Allied Health Specialities are often overlooked when we think of hospitals or healthcare, where the focus is usually on doctors and nurses. While they are central figures, the contribution of allied health workers is equally vital in patient care and the healthcare industry. These professionals dedicate their skills and efforts to ensure smooth operations and improved outcomes for patients. In earlier blogs, we discussed who allied health workers are and the scope of their work. This blog takes it further for those aspiring to enter the field. Here, you’ll learn about the different allied health specialities, their roles within the industry, and their average pay scale. Most importantly, you’ll see how these careers can be both financially rewarding and personally fulfilling.
So, here are the 10 highest-paying allied health specialities-
1) Physician Assistants (PAs)
- Average Salary (2025 estimate): PLEASE ASK CLIENT
Physician Assistants (PAs) are in high demand in the healthcare industry due to a shortage of physicians. They assist in diagnosing illnesses, prescribing medications, and providing treatments. If you’re considering a career as a PA, you’ll need to complete an Accredited PA program at the master’s level and obtain state licensure.
2) Pharmacists
- Average Salary (2025 estimate): PLEASE ASK CLIENT
We often visit the pharmacy when we need medicine, whether it’s just a regular painkiller or something specifically prescribed by the doctor. They are not simply selling medicines without any knowledge; they have in-depth knowledge about the composition and how each medicine works. Pharmacists play a critical role in patient counselling, chronic disease management, and overseeing complex drug therapies. They are in high demand because we have seen the rise in chronic illnesses, and precision medicine keeps pharmacists at the centre of care teams. If you are aspiring to be a pharmacist, then you must get a Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) and national/state licensure.
3) Medical and Health Services Managers
- Average Salary (2025 estimate): PLEASE ASK CLIENT
Sometimes considered part of allied health, these professionals oversee healthcare facilities, departments, and services. They manage budgets, staffing, compliance, and policies to ensure smooth operations. Healthcare organisations are under constant pressure to streamline costs while improving patient outcomes. Strong leadership is essential. If you’re interested in joining the management team of healthcare facilities and exploring various healthcare management roles, you should consider pursuing a Master’s degree in health administration, healthcare management, or public health.
4) Nurse Anaesthetists (CRNAs) – Allied but Advanced Practice
- Average Salary (2025 estimate): PLEASE ASK CLIENT
With the growing number of surgical procedures, the healthcare sector sees shortages in the physician anesthesiologist; therefore, the requirement for CRNAs is high as well. They assist the team with patient care as they administer anaesthesia, monitor patients during surgery, and provide critical pain management. So, if you are looking to get into advanced practice, then you must enrol for an Advanced nursing degree with CRNA certification.
5) Occupational Therapists (OTs)
- Average Salary (2025 estimate): PLEASE ASK CLIENT
OTs help patients regain independence in daily activities after injury, illness, or disability. From children with developmental delays to older adults recovering from strokes, OTs play a life-changing role. The therapists are in demand, as with the ageing population, the rise of holistic rehab remains high. If you are passionate about being an occupational therapist and helping the community, then you must acquire a Master’s or a doctorate in occupational therapy, plus state licensure.
6) Physical Therapists (PTs)
- Average Salary (2025 estimate): PLEASE ASK CLIENT
After any significant injury or accident, we look up to the surgeons who perform the complex tasks to ensure that the structure is restored. However, we often forget about the PTs who actually help patients regain independence and give them confidence that they can be independent again.
They are responsible for movement, rehabilitation, and injury prevention. By creating treatment plans, they help restore mobility and reduce pain—especially important as more patients seek alternatives to surgery and opioids. The demand for their expertise continues to rise due to increasing musculoskeletal injuries, ageing baby boomers, and active lifestyles. If you are passionate about rehab programs and want to help individuals regain independence, then you must earn a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree and obtain state licensure.
7) Radiation Therapists
- Average Salary (2025 estimate): PLEASE ASK THE CLIENT
Cancer cases are on the rise because of various reasons; therefore, the demand for skilled radiation therapists is high as well. Radiation therapists work with oncologists to treat cancer patients using targeted radiation. Their technical expertise and patient-centred care make them vital in oncology departments. If you’re interested in working in the oncology department and helping patients find faster relief from the disease, consider pursuing a course or degree in radiation therapy, along with certification.
8) Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs)
- Average Salary (2025 estimate): PLEASE ASK THE CLIENT
To become a qualified speech pathologist, you must get a Master’s in speech-language pathology and clinical certification. With the rising cases of hearing loss, cochlear implants, early intervention in childhood cases and post-acute care, we have seen the demand for SLPs rising. SLPs help patients with communication and swallowing disorders. They’re essential for children with developmental challenges and adults recovering from strokes or traumatic brain injuries.
9) Diagnostic Medical Sonographers
- Average Salary (2025 estimate): PLEASE ASK THE CLIENT
Sonographers perform ultrasound imaging to help diagnose medical conditions. Beyond prenatal care, they work in cardiology, oncology, and musculoskeletal imaging. They are in demand as non-invasive diagnostic imaging is increasingly preferred over more invasive procedures. So, if you are opting to get this role, you must get an Associate’s or a bachelor’s in diagnostic medical sonography, with certification required.
10) Respiratory Therapists (RTs)
- Average Salary (2025 estimate): PLEASE ASK THE CLIENT
With the rising issues with respiratory health needs and an ageing population, respiratory therapists are in demand. They take care of patients with breathing issues, from asthma and COPD to post-COVID complications. They’re critical in ICU settings and long-term care facilities. If you feel that this is the segment you want to be in, then you can get an Associate’s or a bachelor’s degree in respiratory therapy plus national certification.
Final Thought
Allied health professionals are the silent heroes of healthcare. They may not always get the headlines, but they are essential to diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation, and patient well-being. With competitive salaries and growing demand, now is the perfect time to pursue or advance a career in allied health. If you are passionate about being part of the allied health services, then this guide has provided you with the list of the top 10 allied health specialities that you can consider. If you have already graduated and have acquired the necessary licenses for the role, then you can connect with the employment agency, such as EmpowerCare, and find the job listing on their portal. Visit EmpowerCare’s job listings today and discover high-paying allied health careers that match your passion and expertise. Your future in healthcare starts now.