New data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that the industry's job market is holding strong for now.
Healthcare continues to add jobs at a consistent pace, even in the face of economic uncertainty and market volatility.
The industry created 50,600 jobs in April, a slight step down from the 53,600 jobs added in March but right around the monthly average of 52,000 jobs gained over the past 12 months, according to a report by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Much of the growth for the month came from hospitals and ambulatory healthcare services, which contributed 22,100 and 21,400 jobs, respectively.
Growth in ambulatory healthcare services was largely driven by jobs added in physician offices (8,000) and outpatient care centers (5,400).
Meanwhile, 7,100 jobs were created in nursing and residential care facilities, with a large chunk coming in skilled nursing care facilities (2,900).
Overall, healthcare had 18.14 million workers in April, representing a 3.5% increase from the 17.53 million workers recorded in April 2024.
Across all sectors, the U.S. added 177,000 jobs in April, roughly in line with the average monthly gain of 152,000 over the prior 12 months. The unemployment rate was unchanged at 4.2% and has remained between 4% and 4.2% since May 2024.
Though the consistent job growth in healthcare serves as evidence for the idea that the industry is "recession proof," many hospitals and health systems have implemented jobs cuts to offset rising costs and potential slashes to funding.
Mass General Brigham announced in February that it would conduct the largest layoffs in its history to close a projected $250 million budget gap over the next two years.
Providence, on the other hand, froze nonclinical hiring in April to alleviate financial strain from issues like low reimbursement from payers.
Hospitals big and small, rural and urban, are feeling financial pressure that could be worsened by policy decisions in Washington in the coming months, possibly leading to a bit of a slowdown in the industry's job growth.
Jay Asser is the CEO editor for HealthLeaders.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Healthcare added 50,600 jobs in April, with hospitals creating 22,100 jobs and ambulatory healthcare services contributing 21,400 jobs.
The U.S. added 177,000 jobs across all sectors, a small increase from the average monthly gain of 152,000 over the prior 12 months.
Financial pressures persist for hospitals and health systems, prompting layoffs and hiring freezes, which may slow future healthcare employment.