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Job outlook for health care providers in the United States
Health care provider job growth summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
The projected health care provider job growth rate is 36% from 2018-2028.
About 1,185,800 new jobs for health care providers are projected over the next decade.
Health care provider salaries have increased 8% for health care providers in the last 5 years.
There are over 484,313 health care providers currently employed in the United States.
There are 236,098 active health care provider job openings in the US.
The average health care provider salary is $39,309.
Are health care provider jobs in demand?
Health Care Provider job and salary trends over time
Health Care Provider jobs over time
Health Care Provider job growth rate over time
| Year | # Of Jobs | % Of Population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 484,313 | 0.14% |
| 2020 | 93,885 | 0.03% |
| 2019 | 969,859 | 0.29% |
| 2018 | 1,279,952 | 0.39% |
| 2017 | 1,260,515 | 0.38% |
Average health care provider salary over time
Health Care Provider salary by year
| Year | Avg. Salary | Hourly Rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $39,309 | $18.90 | +5.2% |
| 2024 | $37,354 | $17.96 | --4.3% |
| 2023 | $39,020 | $18.76 | +4.3% |
| 2022 | $37,424 | $17.99 | +2.7% |
| 2021 | $36,441 | $17.52 | +3.1% |
Health Care Provider jobs by state
Most common states for health care providers
| Rank | State | Population | # of Jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 276 | 40% |
| 2 | Pennsylvania | 12,805,537 | 4,096 | 32% |
| 3 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 1,804 | 32% |
| 4 | Iowa | 3,145,711 | 992 | 32% |
| 5 | Montana | 1,050,493 | 306 | 29% |
| 6 | Delaware | 961,939 | 279 | 29% |
| 7 | North Dakota | 755,393 | 208 | 28% |
| 8 | Missouri | 6,113,532 | 1,561 | 26% |
| 9 | South Dakota | 869,666 | 230 | 26% |
| 10 | North Carolina | 10,273,419 | 2,604 | 25% |
| 11 | Michigan | 9,962,311 | 2,497 | 25% |
| 12 | Wisconsin | 5,795,483 | 1,405 | 24% |
| 13 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 320 | 24% |
| 14 | Alaska | 739,795 | 176 | 24% |
| 15 | Washington | 7,405,743 | 1,726 | 23% |
| 16 | Arizona | 7,016,270 | 1,593 | 23% |
| 17 | Wyoming | 579,315 | 135 | 23% |
| 18 | Maryland | 6,052,177 | 1,345 | 22% |
| 19 | Nebraska | 1,920,076 | 423 | 22% |
| 20 | Ohio | 11,658,609 | 2,416 | 21% |
Most common cities for health care providers
| Rank | City | # of Jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | East Lansing | 2 | 4% | $39,542 |
| 2 | Burlington | 1 | 4% | $46,461 |
| 3 | Northbrook | 1 | 3% | $38,651 |
| 4 | Worcester | 2 | 1% | $47,346 |
| 5 | Burbank | 1 | 1% | $29,288 |
| 6 | Longmont | 1 | 1% | $34,468 |
| 7 | Meridian | 1 | 1% | $36,752 |
| 8 | Colorado Springs | 1 | 0% | $33,424 |
| 9 | Spokane | 1 | 0% | $40,063 |
Health Care Provider job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of health care provider experts
Oklahoma State University - Oklahoma City
Springfield College
The University of Arizona
Merrimack College
Georgia Southern University
Montana State University
Erie Family Health Centers
Cambridge College
Idaho State University
Marywood University
Rollins College
Healthcare Technology Management
MGMA
IHRSA, The International Health, Racquet & Sportsclub Association
BS Healthcare Administration
Penny Ridenour
Dean of School of Health SciencesOklahoma State University - Oklahoma City
Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences
What general advice would you give to a Health Care Provider?
Penny Ridenour: In order to maximize your earnings, flexibility is key to fit the niche the employer needs. Intentionally accept assignments that will allow growth in a specialization. If possible, ask to shadow other professionals proficient in the specialization you desire.
What Health Care Provider skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Penny Ridenour: To differentiate yourself from the other new professionals entering healthcare after graduation, pay attention to the soft skills employers are looking for. Listening, empathy, and communication skills polish professional persona. Also, developing skills in resiliency will equip new professionals for a growing career in healthcare.
What will help Health Care Providers increase their earning potential?
Penny Ridenour: It is important to be committed to lifelong learning as healthcare is innovative and dynamic. Technological proficiency will be vital in adapting to any new changes in the field.
Megan Harvey Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Health ScienceSpringfield College
School of Health Sciences
What skills stand out on Health Care Provider resumes?
Megan Harvey Ph.D.: Students who plan to go into the health care field need to have both determination and thick skin and the ability to be empathic and understand their patients. We've seen the way health care professionals are being treated change, even just in the past 5 years. It can be a hard balance to walk for health care professionals, to be both firm about evidence-based practice and empathetic and kind to their patients, but it's really the only way to achieve the best possible patient outcomes. I imagine that showing that you have worked in challenging health care situations is one way to show that you're developing this skill on your resume.
What soft skills should all Health Care Providers possess?
Megan Harvey Ph.D.: Problem-solving is such an important skill. We need health care providers who think for themselves and attempt to answer their own questions, AND - that know how to balance that with asking for help when they need it.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Health Care Providers?
Megan Harvey Ph.D.: Understanding documentation and electronic medical records are a must-have in health care these days!
What skills will help Health Care Providers earn the most?
Megan Harvey Ph.D.: The highest earners are probably those who know how to set themselves apart from their peers and who are warm and approachable to their patients. You can't fake being a good health care provider, and you won't be a high earner in this field unless you're good at what you do. There's no shortcut for putting the time and effort in that it takes to truly care about getting the best outcome possible for your patient.
Amanda Sokan Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of PracticeThe University of Arizona
Phoenix Campus Department
What skills stand out on Health Care Provider resumes?
Amanda Sokan Ph.D.: Further to my statement above - it will likely depend on the particular position. Perhaps generally - leadership, business skills/acumen for operations/business administration, & finance management, data analysis and management, quality assurance/control, skills that indicate prowess in relevant technical, technological, or digital skills. May also reflect current trends or industry needs, e.g., Population Health & Value-based Contract, Predictive Analytics: Big data in healthcare, Digital Health - The business of telemedicine/ the barriers of disseminating telemedicine, Data Analytics
What soft skills should all Health Care Providers possess?
Amanda Sokan Ph.D.: A long list! In no particular order:
Communication (in its various forms - written, spoken, inter-personal and includes the art of listening); relationship management -teamwork (and associated skills like patience, responsibility, and accountability, self-management/control); leadership, mentoring, networking; problem-solving, critical thinking, diplomacy and tact, flexibility; decision- making - conflict resolution, negotiation skills; planning - time management, innovation, and creativity, self-motivation and work ethic; ethics - ethical judgment/managerial and professional non-verbal; cultural humility/commitment to diversity, inclusion, equity, and access; emotional intelligence, empathy, and humor, etc.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Health Care Providers?
Amanda Sokan Ph.D.: Healthcare technology! Data analytics, digital technology, quality assurance/control, project management, personnel management, finance/accounting, etc.
What skills will help Health Care Providers earn the most?
Amanda Sokan Ph.D.: That said, I think it will depend on many factors (demand, specialization required, location, experience, etc. see statement above). Also, new areas of interest emerge as the industry evolves. See again question one and statement regarding industry trends and needs.
Areas of interest to me - population aging, health technology assessment, digital health technology, precision health, data analytics, human resource management for competitive advantage, diversity and culture and health advocacy, population health.
Comora Sarah
Assistant Clinical ProfessorMerrimack College
Nursing Department
What skills stand out on Health Care Provider resumes?
Comora Sarah: Experience in the industry, Dementia training, BLS certification
Joey Crosby Ph.D.
Professor of Health Sciences, Program Director - Master of Health Administration (MHA)Georgia Southern University
Department of Health Sciences and Kinesiology
What soft skills should all Health Care Providers possess?
Joey Crosby Ph.D.: Communications, emotional intelligence
What skills will help Health Care Providers earn the most?
Joey Crosby Ph.D.: A mix of soft and hard skills.
Dr. Walter Fleming Ph.D.
Department Head and ProfessorMontana State University
Department of Native American Studies
What's a good job out of college for Health Care Providers?
Dr. Walter Fleming Ph.D.: In ethnic studies, there are opportunities in tribal communities, working in many fields, but particularly those supporting the infrastructure of such communities. There are high demands for teachers, social workers, nurses, health care providers and other areas in the "helping professions," as these are critical needs in these communities. The isolation in such communities can mean high turnover but often that can mean higher entry level salaries. More importantly, there is a sense of satisfaction working with communities who struggle.
Valeria J. Stokes RN, BSN, MSN, EdD
Vice President of Human ResourcesErie Family Health Centers
What general advice would you give to a Health Care Provider?
Valeria J. Stokes RN, BSN, MSN, EdD: Health care is a very robust sector for employment. There are many career choices available that have positions that range from clinical jobs such as first responders, physicians, nurses, and other clinical staff. Additionally, there are a variety of work environments such as military, education, hospitals, ambulatory care, health and surgical care centers, and community health centers as well as occupations that include emergency medical technicians, X-ray techs, nutritionists, pharmacists, occupational and physical therapists, and behavioral and mental health care specialists.
Individuals may enter healthcare employment without extensive formal education and receive on the job training as medical, lab, and patient care technicians. The COVID-19 pandemic has illustrated the value and importance of those persons working in health care, and the opportunities offer numerous choices for entry from basic high school education to that of collegiate and advanced education and training.
What general advice would you give to a Health Care Provider?
Dr. Felisa Albert: I would like graduates beginning their career to understand that their journey is not a race but a self-discovery journey. One might start off on one track and later on realize that path is no longer the one they want to pursue. If that happens, please remember: be patient, and believe in yourself and the process in order to clear the mind of self-doubt. The number one goal is to find what one is passionate about, what gives one energy, and what makes the soul happy.
Because everyone has gifts for the world, a person should take action steps to find out what those are by journaling, creating a vision board, meditating, praying, or brainstorming with those who one is familiar with and, more importantly, who can support the exploratory process in that moment. One must remember to always set goals, reach goals, make new goals, and repeat.
College gives the foundation, but now the real world is going to give the test. Embrace the challenge. Stay current and knowledgeable about the professions of choice. One shouldn't be afraid to ask questions and for help, so find a mentor or coach to help guide in the process. The world owes you nothing; therefore, understand there will be obstacles, so creating action plans are necessary to stay focused and to keep moving with a vision in place.
Velma Payne Ph.D.
Program Director of Health InformaticsIdaho State University
College of Health
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Health Care Providers?
Velma Payne Ph.D.: The COVID pandemic confirms the need for skilled personnel in Health Informatics. Informatics is the 'Science of Information.' It involves presenting the right information to the right person at the right time in the right format to enable them to make the right decision (we call this the five rights).
Trained Health Informaticists are needed to capture and analyze data to make sense of this pandemic and present information that helps people deal with the difficult time we live in. It is essential to track the virus, identify the hot spots, determine the extent of community spread, analyze statistics on the number of cases and deaths, and provide information to various stakeholders to make informed decisions.
It is anticipated the pandemic will increase interest in Informatics and Data Analyst careers and result in more individuals pursuing formal training in Health Informatics.
The pandemic has warranted faculty and students the opportunity to have access to COVID data to analyze and perform empirical research and apply theory and concepts to real-world situations.
What experience really stands out on Health Care Provider resumes?
Dr. Alice Elaine McDonnell: Primarily, their internship experience as well as any other project or applied assignments completed as a contribution to the community.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Health Care Providers?
Dr. Alice Elaine McDonnell: As the field of public health presents new challenges/issues, professionals will be needed for wellness education and research. New leadership is needed for reinventing and strengthening our public health systems. Therefore, our graduates are going to be in demand to enhance progress and share a new vision for public health. Our graduates will need to respond more quickly to these challenges.
Shan- Estelle Brown
Assistant Professor Co-Coordinator, Global Health MinorRollins College
Department of Anthropology
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Health Care Provider job market given the pandemic?
Shan- Estelle Brown: Given the pandemic, there will be an increased demand for people working in healthcare to support/relieve the healthcare workers who are just so exhausted at this point - long-term job burnout among existing workers is something I'm concerned about, so we're going to need skilled people to step in as permanent substitutes in case some of these people retire early - that goes for any frontline position right now.
What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for Health Care Providers in the next 3-5 years?
Shan- Estelle Brown: Ultimately, technologies to help people connect and stay connected to each other are going to continue to be terribly important, during and after the pandemic, but I also think tools to help us think about the novel and creative solutions to problems will also grow in popularity. I certainly want to advocate here for ethnography as a research method that requires active listening and observation, participant observation, and interacting with people in order to deeply understand them. This method is particularly useful for understanding beliefs and behaviors in any local context.
What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for Health Care Providers in the next 3-5 years?
Danielle C. McGeary: It's a really exciting time to consider a career as a BMET since COVID-19 has really redefined how healthcare system's deliver care. With the growth of existing telehealth programs and the emphasis of "Hospital at Home", BMETs will be at the forefront of implementing and supporting these technologies. The term medical equipment repairer, greatly underscores all that these highly skilled professionals do for hospitals. Medical devices are no longer stand-alone; they are now all part of networked systems that talk to one another. This is how your health information gets from a medical device to an app on your phone. BMETs work hand-in-hand with hospital IT departments to ensure this all works. And as technology continues to expand outside hospital walls, BMETs are essential to the future state of telemedicine as a permanent fixture of the U.S. healthcare system. BMETs will also play a large role in supporting other emerging technologies in healthcare such as virtual reality (VR), artificial intelligence (AI), surgical robots, and 3D printing.
Will there be an increase or decrease in demand for Health Care Providers in the next 5 years?
Danielle C. McGeary: The Medical Device industry is currently valued at $173 billion in the United States and is projected to grow to $208 billion by 2023 causing the need for BMETs to also grow. Technology that hospitals depend on is always changing and expanding and; therefore, there is always a steady demand for BMETs. If you choose this career path, you WILL get a job. Additionally, the BMET field is also facing the threat of an aging workforce as 60% of BMETs are over the age of 50. When you combine the aging workforce with the continuous changes and growth in health technologies, the need for BMETs in the next 5 year is astronomical.
What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for Health Care Providers in the next 3-5 years?
Andrew Hajde: If I had to pick one I would probably say virtual visits and monitoring, but likely all of the below.
-A continued increase of technologies to meet face-to-face virtually via Zoom, Teams, Duo or other methods will become the norm with less travel for meetings that don't require someone being present in person.
-Telehealth is also here to stay and patients will expect care where and when they need it, this will become even more prevalent over the next few years.
-There will also be an increase of remote monitoring, wearable, and home-based technologies so patients and doctors can keep close tabs on patients, even without them being seen in person.
-I would also expect new advancements in the ability to diagnose and treat patients through the use of A.I. and other evolving technologies.
-Patient portals and quick and easy access to schedule appointments, complete paperwork, check in, pay outstanding bills, the ability to quickly view test results and medical records will be expected, in addition to increased interoperability between different health systems and providers.
Meredith Poppler
Vice President, CommunicationsIHRSA, The International Health, Racquet & Sportsclub Association
What general advice would you give to a Health Care Provider?
Meredith Poppler: The health and fitness industry was poised to have a record year before the crisis hit. That means that once the crisis is behind us, health and fitness clubs of all types will once again be hiring club managers, trainers, fitness floor supervisors, and more. The workforce has changed in that new hires may be required to do more fitness training online, in addition to in the club. Our job site, healthclubs.com/jobs still has plenty of open positions for club managers, sales and marketing people, coaches and personal trainers. If COVID-19 taught the world anything, it's that a healthy body is of the utmost importance, so people will be looking to their neighborhood fitness centers to get and stay healthy.
What type of skills will young Health Care Providers need?
Meredith Poppler: People skills are most important. How to manage a gym or teach a class can be taught, but you must show engagement in members and a love of exercise. You might be the best at knowing how the physical body moves, but if you're not able to connect with club members or clients, that won't matter. Many clubs train fitness professionals in how they want their trainers to train and instructors to teach, but certifications are still very important. Being knowledgeable about how to connect both in person as well as online will be important as we emerge from lockdowns.
What experience really stands out on Health Care Provider resumes?
Jill Carlson: The experience that stands out to me is longevity at a job, activity, or volunteering, even if it is not related to their new field. Seeing a new graduate with a lot of short time employment can raise a red flag. It does not matter to me if the work they did was in a non-related field for several years prior to changing careers. I love to see that. I would rather see that than someone who may have worked in their new field but has had one year here and one year there. I want an employee who is committed. I know that things happen that cause an employee to leave, but when there is a history of it, then it can say something about the prospective employee. I know that a new graduate may have many short time or temporary jobs during college, so then they just need to make sure they can explain that it was seasonal, temporary, or contract.
If a new graduate went right from high school to college or a career school, I would look for commitment to a hard subject (i.e. four years of a foreign language) or commitment to a sport or activity. Volunteering is also a great way to stand out.
Another way for a new graduate to stand out is to take any type of certification for their field. For example, if they are going to be a medical assistant then they need to sit for a certification exam, even if it is not required to work in the area they live. This shows commitment to going above and beyond what is required of them, which leads me to believe that they will do the same as my employee.