Healthcare Lost 28,000 Jobs in February — First Negative Month in Years, Driven by Kaiser Strike
Healthcare employment fell by 28,000 in February (the economy overall lost 92,000 jobs against a +59,000 consensus; unemployment rose to 4.4%) after adding 77,000 in January. The decline was driven by 31,000 Kaiser Permanente nurses striking in California and Hawaii — the largest open-ended nurses strike in U.S. history (Jan 26 - Feb 24).
Physicians' offices lost 37,400 jobs; hospitals added 11,600. Healthcare had been carrying the entire labor market — creating 436,000 jobs in 12 months (121% of all U.S. job growth).
Glassdoor's Daniel Zhao noted healthcare added 693,000 jobs in 2025 while all other industries combined lost 500,000+.
Key takeaways
- Healthcare lost 28,000 jobs in February after adding 77,000 in January
- 31,000 Kaiser Permanente nurses on strike = largest open-ended nurses strike in U.S. history (Jan 26-Feb 24)
- Healthcare created 436,000 jobs in 12 months = 121% of ALL U.S. job growth
- Glassdoor: healthcare added 693,000 jobs in 2025 while all other industries combined lost 500,000+
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FQHC Talent. (2026, March 6). Healthcare Lost 28,000 Jobs in February — First Negative Month in Years, Driven by Kaiser Strike. Primary source: BLS. Retrieved July 28, 2026, from https://www.fqhctalent.com/intel/healthcare-jobs-negative-feb-2026
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