Healthcare: America’s Fastest-Growing and Largest Employer

The growing focus on health and wellness worldwide has led to an increased demand for healthcare professionals across many industries—including in the United States.

Recent research from the Stanford Institute for Economic Policy Research shows that the healthcare sector has become the largest employer in the U.S., surpassing the retail industry.

Since 1980, healthcare employment has grown at more than twice the rate of other industries. Healthcare jobs have increased by 144.5%, while overall employment in other sectors has risen by only 64.6%.

Nurses and nursing aides have seen the highest wage growth within healthcare. However, nearly all healthcare workers have experienced greater wage increases compared to those in other fields.

These trends signal a major shift in the U.S. employment landscape, establishing healthcare as the nation’s dominant employer.

Several factors drive this change. America’s aging population has created a greater need for healthcare workers. Advances in medical technology and treatment, along with increased public awareness of health and wellness, have also contributed to rising demand for professionals in this sector.

Additionally, improvements in the education system have made it easier for nurses and nursing aides to pursue advanced training and professional development. As a result, they are better positioned to earn higher wages and advance in their careers compared to workers in many other industries.