Top 22 Best Paying Jobs in Medical/Dental Instruments in 2024

Saving lives and healing others can help you make a difference. The medical industry is one of the fastest-growing segments for job opportunities. A healthcare career is suitable for those having a strong desire to help others. It is ideal for people who need a steady career path that pays well. The medical/dental instrument industry in healthcare is an excellent choice for those seeking a long-term career in human interaction. It is one of the most satisfying professions for people interested in helping others and the human body.

Doctors, dentists, and other medical professionals use medical and dental instruments daily. Medical devices help to perform their jobs efficiently and effectively. The medical and dental instrument industry is playing a significant role in uplifting the economy by offering jobs to many and generating huge revenues. A career in this field is both fulfilling and financially rewarding. It is a challenging and always-evolving field for employment. There are lots of job opportunities in this industry. From devices manufacturer to sellers and users of the devices, there is an endless stream of opportunity for all. You can have a chance to put in some effort and earn a handsome paycheck.

22 Best Paying jobs in the Medical/Dental instrument Industry

From medical sonographers to dental technicians, a career in medicine offers plenty of attractive and high-paying roles. We have compiled the list of 22 best-paying jobs in the medical/dental field to make you feel excited about a stable job, a good wage, and a perfect work-life balance:

1. Surgeons

Average Annual Salary: $311,776.

Surgeons perform different operations on patients to treat injuries. They diagnose and discuss possible surgical interventions. Qualified surgeons perform accurately under pressure and possess strong communication skills. Cardiothoracic surgery, oral and maxillofacial surgery, pediatric surgery, orthopedic surgery, colon, and rectal surgery, and brain surgery are all areas of specialization for surgeons. Surgeons are the users of medical instruments, and they earn the highest pay among medical professionals. The Surgeons are highly trained and skilled at using medical instruments. They utilize medical tools and devices, like simple scalpels or incredible high-tech equipment, to perform delicate procedures.

2. Anesthesiologists

Average Annual Salary: $307,704

The highest-paying job in the medical/dental instrument field is the anesthesiologist. Anesthesiologists are physicians, and they are well-trained medical specialists. These medical doctors administer anesthesia for surgery and other medical procedures. They are responsible for the safety and well-being of the patient. They also prescribe pain relief medications. Anesthesiologists monitor the patient during and after the surgery until the anesthesia wears off.

3. Orthodontist

Average Annual Salary: $225,180

An orthodontist is another high-paying job. The demand for qualified orthodontists is high in the medical/dental equipment industry. It is the branch of dentistry that deals with the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of malocclusions. Orthodontists deal with the correction of malpositioned teeth and jaws. The role of orthodontia is all about using different dental instruments to align, straighten, support, and replace the teeth.

4. Optometrists

Average Annual Salary: $184,557.

Optometrists are responsible for the management of eye health. They perform vision tests and analyze the results to adjust the contact and eyeglass prescriptions. They also examine the patient for potential eye diseases. Optometrists perform minor surgeries to treat vision issues and advise patients to maintain optimal eye health. Optometrists are laboratory technicians  Surgical optometrists treat eye diseases through laser treatment and surveys. Primary care optometrists have several other duties besides surgical optometrists.

5. Periodontist

Average Annual Salary: $184,977

Periodontists are dental experts in the surgical placement of dental implants. They diagnose and treat periodontal diseases. They need extensive training in the area of periodontal diseases and the placement of dental implants. Dentists treat normal periodontal cases.  They usually refer their patients with challenging and severe periodontal cases to periodontists. The job of a periodontist is one of the best-paying jobs in the medical/dental industry.

6. Dentists

Average Annual Salary: $172,535

Dentists ensure the health and longevity of your dental care. Each year, millions of patients visit their dentist. They are typically on the front lines of the healthcare industry because they work to ensure the health of their patients. A dentist will examine and treat the damaged teeth. They identify cavities and decay through the X-rays and teeth of patients. They also refer patients to an orthopedist for further procedures like removal of the wisdom tooth and root canals. They apply local anaesthetics during the treatment. They also prescribe antibiotics. The dentist is one of the best-paying jobs in medical/dental instruments. The job of a dentist requires in-depth knowledge of the field. Experience under the supervision of a qualified dentist is also a prerequisite for dentistry.

7. Chiropractor

Average Annual Salary: $158,539

Chiropractic is one of the highest-paying careers in the field of medical instruments. This career choice is suitable for people interested in helping others with spinal issues. Chiropractors are practitioners of alternative medicine who believe that manipulating the spine can help prevent a wide range of health problems, including low-back pain. Chiropractors focus on aligning vertebrae through manipulation, which is necessary to maintain health. They find and treat problems with muscles, joints, and the spine. Over the last few years, the demand for qualified chiropractors has increased. The need for chiropractors has grown as the population has aged and consumers have become more concerned about their health.

8. Engineer For Medical Devices

Average Annual Salary: $118,690

Medical device engineers design and develop medical technologies like x-ray machines, MRI scanners, and pacemakers. They are responsible for the efficiency and effectiveness of the production process. From idea and design to product execution, they keep an eye on all the stages of the production process. The job role of a medical device engineer is to build the test protocols, design manufacturing diagrams, and organize the initial production. They also work to improve product designs by designing the methods and processes to assess design suitability. At the senior level, medical device engineers troubleshoot, disassemble, and reassemble medical instruments and devices. Medical device engineers earn large paychecks. It is the highest-paying job in the medical/dental instrument industry.

9. Technologist In Nuclear Medicine

Average Annual Salary: $109,205.

Nuclear medicine is an essential field of study in the medical instrument industry. The nuclear medicine technologist works closely with the supervising physician. They administer radioactive compounds called radiopharmaceuticals. They are responsible for performing and analyzing imaging procedures with the help of radiation detection equipment. They utilize radioactive materials to find out what is wrong with people and treat them.

10. Respiratory Therapist

Average Annual Salary: $104,656.

The respiratory therapist assesses and treats patients who have trouble breathing. They help people with illnesses like asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD), and bronchitis. They provide treatment and tools to help people in breathing. They perform pulmonary function tests with a spirometer or peak flow meter to determine how well the air moves in and out of the lungs. They also administer medications to treat respiratory diseases.

11. Quality Assurance Engineer

Average Annual Salary: $92,000

Quality is an essential aspect of medical equipment manufacturing. The quality assurance engineers are responsible for the validation processes and procedures for medical instrument and equipment production. Quality assurance engineers have years of experience and advanced degrees that help them to earn money.

12. Diagnostic Medical Sonographer

Average Annual Salary: $91,597

Diagnostic medical sonographers are ultrasound technicians. They use devices that emit high-frequency waves to produce the image of unborn fetuses, tissues, internal organs and muscles. The use of ultrasound as a diagnostic tool or source of treatment has dramatically increased. It has also raised the demand for ultrasound technicians. The sonographer has also ranked as one of the best healthcare support jobs. Diagnostic Medical sonographers employed in hospital settings. Varying career paths are also available to them beyond direct patient care. It is one of the highest-paying jobs in the medical instrument industry.

13. Dental Hygienist

Average Annual Salary: $89,862

Dental hygienist is an attractive career choice for many reasons. For example, the competitive salaries, flexible work schedules, and the satisfaction that comes from helping people to live healthier lives influence people to consider a career as a dental hygienist. Dental hygienists are responsible for cleaning teeth and examining patients for tooth decay and gum diseases. They also educate the patient on dental health and proper oral hygiene practices. There is predictable employment growth in this field. It is the right fit for you if you enjoy working on a team, interacting with people, and want a quick path to start your career.

14. Audiologist

Average Annual Salary: $89,723 

If a career in medical/dental instruments is your choice, then audiologist would be an exciting field for you. It is one of the highest-paying jobs in the medical instruments industry. Audiologists are medical professionals who treat people with hearing problems. They work with physicians to diagnose and treat hearing loss. They work in otolaryngology clinics, hospitals, and schools for the deaf.

15. Radiologic Technologist

Average Annual Salary: $81,262

Radiologic technologists use imaging equipment. They utilize the magnetic field and radio waves to create images. Large tubes placed in for MRI are confining and loud. They create anxiety and claustrophobia. Therefore, radiologic technologists listen to the concerns and fears of the patients and reassure them. They work in clinics, private practices or hospitals. The average annual salary of a radiologic technologist makes it the highest paying in the field of medical instruments.  

16. Medical Device Sales Representative

Average Annual Salary: $77,873

Medical devices include plenty of tools. Doctors, surgeons, dentists, and other medical professionals use these tools to perform their job roles. They use instruments to treat multiple diseases in the human body. MRI machines, portable ultrasound solutions, and biomedical implants like pacemakers and artificial joints are a few examples of medical instruments. Medical devices are substantial and pricey objects, but they help professionals complete their jobs efficiently and accurately.

Manufacturers tend to sign long-term contracts for the sale and maintenance of these devices. The medical offices or hospitals also conduct periodic replenishment to sell the equipment. Here the role of medical device sales representative comes into play. They visit physicians, surgeons, and administrators to get the contracts. The medical device sales representatives are also responsible for keeping customers satisfied and the business lucrative. A medical device sales representative is one of the highest-paying jobs in medical/dental equipment.

17. Physical Therapist

Average Annual Salary: $76,870.

Physical therapists (PTs) are health specialists who evaluate and treat human body disorders. They treat patients with illnesses and injuries to bones, muscles, the brain, the heart, the lungs, and the skin. They help people at different life stages and help them to live healthy lives. Physical therapists receive referrals from doctors and other professionals. They perform a physical examination to develop a better understanding of the problems with patients. They use a combination of exercise, stretching, and different medical equipment and devices to treat patients. The demand for physical therapists is increasing with the rising world’s aging population. In the US, the average annual salary of a physical therapist revealed that it is one of the highest-paying jobs in the medical/dental equipment industry.

18. Repairer Of Medical Equipment

Average Annual Salary: $64,011.

Medical equipment technicians are biomedical equipment technicians (BMETs). They repair various electronic, electromechanical, and hydraulic equipment used in healthcare settings. They maintain and ensure the repair of the machinery and tools used in medical offices, hospitals, and healthcare facilities. Medical equipment technicians follow the instructions for installing and maintaining medical or dental equipment. They work on equipment like adjustable beds, motorized wheelchairs, defibrillators, and imaging equipment. BMETs are responsible for responding to emergency calls for malfunctioning equipment. A career in this field requires travel to and from different medical facilities to perform on-site repairs. The employment outlook for medical equipment repairers is excellent. There is a significant increase in employment opportunities.

19. Medical Instrument Technicians

Average Annual Salary: $54,973.

Medical instrument technicians operate and maintain medical equipment in healthcare facilities and hospitals. They use medical technologies like ultrasounds, sonography, hemodialysis machines, and other equipment as per the guidance of the attending physicians. Their job duties depend on the type of medical care they practice. Medical instrument technicians work in operating rooms where they need to sterilize and decontaminate surgical tools. Medical instrument technicians also work with imaging devices and medical monitoring machines like MRIs, EKGs, or EEG machines. They operate machines and provide routine service and maintenance as well. Their exposure to medical machinery is high; they need to understand how medical technology works. Since they work with machinery, they also need to understand the technical aspects of the machines. 

20. Medical Supply Technician

Average Annual Salary: $46,735

Medical supply technicians are responsible for preparing and handing out clean tools for patient care. They work in healthcare settings like hospitals or clinics. Their job is to clean and pack the medical tools and devices. They sterilize the medical supplies and check the stock inventory to place supply orders. They handle the equipment from instrument trays and sets to scissors and forceps. They have the knowledge and skills to operate medical equipment like inhalation therapy machines or automatic sterilizers. The medical supply technicians are also responsible for ensuring that all the medical instruments are perfect. It is one of the high-paying jobs in the medical/dental instrument industry and a solid career choice for those who know about maintaining and repairing medical instruments.

21. Denture Technicians

Average Annual Salary: $42,292.

Denture technicians work with patients to create dentures and other oral appliances like crowns or bridges. Denture technicians are responsible for recreating patient mouth and tooth models using the dentist’s models. They also design and make retainers and mouthguards. They also clean and disinfect the appliances and fit them properly into the mouth of the patient. They work with a dental composite. Dental technicians in the US earn a handsome average salary. Denture technician is a high-paying job in the medical/dental instrument industry.

22. Medical Warehouse Workers

Annual Average Salary: $35,314

Working in a warehouse is one of the easiest ways to get your foot in the door of a medical instrument company. The demand for warehouse workers is high in the world. Primarily, medical warehouse workers need to ensure that the instruments taken from the warehouse or brought to the warehouse are well-placed and recorded in a secure form. It is a difficult job, but it’s a steady stream to start a career in the medical instrument industry. You can also learn about the business and products in this role.

Conclusion

A career choice in the medical/dental instrument industry is rewarding and lucrative. It is difficult to determine which medical/dental instrument job is right for you. Let’s understand your interests, skills, educational background, and program availability for specialization. The article enlisted the best-paying jobs in the medical and dental instrument industry with the average annual salary and responsibilities. It is imperative to consider the income and potential for growth when selecting a career path.

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