15. Speech-language pathologists

Birmingham-Hoover, AL
– Annual mean salary: $73,090
– #247 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 390

National
– Annual mean salary: $83,240
– Employment: 148,450
– Entry level education requirements: Master’s degree
– Metros with highest average pay:
— Modesto, CA ($128,540)
— Santa Rosa, CA ($120,920)
— Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA ($115,480)
– Job description: Assess and treat persons with speech, language, voice, and fluency disorders. May select alternative communication systems and teach their use. May perform research related to speech and language problems.

KSai23 // Shutterstock

#14. Chiropractors

Birmingham-Hoover, AL
– Annual mean salary: $75,070
– #87 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 50

National
– Annual mean salary: $83,830
– Employment: 34,760
– Entry level education requirements: Doctoral or professional degree
– Metros with highest average pay:
— Spokane-Spokane Valley, WA ($273,530)
— Raleigh, NC ($149,430)
— New Orleans-Metairie, LA ($139,970)
– Job description: Assess, treat, and care for patients by manipulation of spine and musculoskeletal system. May provide spinal adjustment or address sacral or pelvic misalignment.

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#13. Radiation therapists

Birmingham-Hoover, AL
– Annual mean salary: $75,110
– #67 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 140

National
– Annual mean salary: $94,300
– Employment: 17,390
– Entry level education requirements: Associate’s degree
– Metros with highest average pay:
— San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($150,950)
— Sacramento–Roseville–Arden-Arcade, CA ($145,420)
— San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($141,130)
– Job description: Provide radiation therapy to patients as prescribed by a radiation oncologist according to established practices and standards. Duties may include reviewing prescription and diagnosis; acting as liaison with physician and supportive care personnel; preparing equipment, such as immobilization, treatment, and protection devices; and maintaining records, reports, and files. May assist in dosimetry procedures and tumor localization.

Ohiodominican // Wikimedia Commons

#12. Physician assistants

Birmingham-Hoover, AL
– Annual mean salary: $78,870
– #303 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 340

National
– Annual mean salary: $116,080
– Employment: 125,280
– Entry level education requirements: Master’s degree
– Metros with highest average pay:
— Salinas, CA ($168,220)
— Waterbury, CT ($165,230)
— Portsmouth, NH-ME ($158,020)
– Job description: Provide healthcare services typically performed by a physician, under the supervision of a physician. Conduct complete physicals, provide treatment, and counsel patients. May, in some cases, prescribe medication. Must graduate from an accredited educational program for physician assistants.

Austin Community College // Flickr

#11. Veterinarians

Birmingham-Hoover, AL
– Annual mean salary: $87,830
– #220 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 190

National
– Annual mean salary: $108,350
– Employment: 73,710
– Entry level education requirements: Doctoral or professional degree
– Metros with highest average pay:
— Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, TX ($169,220)
— Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT ($150,370)
— Akron, OH ($150,330)
– Job description: Diagnose, treat, or research diseases and injuries of animals. Includes veterinarians who conduct research and development, inspect livestock, or care for pets and companion animals.

ABO PHOTOGRAPHY // Shutterstock

#10. Occupational therapists

Birmingham-Hoover, AL
– Annual mean salary: $88,400
– #121 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 390

National
– Annual mean salary: $87,480
– Employment: 126,610
– Entry level education requirements: Master’s degree
– Metros with highest average pay:
— The Villages, FL ($115,920)
— Las Vegas-Henderson-Paradise, NV ($115,060)
— Modesto, CA ($112,870)
– Job description: Assess, plan, and organize rehabilitative programs that help build or restore vocational, homemaking, and daily living skills, as well as general independence, to persons with disabilities or developmental delays. Use therapeutic techniques, adapt the individual’s environment, teach skills, and modify specific tasks that present barriers to the individual.

Aykut Erdogdu // Shutterstock

#9. Physical therapists

Birmingham-Hoover, AL
– Annual mean salary: $96,270
– #71 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 830

National
– Annual mean salary: $91,680
– Employment: 220,870
– Entry level education requirements: Doctoral or professional degree
– Metros with highest average pay:
— El Centro, CA ($143,500)
— Modesto, CA ($123,370)
— Visalia-Porterville, CA ($119,510)
– Job description: Assess, plan, organize, and participate in rehabilitative programs that improve mobility, relieve pain, increase strength, and improve or correct disabling conditions resulting from disease or injury.

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#8. Nurse practitioners

Birmingham-Hoover, AL
– Annual mean salary: $98,930
– #322 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 1,210

National
– Annual mean salary: $114,510
– Employment: 211,280
– Entry level education requirements: Master’s degree
– Metros with highest average pay:
— Vallejo-Fairfield, CA ($188,070)
— San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($177,800)
— Salinas, CA ($155,310)
– Job description: Diagnose and treat acute, episodic, or chronic illness, independently or as part of a healthcare team. May focus on health promotion and disease prevention. May order, perform, or interpret diagnostic tests such as lab work and x rays. May prescribe medication. Must be registered nurses who have specialized graduate education.

Grace Nichols // U.S. Air Force

#7. Pharmacists

Birmingham-Hoover, AL
– Annual mean salary: $123,400
– #225 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 1,470

National
– Annual mean salary: $125,460
– Employment: 315,470
– Entry level education requirements: Doctoral or professional degree
– Metros with highest average pay:
— Madera, CA ($165,350)
— Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA ($162,540)
— Vallejo-Fairfield, CA ($161,120)
– Job description: Dispense drugs prescribed by physicians and other health practitioners and provide information to patients about medications and their use. May advise physicians and other health practitioners on the selection, dosage, interactions, and side effects of medications.

Kzenon // Shutterstock

#6. Optometrists

Birmingham-Hoover, AL
– Annual mean salary: $142,150
– #30 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 90

National
– Annual mean salary: $125,440
– Employment: 36,690
– Entry level education requirements: Doctoral or professional degree
– Metros with highest average pay:
— Columbia, SC ($228,340)
— New Haven, CT ($186,950)
— Evansville, IN-KY ($182,980)
– Job description: Diagnose, manage, and treat conditions and diseases of the human eye and visual system. Examine eyes and visual system, diagnose problems or impairments, prescribe corrective lenses, and provide treatment. May prescribe therapeutic drugs to treat specific eye conditions.

LightField Studios // Shutterstock

#5. Psychiatrists

Birmingham-Hoover, AL
– Annual mean salary: $178,200
– #79 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 220

National
– Annual mean salary: $217,100
– Employment: 25,540
– Entry level education requirements: Doctoral or professional degree
– Metros with highest average pay:
— Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA ($297,710)
— Santa Rosa, CA ($289,580)
— Kansas City, MO-KS ($287,220)
– Job description: Diagnose, treat, and help prevent mental disorders.

Canva

#4. Dentists, general

Birmingham-Hoover, AL
– Annual mean salary: $186,780
– #128 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: data not available

National
– Annual mean salary: $180,830
– Employment: 95,920
– Entry level education requirements: Doctoral or professional degree
– Metros with highest average pay:
— Dover-Durham, NH-ME ($286,540)
— North Port-Sarasota-Bradenton, FL ($278,790)
— Portland-South Portland, ME ($278,390)
– Job description: Examine, diagnose, and treat diseases, injuries, and malformations of teeth and gums. May treat diseases of nerve, pulp, and other dental tissues affecting oral hygiene and retention of teeth. May fit dental appliances or provide preventive care.

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Canva

#3. Nurse anesthetists

Birmingham-Hoover, AL
– Annual mean salary: $204,740
– #21 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: data not available

National
– Annual mean salary: $189,190
– Employment: 41,960
– Entry level education requirements: Master’s degree
– Metros with highest average pay:
— Duluth, MN-WI ($271,940)
— Ann Arbor, MI ($262,890)
— Green Bay, WI ($239,140)
– Job description: Administer anesthesia, monitor patient’s vital signs, and oversee patient recovery from anesthesia. May assist anesthesiologists, surgeons, other physicians, or dentists. Must be registered nurses who have specialized graduate education.

Canva

#2. Family medicine physicians

Birmingham-Hoover, AL
– Annual mean salary: $227,720
– #112 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 170

National
– Annual mean salary: $214,370
– Employment: 98,590
– Entry level education requirements: Doctoral or professional degree
– Metros with highest average pay:
— Bloomsburg-Berwick, PA ($309,800)
— Napa, CA ($302,040)
— Gadsden, AL ($292,110)
– Job description: Diagnose, treat, and provide preventive care to individuals and families across the lifespan. May refer patients to specialists when needed for further diagnosis or treatment.

Unsplash

#1. Surgeons, except ophthalmologists

Birmingham-Hoover, AL
– Annual mean salary: $268,510
– #38 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 210

National
– Annual mean salary: $251,650
– Employment: 37,900
– Entry level education requirements: Doctoral or professional degree
– Metros with highest average pay:
— Sioux City, IA-NE-SD ($305,480)
— Akron, OH ($297,710)
— Lincoln, NE ($296,150)
– Job description: Diagnose and perform surgery to treat and prevent rheumatic and other diseases in the musculoskeletal system.