Health Care and Social Assistance Drive Job Growth in Oregon

Salem, Oregon- Health care and social assistance have become the fastest-growing sector in Oregon’s economy, far outpacing overall job growth and reaching record-high employment levels in 2024, according to new data from the Oregon Employment Department.

While total nonfarm payrolls in Oregon increased by 5,700 jobs, or 0.3%, in 2024, private health care and social assistance added 16,100 jobs — a 5.7% increase — bringing the sector to an all-time high of 301,000 jobs.

Since 2001, Oregon’s total nonfarm employment has grown by 24%, while jobs in health care and social assistance rose by 92%, reflecting sustained demand driven by population growth, aging demographics, and ongoing needs for medical and social support services.

Over the past 12 years, health care and social assistance has consistently recorded the highest number of job openings among all private industries in Oregon. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, the sector typically accounted for about 20% of private-sector job vacancies. In 2024, that share rose to 32%, with an average of 18,200 job openings at any time during the year.

Personal care aides and registered nurses had the highest number of job openings within the sector in 2024. These two occupations also topped the list of positions most frequently reported by employers as difficult to fill.

Projections show that health care and social assistance will continue to lead employment growth in the coming decade. From 2023 to 2033, Oregon is expected to add 170,000 jobs overall — an 8% increase — with 37,000 of those jobs (13%) coming from the health care and social assistance sector. One in every five new jobs created in Oregon by 2033 is expected to be in this field.

Seven of the 15 fastest-growing occupations in Oregon over the next decade are related to health care. These include nurse practitioners, physician assistants, medical and health services managers, veterinarians, and veterinary assistants and technicians.

In addition to new positions, employers will also need to fill vacancies left by retirements and workers exiting the industry. When including these replacement needs, the sector is projected to average nearly 38,000 total job openings annually through 2033.

Despite strong growth projections, future expansion could face challenges due to a wave of retirements and potential shortages in the pipeline of qualified health care workers.