Occupations and industries related to healthcare are projected to add the most new jobs between 2012 and 2022, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported today in its employment projections for the decade. The U.S. will add 580,800 jobs for personal care aides in the upcoming decade, the largest increase of any occupational group. In 2022, there will be almost 1.8 million jobs for personal care aides.

Registered nurses will see the second-most growth, adding 526,800 jobs for a total of 3.2 million jobs for registered nurses in 2022.

Total employment will grow by 10.8 percent, or 15.6 million jobs, in the decade between 2012 and 2022, according to the BLS.

The healthcare and social assistance sector is projected to grow at an annual rate of 2.6 percent, adding 5 million jobs between 2012 and 2022. This accounts for nearly one-third of the total projected increase in jobs. The growth reflects, in part, the demand for healthcare workers to address the needs of an aging population.

The top major industries for employment growth and the projected annual employment rate of change for 2012 to 2022 include:

1. Healthcare and social assistance: 2.6 percent
2. Construction: 2.6 percent
3. Educational services: 1.9 percent
4. Professional and business services: 1.8 percent
5. Mining: 1.4 percent

The Bureau of Labor statistics releases 10-year employment projections every two years.