Healthcare & Social Assistance
Jobs that improve the well-being of individuals and communities.
5%
5%
increase in jobs from 2019 to 2023
Healthcare is CrucialEvolvingTransformative
The healthcare industry has long been a cornerstone of our regional economy. However, the sector has faced multiple challenges, compounded by the COVID-19 pandemic. Worker turnover increased exponentially as older workers opted for early retirement and younger workers left the industry. At the same time, many of the local institutions that train the healthcare labor force have closed. The high rates of turnover combined with a shrinking pipeline of new workers entering the field is creating an employment crisis—which is why Worksystems remains committed to supporting this key industry.

2023 Regional Industry Facts
Average Wage:
$80,897
Number of Jobs:
109,703
Number of Firms:
8,573
5 Year Job Growth:
9%
Industry lq*:
0.95
* Location Quotient (LQ) is a statistical measure used to compare the concentration of a particular industry, occupation, or demographic characteristic in a specific region to a larger reference area, typically at the national level. An LQ of 0.95 means the industry plays a 5% smaller role in the region’s economy compared to the national economy.
Top Employers:
Primary Occupations
Medical Secretaries and Administrative Assistants
Jobs: 5,756
Avg. Hourly Wage $24.97
Medical Assistants
Jobs: 4,448
Avg. Hourly Wage $25.72
Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses
Jobs: 1,550
Avg. Hourly Wage $36.91
Peer Support Professionals
Jobs: 3,294
Avg. Hourly Wage $26.00
Worksystems’ Training Initiatives
With over 400 occupations in Healthcare & Social Assistance, many high-paying roles—nearly 60% paying $22 or more per hour—don’t require a four-year degree, offering varied entry points and career advancement opportunities through short vocational training.
These unique training initiatives make it easy for job seekers to start their pathway toward a Quality Job:
Career Work$ Medical is a free 8-week training program designed to prepare individuals for long-term careers in healthcare, with a focus on medical administration. Graduates typically pursue roles such as Medical Receptionist, Customer Service Representative, Patient Registration, and Patient Access Specialist.
A Certified Recovery Mentor (CRM) is a trained professional who provides peer support to individuals in recovery from substance use disorders or mental health challenges. To increase the number of qualified CRM workers, a comprehensive training program has been developed, with enrollments beginning in December 2024. The goal is to train and certify 80 Peer Support professionals in the first year and provide direct employment access to behavioral health providers offering high-quality jobs.