If you’re a tech professional looking to break into healthcare, you’re not alone. Many individuals with backgrounds in data analytics, software engineering, and IT are seeking ways to apply their skills to improve patient care, streamline operations, and drive innovation in the industry.
The healthcare industry is undergoing a massive digital transformation, but there’s a shortage of professionals who understand both technology and patient care. That’s where tech professionals come in.
“Almost any career path today requires some level of data analysis skills, and healthcare is no different,” says Marie Maloney, the Associate Director of Graduate Health Informatics Program at Northeastern. “Overall the industry is shifting to become more data-driven, and tech professionals bring a valuable skill set that can help transform patient care.”
Whether you’re drawn to the stability, purpose-driven work, or the growing demand for healthcare technology expertise, you might be wondering: What roles are available? What skills do you need? And how do you make the transition without starting over?
This article will explore the top tech jobs in healthcare, highlighting careers that leverage technology to improve patient outcomes and streamline medical operations. If you’re ready to explore a meaningful career shift, read on to learn about the best opportunities in the field.
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Are Tech Jobs in Healthcare in High Demand?
For those with a technology background, transitioning into healthcare presents an exciting opportunity to apply technical skills in a field that directly impacts lives. As the industry becomes increasingly data-driven, the demand for tech professionals who can manage, analyze, and interpret complex information is rising.
“Since there’s so much data available for clinical settings, research, and pharma, the need to analyze it in a way that’s actually usable has become incredibly important,” says Jay Spitulnik, the Director of the Health Informatics Graduate Program at Northeastern’s Bouvé College of Health Sciences and Khoury College of Computer Sciences.
Some common trends in healthcare that leverage data include:
- Digitization: Increasing reliance on electronic health records (EHRs), artificial intelligence (AI), and data analytics to enhance patient care and operations.
- Telehealth: Growth in virtual care and remote monitoring requires experts to develop secure platforms and integrate wearable tech.
- Personalized Medicine: Data-driven treatments are reshaping healthcare, creating demand for expertise in bioinformatics, AI, and analytics.
This growing reliance on technology is fueling demand for skilled professionals across the healthcare industry. Job market trends reflect this surge, with salaries for these roles experiencing significant growth. According to job postings data, the median annual salary for technology-focused positions in healthcare increased from $92,400 in 2023 to $139,000 by the end of 2024.
As technology becomes even more integrated into patient care, cybersecurity, and medical research, the need for skilled professionals will continue to rise. “We’re seeing a shift where healthcare organizations need technology experts who can bridge the gap between technology and patient care,” Maloney says. “The ability to work with complex data sets and develop technology-driven solutions is now critical in every sector of healthcare.”
As the demand for healthcare technology professionals grows, so do the opportunities—and the earning potential. With a median salary of $107,300, roles in this field offer competitive compensation and strong career prospects.
As the demand for healthcare technology professionals grows, so do the career opportunities—many of which offer strong earning potential and a chance to make a real impact. These roles stand out due to job growth, salary potential, and the ability for career changers to transition with transferable skills.
Top 5 Healthcare Tech Jobs to Consider
1. Health Informatics Specialist
Annual Salary Range: $70,000–$110,000
Health informatics specialists play a critical role in managing and analyzing healthcare data, implementing and optimizing health information systems, ensuring data quality and security, and using data to improve patient care and healthcare delivery. This role is a strong fit for professionals transitioning from IT, database administration, or data management, as it builds on experience with structured data, system integration, and information security.
If you have worked with enterprise software, cloud computing, or cybersecurity, you may find this transition particularly seamless. Additionally, those already in healthcare—such as medical administrators or clinical professionals familiar with EHRs—can leverage their industry knowledge to bridge the gap between healthcare providers and technology teams.
Strong communication skills are essential, as informatics specialists must translate complex data needs into functional solutions. “One of the most essential foundational skills in health informatics is communication,” Spitulnik says. “They need to be able to effectively interpret what different stakeholders require from data systems and translate that into actionable solutions.”
In addition, many of the other skills required for this role are transferable from other career paths, including:
- Data management
- IT systems knowledge
- Regulatory compliance
While some professionals enter this field with on-the-job training, earning a Master of Science in Health Informatics can provide specialized knowledge in healthcare data systems, compliance, and analytics, which can help you stand out in this rapidly growing sector.
2. Clinical Data Analyst
Annual Salary Range: $80,000–$120,000
Clinical data analysts play a key role in healthcare by transforming raw patient data into meaningful insights that drive evidence-based decision-making. They use statistical techniques to identify trends in patient outcomes, optimize treatment plans, and improve operational efficiency. This role is a strong fit for professionals transitioning from business intelligence, finance analytics, or software engineering, as it builds on expertise in data wrangling, statistical modeling, and visualization tools.
As healthcare organizations increasingly rely on real-world data, the ability to analyze patient information in real-time is critical. Clinical data analysts can help healthcare providers better understand health data through technology, ensuring it’s used effectively to improve patient care outcomes.
“Data science and interoperability have drastically improved our ability to analyze patient outcomes in real time,” says Dr. Justin Manjourides, an Associate Professor at Bouvé College of Health Sciences. “So that’s made this kind of role indispensable in today’s modern healthcare system.”
Many of the skills required for this role are transferable from both data-driven and healthcare backgrounds, including:
- Statistical analysis
- Database management
- Data visualization
While some professionals enter this field through hands-on experience, earning a graduate degree in a related field can provide specialized training in healthcare data analysis and statistical modeling. For example, a Master’s in Real World Evidence in Healthcare and Life Sciences or Public Health with a focus in biostatistics are strong options for career changers seeking to develop expertise in analyzing healthcare data for clinical decision-making.
3. Medical Device Engineer
Annual Salary Range: $75,000–$130,000
Medical device engineers play a vital role in designing, testing, and refining healthcare equipment to enhance patient care and meet safety regulations. They collaborate with healthcare professionals to develop innovative solutions that improve diagnostics, treatment, and rehabilitation. This role is an excellent fit for professionals transitioning from mechanical, electrical, or software engineering since it builds on expertise in product development, system design, and regulatory compliance.
There’s a significant demand for these professionals. According to job market data, there was a 48 percent increase in job postings for medical device specialists from September to December 2024. And as medical technology continues to evolve, professionals with engineering backgrounds will continue to have the opportunity to drive advancements in healthcare innovation.
Many of the skills required for this role are transferable from engineering and product development backgrounds, including:
- Biomedical engineering
- Product development
- Regulatory compliance
While some professionals enter this field through direct industry experience, earning an advanced degree can help prepare you for the intricacies of medical engineering. For example, a Master’s in Human Movement and Rehabilitation Sciences can provide specialized training in biomechanics, assistive technology, and rehabilitation-focused medical devices.
4. Health Data Scientist
Annual Salary Range: $95,000–$140,000
Health data scientists play a critical role in applying machine learning and other AI methods to healthcare data, enabling predictive analytics, optimizing hospital operations, and advancing medical research. This role is well-suited for professionals transitioning from data science or software engineering by building on existing expertise in programming, statistical modeling, and algorithm development.
Healthcare organizations are increasingly leveraging AI-powered solutions to enhance patient care and operational efficiency. “The explosion of data from EHRs, wearables, and remote monitoring means we need professionals who understand AI, machine learning, and how to apply those technologies to improve patient outcomes,” Maloney says.
Many of the skills required for this role are transferable from data science, engineering, and analytics backgrounds, including:
- Programming
- Machine learning
- Statistical analysis
While some professionals enter this field through industry experience, earning a Master’s in Health Informatics with a focus on Data Science can provide specialized training in healthcare analytics, AI applications, and machine learning.
5. Pharmaceutical Data Analyst
Annual Salary Range: $85,000–$125,000
Pharmaceutical data analysts play a crucial role in analyzing clinical trial data, optimizing drug development, and assessing pharmaceutical market trends. They ensure new treatments are effective, meet regulatory standards, and contribute to data-driven decision-making in the pharmaceutical industry.
This role is a strong fit for professionals transitioning from research, statistics, or market analysis because there are several overlaps between this role and a clinical data analyst. “The availability of real-world data has drastically changed how we evaluate drug efficacy,” Manjourides says, “which has led to faster and more cost-effective pharmaceutical advancements.”
Many of the skills required for this role are transferable from research, analytics, and regulatory backgrounds, including:
- Statistical modeling
- Research methodologies
- Regulatory compliance
While some professionals enter this field through direct industry experience, earning an advanced degree can provide specialized training to advance your career. For example, a degree in Real World Evidence in Healthcare and Life Sciences focuses on leveraging real-world data for drug efficacy evaluation, regulatory decision-making, and market access strategies. On the other hand, a degree in Pharmaceutical Sciences provides a broader foundation in drug development, formulation, and regulatory affairs, equipping professionals with the expertise needed to navigate the complexities of bringing new treatments to market. Both paths offer valuable skills for excelling in pharmaceutical data analysis and advancing innovation in the industry.
Launch Your Healthcare Tech Career
Successfully transitioning into a healthcare tech career requires a strategic approach. Start by identifying your transferable skills—whether in data analysis, software development, or project management—and how they apply to healthcare. Strengthening your understanding of healthcare systems and regulations through specialized education can also give you a competitive edge. According to job market data, 70 percent of healthcare tech careers require at least a bachelor’s degree. Therefore, it’s essential to earn a master’s degree to stand out.
Take the next step by building the expertise that employers are looking for. Enroll in one of Bouvé’s graduate programs designed specifically for career changers looking to break into healthcare technology. With interdisciplinary coursework, real-world applications, and industry connections, Bouvé provides the expertise and flexibility needed to help you succeed.
Ready to take the next step? Download Your Guide to High-Demand Healthcare Careers and start your journey toward a fulfilling career in healthcare tech.
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