Healthcare Jobs Expected to Grow 10% Over Next Decade, Despite Continued Challenges with Recruitment and Retention

The 2024 Michigan Healthcare Labor Market Analysis provides critical insights into the current and future landscape of the healthcare workforce in Michigan

CONTACT: Ana Hornburg

[email protected]

517-908-8229

LANSING, Mich. — (August 13, 2024) — According to a new analysis by Michigan Health Council (MHC), healthcare jobs in Michigan are projected to increase by 10% over the next decade, amounting to approximately 48,849 new jobs. The 2024 Michigan Healthcare Labor Market Analysis summarizes data from a variety of sources to describe Michigan’s healthcare workforce.

Much of this growth is related to an anticipated increase in jobs within Nursing, Patient Support, and Behavioral Health. The occupations with the highest absolute value growth numbers are Home Health and Personal Care Aides, with 17,259 new jobs, and Registered Nurses, with 5,897 new jobs.

"This report underscores the critical role healthcare professionals play in our state's economy, and the importance of supporting their growth and development to meet the needs of our communities," said Craig Donahue, President and CEO of MHC.

This comprehensive report highlights significant trends in the healthcare workforce, including:

• Turnover: While turnover continued to be a challenge in 2023, the 50% turnover rate in healthcare was actually lower than the 64% turnover rate across Michigan's labor force.

• Wages: Since 2013, wages in the healthcare industry have increased by 47%. The smallest wage increase between 2013 and 2023 was in Behavioral Health, by only 14.7%.

• Top occupations: Registered Nurses continued to be the most in-demand occupation for the eighth consecutive year and saw the most job postings in 2023.

"The insights from this analysis are invaluable for policymakers, healthcare organizations, and other stakeholders as they plan for the future," said Donahue. "This work is an important first step as we continue to explore the unique challenges healthcare professions are facing now and in the years to come, especially in regards to recruitment and retention."

The full 2024 Michigan Healthcare Labor Market Analysis is available for download at mhc.org/lma.

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About Michigan Health Council

Michigan Health Council (MHC) is a solutions-oriented nonprofit organization on a mission to ensure the future of the healthcare workforce. Learn more at mhc.org.