The Ultimate Guide: 17 Jobs That Require Scrubs

You’ve likely seen healthcare professionals wear medical scrubs as a standard uniform, but what other professions should wear them? Whether exposing workers to bodily fluids or keeping them clean in sanitary environments, scrubs are the trusted uniform of choice.

Importance of Scrubs in Healthcare Settings

Medical scrubs are more than just uniforms; they help maintain a sterile environment, protect against germs, and manage bodily fluids during patient care. Men’s scrub sets and women's scrub sets symbolize cleanliness and trust, making them indispensable in any medical facility. There’s a lot to like about scrubs. They’re comfortable, durable and professional looking.

Many scrubs also have features or fabric treatments and help wick away sweat, repel stains and fight microbes. Given scrubs’ many advantages, it’s no wonder that many people look for careers where they can wear scrubs all the time. Here’s a list of 17 jobs that wear scrubs–from pediatric scrubs to veterinary scrubs.

Note: All data is taken from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

Registered Nurse

• 2023 Median Pay: $86,070 per year ($41.38 per hour)
• Typical Entry-Level Education: Bachelor's degree
• Number of Jobs, 2022: 3,172,500
• JJob Outlook, 2022-32: 6% (Faster than average)
• Employment Change, 2022-43: 2177,400

Registered nurses help form the backbone of the modern healthcare system and take care of patients directly. They have a lot of autonomy, especially as they gain experience, and may choose to pursue many different specialties, from addiction to pediatrics. As the population continues to age, demand for nurses will only continue to grow, and employment prospects are very strong for the next decade. Their roles often require nursing scrubs that reflect their professionalism and the intensive nature of their duties.

Licensed Practical Nurse

• 2023 Median Pay: $59,730 per year ($28.72 per hour)
• Typical Entry-Level Education: Postsecondary non-degree award
• Number of Jobs, 2022: 655,000
• Job Outlook, 2022-32 5% (Faster than average)
• Employment Change, 2022-32: 34,900

Licensed practical nurses (LPNs), also called licensed vocational nurses (LVNs), can get started with as little as one year of schooling. They perform many of the same duties that nurses do, but have less autonomy due to their shorter training. Certain states also limit what tasks LPNs can do. They often report to an experienced registered nurse or another senior position. Some LPNs go on to complete additional schooling and eventually become registered nurses.

Nurse Practitioner

• 2023 Median Pay: $129,480 per year ($62.25 per hour)
• Typical Entry-Level Education: Master’s degree
• Number of Jobs, 2022: 323,900
• Job Outlook, 2022-32: 38% (Much faster than average)
• Employment Change, 2022-32: 123,600

Advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) may work as nurse practitioners, nurse anesthetists or nurse midwives. These advanced nursing roles require additional schooling, but result in additional compensation and career opportunities. In many states, they can perform tasks similar to doctors, diagnosing illnesses and writing prescriptions. Their duties also overlap somewhat with that of registered nurses as well. Demand for nurse practitioners is going to increase dramatically in the next few years, so it’s a very promising career path.

Surgeon

• 2023 Median Pay: $239,200 per year ($115 per hour)
• Typical Entry-Level Education: Doctoral or professional degree
• Number of Jobs, 2022: 816,900
• Job Outlook, 2022-32: 3% (As fast as average)
• Employment Change, 2022-32: 24,600

While physicians often wear professional clothes underneath their white lab coats, surgeons wear scrubs whenever they go into the operating room for sanitary reasons. While it takes many years of schooling and internships to become a surgeon, many find it worthwhile to pursue such a demanding and fulfilling career. Many surgeons choose to pursue a career in general surgery, but some do opt to specialize in particular types of operations.

Surgical Technologist

• 2023 Median Pay: $60,370 per year ($29.03 per hour) )
• Typical Entry-Level Education: Postsecondary non-degree award
• Number of Jobs, 2022: 128,900
• Job Outlook, 2022-32: 5% (Faster than average)
• Employment Change, 2022-32: 7,000

Also called operating room technicians, surgical technologists are another key member of the surgery team. They prepare both operating rooms and patients for surgery, sterilize equipment, hand surgeons instruments during procedures and keep track of surgical supplies. Surgical first assistant is a related but more advanced role that may involve more hands-on tasks, such as suturing wounds and suctioning the incision site.

Nursing Assistants

• 2023 Median Pay: $38,130 per year ($18.33 per hour)
• Typical Entry-Level Education: Learn how to become one
• Number of Jobs, 2022: 1,406,900
• Job Outlook, 2022-32: 4% (As fast as than average)
• Employment Change, 2022-32: 58,400

Nursing assistants, also known as orderlies, provide basic care, help patients with daily activities, transport them and clean up areas. These tasks may include helping patients get dressed, feeding them meals, transferring them from a bed to a wheelchair and making note of patients’ health statuses and passing that along to nurses. Nursing assistants primarily work in senior living centers and other similar facilities.

Dental Hygienist

• 2023 Median Pay: $87,530 per year ($42.08 per hour)
• Typical Entry-Level Education: Associate’s degree
• Number of Jobs, 2022: 219,400
• Job Outlook, 2022-32: 7% (Faster than average)
• Employment Change, 2022-32: 16,300

When you go to the dentist for your semi-annual exam, the dental hygienist is the one who actually cleans your teeth, takes your X-rays and examines you for signs of dental disease. They also discuss preventative care with patients and walk them through any at-home treatment necessary. The scope of tasks that hygienists perform and how much a dentist supervises them varies from state to state.

Dental Assistant

• 2023 Median Pay: $46,540 per year ($22.38 per hour)
• Typical Entry-Level Education: Postsecondary non-degree award
• Number of Jobs, 2022: 371,000
• Job Outlook, 2022-32: 7% (Faster than average)
• Employment Change, 2022-32: 25,700

Another job that requires dental scrubs is that of a dental assistant. Dental assistants may have some overlap with dental hygienists in terms of their duties, and may assist more senior hygienists with cleaning and other routines. Dental assistants may also take care of more administrative tasks, such as answering the phones, scheduling appointments and helping patients with billing.

Massage Therapist

• 2023 Median Pay: $55,310 per year ($26.59 per hour)
• Typical Entry-Level Education: Postsecondary non-degree award
• Number of Jobs, 2022: 134,300
• Job Outlook, 2022-32: 18% (Much faster than average)
• Employment Change, 2022-32: 24,600

While you might not think of massage therapy as a job that requires scrubs, many massage therapists can and do wear scrubs to work. Scrubs allow massage therapists the comfort and flexibility they need to manipulate clients’ muscles and help work out the knots. Massage therapists work in a variety of environments, including spas, franchises, doctors’ offices, hotels and fitness centers.

Physical Therapist

• 2023 Median Pay: $99,710 per year ($47.94 per hour)
• Typical Entry-Level Education: Doctoral or professional degree
• Number of Jobs, 2022: 246,800
• Job Outlook, 2022-32 15% (Much faster than average)
• Employment Change, 2022-32: 37,300

Physical therapists work with patients to recover movement and reduce pain after accidents, surgeries and other incidents and health conditions. The work varies from patient to patient. Someone recovering from knee surgery will need different physical therapy than someone coping with arthritis. Physical therapists work with patients during appointments and also devise exercise regimens that clients can do at home to further improve their mobility.

Radiologic or MRI Technologist

• 2023 Median Pay: $76,020 per year ($36.55 per hour)
• Typical Entry-Level Education: Associate's degree
• Number of Jobs, 2022: 264,100
• Job Outlook, 2022-32: 6% (Faster than average)
• Employment Change, 2022-32: 15,400

If you’ve had an X-ray or MRI taken in a hospital, it was likely administered by a radiologic technician. These technicians specialize in operating imaging equipment and work with physicians to take and analyze diagnostic imagery. Most people in the field start off as radiologic technicians, though they may go on to specialize in MRIs or mammography specifically. Technologists can be certified in multiple specialties.

Medical Assistant

• 2023 Median Pay: $42,000 per year ($20.19 per hour)
• Typical Entry-Level Education: Postsecondary non-degree award
• Number of Jobs, 2022: 764,400
• Job Outlook, 2022-32: 14% (Much faster than average)
• Employment Change, 2022-32: 105,900

Not to be confused with nursing assistants, medical assistants work in hospitals, physicians’ offices and similar environments. They often help with administrative tasks such as scheduling appointments and entering patient information into electronic health records. They may also help out with basic clinical tasks, like measuring patient vital signs and preparing blood samples for lab tests.

Clinical Laboratory Technologists and Technicians

• 023 Median Pay: $76,020 per year ($36.55 per hour)
• Typical Entry-Level Education: Associate's degree
• Number of Jobs, 2022: 264,100
• Job Outlook, 2022-32: 6% (Faster than average)
• Employment Change, 2022-32: 15,400

Your lab results don’t manifest out of thin air. Clinical laboratory technologists and technicians have to analyze the sample, interpret the numbers and communicate the results to the rest of the medical team. Technologists are usually the more advanced role, performing more advanced tests than technicians. In a small lab, technicians will perform many different types of tests, while in a larger lab, they may specialize.

Diagnostic Medical Sonographer

• 2023 Median Pay: $80,850 per year ($38.87 per hour)
• Typical Entry-Level Education: Associate’s degree
• Number of Jobs, 2022: 142,800
• Job Outlook, 2022-32: 10% (Much faster than average)
• Employment Change, 2022-32: 14,200

You may also see sonographers referred to as ultrasound technicians, and that’s the equipment that they use to take diagnostic medical imagery. While ultrasounds are most closely associated with pregnancy checkups, sonographers can take images of the abdominal cavity, joints and tendons, the heart and more. They mostly work in hospitals, but can also be found occasionally in physicians’ offices

Pharmacy Technician

• 2023 Median Pay: $40,300 per year ($19.37 per hour)
• Typical Entry-Level Education: High school diploma or equivalent
• Number of Jobs, 2022: 459,600
• Job Outlook, 2022-32: 6% (Faster than average)
• Employment Change, 2022-32: 25,900

Like physicians, pharmacists wear professional clothes underneath white lab coats. To distinguish themselves from full pharmacists, pharmacy technicians usually wear scrubs so they aren’t confused with the pharmacist. Pharmacy technicians collect information needed to fulfill prescriptions, package and label medications, process insurance claims and answer the phone. Pharmacy technicians are supervised by pharmacists, who must review prescriptions before medication can be dispensed.

Veterinarian Technician

• 2023 Median Pay: $43,740 per year ($21.03 per hour)
• Typical Entry-Level Education: Associate’s degree
• Number of Jobs, 2022: 122,900
• Job Outlook, 2022-32: 21% (Much faster than average)
• Employment Change, 2022-32: 25,200 0

Vet technicians assist veterinarians and do many different clinical and laboratory duties around the office. They might provide first aid to injured animals, restrain them during procedures, take X-rays of pets, prepare them for surgery, administer medicines and vaccines and more. Being a vet tech is often a messy job, which is why they usually prefer to wear comfortable, durable veterinary scrubs to work.

Home Health Aide

• 2023 Median Pay: $33,530 per year ($16.12 per hour)
• Typical Entry-Level Education: High school diploma or equivalent
• Number of Jobs, 2022: 3,715,500
• Job Outlook, 2022-32: 22% (Much faster than average)
• Employment Change, 2022-32: 804,600

Home health aides perform tasks somewhat similar to that of nursing assistants, but as the name suggests, home health aides work out of patients’ houses rather than medical facilities. They assist patients struggling with disabilities, chronic illness or cognitive impairment and help them complete everyday tasks such as bathing, eating and dressing. They may work for an agency or be self-employed.

Why Choose a Career in Healthcare?

Careers in healthcare, such as registered nurse, physical therapist, and medical assistant, offer substantial job security due to the growing demand for medical services. Labor statistics indicate a promising outlook for these job types, making a healthcare career a stable choice.

Working in healthcare can also be immensely rewarding, providing opportunities to make a significant impact on patient lives. However, the challenges are real, including long hours and the emotional toll of patient care, requiring a dedicated and resilient personality.

Preparing for a Career in Healthcare

Aspiring healthcare professionals must navigate various educational paths, from vocational training for nursing assistants to advanced degrees for nurse practitioners. Each job type has specific certification requirements that validate the expertise and readiness of the job seeker.

Tips for Job Search and Landing a Healthcare Position

Effective job search strategies are crucial for entering the healthcare field. Prospective employees should focus on tailoring their resumes, preparing thoroughly for job interviews, and utilizing career resources aimed at the medical sector. Here are some practical tips for job seekers looking to secure a position in healthcare:

Enhance Your Qualifications: Continuously update your credentials and skills. Consider obtaining specialized certifications that are relevant to the role you're interested in, such as ACLS (Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support) for critical care or a CCRN (Critical Care Registered Nurse) certification if you're interested in working in intensive care units.

Gain Relevant Experience: Volunteering at healthcare facilities or participating in internships can provide valuable hands-on experience. This not only enhances your resume but also helps you build a professional network in the healthcare community.

Tailor Your Resume and Cover Letter: Customize your application materials for each job you apply for. Highlight your specific skills and experiences that align with the job description. Use keywords from the job posting to help your application get noticed by applicant tracking systems.

Prepare for Interviews: Research common interview questions for healthcare positions and practice your responses. Be ready to discuss both your technical skills and your soft skills, like communication and empathy, which are crucial in healthcare.

Understand the Industry: Stay informed about trends and changes in the healthcare industry. This can help you talk knowledgeably in interviews about the challenges and opportunities in the field.

Leverage Online Resources: Utilize job search engines and websites that specialize in healthcare jobs. Platforms like LinkedIn can also be valuable for networking and discovering job openings.

Follow Up: After interviews, send thank-you emails to express your appreciation for the opportunity to interview and reiterate your interest in the position. This can help keep you top of mind among the candidates.

The Impact of Professionals in Scrubs

Professionals wearing medical scrubs embody the commitment and dedication required to succeed in healthcare. Their roles are critical in ensuring effective patient care and maintaining public health standards.

Jobs that require scrubs are relatively common in the healthcare world, but not all healthcare jobs require scrubs. If you’re looking for a job where you can wear scrubs all day, start with the 17 options listed here.

Stock up on Scrubs!