May marked the first increase in hospital employment so far in 2021

Almost every segment of the healthcare industry added jobs, with residential mental health facilities among the exceptions.

The employment picture took a positive turn for hospitals in May after the sector experienced a net loss of jobs in each of the first four months of 2021.

According to preliminary data released June 4 by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, hospitals gained 2,900 jobs last month. Total losses over the previous four months amounted to 6,300 jobs, including a decline of 1,400 in April. The April decline was initially reported to be 5,800, but BLS modified the number in its updated data.

Hospitals have added 74,700 jobs since May 2020, when the COVID-19 pandemic was in its early stages.

Most other healthcare settings likewise added to their payrolls in May, with the industry as a whole gaining 22,500 jobs. Providers of ambulatory services accounted for 22,000 of that total. Among the few settings to lose a significant number of jobs were residential mental health facilities, which dropped 2,500 positions.