Healthcare Employment Surges in May with 62,000 New Jobs

Employment in the U.S. healthcare sector continued its upward trajectory in May, with the addition of 62,000 positions, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ latest Employment Situation summary.

This monthly gain outpaces the healthcare sector’s 12-month average of 44,000 jobs, and marks an increase from April’s 51,000 new roles. Overall, the U.S. economy expanded by 139,000 jobs during May.

Within healthcare, hospitals led job growth by adding 30,000 staff members, while ambulatory healthcare services increased by 28,000 positions. Nursing and residential care facilities—including assisted living and continuing care retirement communities—saw employment rise by 6,000 roles.

The national unemployment rate held steady at 4.2% in May, reflecting approximately 7.2 million Americans seeking work. The rate has hovered between 4.0% and 4.2% since May 2024, per the BLS.

Short-term unemployment (those jobless less than five weeks) rose by 264,000 to total 2.5 million in May. Conversely, long-term unemployment (joblessness of 27 weeks or more) decreased by 218,000 to 1.5 million—the long-term unemployed comprised 20.4% of all unemployed individuals last month.

Average hourly earnings in the private sector climbed by $0.15 (0.4%) to $36.24, while public-sector wages increased by $0.12 (0.4%) to $31.18 from April to May.