Occupational analysis plays a vital role in understanding an industry. Key occupations are chosen by a favorable mix of criteria such as Healthcare’s share of statewide employment for the occupation, the occupation’s projected outlook, and the occupation’s share of total Healthcare employment. Because key occupations have high employment within Healthcare, they are generally representative of the expected wages, education, and skills within the industry sector.
- Almost all the key occupations in Healthcare had projected growth rates above the statewide average (0.4 percent).
- Key occupations in the sector covered all ranges of typical education and training opportunities, showing many avenues in which an individual can enter Healthcare.
- Home health and personal care aides is the second largest occupation in Healthcare and has the highest projected annual openings. While important to the sector, average earnings for the occupation are below the statewide average of $18–$37.
- Numerous occupations like Child, family and school social workers; Physical therapist assistants; and Respiratory therapists are not displayed but are still important to the success of Healthcare in the state.
Key occupations in the Healthcare sector display a wide range of education and training requirements.
Figure 7: 2024 Key Michigan Healthcare Occupations
Note: The Michigan average projected employment growth rate is 0.4 percent between 2024 and 2034. The statewide wage range is $18–$37 for 2025.
HSD = High School Diploma
OJT = On-the-Job Training
| Key Occupation | Sector Employment |
Sector Wage Range | Michigan Annual Openings | Michigan Projected Growth | Typical Education and Training |
| Billing and Posting Clerks | 6,600 | $20–$24 | 1,430 | -1.4% | HSD or Equivalent & Moderate-term OJT |
| Clinical Laboratory Technologists and Technicians | 8,860 | $20–$38 | 640 | 4.0% | Bachelor's Degree |
| Dental Assistants | 11,760 | $22–$27 | 1,615 | 4.9% | Postsecondary Nondegree Award |
| Dental Hygienists | 8,540 | $38–$45 | 555 | 5.4% | Associate Degree |
| Home Health and Personal Care Aides | 84,150 | $15–$18 | 15,635 | 15.8% | HSD or Equivalent & Short-term OJT |
| Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses | 9,230 | $30–$35 | 950 | 3.5% | Postsecondary Nondegree Award |
| Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners | 6,180 | $15–$18 | 3,620 | 0.8% | No formal Educational Credential & Short-term OJT |
| Medical and Health Services Managers | 13,160 | $40–$66 | 1,650 | 25.1% | Bachelor's Degree |
| Medical Assistants | 26,490 | $18–$22 | 3,345 | 13.0% | Postsecondary Nondegree Award |
| Medical Secretaries and Administrative Assistants | 24,980 | $18–$23 | 2,870 | 5.1% | HSD or Equivalent & Moderate-term OJT |
| Nurse Practitioners | 7,730 | $58–$69 | 770 | 41.5% | Master's Degree |
| Nursing Assistants | 39,470 | $18–$21 | 6,190 | 6.1% | Postsecondary Nondegree Award |
| Pharmacists | 7,240 | $62–$76 | 440 | 6.7% | Doctoral or Professional Degree |
| Pharmacy Technicians | 10,560 | $18–$24 | 1,455 | 5.6% | HSD or Equivalent & Moderate-term OJT |
| Physical Therapists | 8,010 | $42–$52 | 410 | 11.6% | Doctoral or Professional Degree |
| Physicians, All Other | 12,080 | $31–$153 | 480 | 5.8% | Doctoral or Professional Degree & Internship/Residency |
| Radiologic Technologists and Technicians | 6,870 | $30–$39 | 440 | 6.4% | Associate Degree |
| Receptionists and Information Clerks | 12,130 | $17–$21 | 3,230 | -0.1% | HSD or Equivalent & Short-term OJT |
| Registered Nurses | 94,270 | $40–$50 | 6,505 | 8.3% | Bachelor's Degree |
| Substance, Behavioral, and Mental Health Counselors | 8,130 | $23–$37 | 1,285 | 18.1% | Master's Degree & Internship/Residency |
Source: 2025 Occupational Employment and Wages Statistics, Michigan Center for Data and Analytics (Employment and Wages); 2024–2034 Long-term Occupational Projections, Michigan Center for Data and Analytics (Annual Openings and Projected Growth); U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (Education and Training)