In the U.S., demand for physicians is expected to grow more quickly than the demand for other professions, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
The projected percent growth of physicians and surgeons between 2012 and 2022 is 18 percent, 7 percent faster than the average growth rate for all occupations, according to the BLS.
Significant job growth is expected to occur as a result of the aging population's increased demand for physician services and because healthcare-related industries continue to expand. According to the BLS, some medical schools are expanding their programs to increase enrollments to account for the expected increase in the need for physicians.
The following are four statistics on physician and surgeon job growth:
- Employed physicians and surgeon in 2012 — 691,400
- Projected employment, 2022 — 814,700
- Percent growth in projected employment — 18 percent
- Number of jobs added by 2022 — 123,300