Healthcare Jobs Continue to Shine in the US Job Market
Despite a cooler job market in the past year, healthcare jobs remain a major bright spot, continuing to show resilience even during uncertain times. According to a new report by Indeed, many of the top jobs to "get hired and thrive" are in healthcare. This conclusion comes after analyzing thousands of job postings, wage growth, and other factors to uncover career opportunities with strong long-term mobility and security.
Indeed’s latest list of the best jobs is built around data that weighs current job openings against three-year growth trends. It focuses on positions that offer above-average salaries and are well-positioned for future growth. Specifically, jobs with a median salary of $65,000 or more were prioritized. According to Laura Ullrich, the director of economic research in North America at the Indeed Hiring Lab, specialized roles in industries like healthcare are especially strong right now and are likely to remain so in the future.
“Healthcare and social assistance have proven to be more resilient than most sectors, often making it difficult to pause hiring,” Ullrich told Business Insider. As industries like tech and finance face periodic slowdowns, healthcare roles continue to be in high demand, driven by factors like aging populations and the constant need for medical services.
In fact, according to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), some healthcare roles are projected to experience enormous growth in the coming decade. For example, the employment of nurse practitioners is expected to grow by an impressive 40% from 2024 to 2034, making it one of the top job opportunities on Indeed’s list.
So, which healthcare jobs are driving this growth? Here are the top 10 jobs that are not only thriving today but are also positioned for long-term success:
10. Data Scientist
Median Salary: $115,079
3-Year Job Posting Growth: 15%
3-Year Wage Growth: -3%
Data scientists remain in high demand as companies look for ways to interpret vast amounts of data. Though the wage growth has slowed, the job market for data scientists continues to expand rapidly.
9. Radiation Therapist
Median Salary: $115,923
3-Year Job Posting Growth: 8%
3-Year Wage Growth: 26%
Radiation therapists are in-demand professionals, especially as advancements in cancer treatment continue to expand. The job market has seen steady growth, with wages seeing a significant increase.
8. Occupational Therapist
Median Salary: $105,580
3-Year Job Posting Growth: 13%
3-Year Wage Growth: 6%
Occupational therapy is a field with growing demand, especially with an aging population needing help with daily activities. The job market continues to rise, providing stability and opportunity.
7. Physical Therapist
Median Salary: $110,848
3-Year Job Posting Growth: 0%
3-Year Wage Growth: 8%
While the physical therapy field has seen less dramatic growth in job postings, the sector remains strong in terms of wages and job security. Physical therapists continue to be essential in rehabilitation and pain management.
6. Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Median Salary: $119,618
3-Year Job Posting Growth: -32%
3-Year Wage Growth: 20%
Though job postings have declined, licensed clinical social workers still see significant wage growth, reflecting an increased demand for mental health professionals.
5. Licensed Professional Counselor
Median Salary: $107,812
3-Year Job Posting Growth: -17%
3-Year Wage Growth: 33%
Similar to clinical social workers, licensed professional counselors have seen a dip in postings, but their wages have surged. Mental health support remains a critical area, driving demand for these roles.
4. Speech-Language Pathologist
Median Salary: $109,431
3-Year Job Posting Growth: 11%
3-Year Wage Growth: 14%
Speech-language pathologists continue to play an important role in helping individuals with speech, language, and swallowing disorders. The job market is expanding, and wages are climbing steadily.
3. Nurse Practitioner
Median Salary: $143,183
3-Year Job Posting Growth: -2%
3-Year Wage Growth: 10%
Nurse practitioners are among the fastest-growing roles in healthcare, with an impressive 40% projected growth in the next decade. While job posting growth has slowed, the role remains a strong and stable career path.
2. Owner-Operator Truck Driver
Median Salary: $160,000
3-Year Job Posting Growth: 39%
3-Year Wage Growth: -5%
While not a traditional healthcare role, owner-operator truck drivers have seen enormous growth in job postings. The logistics and transportation sectors have been vital in maintaining supply chains, and truck drivers are key players.
1. Cardiac Medical Tech
Median Salary: $133,907
3-Year Job Posting Growth: 34%
3-Year Wage Growth: 34%
Leading the list is the role of cardiac medical tech, with significant job posting growth and the highest wage growth among the top 10. As cardiovascular health remains a major concern in healthcare, demand for these professionals is on the rise.
These positions highlight the strength and resilience of the healthcare sector, which continues to offer lucrative and stable career opportunities. Whether you’re looking for a technical, clinical, or therapy-related role, healthcare careers offer strong prospects, making them a solid choice for anyone looking to get hired and thrive in the future job market.
Are you interested in pursuing a career in one of these fields? Or perhaps you’re already in the industry and wondering how your role fits into these trends? Let’s chat!