This Field Will Add More Jobs Than Every Other MN Industry Combined, State Economists Say

ST. PAUL, MN — Minnesotans looking for a new line of work may want to take a look at health care. The health care and social assistance industry is expected to add more jobs in Minnesota over the next 10 years than all other industries combined, according to labor market projections from the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development.

The demand is already here. Employers across the state reported nearly 21,000 openings in 2025 for health care professional and technical positions and health care support positions, according to DEED's newly updated Job Vacancy Survey.

And many of those jobs are within reach for people without a four-year degree.

"Caring careers offer accessible pathways into high-demand jobs without a college degree, with opportunities to advance into higher-paying occupations with additional education and certification," said Jeanna Fortney, director of DEED's CareerForce job search program. "Many health care positions require only short-term or on-the-job training, most openings in these occupations offer $20 or more per hour in wages and many employers welcome workers who are learning English."

State officials released the numbers as part of Celebrate Caring Careers Month, which runs through November. About 400,000 people work in caring jobs in Minnesota, according to DEED.

"Chronic workforce shortages in many of health care industry positions make it difficult for families to find care, limit participation in the workforce and create challenges throughout the entire health care system," DEED Commissioner Matt Varilek said. "People who work in caring careers form a foundational workforce that enables families, employers and communities to thrive."

Nicole Mattson, co-chair of the Governor's Workforce Development Board's Caring Professions Committee, said the jobs touch nearly every family in the state.

"Minnesotans rely on caring professionals. We need to know someone will be there to help us when we are older, to help care for elderly loved ones or to assist a family or community member with a disability," Mattson said.

The state is also helping people train for these roles. Minnesota's Drive for 5 workforce initiative supports training for in-demand occupations, including nursing assistants, social and human service assistants, and counselors who work in substance abuse, behavioral disorders and mental health. The program is meant to help workers move into careers that pay family-sustaining wages, according to DEED.

Job seekers interested in a caring career can find openings, training programs and local help through CareerForce.