Economic Engines

California’s hospitals are a reliable, potent economic driver, creating more than a million jobs and generating nearly $380 billion in economic activity. Most importantly, they are a source of high-quality, strong jobs for working families. California ranks first nationally for nurse salaries ($133,000) and wages and benefits per employee have grown twice as fast as inflation over the last decade. In many areas, hospitals are the largest employers, but without support, dozens of hospitals are at risk of closure or service reductions, threatening the economic stability of communities throughout California.