The 2026 ranking
tap a rowCertificate or bachelor'sGraduate degree
Perfusionist, the outlier
Master's degree, cardiac surgery rotations, then the ABCP boards. Then $157K–$225K and the call schedule to match.
2 yrs
master's program
CCP
board certified
Pharmacist specialties
Oncology, critical care, pediatric and ambulatory care pharmacists post $126K–$180K. Staff and retail roles sit closer to $114K–$164K.
Find the highest-paying version of your role
1
Certify
BCPS, CHT, NCS, RRT-NPS: specialty boards carry a differential and unlock the specialty roles.
2
Take home health or PRN
Per-visit and PRN rates stack on base. Home health PT and SLP out-earn most outpatient clinics.
3+16–26%
Change state
CA, WA, GA, OR. Most boards license by endorsement; pharmacists and some therapy boards add a state law exam.
4
Go travel or local contract
Same license, same caseload. Stipend is untaxed with a tax home.
Frequently asked
Which allied health job pays the most?
Perfusionist, by a wide margin: $157K–$225K typical staff pay across all states.
Which allied health job pays the most without a graduate degree?
Respiratory Therapist (RRT), at $71K–$101K across all states, with Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS) close behind. By state, Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS) in California pays the most: $55–$73/hr.
Do these numbers include overtime?
No. They are typical staff base pay. Shift differentials, call pay, overtime and bonuses come on top.
How often are the job counts updated?
Nightly. Counts include jobs that list pay and jobs that don't; the % is how many list it.