New BLS projections: healthcare leads job growth through 2035

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics publishes employment projections every year. Its new 2025–35 projections show how much of the country's job growth is in healthcare.

Fastest growing

Of all occupations, nurse practitioners are projected to grow fastest, by 41% from 2025 to 2035. Other healthcare roles in BLS's top 20 fastest-growing list include:

• Medical and health services managers: +24.2%
• Physical therapist assistants: +23.0%
• Psychiatric technicians: +22.3%
• Occupational therapy assistants: +21.5%
• Ophthalmic medical technicians: +21.4%
• Physician assistants: +21.1%
• Home health and personal care aides: +18.1%

All occupations together are projected to grow 3.5%.

Most new jobs

Fast growth in a small field doesn't always mean many jobs. By number of jobs added, home health and personal care aides lead every occupation, with about 847,300 new jobs. Registered nurses are fourth, with about 194,700, and nurse practitioners (about 137,800) and medical assistants (about 107,600) are also in the top 15.

What it means for you

Growth plus people retiring or changing careers means openings every year. Explore Healthcare Careers shows projected growth and yearly openings for every role, with the source on every number.