Top Cities For Healthcare JobsLaura Kleffner

Healthcare practitioners and technicians are essential to the functioning of the American healthcare system, offering a wide range of professional services across various specialties and regions. While some areas of the U.S. face significant healthcare personnel shortages, others boast thriving employment markets for healthcare professionals. If you’re looking to advance your healthcare career, consider these top cities with the highest levels of employed healthcare workers.

New York/ New Jersey Metro Area

The New York/New Jersey metro area is not only one of the most densely populated regions in the country but also home to the highest concentration of healthcare workers. With over 363,000 healthcare professionals employed, this area leads the nation in healthcare employment opportunities. The region's diverse population and extensive healthcare network make it a prime location for anyone in the medical field.

Los Angeles/ Long Beach, CA

Known for its sunny beaches and Hollywood stars, the Los Angeles/Long Beach area is also a major hub for healthcare workers. The region employs over 221,000 healthcare professionals, who earn an average salary of $91,000 per year. The dense population and numerous healthcare facilities contribute to LA's status as one of the top cities for healthcare jobs.

Chicago Metro Area

Chicago and its surrounding suburbs are home to more than 207,000 healthcare workers. The Windy City offers substantial earning potential, with healthcare professionals taking home an average salary of $82,000 annually. Chicago’s strong healthcare infrastructure and diverse patient population make it a favorable location for medical careers.

Houston Metro Area

Everything is bigger in Texas, and that includes the healthcare workforce in Houston. The Houston metro area employs over 158,000 healthcare workers, making it one of the largest concentrations in the country. Salaries in Houston are also competitive, with healthcare professionals earning an average of $80,000 per year. The city’s lower cost of living further enhances the attractiveness of Houston as a healthcare hub.

Atlanta Metro Area

As the home of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Atlanta plays a crucial role in the nation’s healthcare landscape. Over 133,000 healthcare workers are employed in the Atlanta metro area. This city’s status as a healthcare hub is bolstered by its strong public health infrastructure and numerous medical facilities.

Home to the headquarters of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), it's fitting that Atlanta is home to a large concentration of the nation's healthcare workforce. Over 133,000 employees work in Atlanta and the surrounding metro area.

Dallas Metro Area

Dallas is another major Texas city that ranks high for healthcare employment. The Dallas metro area employs over 130,000 healthcare professionals, with an average salary of $80,000 per year. Dallas offers a dynamic healthcare environment, supported by a robust network of hospitals and clinics.

These cities represent some of the best opportunities for healthcare professionals in 2024. Whether you’re looking to start your career or take it to the next level, these metropolitan areas offer strong employment prospects, competitive salaries, and vibrant healthcare communities.

*Originally posted on 5/26/2020. Last updated on 8/17/2024.

Laura Kleffner is the VP of Marketing Operations at PracticeMatch.

She has been with PracticeMatch since 2014. Laura is responsible for the PracticeMatch marketing strategy to reach physicians as well as healthcare organizations with a need for physician recruitment resources.

References:

“Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2023: Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations (Major Group).” Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, 2024, www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes290000.htm.