Gerontological workers and specialists have the pleasure of working with older adults to improve their quality of life. Their extensive knowledge of aging makes them a valuable asset in a variety of work settings. Moreover, as the aging population grows at an unprecedented rate — there will be about 2.5 working-age adults for every retirement-age person in the U.S. by 2060 — these professionals will remain in high demand in the years and decades to come.
Career Opportunities in Gerontology
Believe it or not, the terms gerontology and geriatrics are not synonymous.
Gerontology is a multidisciplinary study that explores the aging process and its impact on both individuals and society. It dives into a wide range of subjects, including demographics, health and wellness, economics and social and cultural facets of aging.
Often, people assume that gerontology students are destined to become gerontologists. While some choose to pursue that path, the field offers a wide array of career opportunities. Below, we list some of the many roles in gerontology as well as their median salaries and projected employment growth through 2031 according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS):
- Health Services Manager:
- Median salary: $101,340 per year
- Employment growth through 2031: 28%
- Medical Scientist
- Median salary: $95,310 per year
- Employment growth through 2031: 17%
- Social and Community Service Manager
- Median salary: $74,000 per year
- Employment growth through 2031: 12%
- Recreational Therapist:
- Median salary: $47,940 per year
- Employment growth through 2031: 4%
- Social Worker:
- Median salary: $50,390 per year
- Employment growth through 2031: 9%
- Research Analyst:
- Median salary: $63,920 per year
- Employment growth through 2031: 19%
- Health Educator:
- Median salary: $48,860 per year
- Employment growth through 2031: 12%
- Policy Analyst:
- Median salary: $76,480 per year
- Employment growth through 2031: 4%
- Occupational Health and Safety Specialist:
- Median salary: $78,570 per year
- Employment growth through 2031: 4%
Career Opportunities in Geriatrics
Unlike gerontology, geriatrics is a medical specialty that concentrates on the care and treatment of older adults. Professionals in this field work to diagnose, treat and manage the various health conditions of the elderly.
Among health professionals, people who specialize in geriatrics report some of the highest levels of job satisfaction due to their essential role in the medical field. Their vital role fosters:
- Meaningful connections with older adults.
- Collaborative teamwork.
- Work-life balance.
Our online graduate programs in gerontology as well as specialized training can open doors to exciting and rewarding healthcare positions, including:
- Physician:
- Median salary: $208,000 per year
- Employment growth through 2031: 3%
- Nurse Practitioner:
- Median salary: $123,780 per year
- Employment growth through 2031: 40%
- Physician Assistant:
- Median salary: $121,530 per year
- Employment growth through 2031: 28%
- Counselor:
- Median salary: $81,040 per year
- Employment growth through 2031: 6%
- Occupational Therapist:
- Median salary: $85,570 per year
- Employment growth through 2031: 14%
- Dietitian or Nutritionist:
- Median salary: $61,650 per year
- Employment growth through 2031: 7%
Career Path Articles
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