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Demand for specialists in the healthcare industry is booming, with cardiac medical technologist ranking as the top job listing in the U.S., according to labor market data from Indeed.
The role leads all occupations by share of job postings, accounting for 224 listings per 1 million postings on the platform.
Demand for cardiac medical technologists has grown steadily over the past three years, with job postings up 34% over that period. Wages have increased at the same pace, rising 34% over three years.
Despite strong demand and wage growth, the role remains largely in-person.
Only about 2% of job postings for cardiac medical technologists are listed as remote. The estimated median annual salary for the position is $133,907, reflecting both specialized clinical skills and sustained hiring demand in healthcare settings.
Seven of the top 10 jobs on the list are in healthcare, reflecting sustained clinical demand even as hiring patterns shift across settings, according to Indeed job posting data.
"Only 11% of total jobs are in healthcare, but it represents 72% of the job growth [in the broader job market]," Laura Ullrich, North America research director for the Indeed Hiring Lab, said in a statement.
The report, "The Best Jobs in the US for 2026, according to Indeed," noted that because medical care is a "non-negotiable need," demand for healthcare roles not only remains high but offers those holding the role an additional layer of job security.
"For job seekers in 2026, healthcare isn't just a top choice on Indeed's list — it is one of the most reliable foundations for a stable career," the report said.
Nurse practitioners rank third overall, accounting for 2,874 job postings per 1 million on Indeed. Wage growth for the role increased 10% over the past three years, though job postings slipped 2% over the same period.
About 10% of postings are remote. The estimated median annual salary is $143,183.
Physical therapists rank seventh, with one of the highest volumes of healthcare postings at 6,299 per 1 million. Wages grew 8% over three years, while postings remained flat. Remote opportunities were rare at 2%, and the estimated median salary is $110,848.
Radiation therapists rank ninth, with 239 postings per 1 million. Wages rose 26% over three years, and postings grew 8%. Remote work remains uncommon at 3%, and the estimated median salary is $115,923.
"When people think of healthcare, they think of doctors, nurses or pharmacists," Ullrich said. "But they might not think of other, more niche roles – like cardiac technicians – that have seen serious growth."
Aesthetic nurses landed just outside the top 10, ranking twelfth with 96 postings per 1 million. Job postings surged 69% over three years, while wages grew 16%. Remote work is rare at 1%, and the estimated median salary is $108,375.
A broader pattern from the findings is the prominence of healthcare roles that require specialized training and highly specific clinical skills, often delivered through direct, one-on-one patient interaction.
Positions such as speech-language pathologist, occupational therapist, sign language interpreter and music therapist highlight continued demand for specialized, human-centered care roles.
"This trend isn't expected to slow any time soon," the report noted. "In fact, it could accelerate as more Americans live to be 100 and older."