Healthcare Occupations in US – 11.8 million workers in May 2014 with 2.7 million registered nurses, the largest occupation

In May 2014, there were 11.8 million workers employed in healthcare practitioner, technical, and support occupations. Among those, 2.7 million were registered nurses, the largest occupation. Anesthesiologists earned the most, with an average annual wage of $246,320.

Among healthcare support occupations in May 2014, there were 1.4 million nursing assistants. The average annual wage for nursing assistants was $26,250. Also in this group, home health aides had 799,080 workers.

Healthcare practitioners were among the highest paid healthcare occupations. In addition to anesthesiologists, those earning an average annual wage over $200,000 included surgeons, obstetricians and gynecologists, oral and maxillofacial surgeons, and orthodontists.

Chosen excerpts by Job Market Monitor. Read the whole story at Registered nurses have highest employment in healthcare occupations; anesthesiologists earn the most : The Economics Daily: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.