Interested in working in the healthcare industry? Here are 10 entry-level jobs you should know about!

Medical assistant

Medical assistants provide administrative and clinical assistance in hospitals, doctor’s offices, and other healthcare facilities. Their tasks can vary from answering phones and scheduling appointments to assisting doctors during patient exams and administering vaccinations. While most medical assistants have a postsecondary certification, it's possible to work in this position with a high school diploma. The average pay for medical assistants was about $21.25 per hour, or $44,200 per year, in 2024.

Pharmacy technician

Pharmacy technicians help pharmacists receive, fill, and sell prescriptions to customers and answer any general questions about medication. Most states regulate pharmacy technicians, meaning formal education or training for this role is required. The average pay for pharmacy technicians was about $20.90 per hour, or $43,460 per year, in 2024.

Nursing assistant

Nursing assistants provide essential care to patients in hospitals, assisted living facilities, and nursing homes. In most cases, nursing assistants must participate in a state-approved education program to become licensed or certified. The average pay for nursing assistants was about $18.96 per hour, or $39,430 per year, in 2024.

Phlebotomist

Phlebotomists work skillfully to ensure that patients are comfortable and safe while they draw blood for donations, research, and transfusions. Employers looking to hire phlebotomists typically look for those who have a postsecondary certification in phlebotomy. The average pay for phlebotomists was about $20.99 per hour, or $43,660 per year, in 2024.

MRI technician

Whether they’re performing ultrasounds, CAT scans, or X-rays, MRI technicians provide essential help to doctors working to diagnose and treat patients. Most MRI technicians need an associate degree as well as a state license or certification to work. The average pay for MRI technicians was about $37.97 per hour, or $78,980 per year, in 2024.

Home health aide

Home health aides provide care largely for the elderly or those with disabilities. While some home health aides have a high school diploma or equivalent, many positions do not require one. However, those working in hospice care or certified home health may need to complete formal training. The average pay for home health aides was about $16.78 per hour, or $34,900 per year, in 2024.

Medical records and health information technician

Medical records and health information technicians work on the administrative side of healthcare, processing and organizing medical documents, insurance records, and patient payment information in hospitals and care facilities. Certification to work in this role is often required, as well as an associate degree. The average pay for medical records and health information technicians was about $24.16 per hour, or $50,250 per year, in 2024.

Surgical technologist

Preparing operating rooms, surgical equipment, and surgical supplies are essential functions of surgical technologists. Surgical technologists also provide support to surgeons during operations. Surgical technologists typically need a postsecondary non-degree award or an associate degree to work. The average pay for surgical technologists was about $30.04 per hour, or $62,480 per year, in 2024.

Dental assistant

Dental assistants set up equipment, take X-rays, assist in dental procedures, file patient records, and assist patients with billing and payment. Some states require dental assistants to graduate from an accredited program or pass an exam, while others may only require on-the-job learning and training. The average pay for dental assistants was about $22.74 per hour, or $47,300 per year, in 2024.

Physical therapist assistant

Physical therapist assistants work with physical therapists to help patients regain movement and manage pain after injuries or illnesses through specialized activities and exercises. Physical therapist assistants also do administrative work, such as scheduling appointments and completing patient insurance forms. Entering this occupation usually requires an associate degree and a state license or certification. The average pay for physical therapist assistants was about $28.87 per hour, or $60,050 per year, in 2024.

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