Southeast Minnesota is a health care and agricultural powerhouse. The region is home to the renowned Mayo Clinic and some of the world's most recognized food companies and brands.
Advanced manufacturing is especially strong here, with machinery, chemicals, and electronics among the top products.
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November is Caring Careers Month, a fitting time to spotlight the people, skills and care providers in Southeast Minnesota.
10/15/2026 2:11:25 PM
Amanda Blaschko
November is the time to Celebrate Caring Careers throughout Minnesota, a month dedicated to recognizing the professionals who support older adults, people with disabilities and individuals receiving behavioral health services across the state. This blog examines "Assistant" occupations within the Healthcare Support group, including Physical Therapy Assistants, Occupational Therapy Assistants, Nursing Assistants, Dental Assistants and Medical Assistants. These professionals are essential to patient care and recovery, helping individuals rebuild strength and independence after injury, manage chronic conditions, provide healthcare services and maintain quality of life across Southeast Minnesota.
| Estimated Employment | Median Wage | Typical Educational Requirements | Total Job Growth Change | 2022-2032 Percent Change | 2022-2032 Total Hires | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total, All Occupations | 246,900 | $26.11 | N/A | +12,280 | +4.5% | +309,933 |
| Healthcare Support Occupations | 13,680 | $20.51 | N/A | +1,479 | +9.6% | +24,316 |
| Nursing Assistants | 3,200 | $22.92 | Postsecondary Nondegree Award | +85 | +2.6% | +4,720 |
| Medical Assistants | 780 | $24.24 | Postsecondary Nondegree Award | +354 | +15.4% | +3,511 |
| Dental Assistants | 570 | $29.93 | Postsecondary Nondegree Award | +30 | +5.7% | +766 |
| Physical Therapy Assistants | 100 | $33.42 | Associate's Degree | +20 | +20.8% | +164 |
| Occupational Therapy Assistants | 50 | $32.17 | Associate's Degree | +12 | +24.0% | +89 |
Source: Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics, Employment Outlook and MN Educational Requirements for Occupations
All five assistant occupations offer wages exceeding the Healthcare Support occupational group median of $20.51 per hour, ranging from $22.92 for Nursing Assistants to $33.42 for Physical Therapy Assistants. While Nursing Assistants and Medical Assistants fall below the median wage of $26.11 across all occupations in the region, they require only weeks to months of postsecondary nondegree training to get started. Nursing Assistants stand apart in Minnesota, where students can begin this role at just 16 years old while still in high school, allowing them to gain direct patient care experience and explore whether healthcare is the right fit before pursuing additional education and training. Physical Therapy Assistants and Occupational Therapy Assistants command higher wages, above $32 per hour at the median, but require associate's degrees.
The strong projected demand for these five occupations makes them particularly appealing career choices. Combined, they are expected to add more than 500 new jobs that don't currently exist. In addition, they are expected to generate approximately 9,250 total hires in the region through 2032, accounting for nearly four out of every ten openings in the entire Healthcare Support occupational group during the decade. This includes existing jobs that become open when the current jobholder retires or exits the labor market, plus transfer openings when the current jobholder switches jobs. This reflects the critical and sustained demand for these five essential healthcare support roles.
For job seekers in Southeast Minnesota, these five healthcare support occupations represent accessible entry points into rewarding careers with strong wage prospects and growing opportunities. Whether starting at 16 as a Nursing Assistant or earning an associate's degree to become a Physical Therapy or Occupational Therapy Assistant, individuals in these roles make meaningful contributions to patient outcomes and community health. As Minnesota recognizes Caring Careers this November, these occupations stand as great pathways for those committed to supporting and improving the lives of others.
For more information about Healthcare employment in Southeast Minnesota, contact Amanda Blaschko at Amanda.Blaschko@state.mn.us.
