Health Care and Social Assistance Employment and Wages in 2023

In 2023, the Health Care and Social Assistance industry employed over 22.1 million people in the United States, reflecting an increase of 3.6% from 2022. The annual mean wage in 2023 was $67,320, and the median wage was $46,810. Compared to the national average, the wages in this industry group were higher by 2.8%.

Industry Sub-Groups

Among the industry sub-groups, General Medical and Surgical Hospitals held the largest number of jobs within the Health Care and Social Assistance industry, employing over 5.7 million people in 2023. The annual mean wage in this sub-group was $82,730, with a median wage of $70,270. There was an increase in wage variance to the national average compared to 2022, with the variance shifting from 25.7% to 26.4%, indicating industry wages outpaced national wage trends.

Individual and Family Services accounted for a substantial employment share, with 3 million people employed in 2023. The annual mean wage for this sub-group was $40,570, and the median wage was $34,490. In terms of wage variance to the national average, there was an increase compared to 2022, with the variance shifting from -38.2% to -38%.

The sub-group of Offices of Physicians also had considerable industry employment, with approximately 2.8 million people employed in 2023. The annual mean wage in this sub-group was $100,420 and the median wage was $54,850. The wage variance to the national average experienced a decrease compared to 2022, with the variance shifting from 55.7% to 53.4%.

Highest Employment Occupations

When we examine the top occupations in terms of employment within the Health Care and Social Assistance industry, we find that Medical and Health Services Managers had the highest annual mean wage in 2023, at $128,310, and a median wage of $106,320. The industry variance to the national average was -4.6%. Registered Nurses had an annual mean wage of $93,840 and a median wage of $85,210. The industry variance to the national average was -0.7%. Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses had an annual mean wage of $60,150 and a median wage of $59,400. The industry variance to the national average was -1.1%.

Conversely, notable occupations with lower wages within the Health Care and Social Assistance industry included Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education, with an annual mean wage of $37,550 and a median wage of $36,150. The industry variance to the national average was -9.3%. Receptionists and Information Clerks had an annual mean wage of $38,150 and a median wage of $36,900. The industry variance to the national average was 4.3%. Nursing Assistants had an annual mean wage of $39,170 and a median wage of $37,940. The industry variance to the national average was -1.1%.

Summary

In 2023, the Health Care and Social Assistance industry employed over 22.1 million people in the United States, marking a 3.6% increase from 2022. The annual mean wage was $67,320, 2.8% higher than the national average. General Medical and Surgical Hospitals led in employment with over 5.7 million workers, offering wages significantly above national trends. Other sub-groups like Individual and Family Services and Offices of Physicians also demonstrated varied wage patterns, with the former seeing a slight improvement but remaining below the national average. Top occupations such as Medical and Health Services Managers and Registered Nurses earned high wages, reflecting the ongoing demand for skilled professionals, while roles like Nursing Assistants and Receptionists experienced more modest pay, underscoring the industry's wage disparities. These trends highlight the industry's continued growth and the varying economic outcomes across different roles within the sector.

 For more detailed industry insights, consider purchasing Aimiax’s 2023 Health Care and Social Assistance Industry Report.