The US job market has faced a challenging year with hiring slowdowns and cooling pay hikes across many sectors. Yet one industry continues to thrive, quietly supporting the entire labor market. According to Indeed's latest report on the best jobs for 2026, the healthcare sector is carrying this heavy load.
Healthcare Drives Remarkable Growth
Healthcare roles represent only 11% of all jobs in the United States. However, they account for a striking 72% of overall job growth. Laura Ullrich from the Indeed Hiring Lab explains this strong demand. She points to three key factors: an aging population, increasing long-term health conditions, and the simple reality that people are not getting healthier.
Indeed ranked jobs using multiple criteria. They considered pay levels, current demand, wage growth, posting growth, and flexibility including remote work options. The results highlight healthcare's dominance in the high-paying job landscape.
Top 10 Highest-Paying Jobs for 2026
1. Cardiac Medical Technologist
This role tops the list as heart disease remains the leading cause of death in America. Cardiac medical technologists earn a median annual salary of $133,907. Both wages and job postings have surged 34% since 2022. With 224 postings per million on Indeed, demand stays steady. Remote work opportunities are scarce at just 2%.
2. Truck Driver (Owner-Operator)
Owner-operator truck drivers command the highest salary on the list at $160,000 annually. Job postings appear everywhere with over 7,500 listings per million. Demand has climbed 39% since 2022, though wages have dipped slightly by 5%.
3. Nurse Practitioner
Nurse practitioners earn a median salary of $143,183 per year. Nearly 2,900 postings per million show strong demand despite a slight dip since 2022. Wages continue climbing upward by 10%, and about 10% of roles now offer remote or hybrid options.
4. Speech-Language Pathologist
These professionals earn a median salary of $109,431 with consistent momentum. Wages have risen 14% since 2022 while job postings increased 11%. Although only 191 postings per million appear on Indeed, approximately 8% of these roles can be done remotely, particularly in teletherapy settings.
5. Licensed Professional Counselor
With a median annual salary of $107,812, wages have jumped an impressive 33% since 2022. Postings have fallen slightly, but nearly one-third of jobs offer remote work. This makes counseling one of the most flexible roles on the list.
6. Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Licensed clinical social workers earn a median of $119,618. The market has tightened, but skills remain in high demand especially in strained mental health and social care systems. Flexibility stands out with 32% of these jobs being remote.
7. Physical Therapist
Physical therapists bring in a median salary of $110,848. They enjoy high visibility with more than 6,200 postings per million on Indeed's list.
8. Occupational Therapist
Occupational therapists earn around $105,580 annually. They experience quiet but consistent growth with job postings increasing 13% since 2022. Wages have edged up 6%, and over 4,100 postings per million demonstrate solid demand.
9. Radiation Therapist
Radiation therapists earn a median salary of $115,923. They continue benefiting from advances in cancer treatment. Wages have climbed 26% since 2022, and job postings are up 8%.
10. Data Scientist
Data scientists round out the list as the only non-healthcare role in the top ten. Median pay sits at $115,079. Postings have grown 15% since 2022, though wage growth has dipped slightly by 3%.
Why Healthcare Stands Apart
The healthcare sector's resilience contrasts sharply with broader economic trends. While many industries paused hiring, healthcare kept expanding. This growth reflects fundamental demographic shifts and healthcare needs that show no signs of slowing.
Indeed's report provides valuable insights for job seekers and career changers. The data reveals where opportunities are growing fastest and which roles offer the best compensation. For those considering their next career move, healthcare presents numerous high-paying options with strong future prospects.
