What’s Hot: It pays to be an assistant (rather than an aide) in the Healthcare Support group. “Occupational Therapist Assistants” (averaging $48,440) and “Physical Therapist Assistants” ($46,300) head up the Best Paid list, followed by “Massage Therapists” ($39,850) and “Dental Assistants” ($33,170), further indicating the high regard in which healthcare professionals are held.

What’s Not: On the other hand, “Home Health Aides” (averaging $21,440) and “Pharmacy Aides” ($21,500) could use a little more support as they top the Least Paid list. It is also interesting that while the highly trained and regarded “Veterinarians” are also well paid at $89,450, “Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers” annually average only $22,790.

Sources: In addition to specific citations noted, supplementary source materials include the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics.