Private healthcare and social assistance is projected to add more jobs than any other major industry sector by 2035, though it ranks second in percentage growth according to the latest employment outlook released by the Bureau of Labor Statistics on Aug. 27.
Six things to know:
1. The bureau reported total U.S. employment is projected to grow 3.5% from 2025 to 2035, rising from 170.3 million to 176.2 million and adding 5.9 million jobs. That is slower than the 10.9% growth recorded over the 2015-25 decade. Private healthcare and social assistance is projected to be the second-fastest-growing sector at 9.5%, behind utilities at 9.8%.
2. The sector is projected to add more than 2.2 million jobs through 2035, the most of any sector, accounting for about 37% of all new jobs. Utilities, despite its faster growth rate, is projected to add 58,800 jobs because of its smaller employment base.
3. The bureau attributed the sector’s projected growth to the aging population and the increasing prevalence of chronic health conditions such as heart disease, cancer and diabetes. Some states and cities are seeing a larger influx of older adults than others.
4. Four of the 10 fastest-growing detailed industries are tied to the sector, according to the employment outlook. Services for the elderly and persons with disabilities is projected to add 625,400 jobs, the most of any detailed industry, which the bureau linked to demand for home-based care. Offices of mental health practitioners are projected to grow 27.6% and outpatient mental health and substance abuse centers 21.2%.
5. Healthcare support and healthcare practitioners and technical occupations are projected to be the fastest-growing of all 22 major occupational groups, at 13.3% and 8%, respectively. Combined, they are expected to account for almost one-third of all new jobs created through 2035, the bureau said.
6. Nurse practitioners are projected to be the fastest-growing detailed occupation in the economy at 41%, adding 137,800 jobs. Medical and health services managers are projected to grow 24.2%, adding 155,100 jobs. Office and administrative support occupations are projected to decline 4%, shedding 752,100 jobs, which the bureau tied in part to automation and AI integration.
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