In a powerful display of economic strength, the healthcare sector emerged as a driving force in job creation during 2023, generating an impressive 653,000 new positions. Preliminary federal data reveals that healthcare jobs accounted for a remarkable 24% of all jobs created in the overall economy last year. This surge in employment signifies the increasing demand for healthcare services and highlights the industry’s significant contribution to economic growth.
Healthcare Job Growth in December
Despite a slight dip in December, the healthcare industry continued to dominate job creation. With 38,000 new positions, the sector accounted for nearly 40% of the 215,000 total new jobs established in the United States during the final month of 2023. While this figure fell below the impressive monthly average of 54,000 new healthcare jobs witnessed throughout the year, it nevertheless exemplified the sector’s resilience and consistent growth.
Year-over-year Growth in Healthcare Jobs
Comparing the figures to the previous year, the 653,000 new healthcare jobs in 2023 represented an outstanding 17% increase from the 557,000 positions created in 2022. Consequently, the healthcare sector experienced a substantial rise in employment, with the total job count reaching 17.2 million by the end of 2023, up from 16.6 million at the conclusion of 2022. This dramatic expansion underscores the industry’s robustness and potential for continued growth and economic prosperity.
Breakdown of Job Creation Within the Healthcare Sector
Within the expansive healthcare industry, ambulatory care services triumphantly led the charge in job creation. Contributing 19,000 new jobs in December alone, ambulatory care services accounted for half of the healthcare jobs created throughout 2023, approximately 320,000. This reflects the growing popularity of outpatient care options and the shift towards preventive and proactive healthcare.
Additionally, hospitals played a significant role in job creation, adding 15,000 jobs in December and contributing 183,000 new positions throughout the year. The nursing and residential care sector also played its part, creating 3,200 jobs in December and establishing a total of 151,000 jobs over the course of 2023. These job growth patterns reflect the diverse needs and evolving demographics within the healthcare landscape.
Overview of the Unemployment Rate in the U.S. Economy
While the healthcare industry thrived, the overall unemployment rate in the larger U.S. economy remained steady at 3.7%, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Unchanged from November, this figure suggests a stable employment market. Alongside the robust healthcare job growth, other sectors experienced significant gains, with government jobs increasing by 52,000 and leisure and hospitality positions expanding by 40,000.
Average Hourly Earnings for Employees
Not only did healthcare job growth drive economic expansion, but it also uplifted wages for employees. In November, the average hourly earnings for all employees on private nonfarm payrolls rose by 15 cents, or 0.4%, to $34.27. Over the past 12 months, average hourly earnings have enjoyed a significant increase of 4.1%, benefiting workers across various industries. For private-sector production and nonsupervisory employees, average hourly earnings increased by 10 cents, or 0.3%, to $29.42.
The robust growth of healthcare jobs witnessed in 2023 serves as a testament to the industry’s resilience, vitality, and economic significance. Accounting for 24% of all new jobs created, the healthcare sector not only addresses the evolving healthcare needs of the population but also contributes substantially to the broader economic growth of the nation. With increasing demand and technological advancements shaping the future of healthcare, this trend is poised to continue, creating a ripple effect of prosperity in both the healthcare industry and the overall economy.