Interested in working in health care? You will have many job opportunities since overall employment in healthcare occupations is projected to grow 13% from 2021 to 2031, much faster than the average for all occupations. An aging population and more people with chronic diseases account for much of this growth, which is expected to result in approximately 2 million new jobs over the decade, about 60% of which will be in healthcare support occupations.
The median annual wage for healthcare practitioners and technical occupations (such as registered nurses, physicians and surgeons and dental hygienists) was $75,040 in May 2021, which was higher than the median annual wage for all occupations of $45,760. Most of these occupations typically require an advanced degree for entry.
Meanwhile, healthcare support occupations (such as medical assistants, phlebotomists and nursing assistants) had a median annual wage of $29,880 in May 2021, which was lower than the median annual wage for all occupations. The education typically required to enter these occupations ranges from a high school diploma to an associate degree.
As we celebrate World Health Day this April, learn more about some of the healthcare occupations that are projected to grow the fastest from 2021 to 2031.
Nurse practitioners serve as primary and specialty care providers, delivering advanced nursing services to patients and their families.
2021 annual median pay: $120,680
Typical entry-level education: Master’s degree
Number of jobs, 2021: 246,700
Projected growth, 2021–31: 45.7%
Occupational openings, 2021–31 annual average: 26,800
Physician assistants examine, diagnose and treat patients under the supervision of a physician.
2021 annual median pay: $121,530
Typical entry-level education: Master’s degree
Number of jobs, 2021: 139,100
Projected growth, 2021–31: 27.6%
Occupational openings, 2021–31 annual average: 12,700
Physical therapist assistants are supervised by physical therapists to help patients regain movement and manage pain after injuries and illnesses.
2021 annual median pay: $61,180
Typical entry-level education: Associate degree
Number of jobs, 2021: 96,500
Projected growth, 2021–31: 26.5%
Occupational openings, 2021–31 annual average: 17,900
Occupational therapy assistants help patients develop, recover, improve, as well as maintain the skills needed for daily living and working.
2021 annual median pay: $61,730
Typical entry-level education: Associate degree
Number of jobs, 2021: 43,400
Projected growth, 2021–31: 25.4%
Occupational openings, 2021–31 annual average: 8,700
Home health and personal care aides monitor the condition of people with disabilities or chronic illnesses and help them with daily living activities.
2021 annual median pay: $29,430
Typical entry-level education: High school diploma or equivalent
Number of jobs, 2021: 3,636,900
Projected growth, 2021–31: 25.4%
Occupational openings, 2021–31 annual average: 711,700
Speech-language pathologists assess and treat people who have communication disorders.
2021 annual median pay: $79,060
Typical entry-level education: Master’s degree
Number of jobs, 2021: 159,800
Projected growth, 2021–31: 21.3%
Occupational openings, 2021–31 annual average: 14,000
Massage therapists treat clients by applying pressure to manipulate the body’s soft tissues and joints.
2021 annual median pay: $46,910
Typical entry-level education: Postsecondary nondegree award
Number of jobs, 2021: 149,900
Projected growth, 2021–31: 20.0%
Occupational openings, 2021–31 annual average: 25,200
Physical therapist aides are supervised by physical therapists to help patients regain movement and manage pain after injuries and illnesses.
2021 annual median pay: $29,200
Typical entry-level education: High school diploma or equivalent
Number of jobs, 2021: 44,200
Projected growth, 2021–31: 18.8%
Occupational openings, 2021–31 annual average: 7,600
Genetic counselors assess clients’ risk for a variety of inherited conditions, such as birth defects.
2021 annual median pay: $80,150
Typical entry-level education: Master’s degree
Number of jobs, 2021: 2,900
Projected growth, 2021–31: 18.2%
Occupational openings, 2021–31 annual average: 300
Athletic trainers specialize in preventing, diagnosing, and treating muscle and bone injuries and illnesses.
2021 annual median pay: $48,420
Typical entry-level education: Master’s degree
Number of jobs, 2021: 29,400
Projected growth, 2021–31: 17.5%
Occupational openings, 2021–31 annual average: 2,500
Note: Occupational openings are an estimate of the number of positions for workers entering an occupation. Occupational separations – an estimate of the number of workers who will leave an occupation because of retirement, career changes or other factors, combined with projections of employment change – provides the number of occupational openings.
You can explore these and hundreds of other occupations in the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Emily Krutsch and Javier Colato are economists in the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Follow BLS on Twitter at @BLS_gov.
