Refers to workers in three industry sectors: healthcare, social services, and education and childcare industries. The care workforce in the U.S. is large, accounting for nearly 20% of the total workforce. Healthcare practitioners and technical support occupations make up 26% of the care workforce, healthcare support occupations make up 27%, and education occupations make up 26%. The remainder are working in social sciences and social services.

Education and training requirements vary widely for care workers. Jobs such as childcare workers, home health aides, and human services assistants have fewer requirements and earn lower pay. Physicians, nurses, teachers, social workers, and psychologists require higher levels of education and earn higher annual pay.

There are also key differences by gender and race/ethnicity in the care workforce. The majority of care workers are women; and Black women play a larger role in the care workforce compared to their role in the overall workforce.