Rising expenses spurred by a tight labor market have become a new reality for the nation’s hospitals and health systems.  

The Q2 2022 Hospital Vitals report — published in partnership with the American Hospital Association (AHA) — shares important data from 1,300+ hospitals and health systems. It explores increases in median hospital hourly pay rates, recent trends in labor and non-labor expenses, which departments are most affected by rising costs, and more. 

Key findings in the Q2 2022 report compared to a Q1 2019 baseline include:   

  • Labor Expense per Adjusted Discharge jumped 23%  
  • Nursing Services Labor Expense per Adjusted Discharge increased 35% 
  • Hospital hourly pay rates for staff rose 14%  
  • Average Length of Stay rose 6%