Highest and lowest paying health care jobs in Houston
Written by:
February 17, 2021
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Highest and lowest paying health care jobs in Houston
Anybody who has taken a course in marketing, psychology or sociology is likely familiar with Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs. First detailed by psychologist Andrew Maslow in his 1943 work “A Theory of Human Motivation,” the hierarchy breaks down the complex network of human thoughts into a categorical triage, placing self-development at the top and security and physical health at the bottom. In setting up this pyramid, Maslow framed self-recognition and creative development as ultimate goals, while also prioritizing personal safety and strong physical health.
As such, it has never been more important to recognize the health care professionals who work tirelessly to keep the population healthy. In 2019, the United States spent 17.7% of its GDP on health. While it’s encouraging to know that the country is investing in those responsible for maintaining the nation’s well-being, not all health care professionals receive equal compensation.
Stacker compiled a list of the highest and lowest paying health care jobs in Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, TX using data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Jobs are ranked by 2019 annual mean wage. Keep reading to see which health care jobs make the most and least in your city.
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Canva
#56. Orderlies
Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, TX
- Annual mean salary: $26,180
- #98 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,300
National
- Annual mean salary: $30,710
- Employment: 46,990
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Sacramento--Roseville--Arden-Arcade, CA ($51,240)
--- Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA ($49,270)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($44,730)
- Annual mean salary: $26,180
- #98 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,300
National
- Annual mean salary: $30,710
- Employment: 46,990
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Sacramento--Roseville--Arden-Arcade, CA ($51,240)
--- Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA ($49,270)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($44,730)
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Canva
#55. Veterinary assistants and laboratory animal caretakers
Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, TX
- Annual mean salary: $27,360
- #160 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,000
National
- Annual mean salary: $29,690
- Employment: 97,030
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- New Haven, CT ($48,240)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($43,890)
--- Port St. Lucie, FL ($43,200)
- Annual mean salary: $27,360
- #160 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,000
National
- Annual mean salary: $29,690
- Employment: 97,030
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- New Haven, CT ($48,240)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($43,890)
--- Port St. Lucie, FL ($43,200)
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GagliardiPhotography // Shutterstock
#54. Nursing assistants
Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, TX
- Annual mean salary: $28,400
- #230 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 16,030
National
- Annual mean salary: $30,720
- Employment: 1,419,920
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Salinas, CA ($46,170)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($45,100)
--- Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA ($44,710)
- Annual mean salary: $28,400
- #230 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 16,030
National
- Annual mean salary: $30,720
- Employment: 1,419,920
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Salinas, CA ($46,170)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($45,100)
--- Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA ($44,710)
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Pixabay
#53. Psychiatric aides
Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, TX
- Annual mean salary: $29,330
- #42 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 610
National
- Annual mean salary: $32,590
- Employment: 55,020
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Utica-Rome, NY ($48,280)
--- Rochester, NY ($45,890)
--- Hartford-West Hartford-East Hartford, CT ($45,010)
- Annual mean salary: $29,330
- #42 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 610
National
- Annual mean salary: $32,590
- Employment: 55,020
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Utica-Rome, NY ($48,280)
--- Rochester, NY ($45,890)
--- Hartford-West Hartford-East Hartford, CT ($45,010)
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Maria Sbytova // Shutterstock
#52. Veterinary technologists and technicians
Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, TX
- Annual mean salary: $30,580
- #244 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 2,790
National
- Annual mean salary: $36,670
- Employment: 110,650
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Norwich-New London-Westerly, CT-RI ($76,660)
--- Harrisburg-Carlisle, PA ($57,740)
--- Las Vegas-Henderson-Paradise, NV ($50,100)
- Annual mean salary: $30,580
- #244 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 2,790
National
- Annual mean salary: $36,670
- Employment: 110,650
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Norwich-New London-Westerly, CT-RI ($76,660)
--- Harrisburg-Carlisle, PA ($57,740)
--- Las Vegas-Henderson-Paradise, NV ($50,100)
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Canva
#51. Ophthalmic medical technicians
Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, TX
- Annual mean salary: $31,990
- #186 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,390
National
- Annual mean salary: $38,760
- Employment: 58,600
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Duluth, MN-WI ($56,620)
--- Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI ($53,770)
--- New Bedford, MA ($53,250)
- Annual mean salary: $31,990
- #186 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,390
National
- Annual mean salary: $38,760
- Employment: 58,600
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Duluth, MN-WI ($56,620)
--- Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI ($53,770)
--- New Bedford, MA ($53,250)
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Canva
#50. Dietetic technicians
Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, TX
- Annual mean salary: $32,800
- #44 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 490
National
- Annual mean salary: $31,180
- Employment: 29,230
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Indianapolis-Carmel-Anderson, IN ($52,880)
--- Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA ($45,910)
--- Salinas, CA ($44,730)
- Annual mean salary: $32,800
- #44 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 490
National
- Annual mean salary: $31,180
- Employment: 29,230
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Indianapolis-Carmel-Anderson, IN ($52,880)
--- Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA ($45,910)
--- Salinas, CA ($44,730)
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Milkovasa // Shutterstock
#49. Medical assistants
Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, TX
- Annual mean salary: $34,290
- #160 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 14,710
National
- Annual mean salary: $35,720
- Employment: 712,430
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Vallejo-Fairfield, CA ($49,880)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($48,920)
--- Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA ($47,140)
- Annual mean salary: $34,290
- #160 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 14,710
National
- Annual mean salary: $35,720
- Employment: 712,430
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Vallejo-Fairfield, CA ($49,880)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($48,920)
--- Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA ($47,140)
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Goldsithney // Shutterstock
#48. Psychiatric technicians
Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, TX
- Annual mean salary: $35,090
- #42 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,480
National
- Annual mean salary: $37,550
- Employment: 78,470
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Salinas, CA ($72,990)
--- Fresno, CA ($66,710)
--- Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura, CA ($66,290)
- Annual mean salary: $35,090
- #42 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,480
National
- Annual mean salary: $37,550
- Employment: 78,470
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Salinas, CA ($72,990)
--- Fresno, CA ($66,710)
--- Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura, CA ($66,290)
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Tyler Olson // Shutterstock
#47. Phlebotomists
Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, TX
- Annual mean salary: $35,610
- #101 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 2,020
National
- Annual mean salary: $36,480
- Employment: 128,290
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Salinas, CA ($58,610)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($54,040)
--- Redding, CA ($52,310)
- Annual mean salary: $35,610
- #101 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 2,020
National
- Annual mean salary: $36,480
- Employment: 128,290
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Salinas, CA ($58,610)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($54,040)
--- Redding, CA ($52,310)
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Dragana Gordic // Shutterstock
#46. Pharmacy technicians
Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, TX
- Annual mean salary: $35,840
- #114 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 8,830
National
- Annual mean salary: $35,250
- Employment: 417,780
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($51,090)
--- Santa Rosa, CA ($50,790)
--- Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA ($50,070)
- Annual mean salary: $35,840
- #114 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 8,830
National
- Annual mean salary: $35,250
- Employment: 417,780
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($51,090)
--- Santa Rosa, CA ($50,790)
--- Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA ($50,070)
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Canva
#45. Medical equipment preparers
Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, TX
- Annual mean salary: $36,310
- #88 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 700
National
- Annual mean salary: $39,530
- Employment: 56,900
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Salinas, CA ($63,400)
--- Vallejo-Fairfield, CA ($61,080)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($60,670)
- Annual mean salary: $36,310
- #88 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 700
National
- Annual mean salary: $39,530
- Employment: 56,900
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Salinas, CA ($63,400)
--- Vallejo-Fairfield, CA ($61,080)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($60,670)
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Rido // Shutterstock
#44. Opticians, dispensing
Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, TX
- Annual mean salary: $36,370
- #160 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,770
National
- Annual mean salary: $40,730
- Employment: 72,330
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Utica-Rome, NY ($70,730)
--- Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT ($68,970)
--- New Haven, CT ($66,020)
- Annual mean salary: $36,370
- #160 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,770
National
- Annual mean salary: $40,730
- Employment: 72,330
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Utica-Rome, NY ($70,730)
--- Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT ($68,970)
--- New Haven, CT ($66,020)
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Syda Productions // Shutterstock
#43. Dental assistants
Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, TX
- Annual mean salary: $36,490
- #284 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 7,580
National
- Annual mean salary: $41,170
- Employment: 351,470
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Santa Rosa, CA ($56,010)
--- Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI ($54,510)
--- Rochester, MN ($53,010)
- Annual mean salary: $36,490
- #284 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 7,580
National
- Annual mean salary: $41,170
- Employment: 351,470
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Santa Rosa, CA ($56,010)
--- Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI ($54,510)
--- Rochester, MN ($53,010)
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Canva
#42. Pharmacy aides
Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, TX
- Annual mean salary: $36,880
- #12 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 730
National
- Annual mean salary: $30,490
- Employment: 37,280
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Fresno, CA ($46,610)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($46,430)
--- Santa Rosa, CA ($42,620)
- Annual mean salary: $36,880
- #12 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 730
National
- Annual mean salary: $30,490
- Employment: 37,280
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Fresno, CA ($46,610)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($46,430)
--- Santa Rosa, CA ($42,620)
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NDAB Creativity // Shutterstock
#41. Massage therapists
Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, TX
- Annual mean salary: $37,940
- #172 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,580
National
- Annual mean salary: $47,180
- Employment: 107,240
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Anchorage, AK ($76,930)
--- Yakima, WA ($72,870)
--- College Station-Bryan, TX ($70,090)
- Annual mean salary: $37,940
- #172 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,580
National
- Annual mean salary: $47,180
- Employment: 107,240
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Anchorage, AK ($76,930)
--- Yakima, WA ($72,870)
--- College Station-Bryan, TX ($70,090)
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Syda Productions // Shutterstock
#40. Medical transcriptionists
Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, TX
- Annual mean salary: $41,060
- #39 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 670
National
- Annual mean salary: $35,210
- Employment: 55,780
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Salinas, CA ($67,840)
--- Amarillo, TX ($56,970)
--- San Diego-Carlsbad, CA ($54,080)
- Annual mean salary: $41,060
- #39 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 670
National
- Annual mean salary: $35,210
- Employment: 55,780
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Salinas, CA ($67,840)
--- Amarillo, TX ($56,970)
--- San Diego-Carlsbad, CA ($54,080)
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#39. Recreational therapists
Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, TX
- Annual mean salary: $46,050
- #71 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 370
National
- Annual mean salary: $51,130
- Employment: 19,070
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles-Arroyo Grande, CA ($83,590)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($82,800)
--- Fresno, CA ($82,170)
- Annual mean salary: $46,050
- #71 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 370
National
- Annual mean salary: $51,130
- Employment: 19,070
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles-Arroyo Grande, CA ($83,590)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($82,800)
--- Fresno, CA ($82,170)
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wavebreakmedia // Shutterstock
#38. Hearing aid specialists
Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, TX
- Annual mean salary: $47,180
- #33 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 60
National
- Annual mean salary: $55,360
- Employment: 8,210
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- North Port-Sarasota-Bradenton, FL ($91,510)
--- Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL ($77,450)
--- Milwaukee-Waukesha-West Allis, WI ($75,800)
- Annual mean salary: $47,180
- #33 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 60
National
- Annual mean salary: $55,360
- Employment: 8,210
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- North Port-Sarasota-Bradenton, FL ($91,510)
--- Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL ($77,450)
--- Milwaukee-Waukesha-West Allis, WI ($75,800)
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Jacob Lund // Shutterstock
#37. Licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses
Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, TX
- Annual mean salary: $48,340
- #134 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 14,120
National
- Annual mean salary: $48,500
- Employment: 697,510
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($69,490)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($68,160)
--- Vallejo-Fairfield, CA ($67,990)
- Annual mean salary: $48,340
- #134 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 14,120
National
- Annual mean salary: $48,500
- Employment: 697,510
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($69,490)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($68,160)
--- Vallejo-Fairfield, CA ($67,990)
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Gerain0812 // Shutterstock
#36. Surgical technologists
Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, TX
- Annual mean salary: $53,560
- #74 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 2,850
National
- Annual mean salary: $50,110
- Employment: 109,000
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Salinas, CA ($74,280)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($72,790)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($69,750)
- Annual mean salary: $53,560
- #74 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 2,850
National
- Annual mean salary: $50,110
- Employment: 109,000
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Salinas, CA ($74,280)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($72,790)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($69,750)
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Halfpoint // Shutterstock
#35. Cardiovascular technologists and technicians
Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, TX
- Annual mean salary: $59,120
- #71 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,310
National
- Annual mean salary: $59,600
- Employment: 56,110
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Salem, OR ($106,620)
--- Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura, CA ($103,050)
--- Medford, OR ($82,780)
- Annual mean salary: $59,120
- #71 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,310
National
- Annual mean salary: $59,600
- Employment: 56,110
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Salem, OR ($106,620)
--- Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura, CA ($103,050)
--- Medford, OR ($82,780)
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Canva
#34. Dietitians and nutritionists
Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, TX
- Annual mean salary: $59,950
- #138 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,350
National
- Annual mean salary: $62,330
- Employment: 67,670
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Vallejo-Fairfield, CA ($88,350)
--- Salinas, CA ($87,930)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($87,890)
- Annual mean salary: $59,950
- #138 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,350
National
- Annual mean salary: $62,330
- Employment: 67,670
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Vallejo-Fairfield, CA ($88,350)
--- Salinas, CA ($87,930)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($87,890)
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Dmytro Zinkevych // Shutterstock
#33. Respiratory therapists
Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, TX
- Annual mean salary: $61,450
- #97 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 3,000
National
- Annual mean salary: $63,950
- Employment: 132,090
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Salinas, CA ($101,520)
--- Sacramento--Roseville--Arden-Arcade, CA ($98,810)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($97,950)
- Annual mean salary: $61,450
- #97 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 3,000
National
- Annual mean salary: $63,950
- Employment: 132,090
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Salinas, CA ($101,520)
--- Sacramento--Roseville--Arden-Arcade, CA ($98,810)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($97,950)
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lenetstan // Shutterstock
#32. Radiologic technologists and technicians
Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, TX
- Annual mean salary: $65,760
- #73 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 4,300
National
- Annual mean salary: $63,120
- Employment: 207,360
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Salinas, CA ($110,180)
--- Vallejo-Fairfield, CA ($109,680)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($103,670)
- Annual mean salary: $65,760
- #73 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 4,300
National
- Annual mean salary: $63,120
- Employment: 207,360
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Salinas, CA ($110,180)
--- Vallejo-Fairfield, CA ($109,680)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($103,670)
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Canva
#31. Orthotists and prosthetists
Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, TX
- Annual mean salary: $66,800
- #40 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: data not available
National
- Annual mean salary: $72,810
- Employment: 9,830
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA ($129,500)
--- Jackson, MS ($122,740)
--- Springfield, MA-CT ($103,700)
- Annual mean salary: $66,800
- #40 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: data not available
National
- Annual mean salary: $72,810
- Employment: 9,830
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA ($129,500)
--- Jackson, MS ($122,740)
--- Springfield, MA-CT ($103,700)
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SofikoS // Shutterstock
#30. Diagnostic medical sonographers
Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, TX
- Annual mean salary: $72,320
- #115 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,510
National
- Annual mean salary: $75,780
- Employment: 72,790
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Salinas, CA ($126,850)
--- Sacramento--Roseville--Arden-Arcade, CA ($118,880)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($115,280)
- Annual mean salary: $72,320
- #115 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,510
National
- Annual mean salary: $75,780
- Employment: 72,790
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Salinas, CA ($126,850)
--- Sacramento--Roseville--Arden-Arcade, CA ($118,880)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($115,280)
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Canva
#29. Speech-language pathologists
Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, TX
- Annual mean salary: $72,930
- #242 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 2,560
National
- Annual mean salary: $82,000
- Employment: 154,360
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT ($117,710)
--- Corvallis, OR ($105,380)
--- Chico, CA ($104,640)
- Annual mean salary: $72,930
- #242 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 2,560
National
- Annual mean salary: $82,000
- Employment: 154,360
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT ($117,710)
--- Corvallis, OR ($105,380)
--- Chico, CA ($104,640)
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Canva
#28. Dental hygienists
Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, TX
- Annual mean salary: $73,100
- #159 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 3,190
National
- Annual mean salary: $77,230
- Employment: 221,560
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA ($140,150)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($120,420)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($113,940)
- Annual mean salary: $73,100
- #159 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 3,190
National
- Annual mean salary: $77,230
- Employment: 221,560
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA ($140,150)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($120,420)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($113,940)
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DenisProduction.com // Shutterstock
#27. Athletic trainers
Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, TX
- Annual mean salary: $73,250
- #1 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 670
National
- Annual mean salary: $50,540
- Employment: 28,600
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, TX ($73,250)
--- Lansing-East Lansing, MI ($66,390)
--- Trenton, NJ ($65,320)
- Annual mean salary: $73,250
- #1 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 670
National
- Annual mean salary: $50,540
- Employment: 28,600
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, TX ($73,250)
--- Lansing-East Lansing, MI ($66,390)
--- Trenton, NJ ($65,320)
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Canva
#26. Occupational therapy assistants
Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, TX
- Annual mean salary: $75,600
- #8 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 540
National
- Annual mean salary: $61,880
- Employment: 44,990
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Sacramento--Roseville--Arden-Arcade, CA ($92,580)
--- Visalia-Porterville, CA ($83,690)
--- Reno, NV ($81,800)
- Annual mean salary: $75,600
- #8 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 540
National
- Annual mean salary: $61,880
- Employment: 44,990
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Sacramento--Roseville--Arden-Arcade, CA ($92,580)
--- Visalia-Porterville, CA ($83,690)
--- Reno, NV ($81,800)
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#25. Genetic counselors
Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, TX
- Annual mean salary: $77,780
- #15 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 40
National
- Annual mean salary: $84,310
- Employment: 2,390
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($108,000)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($102,210)
--- Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA ($100,580)
- Annual mean salary: $77,780
- #15 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 40
National
- Annual mean salary: $84,310
- Employment: 2,390
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($108,000)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($102,210)
--- Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA ($100,580)
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#24. Physical therapist assistants
Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, TX
- Annual mean salary: $78,530
- #1 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,470
National
- Annual mean salary: $58,520
- Employment: 96,840
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, TX ($78,530)
--- Victoria, TX ($78,070)
--- Sacramento--Roseville--Arden-Arcade, CA ($75,470)
- Annual mean salary: $78,530
- #1 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,470
National
- Annual mean salary: $58,520
- Employment: 96,840
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, TX ($78,530)
--- Victoria, TX ($78,070)
--- Sacramento--Roseville--Arden-Arcade, CA ($75,470)
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#23. Nuclear medicine technologists
Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, TX
- Annual mean salary: $80,650
- #33 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 470
National
- Annual mean salary: $80,240
- Employment: 18,110
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Sacramento--Roseville--Arden-Arcade, CA ($127,930)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($124,660)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($119,340)
- Annual mean salary: $80,650
- #33 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 470
National
- Annual mean salary: $80,240
- Employment: 18,110
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Sacramento--Roseville--Arden-Arcade, CA ($127,930)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($124,660)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($119,340)
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Rawpixel.com // Shutterstock
#22. Registered nurses
Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, TX
- Annual mean salary: $81,350
- #57 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 54,780
National
- Annual mean salary: $77,460
- Employment: 2,982,280
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($140,740)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($138,000)
--- Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA ($134,000)
- Annual mean salary: $81,350
- #57 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 54,780
National
- Annual mean salary: $77,460
- Employment: 2,982,280
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($140,740)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($138,000)
--- Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA ($134,000)
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Aykut Erdogdu // Shutterstock
#21. Physical therapists
Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, TX
- Annual mean salary: $85,620
- #243 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 3,370
National
- Annual mean salary: $90,170
- Employment: 233,350
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Yuba City, CA ($116,360)
--- Bakersfield, CA ($116,120)
--- Las Vegas-Henderson-Paradise, NV ($113,950)
- Annual mean salary: $85,620
- #243 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 3,370
National
- Annual mean salary: $90,170
- Employment: 233,350
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Yuba City, CA ($116,360)
--- Bakersfield, CA ($116,120)
--- Las Vegas-Henderson-Paradise, NV ($113,950)
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Canva
#20. Audiologists
Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, TX
- Annual mean salary: $86,510
- #27 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 220
National
- Annual mean salary: $83,900
- Employment: 13,590
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Reno, NV ($146,950)
--- Fresno, CA ($131,270)
--- Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR ($120,440)
- Annual mean salary: $86,510
- #27 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 220
National
- Annual mean salary: $83,900
- Employment: 13,590
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Reno, NV ($146,950)
--- Fresno, CA ($131,270)
--- Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR ($120,440)
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ABO PHOTOGRAPHY // Shutterstock
#19. Occupational therapists
Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, TX
- Annual mean salary: $89,340
- #93 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,880
National
- Annual mean salary: $86,210
- Employment: 133,570
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- The Villages, FL ($115,090)
--- Las Vegas-Henderson-Paradise, NV ($108,870)
--- Vallejo-Fairfield, CA ($107,450)
- Annual mean salary: $89,340
- #93 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,880
National
- Annual mean salary: $86,210
- Employment: 133,570
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- The Villages, FL ($115,090)
--- Las Vegas-Henderson-Paradise, NV ($108,870)
--- Vallejo-Fairfield, CA ($107,450)
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#18. Radiation therapists
Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, TX
- Annual mean salary: $89,980
- #30 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 620
National
- Annual mean salary: $91,620
- Employment: 17,860
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($142,300)
--- San Diego-Carlsbad, CA ($126,260)
--- Sacramento--Roseville--Arden-Arcade, CA ($124,720)
- Annual mean salary: $89,980
- #30 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 620
National
- Annual mean salary: $91,620
- Employment: 17,860
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($142,300)
--- San Diego-Carlsbad, CA ($126,260)
--- Sacramento--Roseville--Arden-Arcade, CA ($124,720)
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KSai23 // Shutterstock
#17. Chiropractors
Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, TX
- Annual mean salary: $100,780
- #24 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 490
National
- Annual mean salary: $85,010
- Employment: 35,010
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Toledo, OH ($160,330)
--- Cincinnati, OH-KY-IN ($149,580)
--- Reno, NV ($140,260)
- Annual mean salary: $100,780
- #24 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 490
National
- Annual mean salary: $85,010
- Employment: 35,010
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Toledo, OH ($160,330)
--- Cincinnati, OH-KY-IN ($149,580)
--- Reno, NV ($140,260)
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Suzanne M. Day // Wikimedia Commons
#16. Nurse midwives
Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, TX
- Annual mean salary: $105,640
- #26 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 90
National
- Annual mean salary: $108,810
- Employment: 6,930
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA ($163,020)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($156,450)
--- San Diego-Carlsbad, CA ($130,140)
- Annual mean salary: $105,640
- #26 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 90
National
- Annual mean salary: $108,810
- Employment: 6,930
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA ($163,020)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($156,450)
--- San Diego-Carlsbad, CA ($130,140)
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Kzenon // Shutterstock
#15. Optometrists
Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, TX
- Annual mean salary: $118,000
- #94 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 650
National
- Annual mean salary: $122,980
- Employment: 39,420
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Champaign-Urbana, IL ($238,460)
--- Hartford-West Hartford-East Hartford, CT ($210,490)
--- Evansville, IN-KY ($183,380)
- Annual mean salary: $118,000
- #94 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 650
National
- Annual mean salary: $122,980
- Employment: 39,420
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Champaign-Urbana, IL ($238,460)
--- Hartford-West Hartford-East Hartford, CT ($210,490)
--- Evansville, IN-KY ($183,380)
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Monkey Business Images // Shutterstock
#14. Nurse practitioners
Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, TX
- Annual mean salary: $124,960
- #47 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 3,190
National
- Annual mean salary: $111,840
- Employment: 200,600
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Vallejo-Fairfield, CA ($175,060)
--- Spokane-Spokane Valley, WA ($160,110)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($157,150)
- Annual mean salary: $124,960
- #47 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 3,190
National
- Annual mean salary: $111,840
- Employment: 200,600
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Vallejo-Fairfield, CA ($175,060)
--- Spokane-Spokane Valley, WA ($160,110)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($157,150)
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Grace Nichols // U.S. Air Force
#13. Pharmacists
Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, TX
- Annual mean salary: $127,070
- #162 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 5,420
National
- Annual mean salary: $125,510
- Employment: 311,200
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Tyler, TX ($161,790)
--- Vallejo-Fairfield, CA ($158,250)
--- Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA ($157,850)
- Annual mean salary: $127,070
- #162 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 5,420
National
- Annual mean salary: $125,510
- Employment: 311,200
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Tyler, TX ($161,790)
--- Vallejo-Fairfield, CA ($158,250)
--- Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA ($157,850)
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Ohiodominican // Wikimedia Commons
#12. Physician assistants
Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, TX
- Annual mean salary: $127,330
- #31 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,860
National
- Annual mean salary: $112,410
- Employment: 120,090
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Salinas, CA ($161,370)
--- Leominster-Gardner, MA ($156,250)
--- Waterbury, CT ($154,550)
- Annual mean salary: $127,330
- #31 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,860
National
- Annual mean salary: $112,410
- Employment: 120,090
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Salinas, CA ($161,370)
--- Leominster-Gardner, MA ($156,250)
--- Waterbury, CT ($154,550)
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LightField Studios // Shutterstock
#11. Psychiatrists
Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, TX
- Annual mean salary: $145,280
- #97 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 300
National
- Annual mean salary: $220,430
- Employment: 25,530
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA ($282,400)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($280,270)
--- Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA ($280,200)
- Annual mean salary: $145,280
- #97 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 300
National
- Annual mean salary: $220,430
- Employment: 25,530
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA ($282,400)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($280,270)
--- Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA ($280,200)
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#10. Pediatricians, general
Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, TX
- Annual mean salary: $151,400
- #80 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 620
National
- Annual mean salary: $184,410
- Employment: 29,740
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Rockford, IL ($277,390)
--- Killeen-Temple, TX ($273,770)
--- Chico, CA ($270,550)
- Annual mean salary: $151,400
- #80 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 620
National
- Annual mean salary: $184,410
- Employment: 29,740
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Rockford, IL ($277,390)
--- Killeen-Temple, TX ($273,770)
--- Chico, CA ($270,550)
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Austin Community College // Flickr
#9. Veterinarians
Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, TX
- Annual mean salary: $159,140
- #4 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,130
National
- Annual mean salary: $104,820
- Employment: 74,540
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Sherman-Denison, TX ($210,960)
--- Lubbock, TX ($176,730)
--- Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA ($161,230)
- Annual mean salary: $159,140
- #4 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,130
National
- Annual mean salary: $104,820
- Employment: 74,540
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Sherman-Denison, TX ($210,960)
--- Lubbock, TX ($176,730)
--- Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA ($161,230)
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#8. Podiatrists
Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, TX
- Annual mean salary: $163,480
- #12 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 120
National
- Annual mean salary: $142,680
- Employment: 9,770
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC ($222,760)
--- Milwaukee-Waukesha-West Allis, WI ($206,190)
--- Scranton--Wilkes-Barre--Hazleton, PA ($200,200)
- Annual mean salary: $163,480
- #12 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 120
National
- Annual mean salary: $142,680
- Employment: 9,770
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC ($222,760)
--- Milwaukee-Waukesha-West Allis, WI ($206,190)
--- Scranton--Wilkes-Barre--Hazleton, PA ($200,200)
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#7. Dentists, general
Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, TX
- Annual mean salary: $166,700
- #210 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 2,420
National
- Annual mean salary: $178,260
- Employment: 110,730
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Burlington, NC ($278,360)
--- Burlington-South Burlington, VT ($275,430)
--- Longview, TX ($272,440)
- Annual mean salary: $166,700
- #210 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 2,420
National
- Annual mean salary: $178,260
- Employment: 110,730
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Burlington, NC ($278,360)
--- Burlington-South Burlington, VT ($275,430)
--- Longview, TX ($272,440)
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#6. Nurse anesthetists
Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, TX
- Annual mean salary: $172,370
- #64 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,430
National
- Annual mean salary: $181,040
- Employment: 43,570
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Toledo, OH ($266,260)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($254,860)
--- Columbus, GA-AL ($247,540)
- Annual mean salary: $172,370
- #64 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,430
National
- Annual mean salary: $181,040
- Employment: 43,570
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Toledo, OH ($266,260)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($254,860)
--- Columbus, GA-AL ($247,540)
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#5. Obstetricians and gynecologists
Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, TX
- Annual mean salary: $175,870
- #65 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 290
National
- Annual mean salary: $233,610
- Employment: 18,620
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Fayetteville, NC ($284,520)
--- Akron, OH ($282,650)
--- Albuquerque, NM ($281,800)
- Annual mean salary: $175,870
- #65 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 290
National
- Annual mean salary: $233,610
- Employment: 18,620
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Fayetteville, NC ($284,520)
--- Akron, OH ($282,650)
--- Albuquerque, NM ($281,800)
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#4. General internal medicine physicians
Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, TX
- Annual mean salary: $177,020
- #91 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 920
National
- Annual mean salary: $201,440
- Employment: 44,610
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Sioux Falls, SD ($282,610)
--- Rapid City, SD ($280,990)
--- Barnstable Town, MA ($280,500)
- Annual mean salary: $177,020
- #91 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 920
National
- Annual mean salary: $201,440
- Employment: 44,610
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Sioux Falls, SD ($282,610)
--- Rapid City, SD ($280,990)
--- Barnstable Town, MA ($280,500)
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#3. Family medicine physicians
Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, TX
- Annual mean salary: $218,660
- #137 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,980
National
- Annual mean salary: $213,270
- Employment: 109,370
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Racine, WI ($286,030)
--- Jacksonville, NC ($282,580)
--- Gadsden, AL ($281,430)
- Annual mean salary: $218,660
- #137 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,980
National
- Annual mean salary: $213,270
- Employment: 109,370
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Racine, WI ($286,030)
--- Jacksonville, NC ($282,580)
--- Gadsden, AL ($281,430)
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Unsplash
#2. Surgeons, except ophthalmologists
Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, TX
- Annual mean salary: $226,090
- #70 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,150
National
- Annual mean salary: $252,040
- Employment: 36,270
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Wausau, WI ($285,230)
--- Oshkosh-Neenah, WI ($285,210)
--- Asheville, NC ($284,780)
- Annual mean salary: $226,090
- #70 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,150
National
- Annual mean salary: $252,040
- Employment: 36,270
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Wausau, WI ($285,230)
--- Oshkosh-Neenah, WI ($285,210)
--- Asheville, NC ($284,780)
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#1. Anesthesiologists
Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, TX
- Annual mean salary: $249,420
- #20 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,270
National
- Annual mean salary: $261,730
- Employment: 31,010
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL ($283,660)
--- Tulsa, OK ($281,080)
--- Phoenix-Mesa-Scottsdale, AZ ($276,350)
- Annual mean salary: $249,420
- #20 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,270
National
- Annual mean salary: $261,730
- Employment: 31,010
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL ($283,660)
--- Tulsa, OK ($281,080)
--- Phoenix-Mesa-Scottsdale, AZ ($276,350)
