Employment Trends Spotlight: Nonclinical Jobs in the Healthcare Industry

Article

The healthcare industry is often defined by its frontline heroes—doctors, nurses and other medical professionals. But behind the scenes, there lies a vast ecosystem of nonclinical employees working in finance and accounting, administrative and customer support, tech and IT, and many other functions.

Nonclinical roles are essential not only to delivering high-quality patient care but also to supporting the business operations that keep healthcare organizations—from large hospital systems to local community clinics—running efficiently. And in a complex industry experiencing both rapid and constant change, the contributions of nonclinical teams are more critical than ever.

Employment Trends in Nonclinical Healthcare Roles

Dynamics driving demand for nonclinical roles in healthcare
Industry outlook: What’s ahead for nonclinical jobs in healthcare
Many employers boosting salaries, offering flexibility to secure nonclinical talent in 2025
How healthcare managers can improve nonclinical talent recruitment
Diverse opportunities await nonclinical job seekers
Keep pace with hiring and employment trends that can impact nonclinical healthcare jobs

Dynamics driving demand for nonclinical roles in healthcare

Clinicians remain central to patient care, of course. However, as the healthcare industry evolves, many nonclinical roles are expanding in scope and importance. Here are some of the forces changing how care is delivered and managed, and increasing the need for nonclinical staff:

Digital transformation and IT modernization

The widespread adoption of electronic health records (EHR) and telehealth is revolutionizing how healthcare organizations operate. IT specialists, data analysts and systems administrators are among the professionals needed to manage and safeguard patient data while optimizing data-driven workflows. Many employers also require specialized talent to help them modernize their healthcare management infrastructure, including EHR systems and practice management platforms.

AI adoption and process automation

Artificial intelligence is reshaping healthcare—not just in diagnostics but also in how work gets done behind the scenes in areas from administration to finance. Process automation in healthcare is also improving efficiency and freeing up nonclinical staff to focus on more value-adding work. These tech-driven changes are redefining many nonclinical jobs, and how employers staff those roles. In a Robert Half survey, nearly half (45%) of hiring managers in the healthcare industry said advancements in AI and automation have prompted them to shift their focus to hiring different skill sets that better align with emerging organizational needs.

Regulatory complexity

Healthcare organizations must navigate a complex web of compliance and regulations—from billing systems and insurance reimbursements to the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and value-based care requirements. This is driving up demand for professionals in finance, legal and administrative roles, who can help healthcare providers stay compliant and financially viable.

The need to drive revenue

Rising operational costs and tightening margins have many healthcare organizations focused on increasing revenue while maintaining high standards of care. Nonclinical roles—particularly in finance and operations—are essential to identify efficiencies, improve billing and collection practices, and support growth in service lines (e.g., cardiology, oncology, women’s health).

Heightened focus on the patient experience

Many healthcare organizations—in response to intensifying industry competition and evolving consumer expectations—are working to elevate every aspect of the patient experience, from appointment scheduling to post-visit follow-ups. To deliver on this vision of more seamless, personalized care, healthcare employers need support from nonclinical employees such as:

Tech and IT professionals, who can support the digital infrastructure behind these efforts, including optimizing patient portals and integrating communication platforms

Marketing and creative teams, who can build compelling patient engagement strategies, develop content across platforms and strengthen brand trust

Human resources (HR) professionals, who can improve staff training programs that focus on empathy, communication and service excellence

Administrative and customer support specialists, who play a vital role in patient interactions—answering questions, coordinating care, resolving billing issues and ensuring that each touchpoint is smooth, respectful and patient-centered

Industry outlook: What’s ahead for nonclinical jobs in healthcare

Healthcare is one of the fastest-growing sectors in the U.S., fueled by an aging population, rising demand for services and the swift integration of new technologies. In a Robert Half survey, 51% of hiring managers in the healthcare industry said they are expanding their teams this year, hiring talent for both new and vacated positions. Of those respondents, 48% said organizational growth was the top factor influencing their hiring decisions.

Looking out over the next several years, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects that employers in healthcare and social assistance will add about 1.9 million jobs annually between 2023 and 2033—more than any other industry. Expect nonclinical roles, especially in technology, finance, HR, legal, marketing and operations, to be a key part of that growth.

Medical and health services managers, for example, are expected to see 29% job growth from 2023 to 2033—much faster than the average for all occupations. That translates to about 61,400 openings each year for these professionals, who plan, direct and coordinate the business and administrative functions of healthcare organizations. This growth reflects the increased need for strong leadership and operational expertise as these organizations expand and modernize.

Meanwhile, healthcare support occupations, which include many nonclinical administrative roles, are projected to grow by 15.2%, according to the BLS. These jobs often require only a high school diploma and provide on-the-job training, making them an accessible entry point for nonclinical employment in the healthcare industry.

Many employers boosting salaries, offering flexibility to secure nonclinical talent in 2025

As the demand for nonclinical professionals increases, including in healthcare organizations other than hospitals, many employers are stepping up to offer more competitive compensation packages to retain skilled talent. Nearly half (47%) of healthcare hiring managers responding to a Robert Half survey said they plan to increase compensation in 2025 to retain valued staff.

To attract candidates for nonclinical roles, Robert Half’s research shows that many healthcare employers plan to use the following strategies this year:

Increase starting salaries (40%)

Offer flexible work schedules (39%)

Provide hybrid job options (37%)

Increasing salaries for existing staff is a smart move. In a separate Robert Half survey, more than a third (34%) of nonclinical employees in the healthcare industry said they feel underpaid. Uncertain economic conditions are adding to compensation concerns for many workers. Our research found that 89% of healthcare industry professionals are at least somewhat concerned about inflation outpacing salary growth this year, with 53% reporting they are very concerned.

How healthcare managers can improve nonclinical talent recruitment

Healthcare employers face unique challenges in nonclinical hiring, and one of the biggest hurdles is overcoming the perception that healthcare careers are only for clinicians. To build a robust talent pipeline for nonclinical jobs, hiring managers should consider applying the following strategies:

Look for candidates outside the healthcare sector

Many nonclinical roles require industry-specific knowledge—such as HIPAA compliance, EHR platforms or healthcare billing systems—which can narrow the candidate pool. Proactively sourcing talent from adjacent industries and offering structured onboarding and training can help employers close the gap.

Seek out mission-driven candidates

Nonclinical candidates may not realize the level of innovation, purpose and career diversity available in the healthcare industry. Highlighting the opportunity to make a meaningful impact—without providing direct care to patients—can resonate with job seekers looking for values-aligned work.

Provide creative incentives

Not all healthcare employers can match private sector salaries. However, many are finding success securing in-demand talent for nonclinical roles by offering a compelling array of perks and benefits. Flexible schedules, remote work options, tuition assistance, wellness programs, and clearly outlined pathways for career growth and advancement can all help to attract—and retain—skilled talent.

Diverse opportunities await nonclinical job seekers

For professionals considering a healthcare career beyond clinical roles, now is a good time to explore opportunities in the industry. From front desk operations to billing and executive support, research for Robert Half’s 2025 Salary Guide shows many nonclinical jobs are in high demand.

As an example, hot roles for 2025 like medical biller, medical coder and medical receptionist are vital to the patient journey and the smooth functioning of healthcare facilities. Depending on the employer, these positions can offer career stability, advancement potential, and opportunities to transition into other areas of healthcare operations or administration.

The hiring outlook for finance and accounting professionals in healthcare is particularly strong. Evolving regulatory requirements, the need for precise financial reporting, and the ongoing shift toward value-based care models—which tie reimbursement to patient outcomes rather than the volume of services—are all amplifying the need for these workers. In-demand roles include financial analysts, revenue cycle specialists and compliance officers.

Many healthcare organizations are eager to hire skilled talent for technology, marketing, HR, creative services and legal jobs as well. High-demand roles include EHR administrators, cybersecurity analysts, marketing managers, healthcare paralegals and project managers. Healthcare data analytics is also a notable growth area, and credentials in information security can give candidates a competitive edge.

As healthcare providers increase their use of telehealth and digital tools, including AI-powered solutions, administrative teams are managing increasingly complex workflows and technology platforms. This shift is creating new pathways for career advancement. Many administrative roles now serve as a springboard into healthcare operations, project management or HR—offering professionals opportunities to grow a long-term career in the healthcare industry.

To compete effectively for top roles, candidates should highlight transferable skills like problem-solving, adaptability and data analysis, which align with the healthcare industry’s nonclinical workforce needs. Networking with professionals already working in the industry and tailoring resumes to emphasize relevant experience can help increase the chances of job search success. Showcasing a commitment to the industry’s mission of improving lives can also help candidates stand out.

Keep pace with hiring and employment trends that can impact nonclinical healthcare jobs

Access the Salary Guide

Nonclinical roles are essential to the healthcare industry’s success—and profitability. As organizations embrace digital transformation, navigate regulatory complexity and work to improve patient care and outcomes, the demand for professionals in areas from finance to IT to HR will continue to grow. To stay on top of hiring and salary trends for nonclinical jobs in healthcare and other leading professions, employers and job seekers can look to Robert Half’s Salary Guide for insight.

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