Hiring trends: Health care jobs on the rise in 2023 and beyond

The health care industry continues to dominate hiring trends. In fact, overall employment in health care occupations is projected to grow 13 percent through 2031, much faster than the average for all occupations, according to the U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics. In addition to newly created roles, labor experts estimate about 1.9 million health care jobs open up each year, due to demand and employee replacement needs.

1. Home health aides Outlook:

Employment of home health aides and personal care aides is projected to grow 25% through 2031, much faster than the average for all occupations.

How to: Home health aides and personal care aides typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, though some positions do not require it. Those working in certified home health or hospice agencies must complete formal training and pass a standardized test.

Pay: The median annual wage for home health aides was $29,430 per year in 2021.

2. Occupational therapy assistants and aides

Outlook: Overall employment of occupational therapy assistants and aides is projected to grow 14 percent through 2031, faster than the average for all occupations.

How to: Occupational therapy assistants need an associate’s degree from an accredited occupational therapy assistant program.

Occupational therapy aides typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and receive training on the job.

Pay: The median annual wage for occupational therapy aides was $85,470 in 2021.

3. Physician assistants Outlook:

Employment of physician assistants is projected to grow 28% through 2031, much faster than the average for all occupations. As demand for health care services grows, physician assistants, who practice medicine on teams with physicians, surgeons, and other healthcare workers, will be needed to provide care to patients.

How to: Physician assistants typically need a master’s degree from an accredited educational program. All states require physician assistants to be licensed.

Pay: The median annual wage for physician assistants was $121,530 in 2021.