[hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]What’s the fastest-growing job in healthcare? According to the federal Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/nurse-practitioner/best-online-nurse-practitioner-programs/”]nurse practitioners (NP)[/hen-ui-link] continue to top the list.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]BLS data projects the NP field will grow a whopping 46% from 2023-2033 — more than 10 times higher than the 4% projected for all occupations combined. These versatile nursing professionals also earn a median salary of $129,210 per year, per BLS data.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]As nurse practitioner jobs continue to attract high demand, and their salaries and benefits follow suit, interest in the profession is increasing. Current RNs can become NPs in as few as two years.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Is an NP career for you? Read this guide to learn more about why NPs are in demand, and what you might expect to encounter in your own NP journey.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-flex gap=”xl” align=”left” direction=”column”][hen-ui-flex gap=”xs” align=”left” direction=”column”][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Popular Online Nursing Programs[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ color=”subtext”]Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-flex][hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”belowTheFold” /][/hen-ui-flex][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]NP in a Nutshell: What Makes Nurse Practitioners Unique?[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]NPs are one profession in a broader category called [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/careers/advanced-practice-nursing/”]advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs)[/hen-ui-link]. APRNs include:[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Nurse practitioner[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/resources/np-vs-cns/”]Clinical nurse specialist[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/nurse-midwife/best-online-nurse-midwife-programs/”]Certified nurse-midwife[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Certified registered nurse anesthetist [/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Each of these nursing specialists can act as primary care providers, diagnose medical conditions, and prescribe medication. Compared to [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/registered-nursing/”]registered nurses (RNs)[/hen-ui-link], NPs have a [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/nurse-practitioner/np-practice-authority-by-state/”]broader practice authority[/hen-ui-link] and a higher earning potential.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A persistent and widespread [hen-ui-link href=”https://nihcm.org/newsletter/rising-healthcare-workforce-shortage” target=”_blank”]healthcare provider shortage[/hen-ui-link] continues to fuel demand for NPs and the versatility and autonomy they can bring to just about any healthcare setting.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]How to Become a Nurse Practitioner[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]RNs can [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/registered-nursing/”]become NPs[/hen-ui-link] by earning a [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/degrees/msn/”]master of science in nursing (MSN)[/hen-ui-link] or [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/degrees/dnp/”]doctor of nursing practice (DNP)[/hen-ui-link] degree. NP programs incorporate courses in comprehensive health assessment, advanced nursing practice, and pharmacology. Nursing students also complete clinical practicums in their specialty area.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Common [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/nurse-practitioner/specializations/”]NP specialties[/hen-ui-link] include:[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/nurse-practitioner/fnp/”]Family nurse practitioner[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/careers/primary-care-nurse/”]Primary care nurse practitioner[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/careers/acute-care/”]Acute care nurse practitioner[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/nurse-practitioner/psychiatric/”]Psychiatric nurse practitioner[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]After completing an MSN or DNP at an [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/resources/what-is-accreditation/”]accredited nursing program[/hen-ui-link], graduates pursue board certification in their specialty and apply for an advanced practice license from their state board of nursing. Board certified NPs have a broad practice authority.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Healthcare Professionals and Practice Authority[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The practice authority for healthcare professionals varies depending on their education and license. Comparing [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/nurse-practitioner/np-vs-doctor/”]NPs and physicians[/hen-ui-link] shows the broad authority that NPs hold. While some states require NPs to practice with physician supervision, many provide full practice authority to NPs.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-card variant=”background-gray” border=”stroke”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h4″]Nurse Practitioner[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Conduct health assessments to diagnose patients[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Order and interpret diagnostic tests[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Treat medical conditions and prescribe medication[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Full practice authority in a majority of states[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card][hen-ui-card variant=”background-gray” border=”stroke”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h4″]Physician[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Conduct health assessments to diagnose patients[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Order and interpret diagnostic tests[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Treat medical conditions and prescribe medication[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Full practice authority in all states[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card][hen-ui-card variant=”background-gray” border=”stroke”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h4″]Physician Assistant[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Conduct health assessments to diagnose patients[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Order and interpret diagnostic tests[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Treat medical conditions and prescribe medication[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Limited practice authority in a majority of states[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card][hen-ui-card variant=”background-gray” border=”stroke”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h4″]Registered Nurse[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Conduct health assessments[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Create and implement a nursing plan of care[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Treat patients under the supervision of an advanced practice healthcare provider[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card][hen-ui-card variant=”background-gray” border=”stroke”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h4″]Licensed Practical Nurse[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Provide basic nursing care[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Administer medication under the supervision of an RN[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Take patient vital signs[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Nurse Practitioner Jobs Outlook: A Look at the Latest Numbers[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]NPs have held the top spot for the [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/articles/nurse-practitioners-fastest-growing-profession-nursing-second-year/”]fastest-growing job in healthcare[/hen-ui-link] for multiple years, and the job outlook for NPs remains strong in 2025.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Compared with other APRNs, NPs have significantly higher projected job growth. While the BLS projects a 46% increase in NP jobs, nurse anesthetists will see 10% growth and nurse midwives will see 7% growth.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]That translates into significantly larger changes in employment for NPs, with a projected increase of more than 135,000 jobs by 2033.[/hen-ui-text]

[hen-ui-table][hen-ui-table-caption]NP Growth vs. Other APRNs[/hen-ui-table-caption][hen-ui-table-header][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]APRN Job Title[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Projected job growth, 2023-2033[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Projected change in employment, 2023-2033[/hen-ui-table-head][/hen-ui-table-row][/hen-ui-table-header][hen-ui-table-body][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Nurse anesthetists[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”APRN Job Title”]+10%[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Projected job growth, 2023-2033″]5,200[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Nurse-midwives[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”APRN Job Title”]+7%[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Projected job growth, 2023-2033″]500[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Nurse practitioners[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”APRN Job Title”]+46%[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Projected job growth, 2023-2033″]135,500[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][/hen-ui-table-body][/hen-ui-table]

[hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]In comparison with other healthcare providers, NPs also stand out for their high demand and job growth. While physician assistants will also see much-faster-than-average job growth of 28%, the field will expand by less than 44,000 jobs compared with over 135,000 NP jobs.[/hen-ui-text]

[hen-ui-table][hen-ui-table-caption]NP Growth vs. Other Healthcare Professions[/hen-ui-table-caption][hen-ui-table-header][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Healthcare Provider Job Title[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Projected job growth, 2023-2033[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Projected change in employment, 2023-2033[/hen-ui-table-head][/hen-ui-table-row][/hen-ui-table-header][hen-ui-table-body][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Nurse practitioners[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Healthcare Provider Job Title”]+46%[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Projected job growth, 2023-2033″]135,500[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Registered Nurse[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Healthcare Provider Job Title”]+6%[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Projected job growth, 2023-2033″]197,200[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Physicians[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Healthcare Provider Job Title”]+4%[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Projected job growth, 2023-2033″]32,000[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Surgeons [/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Healthcare Provider Job Title”]+4%[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Projected job growth, 2023-2033″]2,500[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Physician Assistant[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Healthcare Provider Job Title”]+28%[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Projected job growth, 2023-2033″]43,700[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][/hen-ui-table-body][/hen-ui-table]

[hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]As primary and specialty care providers, NPs work in a variety of settings. Most, however, work in doctor’s offices and other primary care settings. These settings employ more than 155,000 NPs, as of May 2024. Around 100,000 NPs work in hospitals and outpatient care centers. Demand will likely continue to focus on these popular work settings.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Practice authority for NPs varies by state. But which states have the most NP jobs? While NPs work in every state, Florida ranks as the state that employs the highest number of NPs. As of 2025, Florida is also the only [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/nurse-practitioner/np-practice-authority-by-state/”]full practice authority state for NPs[/hen-ui-link] in the south, which may explain the higher number of positions.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Major cities typically employ the highest numbers of NPs, with the New York City metro area and Miami topping the list of locations where the most NPs work. NPs also benefit from demand in suburban and rural areas.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Nurse Practitioner Salary Outlook: NP Salaries Continue to Grow[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Over the past decade, [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/nurse-practitioner/salary-by-state/”]NP salaries[/hen-ui-link] have increased every year. In 2014, NPs reported a median pay of $95,350, according to BLS data. By 2024, that number increased to $129,210.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The median salary for NPs ranks above many other nursing professions. While RNs earned a median of $93,600 in May 2024, NPs reported 38% higher salaries.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-card variant=”background-gray” border=”stroke”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Median Salaries for Nursing Professions[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-grid columns-md=”2″ gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-card variant=”background-white” rounded=”lg” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”text-lg -mb-3″]Nurse Practitioner[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”font-semibold text-lg”]$129,210[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card][hen-ui-card variant=”background-white” rounded=”lg” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”text-lg -mb-3″]Nurse Midwife[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”font-semibold text-lg”]$128,790[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card][hen-ui-card variant=”background-white” rounded=”lg” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”text-lg -mb-3″]Registered Nurse[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”font-semibold text-lg”]$93,600[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card][hen-ui-card variant=”background-white” rounded=”lg” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”text-lg -mb-3″]Licensed Practical Nurses[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”font-semibold text-lg”]$62,340[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card][/hen-ui-grid][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”text-xs”]Source: [hen-ui-link href=”https://data.bls.gov/oesprofile/” target=”_blank”]BLS, May 2024[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]NP salary varies depending on several factors, including experience, location, and work setting. Some of the highest-paying settings for NPs include psychiatric hospitals, specialty hospitals, and outpatient care centers. While a majority of NPs work in primary care settings, they typically earn less than those in hospital settings.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Location also plays a significant role in earning potential based on [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/nurse-practitioner/salary-by-state/”]NP pay by state[/hen-ui-link] data. California, the state with the highest NP salaries, reports median wages of 29% above the national median for NPs. California NPs benefit from full practice authority.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]California cities also topped the list for the highest-paying metro areas, with several Bay Area regions reporting median salaries of $200,000 or more for NPs. Higher cost-of-living locations typically offer higher salaries.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Nurse Practitioner Jobs and Pay: A Look Into the Future[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Looking ahead, NPs will likely continue to benefit from strong demand and high salaries. With demand for health services only expected to increase as the shortage continues, nurses who become NPs can benefit by helping to fill this pressing need.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]If historical trends on NP salary hold, NPs can also expect to see their earning potential increase annually. Attending an [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/nurse-practitioner/np-programs/”]NP program[/hen-ui-link] may prove to be a valuable investment for many RNs.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Nurse Practitioner Job and Salary Figures: FAQ[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-accordion variant=”no-background”] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Is the demand for nurse practitioners increasing?” expanded=”true”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Yes. The demand for nurse practitioners is increasing. According to BLS projections, the number of NP jobs will grow 46% from 2023-2033. NPs rank as the fastest-growing healthcare career in 2025.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Is the NP job market oversaturated?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]No. In fact, in the healthcare field, NPs rank as the fastest-growing job in 2025. NPs will benefit from 46% job growth from 2023-2033, based on BLS projections.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”What field of NP makes the most money?”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]NPs who work in psychiatric and specialty care report the highest salaries. According to [hen-ui-link href=”https://data.bls.gov/oesprofile/” target=”_blank”]May 2024 BLS data[/hen-ui-link], NPs in psychiatric and substance use disorder hospitals earn a median pay of $140,400, compared with a median salary of $129,210 for all NPs.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Can an NP make more than $100,000 per year?”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Yes. In fact, most NP salaries surpass six figures per year. The lowest-paid NPs took in a median salary of $97,960 in May 2024 based on [hen-ui-link href=”https://data.bls.gov/oesprofile/” target=”_blank”]BLS data[/hen-ui-link], while the profession reported a median pay of $129,210 for all nurse practitioners.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item][/hen-ui-accordion]