16 High-Paying Emergency Medicine Jobs (Plus Salaries and Duties)

By Indeed Editorial Team

Published April 14, 2022

Patients experiencing acute health problems or traumatic injuries rely on emergency care services. From physicians and nurses to anesthesiologists, professionals in this sector provide the immediate medical attention these patients require. Pursuing a career in emergency medicine can allow you to perform rewarding work and earn a salary that supports your lifestyle. In this article, we list 16 high-paying recreation jobs and discuss their average salaries and primary duties.

16 high-paying emergency medicine jobs

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the average salary for all healthcare practitioners and technical occupations is $69,870 per year. If you pursue a career relating to emergency medicine, you may be able to increase your earning potential. Here are 16 high-paying emergency medicine jobs to consider pursuing. For the most up-to-date salary information from Indeed, visit indeed.com/salaries.

1. Emergency room operations manager

National average salary: $74,394 per year

Primary duties: An emergency room operations manager oversees the hospital department that treats patients in need of immediate medical attention. They perform administrative duties like maintaining patient records and monitoring the department's budget. Operations managers also facilitate positive working relationships between staff.

2. Pharmacologist

National average salary: $87,648 per year

Primary duties: A pharmacologist specializes in the interaction of drugs with the human body. Though these professionals have research-intensive careers, their work helps emergency care professionals provide immediate medical attention to high-risk patients. Pharmacologists can further specialize in fields like toxicology or drug development.

3. Chief of staff

National average salary: $104,571 per year

Primary duties: A chief of staff oversees a hospital's medical staff. Though these professionals have surgical training, they primarily perform administrative duties and promote the organization's long-term goals. For instance, chiefs of staff may create physician schedules, develop care strategies and serve as a liaison at board meetings.

4. Psychiatric nurse

National average salary: $105,135 per year

Primary duties: A psychiatric nurse is a registered nurse who specializes in mental health conditions and behavioral disorders. They provide 24/7 care to patients in psychiatric facilities by documenting systems and providing support services. Psychiatric nurses also respond to patient emergencies and communicate with doctors to administer comprehensive care.

5. Emergency veterinarian

National average salary: $113,702 per year

Primary duties: An emergency veterinarian specializes in urgent care for animals. They often serve domesticated pets like cats and dogs, though some emergency veterinarians specialize in larger wildlife. Responsibilities include ordering testing, performing surgeries and euthanizing animals if their conditions are beyond treatment.

6. Infectious disease physician

National average salary: $123,836 per year

Primary duties: An infectious disease physician treats patients with communicable and non-communicable conditions. They identify whether the disease is bacterial, viral, parasitic or fungal and prescribe the appropriate treatment. Infectious disease physicians might also collaborate with public health officials to prevent further cases from occurring.

7. ER registered nurse

National average salary: $150,914 per year

Primary duties: An ER registered nurse helps physicians care for patients experiencing urgent illnesses or injuries. They administer treatments, maintain thorough patient records and communicate with families. ER registered nurses may specialize in fields like cardiology, trauma or pediatrics.

8. Emergency dentist

National average salary: $210,318 per year

Primary duties: An emergency dentist specializes in urgent dental care services. These professionals can treat issues ranging from cracked teeth and loose fillings to root canals. An emergency dentist may work in an urgent clinic or a practice that offers emergency services in addition to standard dental care.

9. Emergency medicine physician

National average salary: $223,611 per year

Primary duties: An emergency medicine physician administers critical care services to patients. They might prescribe essential medications, set broken bones or stabilize a patient experiencing a stroke. Emergency medicine physicians also coordinate the transfer of the patient to the ICU or another hospital.

10. Obstetrician

National average salary: $239,120 per year

Primary duties: An obstetrician is a physician who specializes in pregnancy and female reproductive health. Typical responsibilities include screening for reproductive disorders, discussing family planning and recommending treatment plans based on test results. Obstetricians also oversee deliveries and perform emergency C-sections if conditions prevent the mother from having a vaginal birth.

11. Pain management physician

National average salary: $243,083 per year

Primary duties: A pain management physician identifies causes of pain and develops treatment plans to optimize patient comfort. These professionals often work with patients who have chronic conditions, though they can assist emergency care professionals in hospitals. For instance, a pain management physician might recommend medication for a patient who experienced blunt-force trauma.

12. Neurologist

National average salary: $268,920 per year

Primary duties: A neurologist specializes in conditions relating to the brain, spinal cord and nervous system. These professionals may monitor critical care patients to identify potential cognitive side effects of medication. Other responsibilities include conducting neurological tests and administering the appropriate treatments.

13. Anesthesiologist

National average salary: $271,440 per year

Primary duties: An anesthesiologist sedates patients to ensure painless surgeries. They review the patient's medical history to determine the appropriate amount of medication to administer. Additionally, anesthesiologists monitor patients in case of adverse reactions and promptly address complications.

14. Internal medicine physician

National average salary: $294,743 per year

Primary duties: An internal medicine physician specializes in health care for adults. While some of these professionals serve as primary care providers, others focus on surgery or obstetrics. Their comprehensive approach to the diagnosis and treatment of diseases allows them to provide care for heart disease, hypertension and chronic lung disease.

15. Urgent care physician

National average salary: $297,697 per year

Primary duties: An urgent care physician provides medical services when a patient can't visit their primary care physician. Their services are typically cheaper than an emergency room and can address issues such as acute pain and flu symptoms. If a patient requires additional medical attention, an urgent care physician may refer them to their primary provider or a specialist.

16. Trauma surgeon

National average salary: $299,445 per year

Primary duties: A trauma surgeon operates on patients with serious injuries such as severe burns, deep lacerations and broken bones. Emergency response teams brief trauma surgeons before the patient gets to the hospital, giving these professionals time to develop a treatment plan. Trauma surgeons quickly assess a patient's condition upon arrival and use various surgical methods, such as applying reconstructive techniques and inserting rods to facilitate bone healing.

16 High-Paying Emergency Medicine Jobs (Plus Salaries and Duties)

16 high-paying emergency medicine jobs

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