Top Medical Jobs That Pay $40 an Hour in 2025: High-Paying Healthcare Careers You Can Start Fast
Top Medical Jobs That Pay $40 an Hour in 2025: High-Paying Healthcare Careers You Can Start Fast
If you’re looking for a career in healthcare that pays $40 an hour or more, you don’t need to spend a decade in medical school. In 2025, many medical professionals with the right certifications or associate degrees are earning strong hourly wages, job stability, and satisfaction helping patients.
Here’s a full guide to the best-paying medical jobs in 2025 that offer salaries around $80,000 or higher per year—with several that can be reached through short training programs or 2-year degrees.
Registered Nurse (RN) – $38 to $55 per Hour
Education: Associate or Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ADN or BSN)
Certification: Must pass the NCLEX-RN exam.
Why It Pays Well: Registered nurses are the backbone of patient care. They monitor vital signs, coordinate treatment plans, and assist doctors in hospitals and clinics.
RNs earn the highest hourly pay in states like New York, California, and Massachusetts, where demand and living costs are high. Specialized nurses (ER, ICU, or surgical) often earn $60+ per hour with overtime.
Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (Ultrasound Technician) – $38 to $50 per Hour
Education: Associate degree or 1-year certificate in sonography
Certification: ARDMS (American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography)
Where They Work: Hospitals, imaging centers, OB/GYN offices
Sonographers operate ultrasound machines for pregnancy monitoring, organ imaging, and heart studies. In big cities like New York City, experienced sonographers earn over $100,000 a year, especially in cardiology and vascular imaging.
Radiation Therapist – $40 to $55 per Hour
Education: Associate or bachelor’s degree in radiation therapy
Certification: ARRT (American Registry of Radiologic Technologists)
Where They Work: Cancer treatment centers and hospitals
Radiation therapists deliver targeted cancer treatments and monitor patients throughout therapy cycles. It’s a high-responsibility, high-reward role with strong job security.
Dental Hygienist – $38 to $50 per Hour
Education: Associate degree in dental hygiene
Certification: State dental hygiene license
Dental hygienists clean teeth, perform oral exams, and assist dentists with procedures. It’s one of the best-paying jobs that can be achieved in two years. Hygienists in New York City, San Francisco, and Seattle routinely earn $45–$55 per hour in private practices.
Physician Assistant (PA) – $45 to $70 per Hour
Education: Master’s degree in Physician Assistant Studies
Certification: PANCE exam (Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam)
Where They Work: Hospitals, surgical practices, and urgent care centers
Physician assistants diagnose illnesses, write prescriptions, and perform procedures. They work under physicians but often handle independent cases. PAs in urban hospitals and surgical specialties can earn $120,000–$150,000 per year.
Nurse Practitioner (NP) – $50 to $70 per Hour
Education: Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
Certification: Board-certified in a chosen specialty (Family, Pediatric, Psychiatric, etc.)
Nurse practitioners can perform advanced exams, prescribe medication, and manage clinics. They are in high demand nationwide and can even run independent practices in some states.
MRI Technologist – $37 to $45 per Hour
Education: Associate degree in radiologic technology or MRI specialization
Certification: ARRT (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)
MRI technologists use magnetic imaging equipment to scan patients. Hospitals and diagnostic centers pay a premium for technologists who can operate multiple imaging systems.
Surgical Technologist – $35 to $42 per Hour
Education: Certificate or associate degree in surgical technology
Certification: CST (Certified Surgical Technologist)
Where They Work: Operating rooms and surgical centers
Surgical techs prepare operating rooms, sterilize instruments, and assist surgeons during procedures. Those working in trauma or cardiovascular surgery can earn closer to $45/hour with experience.
Occupational Therapist (OT) – $40 to $55 per Hour
Education: Master’s degree in occupational therapy
Certification: NBCOT (National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy)
Occupational therapists help patients recover daily living skills after injuries or illness. It’s a growing field with strong demand in rehabilitation, geriatrics, and pediatrics.
Physical Therapist (PT) – $42 to $60 per Hour
Education: Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree
Certification: State licensure
Physical therapists guide patients through injury recovery and rehabilitation programs. With the aging population, PTs enjoy excellent job security and flexible work schedules.
Fastest Path to $40/Hour in Healthcare
Not all $40/hour medical jobs require advanced degrees. If you want to enter healthcare quickly:
Start with diagnostic or imaging programs (ultrasound, MRI, or radiologic tech).
Train as a registered nurse or dental hygienist through a 2-year program.
Add certifications like EKG, phlebotomy, or medical billing to increase income potential.
Some of these roles—like sonographers or radiation therapists—can be achieved with under 3 years of training and pay above the $40/hour mark right from the start.
Highest Paying States and Cities
New York City, NY: $40–$55/hr average for nurses, sonographers, and hygienists
San Francisco, CA: $45–$60/hr for radiation therapists and NPs
Boston, MA: $40–$50/hr for RNs and imaging specialists
Seattle, WA: $42–$55/hr across multiple hospital-based professions
Final Thoughts
Medical jobs that pay $40 an hour represent the perfect balance between earning potential and purpose. They combine patient care with specialized skill, giving you both career stability and the chance to make a difference.
If you’re ready to earn a strong salary without spending a decade in school, start exploring nursing, imaging, or therapy careers today.
Search online for “medical jobs that pay $40 an hour near me” or “healthcare programs in [your city]” to find the best training options and open positions.
For anyone considering a fast-growing healthcare profession that combines technology, teamwork, and compassion, dental assisting offers one of the most promising and future-proof career paths in 2025 and beyond.
If you're searching for more than just a job, moreover, a career with stability, respect, and long-term potential; then becoming a licensed dental assistant could be your perfect path forward. Furthermore, it's not just a fast-track into the workforce; it's a gateway to a profession that’s always in demand, deeply trusted, and personally rewarding. When you're ready to take that next step, one school rises above the rest: The New York School for Medical and Dental Assistants. Furthermore, with a reputation for hands-on training, dedicated instructors, and real-world readiness, it’s the smart choice for turning ambition into achievement. Lastly, The New York School for Medical and Dental Assistants stands out as the premier institution in the state. It’s the smart choice for anyone ready to invest in a future in healthcare.
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