Heart disease is the leading cause of death for men and women in the United States, and every 33 seconds, one person dies from cardiovascular disease. Cardiologists are key players in the fight against this silent killer—but as we move into 2025, what does the job landscape look like for these heart health heroes? We’re taking a closer look at the cardiologist job outlook for 2025 and beyond, taking the pulse of the current cardiologist shortage and exploring some of the factors that will shape the future of this critical specialty.
What’s the cardiologist job outlook for 2025?
Cardiologist employment is projected to grow 5% from 2023 to 2033, according to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), an increase that translates to about 800 new openings during that time frame. This is faster than the average increase in employment over the same time frame for other occupations, which stands at 4%.
The BLS reports that there were 16,400 cardiologists employed in the United States in 2023, and following its growth projections, estimates that employment will rise to 17,200 in 2033, adding 800 new jobs over that time.
Keeping in mind that there will be cardiologists who will leave the profession due to retirement or other factors over this time period, this projected increase in employment demonstrates that the job outlook for cardiologists is strong in 2025 and beyond.
States with the Highest Cardiologist Employment
Here are the five states with the highest employment of cardiologists as of May 2023, according to the BLS:
Is there a cardiologist shortage?
Yes, there is currently a shortage of cardiologists in the United States—according to a 2024 paper published in the “Journal of the American College of Cardiology,” more than 46% of counties in the country don’t have a heart doctor. This shortage affects rural communities more than urban or suburban areas, as the paper authors found that about 9 in 10 rural counties, or 86%, don’t have cardiologists.
This cardiologist shortage reflects a larger problem plaguing America’s healthcare system, as the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) projects that the U.S. will see a physician shortage of up to 86,000 doctors by 2036.
What’s causing the cardiologist shortage?
Several factors contribute to the current and projected shortage of cardiologists in the United States:
- Aging population: As the baby boomer generation enters their senior years, the demand for cardiovascular care is increasing. This demographic shift is putting pressure on the existing cardiology workforce.
- Retirement of older cardiologists: A significant portion of practicing cardiologists are nearing retirement age, which will exacerbate the shortage if not offset by new entrants to the field.
- Increasing complexity of cardiovascular care: Advances in technology and treatment options require cardiologists to continually update their skills, which can be time-consuming and may deter some from entering or remaining in the field.
Addressing these factors will be crucial in mitigating the cardiologist shortage and ensuring adequate cardiovascular care for the growing patient population in the coming years.
How can locum tenens cardiologists help combat the cardiologist shortage?
As healthcare professionals who take short- or long-term temporary assignments at short staffed medical facilities, locum tenens cardiologists can help combat the cardiologist shortage by:
- Filling temporary gaps: They can cover for vacations, leaves, or sudden departures, ensuring continuity of care.
- Supporting rural areas: Locum cardiologists can serve underserved communities that struggle to attract permanent specialists.
- Reducing burnout: By providing relief to overworked permanent staff, locums help prevent burnout among existing cardiologists.
- Flexibility in staffing: Healthcare facilities can adjust their cardiology workforce based on fluctuating patient demands.
- Providing cost-effective solutions for facilities: Hiring locums can be more economical than maintaining full-time staff in some situations.
Find Your Next Locum Tenens Cardiologist Job with Barton Associates
Looking to take on the locum tenens lifestyle? Check out our open locum tenens cardiology jobs and apply today!
