By 2028, a nationwide shortage of 100,000 healthcare workers is expected, with certain states facing severe deficits, according to Mercer. The healthcare workforce is projected to grow to 18.6 million by 2028, a 1.5 million increase from 2023. Despite this growth, the anticipated shortfall of over 100,000 workers will further strain a healthcare system already struggling with access to care issues. Texas, California, and New York are expected to experience significant shortages of both physicians and nurse practitioners. On a national scale, the supply of registered nurses (RNs) is expected to exceed demand, resulting in a projected surplus of nearly 30,000 RNs by 2028.
See your state’s situation: Burnout and wage stagnation are critical factors that can impact the supply of healthcare workers, but impacts are largely regional. The report includes an interactive map with state-based data.