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Top 13 Medical Specialties for 2019 and Beyond

Top 13 medical specialties locums staffing

 

We’re coming to the end of what has been a historic year in health care. Not only did the industry create the most jobs in America, it also provided the best ones, dominating the U.S. News & World Report’s 2018 list of “The 100 Best Jobs in America.”

 

Since now is the perfect time to start looking for a job, we’re about to go even further and outline the healthcare specialties that will command the market for years to come.

 

Job seekers should know what to expect in preparing for the next steps in their career. That’s why we made this list to guide you. Based on average pay rates and industry demand, here are our predictions for the top 13 medical specialties for 2019 and beyond.

 

13. Anesthesiology

Average National Hourly Wage: $128

Average ICON Hourly Wage: $192

 

The demand for this specialty dropped off between 2010 and 2017 but has picked up since. One reason for the initial increase may be due to an uptick in the number of procedures that require anesthesia relative to the number of providers. Now analysts predict that the job market for anesthesiologists will grow an estimated 21% by 2027.

 

We currently have anesthesiology jobs available in California, Colorado, Kentucky, Nebraska, North Dakota and Washington. Check out our job board for more details.

 

12. Neurology

Average National Hourly Wage: $99

Average ICON Hourly Wage:  $182

 

Every day 10,000 baby boomers turn 65, which means the rates of Alzheimer’s and other neurodegenerative diseases will skyrocket and in turn boost the demand for neurologists. At present, we have opportunities for neurologists in North Dakota, Oregon and Virginia.

 

11. Urgent care

Average National Hourly Wage: $98

Average ICON Hourly Wage:  $110

 

There’s an interesting shift in the industry that bodes well for the future of urgent care providers. Many millennials are opting to visit urgent care clinics when they get sick, instead of seeing a primary care provider.

 

As the nation’s biggest generation, this preference for lower cost and convenience is bound to reshape the industry and perhaps even curb the primary care shortage. For jobs in urgent care, we’re hiring for facilities in California, Florida, Iowa, Minnesota, Oregon and Washington.

 

10. Pediatrics

Average National Hourly Wage: $90

Average ICON Hourly Wage:  $175

 

In 2017, the U.S. experienced a 30-year low in births and a record low fertility rate. Despite these trends, however, the shortage of pediatricians—coupled will the rising number of chronically ill kids—indicates that the demand for these specialists isn’t slowing down anytime soon. We currently have pediatrics positions available in New Mexico and Oregon.

 

9. Physician assistant

Average National Hourly Wage: $50

Average ICON Hourly Wage: $80

 

Researchers estimate that over two thirds of healthcare providers will be physician assistants (PAs) and nurse practitioners by 2030. Advanced practice providers are poised to dominate the healthcare industry as they gain more autonomy and control over direct patient care.

 

At present, the majority of PAs work at private physician practices, but that probably won’t be the case much longer. An annual report by the American Academy of PAs (AAPA) found that hospital-employed PAs are receiving higher salaries, better leadership opportunities and more generous benefits than their counterparts working at physician practices.

 

For any PAs seeking hospital opportunities, we have several positions available throughout California, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Oregon and Washington.

 

8. Pulmonology

Average National Hourly Wage: $126

Average ICON Hourly Wage:  $203

 

Pulmonologists are among the most highly paid and in-demand specialty physicians, due mostly to the soaring rates of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). As the third leading cause of death in America, it’s no wonder why the need for these providers has escalated. All of our current pulmonology jobs are located throughout Oregon and Washington.

 

7. Emergency medicine

Average National Hourly Wage: $200

Average ICON Hourly Wage: $250

 

Over the last decade, emergency physicians have seen a 31% increase in their salaries, all the while working less clinical hours on average. Perhaps that’s why emergency medicine providers are among the happiest of all the specialists.

 

We are currently hiring EM physicians for jobs throughout the beautiful Pacific Northwest in Oregon and Washington.

 

6. Hospitalist/Intensivist

Average National Hourly Wage: $122

Average ICON Hourly Wage:  $169

 

Emergency medicine physicians aren’t the only ones who have experienced a substantial pay increase in recent years. Hospitalist compensation has increased an average of $66,000 over the last eight years. This specialty is especially lucrative for those who go into nocturnist work.

 

These providers can rest assured that their industry is thriving, especially as they relish in a record high demand for 2018. For hospitalists seeking employment in the states of California, Kentucky, North Dakota or Oregon, we have some great opportunities available for you.

 

5. Obstetrician/gynecologist

Average National Hourly Wage: $113

Average ICON Hourly Wage:  $175

 

A Doximity study found that obstetricians and gynecologist enjoyed a 31% increase in demand from 2016 to 2017, despite record low fertility rates. The American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) cited potential factors driving this demand, including the early retirement of ob-gyns and the shift to gynecology-only practices. With the staggering costs of professional liability insurance, many providers have veered away from obstetrics.

 

For this reason, ICON covers all professional liability insurance when providers go on contract with us. We are currently hiring for ob-gyn positions in California, Oregon and Washington.

 

4. Nurse practitioner

Average National Hourly Wage: $52

Average ICON Hourly Wage:  $82

 

With more autonomy and direct access to patients than ever before, it’s not a stretch to say that nurse practitioners (NPs) are poised to become the leaders in primary care. That’s why analysts predict the specialty will grow 31% from 2014 to 2024.

 

These providers are entering the field in droves at a rate that’s seven times faster than physicians. Even with the vast talent pool, there are opportunities abound for NPs. We have several available jobs all over the country in the following states: California, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Oregon and Washington.

 

3. Internal medicine

Average National Hourly Wage: $95

Average ICON Hourly Wage:  $169

 

The internal medicine (IM) specialty is projected to grow at least 15% by 2026. These providers have unlimited opportunities and can even pursue careers as hospitalists or primary care physicians—both of which have hot job markets.

 

At present, most internists work in physician offices, but we predict the trend will shift toward outpatient clinics, since this setting offers higher pay. We’re currently hiring for IM opportunities at outpatient clinics in California, Iowa, New Jersey and Oregon.

 

2. Psychiatry

Average National Hourly Wage: $106

Average ICON Hourly Wage: $185

 

A report published by the National Council for Behavioral Health showed that over three-fourths (77%) of counties in America have a severe shortage of psychiatrists, while 55% of them have no psychiatrist at all.

 

These shortages have had serious implications for the healthcare industry. In the past 3 years alone, there’s been a 42% increase in ER visits for patients in need of psychiatric services.

 

For psychiatrists who want to pursue new opportunities in Alaska, Missouri, New Jersey or Wisconsin, we have some great positions available now.

 

1. Family Medicine/Primary Care

Average National Hourly Wage: $100

Average ICON Hourly Wage: $112

 

It should come as no surprise that family medicine (FM) and primary care topped our list. Physicians in this field have been the highest in demand for the eleventh year in a row.

 

One reason for the shortage is the lower rates of medical school graduates choosing primary care residency programs. In fact, only 17% of graduates pursued such programs. Many students are opting for the higher-paying specialties with better perks. If we want to alleviate this severe shortage in FM and primary care, we have to incentivize our aspiring and current physicians.

 

That’s why we have started offering assignments with optimal flexibility. Our primary care physicians now have the option to work a two weeks on, two weeks off block schedule at $8,800 per block as opposed to our usual hourly rate. We currently have available positions in California, Iowa, New Jersey and Oregon.

 

For more information on our new primary care program or any of our available opportunities, feel free to drop us a line. Our talented recruiters are here to help you land the job of your dreams!

 

Become an ICON today to set yourself up for success tomorrow. Happy hunting!

 

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