In the fast-evolving job market, especially as we look towards 2025, the health sector is standing out as a prime arena for employment opportunities, thanks largely to strong demand and competitive salaries. A recent ranking by the job search platform Indeed highlights this trend, with health-related positions occupying six out of the top 25 spots. Leading the list is the veterinarian, followed by roles such as physicians, clinical psychologists, radiologists, registered nurses, and directors of clinical services. This trend marks the second consecutive year that healthcare emerges as the dominant field.
Indeed’s evaluation is grounded in three main criteria: each role must offer at least a $75,000 annual salary, showcase at least a 20% growth in job postings over the past three years, and have at least 5% of its positions offering remote or hybrid work options. These jobs are then ranked by their prevalence among postings on Indeed.
Commenting on the sector’s growth, Julia Pollak, ZipRecruiter’s chief economist, appreciated the “extremely, extremely rapid” expansion of health care jobs, describing the growth as unwavering and robust. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the U.S. economy in 2024 witnessed the addition of 902,000 jobs in healthcare and social assistance — surpassing all other sectors, including government, which added 480,000 jobs.
Looking ahead, healthcare occupations are anticipated to expand at a rate “much faster than average” compared to overall U.S. job growth over the next decade, up to 2033. Several factors contribute to this surge in job opportunities, explains Jennifer Herrity from Indeed. An aging population increases healthcare demands, while retirement among existing workers creates gaps that need filling. Additionally, positions in health care are less likely to be overtaken by advancements in artificial intelligence compared to other fields, such as software development and engineering.
With the strong demand for labor, many healthcare roles have become “surprisingly high paying,” according to Pollak. For instance, radiologists top the list with a median annual salary of about $385,000, while physicians earn around $225,000. Such high salaries, coupled with a history of job stability, continue to make the healthcare field a highly attractive career option, despite the significant educational investment required, as highlighted by Indeed when discussing its list for 2025.
However, potential policy changes under the incoming administration of President-elect Donald Trump could bring uncertainties. Proposals to cut federal Medicaid spending or altering subsidies under the Affordable Care Act could temper healthcare demand if enacted.
Moreover, shifts in immigration policy, such as mass deportations, might worsen labor shortages and potentially drive wages up further. Immigrants comprised 18% of healthcare workers in 2021, as reported by the Migration Policy Institute.
For those looking to capitalize on lucrative, fast-growing jobs without long-term educational commitments, roles outside of healthcare might be worth considering, such as that of a sales representative. Many firms are open to hiring sales reps who possess the right skills, even if they only hold a high school diploma. These positions can offer a median annual salary of about $182,000, according to Indeed.
