In all, Iowa’s Health Care Sector Provides 312,821 Jobs across State
Iowa Specialty Hospitals & Clinics provides 503 jobs that add $31,994,277 to Wright County’s economy, according to the latest study by the Iowa Hospital Association (IHA). In addition, Iowa Specialty Hospitals and Clinics’ employees spend $4,866,457 on retail sales and contribute $291,987 in state sales tax revenue.
“It’s a privilege to be able to employ 503 individuals which in turn provides an amazing impact on the local economy. Another 148 job opportunities exist throughout our community based on the services provided by area employers to our facilities. It demonstrates how our communities and hospitals are intertwined. Community support benefits us, and in turn, we are able to give back by serving local health care needs. In addition, our employees contribute to the economy via their local spending,” said Steve Simonin, Iowa Specialty Hospitals & Clinics CEO/president.
The IHA study examined the jobs, income, retail sales and sales tax produced by hospitals and the rest of the state’s health care sector. The study was compiled from hospital-submitted data on the American Hospital Association’s Annual Survey of Hospitals and with software that other industries have used to determine their economic impact.
The study found that Iowa hospitals directly employ 71,348 people and create another 44,935 jobs outside the hospital sector. As an income source, hospitals provide $4.3 billion in salaries and benefits and generate another $1.8 billion through other jobs that depend on hospitals.
In all, the Iowa health care sector, which includes offices of physicians, dentists and other health practitioners; nursing home and residential care; other medical and health services; and pharmacies, contributes $15.5 billion to Iowa’s economy while directly and indirectly providing 312,821 jobs, or about one-fifth of the state’s total non-farm employment.
“With more than 300,000 jobs, health care is one of Iowa’s largest employers, and hospitals are by far the biggest contributor to that number,” said Kirk Norris, IHA president/CEO. “That impact carries through to local communities, where hospitals are often among the largest employers in Iowa cities and counties.”
The Iowa Hospital Association is a voluntary membership organization representing hospital and health system interests to business, government and consumer audiences. All of Iowa’s 118 community hospitals are IHA members.
