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 number of environments. 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
Gerontologists specialize in the study of age-related biologic, sociologic and psychologic changes and apply this knowledge toward policies beneficial for aging populations. These professionals help older adults maintain their health and independence as they transition from one stage of life to the next. Lending their expertise in hospice facilities, nursing homes and client homes, gerontologists are caregivers for a segment of the population who may struggle to perform everyday activities. Across a growing and broad field, gerontologists can find numerous career opportunities, including:
- 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
Geriatricians are medical professionals devoted to the prevention and treatment of age-related illnesses through the application of high-quality, person-centered care. Among health professionals, geriatricians report some of the highest levels of job satisfaction. This professional fulfillment stems from their essential role in the medical field, which allows them to experience meaningful relationships with older adults, work on a health care team and enjoy a healthy work-life balance. With their specialized training, geriatricians are highly prized in the health care field and are employed in a number of exciting and rewarding 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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