Anybody who has taken a course in marketing, psychology or sociology is likely familiar withMaslow’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 2020, the United States spent 19.7% 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 Birmingham-Hoover area using data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Jobs are ranked by 2020 annual mean wage. Job descriptions are from O*NET. Keep reading to see which health care jobs make the most and least in your city.
10. Occupational therapists
Birmingham-Hoover, AL
– Annual mean salary: $88,400
– #121 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 390
National
– Annual mean salary: $87,480
9. Physical therapists
Birmingham-Hoover, AL
– Annual mean salary: $96,270
– #71 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 830
National
– Annual mean salary: $91,680
8. Nurse practitioners
Birmingham-Hoover, AL
– Annual mean salary: $98,930
– #322 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 1,210
National
– Annual mean salary: $114,510
7. Pharmacists
Birmingham-Hoover, AL
– Annual mean salary: $123,400
– #225 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 1,470
National
– Annual mean salary: $125,460
6. Optometrists
Birmingham-Hoover, AL
– Annual mean salary: $142,150
– #30 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 90
National
– Annual mean salary: $125,440
5. Psychiatrists
Birmingham-Hoover, AL
– Annual mean salary: $178,200
– #79 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 220
National
– Annual mean salary: $217,100
4. Dentists, general
Birmingham-Hoover, AL
– Annual mean salary: $186,780
– #128 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: data not available
National
– Annual mean salary: $180,830
3. Nurse anesthetists
Birmingham-Hoover, AL
– Annual mean salary: $204,740
– #21 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: data not available
National
– Annual mean salary: $189,190
2. Family medicine physicians
Birmingham-Hoover, AL
– Annual mean salary: $227,720
– #112 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 170
National
– Annual mean salary: $214,370
1. Surgeons, except ophthalmologists
Birmingham-Hoover, AL
– Annual mean salary: $268,510
– #38 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 210
National
– Annual mean salary: $251,650
