Healthcare Hosts 6 of the 10 Hardest-to-Fill Positions

The healthcare sector continues to see the greatest need for experienced professionals, having more staffing needs than any other occupational sector. According to the latest Skills Gap Index released by the American Staffing Association (ASA), six of the top ten hard-to-fill occupations during the last quarter of 2015 resided within the healthcare industry. Here is a look at these six hardest-to-fill healthcare occupations.

Podiatrist

Podiatrist came up at number one on the list. The average salary for these feet and ankle doctors increased from $122,716 during the second quarter of 2015 to $124,297 during the third quarter of 2015—significant considering the increase occurred over just a three-month period. (So, if you are a healthcare staffer, you may need to adjust your offered salary for a podiatrist accordingly to ensure that you are offering a competitive salary.) The high demand for podiatrists seems to be linked to increasing awareness of foot problems and aging of the “baby boomer” generation. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that employment of podiatrists is expected to grow 20% (faster than the average for occupations) through 2020.

Psychiatrist

Psychiatrist came up at number four on the list. The average salary for the mental health specialists increased from $178,274 during the second quarter of 2015 to $178,999 during the third quarter of 2015. The growing demand for experienced psychiatrists can be linked to increased awareness of mental health problems and to Affordable Care Act requirements for health plans to include mental disorders, making mental health care more affordable for many.

Oral and maxillofacial surgeon

Oral and maxillofacial surgeon came up at number five on the list. The average salary for oral and maxillofacial surgeons actually decreased from $219,724 during the second quarter of 2015 to $217,480 during the third quarter of 2015. Employment, however, is expected to grow 16% through 2022—faster than the average for all occupations.

Occupational therapist

Occupational therapist came up at number eight on the list. The average salary for occupational therapists increased from $79,740 during the second quarter of 2015 to $79,785 during the third quarter of 2015. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics has projected that employment for occupational therapists would increase by 29% from 2012 to 2022.

General internist

General internist came up at number nine on the list. The average salary for general internists increased from $185,370 during the second quarter of 2015 to $185,874 during the third quarter of 2015. As with most other medical occupations, demand for general internists is expected to continue growing over the coming years.

Physical therapist

Physical therapist came up at number ten on the list. The average salary for physical therapists increased from $83,083 during the second quarter of 2015 to $83,237 during the third quarter of 2015. The projected growth in demand for physical therapists is remarkable, with the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics having estimated that demand would grow by 36% between 2012 and 2022.