Healthcare Labor Market Trends – March 2026 Summary
Statistic
Implication
Job openings down 4% MoM, -12% YoY; 2.1x openings/hires is above long-term normal
Job creation is slowing though not as much as hiring is coming down
Hiring numbers are down, but low attrition suggests hiring should be even slower
Hiring 10% above separations over last 3 months
Hospital RN wage inflation disappeared in Q4 2025 Perm nurses’ benefits fell sharply at year end
Travel nurse rates remain competitive with permanent nurse compensation Hours worked at med-surg hospitals ticked up in recent months, off longtime lows
Cost parity may indicate need to revisit staffing strategy and talent mix With hiring numbers down, hospitals may have stopped reducing average hours
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