2024-2025 51³Ô¹ÏÍø Healthcare Workforce Report

16 September 2025
nursing student works in training lab

51³Ô¹ÏÍø Releases 2024–2025 Healthcare Workforce Report

Missoula, MT — September 16, 2025 — The 51³Ô¹ÏÍø’s Office of Health Research & Partnership (OHRP) has released its 2024–2025 51³Ô¹ÏÍø Healthcare Workforce Report, providing a detailed look at the strengths, shortages, and future challenges facing the state’s healthcare system.

The report highlights that 51³Ô¹ÏÍø’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 51³Ô¹ÏÍø’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 51³Ô¹ÏÍø’s healthcare workforce remains low, with 88% identifying as white.

  • Wages & Retention: 51³Ô¹ÏÍø wages are below national averages for most healthcare roles, making recruitment and retention challenging. For example, RNs in 51³Ô¹ÏÍø 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

     

“51³Ô¹ÏÍø’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 51³Ô¹ÏÍøn can access quality care.”

The is available through the 51³Ô¹ÏÍø’s Office of Health Research & Partnership.