Non-physicians are now earning some of the highest salaries in the healthcare industry. Recent healthcare reforms have seen the demand for healthcare managers and executives increase. This increase has pushed up their salaries.

Although non-physicians are not directly involved in patient care, their services are still important. For instance, managers and executives oversee the running of health facilities. Here are ten such careers, which according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), also pay well.

1. Respiratory Therapist ($55,870)

These professionals deal with patients who have breathing difficulties as result of a respiratory disease. They handle cases ranging from minor issues like asthma to serious ones like lung disease. When needed, respiratory therapists also provide emergency respiratory care in the emergency room. Their typical patient will usually be a newborn or an elderly person.

2. Genetic Counselor ($56,800)

Genetic counselors determine your chances of having a genetic condition such as a birth defect. They also offer advice to patients and other health workers on such conditions.

3. Registered Nurse ($65,470)

A nurse practitioner directly cares for and provides emotional support to patients. When you compare the job of a nurse practitioner vs MD or nurse practitioner vs doctors, they have a completely different set of responsibilities. However, nurse practitioners are able to provide basic assistance to patients and perform tasks such a prescribing medication and can diagnose conditions. They also educate the public on the causes and prevention of health conditions.

4. Speech Therapist ($69,870)

Speech pathologists address swallowing, language, and speech disorders in patients. Such disorders result from brain injuries, hearing problems, or delays in development. They can also stem from emotional problems or a cleft palate.

5. Occupational Health and Safety Technician ($66,790)

These technicians ensure that workplaces remain safe and healthy for workers and the general public. They do this by collecting data on the health and safety standards of work environments. In addition, with the help of other specialists, they also measure the hazards present in these environments.

6. Occupational Therapist ($75,400)

An occupational therapist works with injured or disabled patients to help them recover skills necessary for leading a normal life. Such skills include basic tasks like grooming and eating.

7. Nuclear Medicine Technologist ($70,180)

Nuclear medicine technicians use scanners to generate images of a patient’s body or body part. Before scanning, these technicians first administer a radioactive drug. The purpose of this procedure is to highlight abnormalities caused by various conditions. With the images, a doctor can then recommend treatment.

8. Radiation Therapist ($77,560)

The job of a radiation therapist is to administer radiation treatments to patients suffering from diseases such as cancer.

9. Dental Hygienist ($70,210)

Dental hygienists clean and examine a patient’s teeth for tooth decay or gum disease. They also educate patients on oral health.

10. Medical and Health Services Manager ($88,580)

These executives coordinate, plan, and direct health services. They manage medical facilities, medical departments, or groups of medical professionals. To be effective at their job, medical and health services managers must be conversant with health regulations.

Most people think that only physicians earn good salaries in the health industry, but that is not the case. Working as a non-physician is also a good way to earn a living. The ten non-physician jobs listed above are a testament to that fact.