Presumably many fewer than we now have, but probably still far more than we need. The LA Times tells us that we are facing a shortage of respiratory care practitioners even though they can earn $29 right out of school. It tells us that there are shortages of other mid-level health care professionals, in spite of what it considers to be good pay. Apparently the market has a different view of whether this is good pay for these jobs than the LA Times. Those of who believe in the market would say that If there are not enough workers at the wage offered, then the wage is too low. The LA Times should try to include the views of someone who believes in markets in an article like this. [Thanks to James for the tip.]
--Dean Baker
