Washington, D.C. — As the U.S. faces an uncertain economic period and a delayed federal jobs report due to the government shutdown, private data shows that while the job market remains sluggish, a few sectors continue to show resilience — particularly health care and social assistance.
In the last publicly released Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) report, employers added only 22,000 jobs in August, with most industries either stagnating or shedding positions. However, health care added 31,000 jobs and social assistance added 16,000, helping offset broader losses.
The leisure and hospitality sector, which includes restaurants and bars, also saw modest gains with 28,000 new positions in the same month.
Health Care and Social Assistance Power Job Growth
Over the past several months, the health care and social assistance industries have proven to be the most consistent drivers of employment. In the last three months of available BLS data, health care contributed 114,000 new jobs and social assistance 63,000, together accounting for nearly three-quarters of all job growth during that period.
Across the entire year, health care has added about 499,000 jobs, while social assistance has brought in 333,000 — a combined total that represents more than half of all new U.S. jobs.
“No matter what role it is, it’s hard to find skilled talent today,” said Jessica Johnson, vice president at Robert Half. “Employers are offering incentives to attract and retain staff, even as the broader market cools.”
What Roles Are in Demand?
Under BLS classifications, the health care sector includes ambulatory services, hospitals, and nursing or residential facilities. The social assistance sector encompasses individual and family services, community food and housing programs, emergency relief efforts, vocational rehabilitation, and child care services.
Clinical jobs remain in steady demand, particularly for registered nurses, physical therapists, radiologic technicians, nursing assistants, and home health aides, according to Raj Namboothiry, senior vice president at Manpower North America.
“Health care roles have remained relatively recession-proof,” Namboothiry explained. “People with the right mindset and skills continue to find steady employment in these areas.”
There’s also rising demand for non-clinical positions — including credentialing, insurance verification, administration, member services, and patient registration — as health systems expand operations and adopt new technologies.
Why These Sectors Keep Growing
Experts attribute the resilience of these industries to several overlapping factors — including pandemic recovery, an aging population, and the shift toward home-based and digital care models such as telehealth.
“Health care is turning more into an ecosystem,” said Johnson. “It’s no longer just hospitals — it includes mental health, telehealth, wellness, and home care. The definition keeps expanding.”
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Artificial intelligence and technology integration are also driving new opportunities, especially in digital health platforms and data management.
Meanwhile, Wayne Winegarden, senior fellow at the Pacific Research Institute, emphasized that health care demand doesn’t depend on the economy.
“If I get sick, I’m going to need health care services — regardless of whether the economy is booming or slowing,” he said.
The Impact of Immigration and Aging
According to a 2024 workforce report, immigrants make up 31% of home care workers and 21% of residential care aides and nursing assistants, even though they represent only 17% of the overall U.S. labor force. With immigration restrictions tightening, experts believe this has contributed to increased demand for domestic health care workers.
The social assistance sector also continues to grow, especially for social workers, whose demand is projected to rise by 6% from 2024 to 2034, outpacing the national average. Aging baby boomers and heightened awareness of mental health and substance abuse treatment are key drivers behind that growth.
What Job Seekers Should Know
Despite challenges, there’s still reason for optimism. A ManpowerGroup survey found that 38% of U.S. employers plan to recruit new staff in the final quarter of the year.
“If you’re interested in health care, there are a lot of options,” Johnson added. “It’s not just about hospitals. Look into nonprofits, digital health companies, or apps that focus on wellness — the field keeps expanding.”
As other industries cool, health care and social assistance remain among the most stable and opportunity-rich career paths for Americans seeking reliable, long-term employment.
Have you seen growth in your local job market? Share your experience in the comments at latestsports.online.
