ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) — The number of jobs in New York's health care industry continues to rise, with that sector of the state's economy contributing about $71 billion in wages last year.

That's according to a new report released Monday by state Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli.

The Democrat says health care jobs statewide topped 1.2 million in 2017, an increase of more than 18 percent over the past decade.

DiNapoli's report found the health care industry had an average annual wage of more than $57,000 in 2017.

New York City led the state in growth in private-sector health care employment over the last decade with an increase of nearly 33 percent, followed by Long Island at 25 percent. Among upstate regions, the Finger Lakes led the way with a nearly 19-percent increase in employment.

More From WIBX 950