Health Care and Social Assistance – Relative Sector Size and Growth
The Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates that the Health Care and Social Assistance sector will grow substantially over the next several years and will employ more people in 2026 than any other sector.
Projected Growth for Main Industry Sectors
Ambulatory Health Care Services
Within the Health Care and Social Assistance sector, the Ambulatory Health Care Services is the largest industry with the most projected growth.
Health Care and Social Assistance Industry Segments
Ambulatory Health Care Services Industry Groups
The Ambulatory Health Care Services industry consists of the following industry groups:
- Offices of Physicians
- Offices of Dentists
- Offices of Other Health Practitioners
- Outpatient Care Centers
- Medical and Diagnostic Laboratories
- Home Health Care Services
- Other Ambulatory Health Care Services
Ambulatory Health Care Services Occupational Opportunities
The following lists the largest and fastest growing occupations in the Ambulatory Health Care Services industry for 2026.
- Registered nurses (largest)
- Home health aides (largest and fastest growing)
- Medical assistants (largest)
- Personal care aides (largest and fastest growing)
- Medical secretaries (largest)
- Dental assistants (largest)
- Licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses (largest)
- Dental hygienists (largest)
- Health specialties teachers, postsecondary (fastest growing)
- Massage therapists (fastest growing)
- Medical and health services managers (fastest growing)
- Nurse practitioners (fastest growing)
Registered Nurses Outlook
Registered nurses are one of the largest occupations in the Ambulatory Health Care Services industry.
Registered Nurses – Size and Growth
The following indicates the projected size and growth for registered nurses.
| Occupation | 2026 Projected Employment (in thousands) | 2026 Projected Percent of Subsector | Percent Employment Change (2016-2026) | Education Requirements | OJT Requirements |
| Registered nurses | 725.2 | 7.8 | 34.9 | Bachelor’s degree | None |
Registered Nurses – Highest Proportional Concentrations by State
The following shows the states with the highest concentration of jobs, relative to the nation as a whole, for registered nurses.
| State | Employment | Employment per thousand jobs | Location quotient | Hourly mean wage | Annual mean wage |
| South Dakota | 12,530 | 29.87 | 1.47 | $27.41 | $57,010 |
| West Virginia | 20,410 | 29.65 | 1.45 | $29.03 | $60,380 |
| Delaware | 11,620 | 26.25 | 1.29 | $35.18 | $73,180 |
| Missouri | 72,090 | 25.85 | 1.27 | $30.43 | $63,300 |
| Mississippi | 28,760 | 25.69 | 1.26 | $27.74 | $57,700 |
Registered Nurses – Highest Proportional Concentrations by Metropolitan Area
The following shows the metropolitan areas with the highest concentration of jobs, relative to the nation as a whole, for registered nurses.
| Metropolitan area | Employment | Employment per thousand jobs | Location quotient | Hourly mean wage | Annual mean wage |
| Bloomsburg-Berwick, PA | 3,090 | 72.52 | 3.56 | $28.26 | $58,780 |
| Rochester, MN | 7,640 | 66.54 | 3.26 | $37.46 | $77,920 |
| Greenville, NC | 4,150 | 55.65 | 2.73 | $29.36 | $61,060 |
| Morgantown, WV | 3,050 | 47.29 | 2.32 | $31.12 | $64,730 |
| Gainesville, FL | 5,470 | 41.51 | 2.04 | $32.42 | $67,430 |
| Sherman-Denison, TX | 1,860 | 41.34 | 2.03 | $30.83 | $64,130 |
| Sioux Falls, SD | 6,050 | 39.93 | 1.96 | $27.77 | $57,750 |
| Durham-Chapel Hill, NC | 11,700 | 39.18 | 1.92 | $32.39 | $67,360 |
| Rome, GA | 1,440 | 38.92 | 1.91 | $30.65 | $63,740 |
| Huntington-Ashland, WV-KY-OH | 5,060 | 38.70 | 1.90 | $29.47 | $61,290 |
Home Health Aides Outlook
Home health aides are projected to be one of the largest and fastest growing occupations in the Ambulatory Health Care Services industry.
Home Health Aides- Size and Growth
The following indicates the projected size and growth for home health aides.
| Occupation | 2026 Projected Employment (in thousands) | 2026 Projected Percent of Subsector | Percent Employment Change (2016-2026) | Education Requirements | OJT Requirements |
| Home health aides | 680.2 | 7.3 | 62.9 | No formal educational credential | Short-term on-the-job training |
Home Health Aides – Highest Proportional Concentrations by State
The following shows the states with the highest concentration of jobs, relative to the nation as a whole, for home health aides.
| State | Employment | Employment per thousand jobs | Location quotient | Hourly mean wage | Annual mean wage |
| New York | 193,460 | 21.01 | 3.65 | $11.88 | $24,720 |
| Ohio | 59,010 | 10.99 | 1.91 | $10.51 | $21,860 |
| New Jersey | 41,200 | 10.28 | 1.79 | $11.42 | $23,760 |
| District of Columbia | 6,910 | 9.76 | 1.69 | $13.66 | $28,410 |
| New Mexico | 7,330 | 9.15 | 1.59 | $11.47 | $23,850 |
Home Health Aides – Highest Proportional Concentrations by Metropolitan Area
The following shows the metropolitan areas with the highest concentration of jobs, relative to the nation as a whole, for home health aides.
| Metropolitan area | Employment | Employment per thousand jobs | Location quotient | Hourly mean wage | Annual mean wage |
| Brownsville-Harlingen, TX | 6,550 | 46.90 | 8.14 | $8.98 | $18,690 |
| McAllen-Edinburg-Mission, TX | 8,890 | 34.95 | 6.07 | $9.09 | $18,900 |
| Lynn-Saugus-Marblehead, MA NECTA Division | 1,490 | 34.60 | 6.01 | $14.08 | $29,280 |
| Lawrence-Methuen Town-Salem, MA-NH NECTA Division | 2,350 | 28.60 | 4.97 | $15.31 | $31,840 |
| New York-Jersey City-White Plains, NY-NJ Metropolitan Division | 181,160 | 27.06 | 4.70 | $11.66 | $24,240 |
| Tyler, TX | 1,730 | 17.15 | 2.98 | $9.63 | $20,030 |
| Corpus Christi, TX | 3,090 | 16.37 | 2.84 | $9.01 | $18,750 |
| Sherman-Denison, TX | 700 | 15.62 | 2.71 | $13.15 | $27,360 |
| Flint, MI | 2,030 | 14.67 | 2.55 | $10.71 | $22,270 |
| Duluth, MN-WI | 1,800 | 14.29 | 2.48 | $12.99 | $27,010 |
Medical Assistants Outlook
Medical assistants are projected to be one of the largest occupations in the Ambulatory Health Care Services industry.
Medical Assistants – Size and Growth
The following indicates the projected size and growth for medical assistants.
| Occupation | 2026 Projected Employment (in thousands) | 2026 Projected Percent of Subsector | Percent Employment Change (2016-2026) | Education Requirements | OJT Requirements |
| Medical assistants | 645.3 | 7.0 | 33.1 | Postsecondary nondegree award | None |
Medical Assistants – Highest Proportional Concentrations by State
The following shows the states with the highest concentration of jobs, relative to the nation as a whole, for medical assistants.
| State | Employment | Employment per thousand jobs | Location quotient | Hourly mean wage | Annual mean wage |
| New Mexico | 5,880 | 7.34 | 1.62 | $14.42 | $30,000 |
| Maine | 3,900 | 6.52 | 1.44 | $16.35 | $34,020 |
| Arizona | 17,510 | 6.48 | 1.43 | $15.79 | $32,840 |
| Florida | 54,220 | 6.44 | 1.42 | $15.37 | $31,980 |
| Oregon | 11,430 | 6.24 | 1.38 | $17.78 | $36,990 |
Medical Assistants – Highest Proportional Concentrations by Metropolitan Area
The following shows the metropolitan areas with the highest concentration of jobs, relative to the nation as a whole, for medical assistants.
| Metropolitan area | Employment | Employment per thousand jobs | Location quotient | Hourly mean wage | Annual mean wage |
| Rochester, MN | 1,770 | 15.43 | 3.40 | $20.05 | $41,710 |
| Grants Pass, OR | 290 | 11.69 | 2.58 | $16.17 | $33,630 |
| Gainesville, GA | 980 | 11.63 | 2.57 | $15.62 | $32,480 |
| Ocala, FL | 1,040 | 10.41 | 2.30 | $14.31 | $29,760 |
| Gadsden, AL | 360 | 10.23 | 2.26 | $12.99 | $27,010 |
| Albuquerque, NM | 3,790 | 9.94 | 2.19 | $14.64 | $30,450 |
| Medford, OR | 820 | 9.73 | 2.15 | $17.64 | $36,680 |
| Punta Gorda, FL | 440 | 9.53 | 2.10 | $14.93 | $31,060 |
| Redding, CA | 610 | 9.47 | 2.09 | $16.52 | $34,370 |
| Deltona-Daytona Beach-Ormond Beach, FL | 1,810 | 9.43 | 2.08 | $14.55 | $30,270 |
Personal Care Aides Outlook
Personal care aides are projected to be one of the largest and fastest growing occupations in the Ambulatory Health Care Services industry.
Personal Care Aides – Size and Growth
The following indicates the projected size and growth for personal care aides.
| Occupation | 2026 Projected Employment (in thousands) | 2026 Projected Percent of Subsector | Percent Employment Change (2016-2026) | Education Requirements | OJT Requirements |
| Personal care aides | 498.8 | 5.4 | 55.0 | No formal educational credential | Short-term on-the-job training |
Personal Care Aides – Highest Proportional Concentrations by State
The following shows the states with the highest concentration of jobs, relative to the nation as a whole, for personal care aides.
| State | Employment | Employment per thousand jobs | Location quotient | Hourly mean wage | Annual mean wage |
| California | 520,660 | 31.19 | 2.18 | $12.60 | $26,220 |
| New Mexico | 24,700 | 30.83 | 2.16 | $9.83 | $20,450 |
| Minnesota | 72,080 | 25.39 | 1.78 | $12.26 | $25,500 |
| Maine | 14,360 | 23.97 | 1.68 | $11.70 | $24,330 |
| Wisconsin | 61,190 | 21.66 | 1.52 | $11.15 | $23,190 |
Personal Care Aides – Highest Proportional Concentrations by Metropolitan Area
The following shows the metropolitan areas with the highest concentration of jobs, relative to the nation as a whole, for personal care aides.
| Metropolitan area | Employment | Employment per thousand jobs | Location quotient | Hourly mean wage | Annual mean wage |
| Brownsville-Harlingen, TX | 13,320 | 95.38 | 6.68 | $9.07 | $18,860 |
| McAllen-Edinburg-Mission, TX | 22,550 | 88.71 | 6.21 | $8.92 | $18,560 |
| El Centro, CA | 4,650 | 77.25 | 5.41 | $11.09 | $23,070 |
| Laredo, TX | 6,450 | 66.18 | 4.63 | $8.93 | $18,570 |
| Chico, CA | 4,210 | 52.54 | 3.68 | $11.60 | $24,120 |
| Redding, CA | 3,380 | 52.28 | 3.66 | $11.57 | $24,060 |
| Mankato-North Mankato, MN | 2,490 | 47.59 | 3.33 | $13.63 | $28,350 |
| Springfield, MA-CT | 15,380 | 46.86 | 3.28 | $13.64 | $28,370 |
| New Bedford, MA | 2,850 | 43.48 | 3.04 | $13.62 | $28,330 |
| Los Angeles-Long Beach-Glendale, CA Metropolitan Division | 189,810 | 42.84 | 3.00 | $13.36 | $27,790 |
Medical Secretaries Outlook
Medical secretaries are projected to be one of the largest occupations in the Ambulatory Health Care Services industry.
Medical Secretaries – Size and Growth
The following indicates the projected size and growth for medical secretaries.
| Occupation | 2026 Projected Employment (in thousands) | 2026 Projected Percent of Subsector | Percent Employment Change (2016-2026) | Education Requirements | OJT Requirements |
| Medical secretaries | 467.8 | 5.0 | 28.5 | High school diploma or equivalent | Moderate-term on-the-job training |
Medical Secretaries – Highest Proportional Concentrations by State
The following shows the states with the highest concentration of jobs, relative to the nation as a whole, for medical secretaries.
| State | Employment | Employment per thousand jobs | Location quotient | Hourly mean wage | Annual mean wage |
| Delaware | 4,000 | 9.03 | 2.23 | $17.36 | $36,120 |
| Texas | 103,630 | 8.71 | 2.15 | $15.89 | $33,050 |
| Oregon | 13,990 | 7.64 | 1.89 | $18.63 | $38,740 |
| Massachusetts | 24,440 | 6.93 | 1.71 | $20.69 | $43,030 |
| Ohio | 34,390 | 6.40 | 1.58 | $15.88 | $33,020 |
Medical Secretaries – Highest Proportional Concentrations by Metropolitan Area
The following shows the metropolitan areas with the highest concentration of jobs, relative to the nation as a whole, for medical secretaries.
| Metropolitan area | Employment | Employment per thousand jobs | Location quotient | Hourly mean wage | Annual mean wage |
| Rochester, MN | 1,970 | 17.20 | 4.25 | $20.12 | $41,860 |
| Tyler, TX | 1,520 | 15.11 | 3.74 | $14.62 | $30,400 |
| Corvallis, OR | 520 | 14.42 | 3.56 | $17.78 | $36,990 |
| Grants Pass, OR | 330 | 13.39 | 3.31 | $17.03 | $35,420 |
| Victoria, TX | 510 | 12.69 | 3.14 | $14.69 | $30,540 |
| Wichita Falls, TX | 660 | 11.72 | 2.90 | $16.49 | $34,310 |
| Medford, OR | 960 | 11.40 | 2.82 | $17.21 | $35,800 |
| Amarillo, TX | 1,280 | 11.15 | 2.76 | $14.39 | $29,930 |
| Bay City, MI | 380 | 11.07 | 2.74 | $16.15 | $33,580 |
| Sherman-Denison, TX | 500 | 11.03 | 2.73 | $17.05 | $35,460 |
Dental Assistants Outlook
Dental assistants are projected to be one of the largest occupations in the Ambulatory Health Care Services industry.
Dental Assistants – Size and Growth
The following indicates the projected size and growth for dental assistants.
| Occupation | 2026 Projected Employment (in thousands) | 2026 Projected Percent of Subsector | Percent Employment Change (2016-2026) | Education Requirements | OJT Requirements |
| Dental assistants | 377.0 | 4.1 | 20.3 | Postsecondary nondegree award | None |
Dental Assistants – Highest Proportional Concentrations by State
The following shows the states with the highest concentration of jobs, relative to the nation as a whole, for dental assistants.
| State | Employment | Employment per thousand jobs | Location quotient | Hourly mean wage | Annual mean wage |
| Alaska | 1,300 | 4.09 | 1.73 | $22.07 | $45,900 |
| Utah | 5,220 | 3.70 | 1.57 | $14.55 | $30,270 |
| New Mexico | 2,740 | 3.42 | 1.45 | $16.77 | $34,880 |
| Washington | 10,580 | 3.32 | 1.40 | $20.45 | $42,540 |
| Idaho | 2,210 | 3.22 | 1.36 | $16.64 | $34,620 |
Dental Assistants – Highest Proportional Concentrations by Metropolitan Area
The following shows the metropolitan areas with the highest concentration of jobs, relative to the nation as a whole, for dental assistants.
| Metropolitan area | Employment | Employment per thousand jobs | Location quotient | Hourly mean wage | Annual mean wage |
| Farmington, NM | 260 | 5.42 | 2.29 | $18.66 | $38,800 |
| Lake Havasu City-Kingman, AZ | 260 | 5.39 | 2.28 | $17.59 | $36,580 |
| Logan, UT-ID | 290 | 5.30 | 2.24 | $13.52 | $28,120 |
| Grants Pass, OR | 130 | 5.14 | 2.17 | $19.34 | $40,220 |
| Ogden-Clearfield, UT | 1,180 | 4.73 | 2.00 | $15.49 | $32,220 |
| Redding, CA | 310 | 4.72 | 2.00 | $17.81 | $37,050 |
| Bremerton-Silverdale, WA | 410 | 4.71 | 1.99 | $20.82 | $43,310 |
| Yakima, WA | 420 | 4.64 | 1.96 | $18.05 | $37,550 |
| Colorado Springs, CO | 1,270 | 4.61 | 1.95 | $16.95 | $35,250 |
| Provo-Orem, UT | 1,050 | 4.57 | 1.93 | $13.62 | $28,330 |
Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses Outlook
Licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses are projected to be one of the largest occupations in the Ambulatory Health Care Services industry.
Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses – Size and Growth
The following indicates the projected size and growth for licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses.
| Occupation | 2026 Projected Employment (in thousands) | 2026 Projected Percent of Subsector | Percent Employment Change (2016-2026) | Education Requirements | OJT Requirements |
| Licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses | 283.8 | 3.1 | 34.1 | Postsecondary nondegree award | None |
Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses – Highest Proportional Concentrations by State
The following shows the states with the highest concentration of jobs, relative to the nation as a whole, for licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses.
| State | Employment | Employment per thousand jobs | Location quotient | Hourly mean wage | Annual mean wage |
| Louisiana | 20,340 | 10.69 | 2.17 | $18.52 | $38,530 |
| Arkansas | 12,350 | 10.29 | 2.09 | $18.35 | $38,180 |
| West Virginia | 5,900 | 8.56 | 1.74 | $17.40 | $36,190 |
| Tennessee | 24,000 | 8.23 | 1.67 | $18.71 | $38,910 |
| Mississippi | 8,970 | 8.01 | 1.62 | $17.92 | $37,280 |
Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses – Highest Proportional Concentrations by Metropolitan Area
The following shows the metropolitan areas with the highest concentration of jobs, relative to the nation as a whole, for licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses.
| Metropolitan area | Employment | Employment per thousand jobs | Location quotient | Hourly mean wage | Annual mean wage |
| Sherman-Denison, TX | 740 | 16.33 | 3.31 | $19.73 | $41,040 |
| Wichita Falls, TX | 900 | 15.98 | 3.24 | $20.66 | $42,980 |
| Victoria, TX | 630 | 15.68 | 3.18 | $18.85 | $39,210 |
| Johnson City, TN | 1,160 | 15.11 | 3.06 | $17.23 | $35,830 |
| Monroe, LA | 1,120 | 14.48 | 2.94 | $18.05 | $37,540 |
| Shreveport-Bossier City, LA | 2,500 | 14.32 | 2.90 | $18.60 | $38,680 |
| Alexandria, LA | 850 | 14.05 | 2.85 | $18.79 | $39,080 |
| Jackson, TN | 910 | 13.97 | 2.83 | $16.75 | $34,830 |
| Beckley, WV | 590 | 13.78 | 2.80 | $16.43 | $34,170 |
| Jonesboro, AR | 740 | 13.54 | 2.75 | $16.94 | $35,220 |
Dental Hygienists Outlook
Dental hygienists are projected to be one of the largest occupations in the Ambulatory Health Care Services industry.
Dental Hygienists – Size and Growth
The following indicates the projected size and growth, dental hygienists.
| Occupation | 2026 Projected Employment (in thousands) | 2026 Projected Percent of Subsector | Percent Employment Change (2016-2026) | Education Requirements | OJT Requirements |
| Dental hygienists | 241.2 | 2.6 | 20.1 | Associate’s degree | None |
Dental Hygienists – Highest Proportional Concentrations by State
The following shows the states with the highest concentration of jobs, relative to the nation as a whole, for dental hygienists.
| State | Employment | Employment per thousand jobs | Location quotient | Hourly mean wage | Annual mean wage |
| Rhode Island | 1,290 | 2.72 | 1.83 | $35.95 | $74,780 |
| Idaho | 1,650 | 2.41 | 1.62 | $35.81 | $74,490 |
| Vermont | 720 | 2.37 | 1.60 | $32.81 | $68,250 |
| Michigan | 10,090 | 2.36 | 1.59 | $29.99 | $62,370 |
| Connecticut | 3,770 | 2.28 | 1.54 | $39.55 | $82,260 |
Dental Hygienists – Highest Proportional Concentrations by Metropolitan Area
The following shows the metropolitan areas with the highest concentration of jobs, relative to the nation as a whole, for dental hygienists.
| Metropolitan area | Employment | Employment per thousand jobs | Location quotient | Hourly mean wage | Annual mean wage |
| Pocatello, ID | 130 | 3.82 | 2.57 | $28.51 | $59,310 |
| Flint, MI | 520 | 3.78 | 2.55 | $29.58 | $61,530 |
| Grants Pass, OR | 90 | 3.71 | 2.50 | $39.44 | $82,030 |
| Medford, OR | 310 | 3.64 | 2.45 | $41.81 | $86,970 |
| Barnstable Town, MA | 370 | 3.55 | 2.39 | $40.69 | $84,640 |
| Chico, CA | 260 | 3.26 | 2.20 | $46.98 | $97,730 |
| Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA | 320 | 3.24 | 2.18 | $49.89 | $103,770 |
| St. George, UT | 190 | 3.05 | 2.06 | $33.28 | $69,230 |
| Lynn-Saugus-Marblehead, MA NECTA Division | 130 | 2.91 | 1.96 | $40.86 | $84,980 |
| Kokomo, IN | 110 | 2.87 | 1.94 | $31.48 | $65,490 |
Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary Outlook
Health specialties teachers, postsecondary is projected to be one of the fastest growing occupations in the Ambulatory Health Care Services industry.
Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary – Size and Growth
The following indicates the projected size and growth for health specialties teachers, postsecondary.
| Occupation | 2026 Projected Employment (in thousands) | 2026 Projected Percent of Subsector | Percent Employment Change (2016-2026) | Education Requirements | OJT Requirements |
| Health specialties teachers, postsecondary | 2.1 | 0.0 | 54.2 | Doctoral or professional degree | None |
Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary – Highest Proportional Concentrations by State
The following shows the states with the highest concentration of jobs, relative to the nation as a whole, for health specialties teachers, postsecondary.
| State | Employment | Employment per thousand jobs | Location quotient | Hourly mean wage | Annual mean wage |
| North Carolina | 10,260 | 2.39 | 1.75 | (4) | $137,480 |
| New York | 21,860 | 2.37 | 1.74 | (4) | $123,210 |
| West Virginia | 1,600 | 2.32 | 1.70 | (4) | $62,210 |
| Colorado | 5,590 | 2.19 | 1.60 | (4) | $134,080 |
| Nebraska | 1,960 | 2.01 | 1.48 | (4) | $88,580 |
Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary – Highest Proportional Concentrations by Metropolitan Area
The following shows the metropolitan areas with the highest concentration of jobs, relative to the nation as a whole, for health specialties teachers, postsecondary.
| Metropolitan area | Employment | Employment per thousand jobs | Location quotient | Hourly mean wage | Annual mean wage |
| Durham-Chapel Hill, NC | 6,060 | 20.30 | 14.87 | NA | $138,110 |
| Gainesville, FL | 1,980 | 15.05 | 11.02 | NA | $141,640 |
| Madison, WI | 2,730 | 7.06 | 5.17 | NA | $77,340 |
| Philadelphia, PA Metropolitan Division | 5,410 | 5.98 | 4.38 | NA | $100,010 |
| Auburn-Opelika, AL | 300 | 5.34 | 3.91 | NA | $112,430 |
| Birmingham-Hoover, AL | 2,310 | 4.59 | 3.36 | NA | NA |
| Charleston-North Charleston, SC | 1,470 | 4.38 | 3.21 | NA | $78,350 |
| College Station-Bryan, TX | 480 | 4.26 | 3.12 | NA | $111,150 |
| Jackson, MS | 1,110 | 4.24 | 3.11 | NA | $192,550 |
| New Haven, CT | 1,100 | 4.01 | 2.94 | NA | $181,590 |
Massage Therapists Outlook
Massage therapists is projected to be one of the fastest growing occupations in the Ambulatory Health Care Services industry.
Massage Therapists – Size and Growth
The following indicates the projected size and growth for massage therapists.
| Occupation | 2026 Projected Employment (in thousands) | 2026 Projected Percent of Subsector | Percent Employment Change (2016-2026) | Education Requirements | OJT Requirements |
| Massage therapists | 53.1 | 0.6 | 49.9 | Postsecondary nondegree award | None |
Massage Therapists – Highest Proportional Concentrations by State
The following shows the states with the highest concentration of jobs, relative to the nation as a whole, for massage therapists.
| State | Employment | Employment per thousand jobs | Location quotient | Hourly mean wage | Annual mean wage |
| Hawaii | 1,380 | 2.18 | 3.01 | $25.89 | $53,860 |
| Colorado | 5,160 | 2.02 | 2.79 | $20.88 | $43,420 |
| Alaska | 640 | 2.00 | 2.77 | $41.82 | $86,980 |
| Washington | 4,520 | 1.42 | 1.96 | $29.73 | $61,840 |
| Nevada | 1,670 | 1.28 | 1.76 | $14.68 | $30,530 |
Massage Therapists – Highest Proportional Concentrations by Metropolitan Area
The following shows the metropolitan areas with the highest concentration of jobs, relative to the nation as a whole, for massage therapists.
| Metropolitan area | Employment | Employment per thousand jobs | Location quotient | Hourly mean wage | Annual mean wage |
| Napa, CA | 310 | 4.25 | 5.87 | $25.63 | $53,320 |
| Boulder, CO | 560 | 3.16 | 4.36 | $25.67 | $53,390 |
| Anchorage, AK | 510 | 2.96 | 4.08 | $42.33 | $88,050 |
| Kahului-Wailuku-Lahaina, HI | 210 | 2.90 | 4.00 | $36.68 | $76,290 |
| San Rafael, CA Metropolitan Division | 300 | 2.63 | 3.63 | $22.51 | $46,810 |
| Denver-Aurora-Lakewood, CO | 3,500 | 2.42 | 3.35 | $19.52 | $40,600 |
| Atlantic City-Hammonton, NJ | 270 | 2.13 | 2.95 | $12.93 | $26,880 |
| Norwich-New London-Westerly, CT-RI | 270 | 2.12 | 2.93 | $17.32 | $36,020 |
| Urban Honolulu, HI | 900 | 1.96 | 2.70 | $23.89 | $49,690 |
| West Palm Beach-Boca Raton-Delray Beach, FL Metropolitan Division | 1,080 | 1.79 | 2.47 | $24.63 | $51,230 |
Medical and Health Services Managers Outlook
Medical and health services managers is projected to be one of the fastest growing occupations in the Ambulatory Health Care Services industry.
Medical and Health Services Managers – Size and Growth
The following indicates the projected size and growth for medical and health services managers.
| Occupation | 2026 Projected Employment (in thousands) | 2026 Projected Percent of Subsector | Percent Employment Change (2016-2026) | Education Requirements | OJT Requirements |
| Medical and health services managers | 151.0 | 1.6 | 47.1 | Bachelor’s degree | None |
Medical and Health Services Managers – Highest Proportional Concentrations by State
The following shows the states with the highest concentration of jobs, relative to the nation as a whole, for medical and health services managers.
| State | Employment | Employment per thousand jobs | Location quotient | Hourly mean wage | Annual mean wage |
| Iowa | 6,160 | 4.01 | 1.65 | $41.69 | $86,710 |
| Oklahoma | 6,210 | 3.95 | 1.62 | $42.79 | $88,990 |
| Massachusetts | 13,770 | 3.90 | 1.60 | $61.89 | $128,730 |
| Maryland | 10,210 | 3.83 | 1.57 | $57.15 | $118,860 |
| Arkansas | 4,360 | 3.63 | 1.49 | $39.87 | $82,930 |
Medical and Health Services Managers – Highest Proportional Concentrations by Metropolitan Area
The following shows the metropolitan areas with the highest concentration of jobs, relative to the nation as a whole, for medical and health services managers.
| Metropolitan area | Employment | Employment per thousand jobs | Location quotient | Hourly mean wage | Annual mean wage |
| Peabody-Salem-Beverly, MA NECTA Division | 700 | 7.37 | 3.03 | $52.43 | $109,060 |
| Silver Spring-Frederick-Rockville, MD Metropolitan Division | 4,010 | 6.86 | 2.82 | $58.53 | $121,730 |
| Iowa City, IA | 620 | 6.76 | 2.78 | $48.14 | $100,130 |
| Ann Arbor, MI | 1,340 | 6.24 | 2.56 | $53.31 | $110,880 |
| Pittsfield, MA | 220 | 5.54 | 2.27 | $56.19 | $116,870 |
| Hot Springs, AR | 180 | 5.22 | 2.14 | $38.11 | $79,260 |
| Rochester, MN | 590 | 5.13 | 2.11 | $55.39 | $115,210 |
| Lawrence-Methuen Town-Salem, MA-NH NECTA Division | 420 | 5.11 | 2.10 | $53.87 | $112,060 |
| Ames, IA | 210 | 4.76 | 1.95 | $43.98 | $91,490 |
| Jackson, TN | 310 | 4.75 | 1.95 | $40.69 | $84,630 |
Nurse Practitioners Outlook
Nurse practitioners is projected to be one of the fastest growing occupations in the Ambulatory Health Care Services industry.
Nurse Practitioners – Size and Growth
The following indicates the projected size and growth for nurse practitioners.
| Occupation | 2026 Projected Employment (in thousands) | 2026 Projected Percent of Subsector | Percent Employment Change (2016-2026) | Education Requirements | OJT Requirements |
| Nurse practitioners | 135.0 | 1.5 | 46.2 | Master’s degree | None |
Nurse Practitioners – Highest Proportional Concentrations by State
The following shows the states with the highest concentration of jobs, relative to the nation as a whole, for nurse practitioners.
| State | Employment | Employment per thousand jobs | Location quotient | Hourly mean wage | Annual mean wage |
| Tennessee | 6,550 | 2.25 | 1.93 | $45.18 | $93,970 |
| Mississippi | 2,480 | 2.22 | 1.90 | $51.58 | $107,280 |
| Maine | 1,150 | 1.91 | 1.64 | $48.13 | $100,100 |
| Massachusetts | 6,280 | 1.78 | 1.53 | $57.76 | $120,140 |
| New Hampshire | 1,150 | 1.76 | 1.51 | $54.06 | $112,440 |
Nurse Practitioners – Highest Proportional Concentrations by Metropolitan Area
The following shows the metropolitan areas with the highest concentration of jobs, relative to the nation as a whole, for nurse practitioners.
| Metropolitan area | Employment | Employment per thousand jobs | Location quotient | Hourly mean wage | Annual mean wage |
| Rochester, MN | 1,140 | 9.90 | 8.49 | $59.95 | $124,690 |
| Hattiesburg, MS | 240 | 3.90 | 3.35 | $58.23 | $121,130 |
| Cleveland, TN | 170 | 3.68 | 3.16 | $43.32 | $90,100 |
| Lima, OH | 180 | 3.59 | 3.08 | $48.64 | $101,170 |
| Johnson City, TN | 260 | 3.37 | 2.89 | $44.15 | $91,820 |
| Joplin, MO | 260 | 3.28 | 2.82 | $44.39 | $92,320 |
| Florence-Muscle Shoals, AL | 170 | 3.21 | 2.76 | $48.39 | $100,660 |
| Knoxville, TN | 1,210 | 3.17 | 2.72 | $45.15 | $93,920 |
| Beckley, WV | 130 | 3.11 | 2.67 | $42.65 | $88,700 |
| Monroe, LA | 230 | 2.99 | 2.56 | $36.56 | $76,040 |
Ambulatory Health Care Services Training Providers
To find a training provider for the occupation and location you are interested in, go to the OJT Providers section on OJT.com.