Although individuals who obtain health science degrees often have a variety of questions regarding their future careers, one of the most prevalent questions pertains to what type of health science salary they can expect to make. Answering this question can be challenging given that factors such as completed internships, job location, and place of formal education can play a role in determining one’s salary. However, reviewing the information listed below can provide you with a basic framework regarding the type of salary you can expect to earn once you enter certain occupations within the health science sector.
Health Science Degrees-The Basics
While broadly defined, health science is basically a field that involves non-clinical health careers in fields such as corporate wellness, medical case management, medical sales, pharmaceutical distribution and manufacturing, human services, and more. There are a plethora of different jobs an individual with a health science degree can pursue, and some of them include that of an acupuncturist, athletic trainer, chiropractor, community health worker, dental assistant, dietitian, nutritionist, or exercise physiologist.
Common Jobs Within The Health Science Field
While there are a variety of wonderful jobs in the field of health science that an individual could opt to pursue, there are some careers that are particularly common within this sector. They include:
1. Pharmacist.
A pharmacist is an individual who provides patients with prescription medications while also offering them expertise regarding the appropriate use of prescriptions. Additionally, pharmacists provide professional advice regarding how to conduct health and wellness screenings, how to lead a healthy lifestyle, how to oversee medications that are administered to patients, and how to provide immunizations. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average salary for a pharmacist in 2012 was $116,670 per year (or $56.09 per hour).
2. Orthotist.
An orthotist is an individual who designs supportive medical devices and also measures and fits patients so that they can be used properly. The devices the orthotist designs and measures include artificial limbs for hands, feet, legs, and arms. The orthotist will also design and measure braces as well as other surgical and/or medical devices. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the median salary for an orthotist in 2012 was $62,670 per year (or $30.13 per hour).
3. Dental Assistant.
A dental assistant is an individual who has many dental-related tasks such as record keeping, scheduling appointments, and taking x-rays. The duties of a dental assistant can vary from state to state as well as the dentists’ offices in which they work. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the median 2012 salary for a dental assistant was $34,500 per year (or $16.59 per hour).
Conclusion
As made plain by the list of jobs within the health science field listed above, the average salary for an individual who works within the health science sector will vary based on a plethora of factors. Yet by reviewing this information, you can gain a deeper understanding of what type of health science salary you would likely earn if you were to enter specific occupations.
For more information, please check out “Top 10 Best Online Health Science Degree Programs“.
