Want To Land A Job After Graduation? This Industry Is a Safe Bet

There’s always demand for medical care, so pursuing a career in the healthcare industry has long been seen as a stable option, typically leading to generous wages and greater job security. But is that still true in 2025 given tariffs and changes in the tax law?

“The healthcare industry is positioned to continue growing. There are several reasons for this. First, the U.S. population is aging—and as people age, healthcare needs inevitably increase. Second, an aging population also means a shrinking workforce,” said Allison Shrivastava, economist at Indeed Hiring Lab. “While Medicaid cuts and other funding changes can affect the supply side of healthcare, demand remains resilient.”

If you’re considering a career in healthcare, here’s what you need to know about the state of the industry today.

Job Growth In Healthcare Remains Strong

The healthcare industry has typically been resilient–even during economic recessions—suggesting that it’s still a reliable choice for many graduates.

“Healthcare is less tied to economic cycles. If you need care, you need it regardless of how the broader economy is performing,” said Shrivastava.

Healthcare jobs are expected to grow much faster than average from 2024 to 2034, with around 1.9 million openings annually due to new positions and workforce turnover.

This demand offers promising prospects for recent college graduates who face high unemployment rates as they enter the job market.Compared to liberal arts or general majors, graduates with healthcare-related majors—like health services, nursing, pharmacy, or allied health—tend to experience lower unemployment rates.

For example, nursing majors have an unemployment rate of just 1.4%, among the lowest of all majors, according to data from the Federal Reserve Bank of New York.

In fact, healthcare job postings are above pre-pandemic levels by 32.5%, according to Indeed. This strong demand helps health-related majors not only secure employment more easily but also find roles closely aligned with their field of study.

The Industry Faces Some Headwinds Though

Although larger demographic trends point to higher demand for healthcare in the long run, changes brought on by a new federal tax law could tamp down on job growth in the near future.

The One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBB) Act, a federal law which was signed by President Trump earlier this year, introduced large reductions in federal healthcare funding.

Between 2026 and 2034, Medicare funding is projected to decrease by approximately $500 billion. However, Medicaid is the primary target of the overall healthcare cuts, which are expected to significantly reduce coverage for millions.

These changes not only affect Medicaid recipients, but could ripple across the labor market as well, as Medicaid cuts could lead to hiring freezes, job cuts, or reduced wages in some settings like rural areas.

“The [August 2025] jobs report did show a pullback in healthcare hiring, likely tied to recent Medicaid cuts. These cuts are expected to slow hiring further, particularly in rural areas where providers rely more heavily on Medicaid funding,” said Shrivastava.

In addition to Medicaid cuts, tariffs on medical supplies or equipment can raise costs for hospitals and clinics, forcing them to reduce spending in other areas, including staffing.

“The labor force participation rate is projected to begin declining as soon as next year. More restrictive immigration policies are compounding the problem, hitting healthcare especially hard in areas such as physicians, surgeons, and home healthcare workers,” Shrivastava said.