Industry snapshot: Health and medicine jobs

Physicians

Average salaries: $186,920 (general practitioners); $172,500 (obstetricians and gynecologists); $145,790 (pediatricians); $207,360 (surgeons). Self-employed physicians generally have higher incomes than those on salaries.

Demand: Very good. Growing and aging population; expansion of healthcare industries; consumer demand for more tests, technologies, and treatments; and physician retirements increase needs. General and OB/GYN practice, and rural and low-income areas have serious shortages.

Qualifications: Four-year postgraduate medical school, plus residency; four to seven additional years of study required for most specialties.

(istockphoto.com)
Physicians Average salaries: $186,920 (general practitioners); $172,500 (obstetricians and gynecologists); $145,790 (pediatricians); $207,360 (surgeons). Self-employed physicians generally have higher incomes than those on salaries. Demand: Very good. Growing and aging population; expansion of healthcare industries; consumer demand for more tests, technologies, and treatments; and physician retirements increase needs. General and OB/GYN practice, and rural and low-income areas have serious shortages. Qualifications: Four-year postgraduate medical school, plus residency; four to seven additional years of study required for most specialties.