The Top 10 Fastest Growing Healthcare Jobs

With healthcare delivery trends shifting from inpatient to outpatient, the fastest growing healthcare jobs are following right along with this trend. Additionally, technological advances such as artificial intelligence, increased adoption and utilization of telehealth, as well as changes in patient demographics, are strongly influencing the healthcare job market.   

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the fastest growing healthcare jobs predicted for the years 2019-2026 include:

1. Home Health Aide (#3 overall) – 47% growth

• 2018 Median Pay: $24,060/year
• Entry-Level Education: High School diploma or equivalent
• Typical job duties: helping people with daily living activities in their home. As the U.S. population is aging and many people desire to live at home while receiving healthcare, demand for this occupation shows no signs of slowing down.

2. Personal Care Aides (#4 overall) – 39% growth

• 2018 Median Pay: $24,060/year
• Entry-Level Education: High School diploma or equivalent
• Typical job duties: Similar to home health aides, personal care aides help people with daily living activities in their home. Similar demand will also be seen for personal care aides.

3. Physician Assistants (#5 overall) – 37% growth

• 2018 Median Pay: $108,610/year
• Entry-Level Education: Master Degree
• Typical job duties: Physician assistants work with physicians and other healthcare providers to evaluate, diagnose, and treat patients in a variety of settings. With an impending physician shortage on the horizon, the demand for physician assistants is also trending up.

4. Nurse Practitioners (#6 overall) – 36% growth

• 2018 Median Pay: $113,930/year
• Entry-Level Education: Master Degree
• Typical job duties: Advanced nurse practitioners also work with physicians and other healthcare providers to evaluate, diagnose, and treat patients in a variety of settings. Similar to physician assistants, advanced nurse practitioners are helping to improve access to healthcare.

5. Physical Therapist assistants (#8 overall) – 31% growth

• 2018 Median Pay: $48,090/year
• Entry-Level Education: Associate degree
• Typical job duties: Physical therapy assistants work with physical therapists to help people recover from injuries and may help with pain management in an inpatient or outpatient setting.

6. Physical Therapist aides (#11 overall) – 29% growth

• 2018 Median Pay: $48,090/year
• Entry-Level Education: Associate degree
• Typical job duties: Physical therapy aides also work with physical therapists to help people recover from injuries and may help with pain management in an inpatient or outpatient setting.

7. Medical Assistants (#13 overall) – 29% growth

• 2018 Median Pay: $33,610/year
• Entry-Level Education: Post-secondary certificate (non-degree)
• Typical job duties: Medical assistants work with physicians and other healthcare providers to assist with clerical and clinical work in a variety of settings.

8. Genetic counselors (#14 overall) – 29% growth

• 2018 Median Pay: $80,370/year
• Entry-Level Education: Master’s Degree
• Typical job duties: Genetic counselors interpret genetic information and communicate it to patients, families, and healthcare providers in a variety of settings.

9. Occupational Therapy Assistants (#15 overall) – 29% growth

• 2018 Median Pay: $57,620/year
• Entry-Level Education: Associate degree
• Typical job duties: Occupational therapists work with occupational therapists to provide therapy for patients that helps with skills needed for daily activities and working in a variety of settings.

10. Physical Therapists (#17 overall) – 28% growth

• 2018 Median Pay: $87,930/year
• Entry-Level Education: Doctoral Degree
• Typical job duties: Physical therapists help patients improve movement and manage pain in a variety of settings.

Keeping these trends in mind, how are you (or your organization) working to stay ahead of job market movement? How are these individuals currently incorporated into your patient care teams, or what opportunities exist to build a connection to your teams?