Randstad Research released this Thursday, October 16th, a new study on the labor market in the health sector in Portugal, based on data from INE, Eurostat and IEFP.
The report reveals that the The health sector represents 9.7% of total employment in the country, consolidating itself as one of the largest employers.
Data indicates that the health job market is experiencing a period of great expansion. In the second quarter of 2025, the The human health and social support sector employed 524.5 thousand people, which represents an increase of 51.9 thousand jobs compared to 2019, that is, a growth of 11% in six years.
The “human health activities” subcategory, which includes hospitals and clinics, accounts for 62% of this employment.
Between 2021 and 2024, the number of healthcare professionals increased across all categories. Doctors and dentists recorded the highest percentage growth, with an increase of 9%. Pharmacists and nurses also saw a 7% increase, representing the largest increase in absolute terms. In 2024, there were 63,965 doctors, 85,499 nurses, 10,786 pharmacists and 12,490 dentists.
O The number of independent health workers has increased since 2010, especially after 2018, reaching 35.2 thousand in 2024. This growth indicates a growing dependence on independent professionals, such as doctors and nurses, in the healthcare sector in Portugal.
O Unemployment in the health sector is low, with only 20,286 professionals unemployed in August 2025, representing 6.7% of total national unemployment. Furthermore, healthcare is the most feminized sector of the economy, with 82% of professionals being women.
With regard to the distribution of employment, 63.6% of healthcare professionals work in the private sector, while 36.4% are in the public sector. The number of companies in the health and social support sector has also grown, with 118,558 entities registered in 2023, an increase of 2.2% compared to the previous year.
Os Healthcare salaries have increased significantly, reaching an average of 1,978 euros in June 2025, an increase of 18.7% compared to the previous year and 54.8% since 2016. This evolution reflects the appreciation of technical and clinical functions, as well as the need to retain talent in a competitive market.
Luisa Cardoso, Business Unit Manager from Randstad, stated that “the health sector is today a true economic pillar”. He highlighted the importance of wage appreciation and the need to continue investing in training and innovation to face challenges such as the shortage of professionals and the aging of the workforce.