BLS Forecast Projects Healthcare Hiring Boom Through 2035

New government projections signal that healthcare and social assistance roles will drive national job growth over the next decade.

Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in Employment

Bold flat-color editorial illustration showing a stylized geometric surgical tray and scalpel, symbolizing future growth in the healthcare labor sector. — New government projections from the Bureau of Labor Statistics show that healthcare roles will account for 37% of all U.S. job growth by 2035. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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The Bureau of Labor Statistics released employment projections through 2035, highlighting a shift driven by an aging population and chronic health conditions. The private healthcare and social assistance sector is set to account for 37% of all new U.S. jobs.

Why it matters

Employment growth in these fields stems from the increasing prevalence of chronic health conditions and a demographic shift toward an aging population. This data provides a roadmap for the future labor market as demand for medical services surges.

The private healthcare sector is projected to add over 2.2 million positions, while advanced practice registered nurse roles are expected to grow by 41%.

The players

Bureau of Labor Statistics

The Bureau of Labor Statistics is the principal fact-finding agency for the federal government in the field of labor economics and statistics.

The details

Six of the 10 fastest-growing occupations involve healthcare, with growth rates for these roles starting at 21.4%. Additionally, the report indicates that data scientist and computer research scientist positions are expected to rise by 35% and 22%, respectively.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics released the new employment projections on October 21, 2026.
These industry figures cover the projected employment growth period through 2035.

Macro View

These findings update the long-term trajectory of the American labor market, mirroring historical shifts seen in previous Bureau of Labor Statistics' employment projections. The data tracks the evolution of employment as the economy pivots toward essential services.

Job seekers in the healthcare field may find increased security and opportunities, while professionals in sectors like arts and media might face higher competition due to generative AI. These shifts will influence long-term career planning and educational investments for many families.

The takeaway

The data confirms that specialized healthcare roles will define the coming decade of job creation in the United States. Readers should consider how their skills align with the growing demand for medical professionals and information research scientists.