Healthcare Lost 28,000 Jobs in February — First Negative Month in Years, Driven by Kaiser Strike
Healthcare employment fell by 28,000 in February 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+
Primary source
BLSFQHC Talent. (2026, March 6). Healthcare Lost 28,000 Jobs in February — First Negative Month in Years, Driven by Kaiser Strike. Primary source: BLS. Retrieved June 12, 2026, from https://www.fqhctalent.com/intel/healthcare-jobs-negative-feb-2026
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