Kaiser Permanente is one of the largest not-for-profit healthcare organizations in the United States, serving over 13.1 million members across 737 locations in eight states and Washington, D.C. Founded in 1945, it began by providing healthcare to shipyard workers during World War II and has grown into a major provider of health plans, hospitals, and medical groups. Its mission is to offer high-quality, affordable healthcare to everyone, focusing on prevention, research, and innovative care. In 2026, Kaiser Permanente employs around 220,960 people, making it a top employer in healthcare. This report explores the job opportunities, salaries, hiring processes, and staffing agencies used by Kaiser Permanente in 2026, using simple words to make it easy for everyone to understand. For more about the organization, visit Kaiser Permanente.
Job Opportunities at Kaiser Permanente in 2026
Kaiser Permanente offers a wide variety of jobs to meet the needs of its large membership and the healthcare industry. These jobs include clinical care, business operations, technology, early career opportunities, physician roles, and leadership positions. In 2026, the organization is likely focusing on hiring more clinical staff, especially nurses and mental health professionals, due to nationwide shortages, as noted on their Health Care Workforce page. You can explore open positions at Kaiser Permanente Jobs. Below, we dive into each job category, explaining the roles and their importance.
Clinical Careers
Clinical careers are the core of Kaiser Permanente’s work, focusing on direct patient care to help people stay healthy or recover from illness. These roles are in high demand in 2026 due to shortages in healthcare workers, particularly in nursing and mental health.
Nursing
Nurses care for patients in hospitals, clinics, or homes. They give medicines, perform treatments, and teach patients about their health. Types of nursing roles include:
- Registered Nurses (RNs): RNs work in areas like emergency rooms, surgery units, or pediatrics. They monitor patients, give treatments, and work with doctors. For example, a Staff RN in the Post-Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) helps patients recover after surgery.
- Nurse Practitioners (NPs): NPs have advanced training and can diagnose illnesses, prescribe medicines, and manage patient care. They often work in primary care or specialties like cardiology.
- Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVNs): LVNs provide basic care, like taking vital signs or helping with daily tasks, under RN or doctor supervision.
To become an RN, you need a nursing degree, like a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), and a state license. NPs need a master’s degree and certification. Kaiser Permanente offers training programs to help nurses move into specialties like intensive care or cardiovascular care, including classroom learning and hands-on practice. These programs support career growth and ensure high-quality care.
Behavioral Health, Social Services, and Spiritual Care
Behavioral health workers help patients with mental health or emotional challenges, which is a growing need in 2026. Roles include:
- Mental Health Therapists: They counsel patients with issues like depression or anxiety, leading therapy sessions or support groups.
- Social Workers: They assist patients with social challenges, like finding housing or community resources.
- Spiritual Care Providers: They offer emotional and spiritual support, often in hospitals or hospices.
Kaiser Permanente supports these workers through programs like the Mental Health Scholars Academy, which provides training and financial help for employees to become therapists or counselors. The Mental Health Workforce Accelerator offers stipends and job placements to help students get licensed, showing a strong focus on mental health.
Laboratory
Laboratory workers test samples, like blood or tissue, to help doctors diagnose illnesses. Roles include:
- Medical Laboratory Technicians: They run tests using machines and prepare reports.
- Clinical Laboratory Scientists: They oversee complex tests, like genetic screenings.
These jobs need a bachelor’s degree in medical technology or a related field and certification. They are vital for accurate diagnoses and treatment plans.
Imaging and Radiology
Imaging workers use machines like X-rays or MRIs to create body images. Roles include:
- Radiology Technicians: They operate imaging equipment and ensure patient safety.
- Sonographers: They use ultrasound machines, often for pregnant women or heart patients.
These jobs require a certificate or associate degree in radiologic technology and state certification. They help detect health issues early.
Clinical Support
Clinical support staff help keep clinics running smoothly. Examples include:
- Medical Assistants: They take patient histories, measure vital signs, and prepare exam rooms.
- Senior OB Technicians: They assist during childbirth, preparing equipment and supporting nurses.
Medical assistants need a certificate from a training program, while OB technicians may need extra experience. These roles are great entry points into healthcare.
Dental Support
Dental support staff work in dental clinics, helping with cleanings, X-rays, and procedures. Roles include:
- Dental Assistants: They prepare tools, take X-rays, and assist dentists.
- Dental Hygienists: They clean teeth and teach patients about oral health.
Dental assistants need a certificate, while hygienists require an associate degree and state license. These roles support comprehensive care.
Dietitians and Nutrition Services
Dietitians help patients eat healthy to manage conditions like diabetes or heart disease. They create meal plans and teach about nutrition. A bachelor’s degree in nutrition and a registered dietitian credential are needed. Kaiser Permanente employs dietitians in hospitals and clinics to promote wellness.
Vision Services
Vision services staff support eye care, from exams to surgeries. Roles include:
- Optometric Assistants: They help with eye tests and fit glasses or contacts.
- Ophthalmic Technicians: They assist eye doctors with advanced procedures.
These jobs require training or certification and help members maintain good vision.
Rehab Services
Rehabilitation workers help patients recover from injuries or improve mobility. Roles include:
- Physical Therapists: They create exercise plans to improve strength or movement.
- Occupational Therapists: They help with daily tasks, like dressing or cooking.
- Speech Therapists: They assist with communication or swallowing issues.
These roles need advanced degrees (master’s or doctorate) and state licenses. Kaiser Permanente supports rehab staff with training to ensure quality care.
Health Care and Hospital Operations
These workers support hospital operations, ensuring everything runs smoothly. Roles include:
- Health Information Management Specialists: They manage patient records and ensure data accuracy.
- Patient Care Coordinators: They schedule appointments and coordinate care plans.
These jobs may require a certificate or associate degree and are essential for efficient healthcare delivery.
Business Careers
Business careers support Kaiser Permanente’s operations, allowing clinical staff to focus on patient care. These roles cover areas like finance, marketing, and administration, ideal for those who want to work in healthcare without direct patient contact.
Accounting, Actuarial, and Finance
Finance workers manage Kaiser Permanente’s money to keep care affordable. Roles include:
- Accountants: They track expenses and prepare financial reports.
- Financial Analysts: They study data to help make budget decisions.
- Actuaries: They analyze risks to set insurance rates.
These jobs often need a bachelor’s degree in accounting or finance. For example, a financial analyst might study hospital costs to save money.
Administration, Clerical, and Support
Administrative workers keep offices organized. Roles include:
- Administrative Assistants: They schedule meetings, manage files, and answer phones.
- Office Coordinators: They oversee office operations and support staff.
These jobs may need a high school diploma or associate degree, great for organized people.
Communication and Public Affairs
Communication workers promote Kaiser Permanente’s services. Roles include:
- Marketing Specialists: They create ads or campaigns to attract members.
- Public Relations Coordinators: They handle media and community events.
A bachelor’s degree in communications or marketing is often needed. These workers connect Kaiser Permanente with the public.
Compliance, Privacy, and Regulatory
Compliance workers ensure Kaiser Permanente follows laws and protects patient privacy. Roles include:
- Compliance Officers: They check policies meet legal standards.
- Privacy Specialists: They protect patient data.
These jobs require knowledge of healthcare regulations and may need a bachelor’s degree. They maintain trust and safety.
Construction
Construction workers build and maintain facilities like hospitals. Roles include:
- Construction Managers: They oversee building projects.
- Maintenance Workers: They repair equipment and buildings.
These jobs may require trade certifications or experience, ensuring safe and modern facilities.
Consulting Services and Project Management
Project managers and consultants lead initiatives to improve operations. Roles include:
- Project Managers: They plan projects, like new technology systems.
- Consultants: They advise on strategies to improve efficiency.
A bachelor’s degree and project management skills are needed. For example, a project manager might lead a new patient portal launch.
Customer Service
Customer service workers help members with questions or issues. Roles include:
- Customer Service Representatives: They answer calls and solve problems.
- Member Services Specialists: They assist with insurance or appointments.
These jobs need good communication skills and may require a high school diploma. They ensure a positive member experience.
Education and Training
Education workers train staff to improve skills. Roles include:
- Training Specialists: They teach about new systems or policies.
- Clinical Educators: They train nurses or technicians on procedures.
These jobs often need a bachelor’s degree or clinical experience. They maintain high standards.
Facilities Services and Materials Management
Facilities workers keep buildings clean and stocked. Roles include:
- Housekeeping Staff: They clean hospitals and clinics.
- Materials Managers: They order and manage supplies.
These jobs may need a high school diploma and ensure a safe environment.
Human Resources and HRIS
Human resources (HR) workers manage hiring, benefits, and employee support. Roles include:
- HR Specialists: They recruit staff Ascertain staff and manage benefits.
- HRIS Analysts: They handle HR technology systems.
A bachelor’s degree in HR is often needed. These workers help attract and keep talent.
Insurance and Claims
Insurance workers manage health plans and claims. Roles include:
- Claims Adjusters: They review claims to ensure fair payments.
- Insurance Coordinators: They help members understand coverage.
These jobs require insurance knowledge and may need a bachelor’s degree. They support health plan services.
Legal
Legal workers ensure Kaiser Permanente follows laws. Roles include:
- Lawyers: They advise on contracts and regulations.
- Paralegals: They assist with research and paperwork.
Lawyers need a law degree, while paralegals may need a certificate. These roles protect the organization legally.
Quality Assurance, Utilization Review, and Case Management
These workers ensure high-quality care and efficient resource use. Roles include:
- Quality Assurance Specialists: They check care meets standards.
- Case Managers: They coordinate patient care plans.
These jobs often need clinical experience or a bachelor’s degree. They improve patient outcomes.
Research and Development
Research workers study new treatments or technologies. Roles include:
- Research Assistants: They collect data for studies.
- Clinical Researchers: They lead medical research projects.
A bachelor’s or master’s degree in science is needed. Kaiser Permanente’s research advances healthcare.
Sales and Marketing
Sales and marketing workers promote health plans. Roles include:
- Sales Representatives: They sell plans to businesses or individuals.
- Marketing Coordinators: They create campaigns to attract members.
A bachelor’s degree in marketing is often needed. These workers grow membership.
IT and Digital Careers
Technology is key to modern healthcare, and Kaiser Permanente invests in IT to improve services. IT careers involve building and maintaining systems for patient care and operations. In 2026, these roles are likely in demand due to digital health tools. Explore IT roles at Kaiser Permanente Jobs.
- Software Developers: They create apps and systems, like patient portals.
- Data Analysts: They study data to improve care, like tracking hospital visits.
- Cybersecurity Specialists: They protect patient data from cyber threats.
- Network Engineers: They manage computer networks.
- IT Project Managers: They lead tech projects, like software upgrades.
These jobs need a bachelor’s degree in computer science or related fields. Kaiser Permanente employs about 6,000 IT workers and is recognized as a top IT employer by Computerworld Magazine.
Early Careers
Kaiser Permanente offers opportunities for recent graduates and those starting careers. These roles provide training and growth, ideal for young professionals.
- Internships: Students gain hands-on experience in clinical, business, or IT areas.
- Entry-Level Roles: Positions like junior administrative assistants help build skills.
- Training Programs: Programs like the Mental Health Scholars Academy support certifications or degrees.
These opportunities attract new talent and build a strong future workforce.
Physician and Dentist Roles
Physicians and dentists work within the Permanente Medical Groups, which are physician-led and focus on quality care. Roles include:
- Primary Care Physicians: They provide general care, like family medicine.
- Specialists: They handle complex cases in fields like cardiology or neurosurgery.
- Dentists: They offer dental care, from cleanings to surgeries.
These roles require advanced degrees (MD or DDS) and state licenses. Learn more at Permanente Careers.
Executive and Leadership Roles
Leadership roles guide Kaiser Permanente’s strategy and operations. Roles include:
- Managers: They oversee departments like nursing or IT.
- Directors: They lead larger teams or regions.
- Executives: Leaders like CEOs set the organization’s direction.
These roles need significant experience and often a master’s degree, like an MBA. They drive Kaiser Permanente’s mission forward.
Hiring Trends in 2026
In 2026, Kaiser Permanente is likely focusing on hiring more nurses, mental health professionals, and primary care doctors due to shortages, as noted at Grow Health Workforce. A 2024 report highlighted a need for 200,000 new nurses nationwide, along with more physicians and behavioral health workers. Kaiser Permanente’s programs, like the Mental Health Scholars Academy, aim to train and hire diverse workers. The organization plans to hire 10,000 new staff for union-represented jobs, with over 6,500 filled in 2023, suggesting continued hiring in 2026, as reported at Hiring 10,000 Staff.
Salaries and Compensation
Salaries at Kaiser Permanente vary based on job, location, experience, and education. Below is a table of average salary ranges for key positions in 2026, based on data from PayScale and Glassdoor:
| Position | Salary Range (per year) | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nurse | $56,000 – $127,000 | $87,310 |
| Medical Assistant | $46,000 – $59,000 | $52,500 |
| Project Manager | $55,000 – $125,000 | $83,936 |
| Physician (Internal Medicine) | $111,000 – $372,000 | $250,289 |
| Financial Analyst | $53,000 – $107,000 | $73,545 |
| Neurosurgeon | Up to $614,581 | Not specified |
| Food Service Worker | Around $40,261 | Not specified |
| Software Engineer | $94,000 – $208,000 | $233,521 |
| IT Director | Around $158,500 | Not specified |
Factors Affecting Salaries
- Location: Salaries are higher in high-cost areas like California. For example, IT salaries in Maryland average $226,641, slightly below the national average of $233,521, per ZipRecruiter.
- Experience: More experienced workers earn more. A senior software engineer might earn $208,000, while a junior one earns $94,000, per Levels.fyi.
- Education: Advanced degrees or certifications, like a BSN for nurses, increase pay.
- Role Complexity: Specialized roles like neurosurgeons or IT directors earn more due to expertise.
Recent Wage Increases
In 2023, Kaiser Permanente agreed to a 21% pay increase for 68,000 California workers through 2027, following union negotiations. This likely means salaries in 2026 are about 10.5% higher than in 2023, assuming the increase is spread evenly. The agreement set minimum wages at $25/hour in California and $23/hour elsewhere by June 2026.
Benefits and Perks
Kaiser Permanente offers a strong benefits package, rated 4.2 out of 5 stars by employees on Glassdoor Benefits. Benefits include:
- Health Insurance: 100% employer-paid for employees and families, with low or no deductibles.
- Retirement Plans: A pension plan, 401(k) with 1.25% matching, and a Tax Sheltered Annuity Plan.
- Paid Time Off: Generous vacation, holiday, and sick leave.
- Dental and Vision Care: Fully paid dental and low-cost vision care.
- Wellness Programs: Mental health services and an Employee Assistance Program.
- Education Support: Tuition reimbursement, mentoring, and online courses via KP Learn.
These benefits make Kaiser Permanente a top employer, supporting employees’ health and career growth.
Hiring Process
Kaiser Permanente’s hiring process is thorough and fair, ensuring they find the right people. The steps, detailed at Hiring Process, include:
- Application: Apply online at Kaiser Permanente Jobs or through staffing agencies. Candidates create an account to track applications.
- Pre-Hire Assessments: Some jobs require tests to check skills like typing or medical knowledge.
- Interviews: Candidates may have phone, in-person, or video interviews with recruiters or managers.
- Background Checks: Kaiser Permanente verifies application details, like education and work history.
- Offer and Onboarding: Successful candidates get an offer, complete paperwork, and attend health screenings.
Kaiser Permanente hosts hiring events and offers accommodations for those with disabilities, ensuring an inclusive process.
Hiring Agencies and Partnerships
Kaiser Permanente uses internal hiring and external staffing agencies for contract and temporary roles, as noted on Contingent Careers. Agencies include:
| Category | Staffing Agency | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Health/Medical Staffing | AMN Healthcare | Provides nurses and allied health professionals for contract roles. |
| IT Staffing | Rose International | Matches IT professionals with tech roles. |
| Business/Accounting/Finance Staffing | Bartech Group | Supports recruitment for business and finance positions. |
Candidates can apply through these agencies or the Contingent Careers portal, as supported by OnContracting. These agencies offer competitive pay and benefits. Kaiser Permanente also partners with unions, like UFCW Local 7 in Colorado, representing 1,700 employees, supporting fair wages and conditions.
Employee Experiences and Testimonials
Kaiser Permanente values its employees and celebrates their community contributions. The 2024 David Lawrence Community Service Awards honored 11 individuals and two teams for volunteer work, such as:
- Dr. Yodit Benalfew: An internist in Virginia who co-founded Kidus Legacy Family Wellness for East African immigrants’ mental health.
- Krystal Edwards: A California consultant mentoring youth through Koinonia Family Services.
- Lahaina Clinic Staff: A Maui team that helped over 5,000 patients during 2023 wildfires.
Employees rate Kaiser Permanente highly, with an 8 out of 10 score on job sites like OnContracting. A nurse shared, “I love working for Kaiser. The pay is great, and there are many opportunities to grow.”
Diversity and Inclusion
Kaiser Permanente is committed to diversity, with 72% of its 220,960 employees being female and 70% people of color. Half of its executive team is female, and it’s recognized as an LGBTQ+ healthcare leader by the Human Rights Campaign Foundation. Programs like Belong@KP promote fairness and culturally responsive care.
Employee Development and Training
Kaiser Permanente supports growth through:
- Mental Health Training Program: Offers seminars for mental health professionals.
- Specialty Training for Nurses: Helps nurses move into areas like intensive care.
- KP Learn: An online system with over 2,000 resources for skill development.
- School of Allied Health Sciences: Offers programs like Medical Assisting.
- Tuition Reimbursement: Supports further education, like degrees or certifications.
These programs help employees advance and stay competitive.
Future Outlook
In 2026, Kaiser Permanente is likely to continue addressing healthcare workforce shortages, particularly in nursing and mental health, as noted at Grow Health Workforce. Technology, like telehealth, will increase demand for IT professionals. Kaiser Permanente’s plans include expanding its workforce and improving care through innovation, ensuring it remains a healthcare leader.
Conclusion
Kaiser Permanente offers diverse job opportunities in 2026, from clinical roles like nursing to business and IT positions. Salaries are competitive, ranging from $40,261 for entry-level jobs to $614,581 for specialized roles, with strong benefits like health insurance and retirement plans. The organization uses staffing agencies like AMN Healthcare and Rose International for contract roles and has a robust internal hiring process. With a focus on diversity, employee development, and addressing workforce shortages, Kaiser Permanente is a top employer for rewarding healthcare careers.