2024-2025 ÁÔÆæÖØ¿Ú Healthcare Workforce Report

16 September 2025
nursing student works in training lab

ÁÔÆæÖØ¿Ú Releases 2024–2025 Healthcare Workforce Report

Missoula, MT — September 16, 2025 — The ÁÔÆæÖØ¿Ú’s Office of Health Research & Partnership (OHRP) has released its 2024–2025 ÁÔÆæÖØ¿Ú Healthcare Workforce Report, providing a detailed look at the strengths, shortages, and future challenges facing the state’s healthcare system.

The report highlights that ÁÔÆæÖØ¿Ú’s healthcare sector employs more than 70,000 workers, representing roughly 13% of the state’s total workforce and contributing $7.1 billion annually to the economy. Healthcare is among ÁÔÆæÖØ¿Ú’s top five fastest-growing industries, adding more than 5,200 jobs over the past five years

 

Key findings include:

  • Rising Demand: Job postings for healthcare roles average 1,726 per month, exceeding national averages. Registered Nurses lead demand, with 1,128 monthly postings, far above the U.S. average

  • Regional Shortages: Rural and frontier counties continue to lose healthcare workers—especially nurses, nursing assistants, and patient representatives—to larger urban centers like Missoula and Yellowstone counties

  • Workforce Risks: Retirement risk is comparable to the national average, but diversity among ÁÔÆæÖØ¿Ú’s healthcare workforce remains low, with 88% identifying as white.

  • Wages & Retention: ÁÔÆæÖØ¿Ú wages are below national averages for most healthcare roles, making recruitment and retention challenging. For example, RNs in ÁÔÆæÖØ¿Ú earn $81,364, compared to a national average of $93,247.

The report also issues strategic recommendations:

  • Develop “grow-your-own” talent pipelines through apprenticeships, dual enrollment, and stackable credentials

  • Shift from sign-on bonuses (which yield a negative ROI) to tuition assistance and student loan repayment programs that improve long-term retention

  • Expand rural-focused training pathways and support consistent scheduling and wellness initiatives for entry-level healthcare staff

     

“ÁÔÆæÖØ¿Ú’s healthcare system is at a crossroads,” said Lily Apedaile, Director of UM OHRP. “This report underscores the urgent need to invest in local training pipelines, improve retention, and support rural communities so every ÁÔÆæÖØ¿Ún can access quality care.”

The is available through the ÁÔÆæÖØ¿Ú’s Office of Health Research & Partnership.