5 In-Demand Healthcare Jobs That Pay a Living Wage

A third guest blog written by Lauren Perry.  One area of my consulting is career development, and Healthcare is a great field to go into if making a positive impact in others’ lives is important to you in your work.  Also there is an increasing demand for all types of healthcare professionals.

In today’s fast-evolving healthcare landscape, the demand for skilled professionals is at an all-time high. Amidst this growth, certain roles stand out not only for their critical importance but also for offering sustainable, living wages. These positions are vital cogs in the healthcare machinery, ensuring efficient and compassionate patient care. As we explore five such in-demand jobs, it becomes clear that healthcare careers are about more than just employment; they’re about making a meaningful impact. This article sheds light on these roles, illustrating how they combine financial viability with the fulfillment of contributing to community health.

1. Registered Nurse: The Backbone of Patient Care. Registered nurses (RNs) are pivotal in the healthcare system, providing essential patient care and support. They work closely with doctors, offering critical insights into patient care plans and outcomes. With their extensive training, RNs are equipped to handle various medical situations, from emergency response to routine check-ups. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 9% growth in RN employment from 2021 to 2031, reflecting their increasing demand. Their role goes beyond medical tasks; they are often the main point of emotional support for patients and families, embodying the human touch in healthcare.

2. Medical Assistant: A Versatile Pillar in Healthcare.  Medical assistants play a versatile role in healthcare, adeptly handling both administrative and clinical tasks. They are key in streamlining operations in medical offices, ensuring that patient care is both efficient and compassionate. In clinical settings, they assist with patient examinations, record vital signs, and prepare samples for laboratory tests. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the annual medical assistant salary was $37,190 in May 2021. This role is not just financially rewarding but also offers a dynamic work environment, ideal for those seeking a multifaceted career in healthcare.

3. Medical Laboratory Technician: Unsung Heroes of Diagnostics.  Medical laboratory technicians are crucial in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases, often working behind the scenes. They perform a variety of tests on patient samples, providing data that is essential for accurate diagnoses. Their expertise spans multiple disciplines, including hematology, microbiology, and clinical chemistry. The demand for these professionals is growing, with the Bureau of Labor Statistics projecting a 7% increase in employment from 2021 to 2031. Medical laboratory technicians not only contribute significantly to patient care but also enjoy a stable and fulfilling career.

4. Radiologic Technologist: Capturing Critical Images.  Radiologic technologists are indispensable in modern diagnostics, expertly capturing images that are crucial for medical evaluations and patient care. They are skilled in operating advanced imaging equipment, such as X-rays, MRI machines, and CT scanners, playing a pivotal role in the diagnosis and treatment planning process. Their responsibilities extend to ensuring patient safety during imaging procedures, and meticulously adhering to strict protocols to minimize radiation exposure. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics highlights a projected 9% job growth for this field from 2021 to 2031, emphasizing their growing significance in the healthcare sector. Radiologic technologists not only possess technical expertise but also provide compassionate patient care, making them a vital part of healthcare teams in various medical settings.

Occupational therapy assistants (OTAs) play a crucial role in helping patients regain and improve their daily living skills.

5. Occupational Therapy Assistant: Enhancing Daily Living.  Occupational therapy assistants (OTAs) play a crucial role in helping patients regain and improve their daily living skills. They work under the supervision of occupational therapists, implementing therapeutic plans to enhance patients’ quality of life. OTAs are instrumental in aiding recovery from injuries and adapting to physical limitations. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a notable 34% growth in OTA employment from 2021 to 2031. This growth reflects the increasing recognition of the value OTAs bring to rehabilitative care and patient empowerment.

Conclusion.  The healthcare sector offers a unique blend of personal satisfaction and financial stability through these in-demand roles. Each position we’ve explored contributes profoundly to the well-being of patients and the efficiency of medical services. Pursuing a career in any of these fields means joining a community dedicated to healing and helping. They provide a promising pathway for those seeking a meaningful and financially rewarding career in healthcare. Ultimately, these jobs are more than just positions; they are opportunities to make a real difference in people’s lives.






My Meeting with US Cabinet Member Labor Secretary Thomas Perez

This blog is loaded with links to useful resources – please explore and use them (bold underlined)

US Labor Secretary Thomas Perez (right) making a point in the meeting coordinated by Center for Faith-Based Partnerships Rev. Phil Tom (left)

US Labor Secretary Thomas Perez (right) making a point in the meeting coordinated by Center for Faith-Based Partnerships Rev. Phil Tom (left)


On Tuesday, September 16th, I had the special privilege of representing the North Carolina Council of Churches in a meeting of 13 American “faith leaders” with the United States Labor Secretary Thomas Perez.

The meeting, coordinated by the Center for Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships, was to discuss what the US government administration and Department of Labor are doing to protect workers and provide greater economic opportunities for all. This was my first time meeting with someone so senior level in the US government. And I also viewed the discussion through my lens of being a diversity and career management consultant.

I was extremely impressed with Secretary Perez’s heartfelt commitment to addressing poverty and increasing job opportunities in the USA. And he listened with deep intent to all the participants and demonstrated he heard all of our comments when he synthesized the key issues we discussed.

I shared that the NC Council of Churches has a long history of advocating for social justice including economic justice. My points:
• We have provided educational materials and advocacy around “living wage” since minimum wage is far below what people, especially working single parents, need to live.
• That we tie economic discussions to racial justice since it is minorities that are often the hardest hit with economic difficulties
• That given that NC has a large agricultural economic component, I detailed the various projects we have done around farm workers and immigrant rights.
I also noted that I was elected NC Council of Churches President as an out gay man, that the LGBT community often suffers economic hardship and workplace discrimination in states that do not offer legal protection, and that there are a huge number of people of faith who believe LGBT protections are the right thing to do.

Blog author Stan Kimer (background) listens as Rev Sekinah Hamlin (foreground), another NC Council of Churches former President and now with the Ecumenical Poverty Initiative, shares some points.

Blog author Stan Kimer (background) listens as Rev Sekinah Hamlin (foreground), another NC Council of Churches former President and now with the Ecumenical Poverty Initiative, shares some points.


Secretary Perez listened intently and took a lot of notes as each of the 13 faith leaders spoke. He consolidated all that he heard and offered the following summary remarks: (a few of these items are from his opening remarks too)
• It is important to provide vocation training for inmates nearing the end of their sentences, providing them a second chance and assisting them of becoming productive members of society instead of returning to prison
• We need to increasing opportunities for women, noting that the USA is the only industrialized nation in the world that does not legislate paid leave for new mothers. In addition, lack of subsidized child care for low income working mothers often force them to make hard choices.
• Need to continue to work on raising minimum wage (link to a blog by meeting attendee Rabbi Jason Kimelman-Block) to provide a living income
• Faith organizations can start “job clubs” for helpful networking and leverage the 2500 American Job Centers across the country. Some of these are even located in prison locations to assist with re-entry.
• There are grants available to faith organizations to assist with skills development, inmate re-entry programs, etc.
• One important role of faith groups are to be a voice for those with no voice and those unable to speak out
• He does understand the LGBT employment issue and supports having a national ENDA (Employment non-discrimination act.) Protection for LGBT people based upon what state they live in is not fair.
• Immigration reform has a strong impact on economic issues, and is one area that all faith groups from conservative to progressive support.

In closing, Secretary Perez asked that we do not leave the meeting as pessimists, that the facts are on our side and we can continue to work for positive progression in these issues. Civil rights is about persistence and we need to diligently persist in these areas. And he expressed deep gratitude for all our work.

In mid-October, I will write a follow on blog to discuss the unfortunate growing culture of poverty in the United States, and what business leaders can do to address it.