5 answers
Khai
Student
Olympia, Washington
5
Questions
Asked
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What income did you need to live comfortably?
This is a question that I keep asking myself when I am deciding a career to go into. I'm scared if the career that I pick will be unable to provide for my family and me. I am interested in the medical field right now however I feel uncertain if I will be qualified enough for the job or for schools. I simply just want to help both people and my family if I could and I would like to know what kind of income I should be aiming for to provide for my family and me.
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5 answers
Dr H
Dr. H's Research
1464
Answers
Australia
Updated
Dr’s Answer
Khai, your concerns are completely valid. The fear of choosing a career that might not provide financial stability is something many people face, especially in fields like medicine, where the journey is long and demanding.
To live comfortably, you need to consider both expenses and expectations—where you live, the lifestyle you want, and how many people you'll be supporting. In the U.S., a comfortable income can range anywhere from $70,000 to $120,000+ depending on location and personal responsibilities.
Medicine: A Long-Term Investment
If you're passionate about medicine and helping others, the path is tough but rewarding. While medical school is expensive and requires years of commitment, the financial return eventually justifies the cost. Physicians earn $200,000+ on average, but the real challenge is getting through the years of study, debt, and residency training.
If you're unsure about medical school but still want a stable, well-paying career in healthcare, there are alternative paths:
Physician Assistant (PA) – Requires less time in school, earns $120,000+, and has work-life balance.
Nursing (RN/NP) – Offers various career levels with salaries from $70,000 to $150,000+ (as a Nurse Practitioner).
Medical Technology/Pharmacy – Stable careers in healthcare with solid earning potential.
You don’t need to have everything figured out right now. If medicine excites you, start by shadowing professionals, researching scholarships, and considering alternative healthcare roles if you're unsure about medical school. You have time to grow into your decision—just focus on what truly drives you and the stability will follow.
At first it is tough but rest me with dedication an passion, it gets a lot easier and rewarding because there are many ways to earn along the way. Good luck hope this helps.
To live comfortably, you need to consider both expenses and expectations—where you live, the lifestyle you want, and how many people you'll be supporting. In the U.S., a comfortable income can range anywhere from $70,000 to $120,000+ depending on location and personal responsibilities.
Medicine: A Long-Term Investment
If you're passionate about medicine and helping others, the path is tough but rewarding. While medical school is expensive and requires years of commitment, the financial return eventually justifies the cost. Physicians earn $200,000+ on average, but the real challenge is getting through the years of study, debt, and residency training.
If you're unsure about medical school but still want a stable, well-paying career in healthcare, there are alternative paths:
Physician Assistant (PA) – Requires less time in school, earns $120,000+, and has work-life balance.
Nursing (RN/NP) – Offers various career levels with salaries from $70,000 to $150,000+ (as a Nurse Practitioner).
Medical Technology/Pharmacy – Stable careers in healthcare with solid earning potential.
You don’t need to have everything figured out right now. If medicine excites you, start by shadowing professionals, researching scholarships, and considering alternative healthcare roles if you're unsure about medical school. You have time to grow into your decision—just focus on what truly drives you and the stability will follow.
At first it is tough but rest me with dedication an passion, it gets a lot easier and rewarding because there are many ways to earn along the way. Good luck hope this helps.
Thank you for your support Doc Frick truly appreciate it. 🙌
Dr H
Doc Frick
Career Coach and Mentor
1942
Answers
California, CA
Updated
Doc’s Answer
Great question Kahi,
To become a doctor in the United States, you typically need to earn an undergraduate degree (4-years), attend medical school (additional 4-years), and then complete a multi-year residency (3 to 4-years). Doctors receive some pay during their residency, so you'll only need to worry about paying tuition during their undergraduate and medical school years. Medical school is an expensive and challenging endeavor, it’s no secret that becoming a doctor is a long and expensive process. It can take a decade or more of education; plus the corresponding tuition payments before you see any return on your effort and financial investment are daunting. The average cost of a medical school education is $240,000, putting the average price of an undergraduate degree and medical degree at a whopping $400,000. Of course, this is just an average. You could pay far less by going to in-state schools and earning scholarships or far more if you go to expensive private universities. It also does not account for any interest that accrues on loans you take out.
🩺 PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT (PA)
Perhaps Kahi you could start out as a physician assistant until you need to provide for a family of ten. 😉 The specific duties of a PA are determined by your supervising physician, but you'll provide many of the same services as a primary care physician. While PAs work in collaboration with a supervising physician, this does not mean you'll work under the direct supervision of a physician. You'll mostly work independently, operating under a set scope of practice determined by state law. For example, each state has rules and regulations regarding which types of medication a PA can prescribe. Anything outside of that list requires additional consulting from a physician.
🎓 PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT
EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS
1️⃣ EARN A BACHELOR'S DEGREE.
According to the American Academy of PAs (AAPA), most PA programs require that applicants have a bachelor’s degree before entering a PA program in addition to about three years of healthcare experience. At a minimum, the agency says a candidate typically needs to complete at least two years of college coursework in basic and behavioral sciences before applying to a PA program. Many programs require a high GPA (typically 3.0 or higher) and prerequisites such as chemistry/ organic chemistry, biology/microbiology, physiology, psychology and statistics.
2️⃣ GAIN HEALTHCARE EXPERIENCE.
Each physician assistant program has different requirements regarding healthcare experience. However, the AAPA indicates that PA program applicants typically have three years of healthcare experience before applying for PA.
3️⃣ APPLY TO PA SCHOOL
Apply to the PA program of your choice.
Consider location, curriculum, cost, available financial aid and accreditation. Every state requires that its physician assistants attend a program accredited by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA)External link:open_in_new in order to grant licensure.
4️⃣ GRADUATE FROM PA SCHOOL
Generally, physician assistant education programs may take about three years for coursework and clinical experience, but each PA program may be different. Be sure to check with your preferred university for coursework and clinical experience sequences.
☑️ SALARY
In the United States, the median annual PA salary is $98,000 to 120,000, as reported by the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) as of March 2025.
CONCLUSION
Kahi if you primarily want to be in a role where you treat patients PA school may provide the opportunities you need for now until your family grows because becoming a PA does not take as long or cost as much as becoming a Doctor.
To become a doctor in the United States, you typically need to earn an undergraduate degree (4-years), attend medical school (additional 4-years), and then complete a multi-year residency (3 to 4-years). Doctors receive some pay during their residency, so you'll only need to worry about paying tuition during their undergraduate and medical school years. Medical school is an expensive and challenging endeavor, it’s no secret that becoming a doctor is a long and expensive process. It can take a decade or more of education; plus the corresponding tuition payments before you see any return on your effort and financial investment are daunting. The average cost of a medical school education is $240,000, putting the average price of an undergraduate degree and medical degree at a whopping $400,000. Of course, this is just an average. You could pay far less by going to in-state schools and earning scholarships or far more if you go to expensive private universities. It also does not account for any interest that accrues on loans you take out.
🩺 PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT (PA)
Perhaps Kahi you could start out as a physician assistant until you need to provide for a family of ten. 😉 The specific duties of a PA are determined by your supervising physician, but you'll provide many of the same services as a primary care physician. While PAs work in collaboration with a supervising physician, this does not mean you'll work under the direct supervision of a physician. You'll mostly work independently, operating under a set scope of practice determined by state law. For example, each state has rules and regulations regarding which types of medication a PA can prescribe. Anything outside of that list requires additional consulting from a physician.
🎓 PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT
EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS
1️⃣ EARN A BACHELOR'S DEGREE.
According to the American Academy of PAs (AAPA), most PA programs require that applicants have a bachelor’s degree before entering a PA program in addition to about three years of healthcare experience. At a minimum, the agency says a candidate typically needs to complete at least two years of college coursework in basic and behavioral sciences before applying to a PA program. Many programs require a high GPA (typically 3.0 or higher) and prerequisites such as chemistry/ organic chemistry, biology/microbiology, physiology, psychology and statistics.
2️⃣ GAIN HEALTHCARE EXPERIENCE.
Each physician assistant program has different requirements regarding healthcare experience. However, the AAPA indicates that PA program applicants typically have three years of healthcare experience before applying for PA.
3️⃣ APPLY TO PA SCHOOL
Apply to the PA program of your choice.
Consider location, curriculum, cost, available financial aid and accreditation. Every state requires that its physician assistants attend a program accredited by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA)External link:open_in_new in order to grant licensure.
4️⃣ GRADUATE FROM PA SCHOOL
Generally, physician assistant education programs may take about three years for coursework and clinical experience, but each PA program may be different. Be sure to check with your preferred university for coursework and clinical experience sequences.
☑️ SALARY
In the United States, the median annual PA salary is $98,000 to 120,000, as reported by the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) as of March 2025.
CONCLUSION
Kahi if you primarily want to be in a role where you treat patients PA school may provide the opportunities you need for now until your family grows because becoming a PA does not take as long or cost as much as becoming a Doctor.
Thank You Dr. H. Unselfish and noble actions are the most radiant epochs in the biography of our souls.
Doc Frick
Thank You Michelle. Not being able to do everything is no excuse for not doing everything you can.
Doc Frick
Thank You Kahi. Nothing is impossible, the word itself says 'I'm possible'
Doc Frick
Martha Kramer
Corporate Training, Communications
480
Answers
Stamford, Connecticut
Updated
Martha’s Answer
Hi, Kai - it is funny that you asked about medicine and your first two answers came from Doc Frick and Dr. H. :-) They both gave you excellent advice, but I would like to add a few points:
- Many people have medical school debt but go on to have comfortable lives. They purchase homes and cars, go on vacation, etc. Remember that you would start to get paid partway through your medical education.
- There are a few medical schools that you could attend tuition free - see US News link below
- There are also programs that would erase your loan debt if you work in high-need areas for a certain number of years. Since you expressed an interest in helping people, this may be an attractive option for you.
- If you have a life partner, that person might want to share the responsibility of supporting your family. This could relieve some of the pressure on you.
- The cost of living can be quite different, based on where you live, your recreational preferences, your diet, health issues, etc. For example, you would need more money for a major metropolitan area and doing a lot of global travel. But you would need less money if you lived in a less expensive area and had less expensive hobbies. Also, certain employers can offer benefits that save you a lot of money. For example, I worked for a company that paid less salary but paid most medical expenses, which was terrific for my family and me. Please keep this in mind as you see earnings ranges, and later, consider job offers.
I hope this helps and wish you good luck!
Free medical school - https://www.usnews.com/education/best-graduate-schools/top-medical-schools/articles/2017-07-13/how-to-attend-medical-school-for-free
Loan forgiveness - https://www.ama-assn.org/medical-students/medical-school-life/medical-student-financial-faq-insight-loan-forgiveness
- Many people have medical school debt but go on to have comfortable lives. They purchase homes and cars, go on vacation, etc. Remember that you would start to get paid partway through your medical education.
- There are a few medical schools that you could attend tuition free - see US News link below
- There are also programs that would erase your loan debt if you work in high-need areas for a certain number of years. Since you expressed an interest in helping people, this may be an attractive option for you.
- If you have a life partner, that person might want to share the responsibility of supporting your family. This could relieve some of the pressure on you.
- The cost of living can be quite different, based on where you live, your recreational preferences, your diet, health issues, etc. For example, you would need more money for a major metropolitan area and doing a lot of global travel. But you would need less money if you lived in a less expensive area and had less expensive hobbies. Also, certain employers can offer benefits that save you a lot of money. For example, I worked for a company that paid less salary but paid most medical expenses, which was terrific for my family and me. Please keep this in mind as you see earnings ranges, and later, consider job offers.
I hope this helps and wish you good luck!
Martha recommends the following next steps:
Kimberly Weeks
Licensed Dispensing Oprician
2
Answers
Bluff City, Tennessee
Updated
Kimberly’s Answer
I feel this can vary depending on how much cost of living is in general or your area. I live in Tennessee. I make around 70k a year from last year’s W2. My husband is disabled and only makes about 20k. We live comfortably. We have one son at home. We do not have a lot of credit card debt. And we don’t have a lot of hobbies to spend money on. It also would depend on if you’re a single parent or the only partner working I’d think. A lot of what ifs. … Good luck in what you choose. My field is great for advancement, scheduling with children at home if you get the right manager or become the manager.
Rebecca Tang
Banking
2435
Answers
Hong Kong
Updated
Rebecca’s Answer
Thank you for your question. Firstly, you need to find out what career you have interest. If you work on something you have interest, you can do it and make good income.
Below are my suggestions :
1. Since you have interest in medical field, would you like to be doctor, nurse, physiotherapist, pharmacist, psychologist, etc. There are plenty careers are medical related. You can find out more online.
2. Find out more on these careers and determine what you have interest
3. Speak to someone who are working in these careers. Seek guidance from your mentor, school career counsellor, your parents, etc.
4. Shortlist 1-2 careers you would like to pursue
5. Explore the entry criteria of relevant subjects in colleges
Hope this helps! Good Luck!
May Almighty God bless you!
Below are my suggestions :
1. Since you have interest in medical field, would you like to be doctor, nurse, physiotherapist, pharmacist, psychologist, etc. There are plenty careers are medical related. You can find out more online.
2. Find out more on these careers and determine what you have interest
3. Speak to someone who are working in these careers. Seek guidance from your mentor, school career counsellor, your parents, etc.
4. Shortlist 1-2 careers you would like to pursue
5. Explore the entry criteria of relevant subjects in colleges
Hope this helps! Good Luck!
May Almighty God bless you!