Nurse Practitioners Sweep Three U.S. News & World Report Best Jobs Rankings (2024)

Profession Ranks #1 for Best Job, Health Care Job and STEM Job

Media Contact: Bryan Black

AUSTIN, TEXAS (Jan. 11, 2024) —The American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) applauds the recognition of nurse practitioners (NPs) in U.S News & World Report’s “Best Jobs” rankings for 2024, which lists the profession first in three categories. In its recently released rankings, the NP profession is the number one career in the 100 Best Jobs, Best Health Care Jobs and Best STEM Jobs lists.

“The NP profession is thrilled to be recognized as the top job across three of U.S. News & World Report’s Best Jobs rankings this year,” said Stephen A. Ferrara, DNP, president of AANP. “These results reinforce decades of data demonstrating the outstanding care NPs provide in over a billion patient visits each year and the resulting high demand for their skills and expertise. The nation’s 385,000 licensed NPs are trusted by patients because they are highly educated and clinically prepared health care providers who work tirelessly to ensure the best possible outcomes for their patients. The future is bright for NPs – and the millions of patients who choose them.”

The U.S. News & World Report’s annual rankings are a composite measure of several key factors, including job market health, growth potential, average salary, employment rates and job satisfaction. This year’s top placement of the NP profession signifies the recognition of the critically important, comprehensive care provided by NPs.

NPs are the health care provider of choice for millions of Americans, offering a blend of comprehensive patient-centered health care. With more than 385,000 licensed NPs across the United States, the workforce is pivotal in addressing our nation’s health care needs.

“This achievement is a testament to the unwavering dedication of NPs nationwide. AANP extends its deepest congratulations to all NPs and NP students for this well-deserved recognition and remains committed to supporting and advocating for the NP community as it continues to deliver high quality, evidence-based and culturally competent care to patients.” Ferrara said.

###

The American Association of Nurse Practitioners® (AANP) is the largest professional membership organization for nurse practitioners (NPs) of all specialties. It represents the interests of the more than 385,000 licensed NPs in the U.S. AANP provides legislative leadership at the local, state and national levels, advancing health policy; promoting excellence in practice, education and research; and establishing standards that best serve NPs' patients and other health care consumers. As The Voice of the Nurse Practitioner®, AANP represents the interests of NPs as providers of high-quality, cost-effective, comprehensive, patient-centered health care. To locate an NP in your community, visit npfinder.com. For more information about NPs, visit aanp.org.

Nurse Practitioners Sweep Three U.S. News & World Report Best Jobs Rankings (2024)

FAQs

Nurse Practitioners Sweep Three U.S. News & World Report Best Jobs Rankings? ›

In its recently released rankings, the NP profession is the number one career in the 100 Best Jobs, Best Health Care Jobs and Best STEM Jobs lists. “The NP profession is thrilled to be recognized as the top job across three of U.S. News & World Report's Best Jobs rankings this year,” said Stephen A.

What NP specialty is in highest demand? ›

According to the AANP, psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners (PMHNPs) are in the highest demand. PMHNPs assess, diagnose and treat patients with psychiatric disorders and addiction. PMHNPs provide therapy, administer psychosocial assessments, and provide care for patients with mental health emergencies.

What is the highest paid NP job? ›

Aesthetic Nurse Practitioner

They work with patients to help improve their appearance through a variety of nonsurgical procedures. Aesthetic NPs earn the highest nurse practitioner salary in America. Salary: Aesthetic Nurse Practitioners earn an average base salary of approximately $138,817 annually.

What is the best type of NP? ›

Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)

This is the most popular of all the nurse practitioner specialties, with 70.3% of all NPs choosing this certification route. An FNP is qualified to treat patients of all ages, from children to adults in the primary care setting.

Where in the US do nurse practitioners make the most money? ›

What state has the highest NP salary? According to the BLS, Nurse Practitioners in California earn the highest salary. Their average salary is $161,540 per year.

What is the hardest NP specialty? ›

What are the Hardest Nurse Practitioner Specialties?
  1. Adult Acute Care Nurse Practitioner. ...
  2. Oncology Nurse Practitioner. ...
  3. Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner. ...
  4. Emergency Nurse Practitioner. ...
  5. Armed Forces NP. ...
  6. Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner. ...
  7. Correctional Nurse Practitioner. ...
  8. Substance Abuse Nurse Practitioner.

Who are the happiest nurse practitioners? ›

Aesthetic nurse practitioners are one of the happiest nurse practitioner specialties because the overall stress from their job is low compared to other NP specialties.

What is the highest paid NP specialty in 2024? ›

The 5 Highest-Paid Nurse Practitioner Specializations
  1. Home Health Nurse Practitioner.
  2. Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner.
  3. Emergency Nurse Practitioner.
  4. Neonatal Nurse Practitioner.
  5. Occupational Health Nurse Practitioner.
Apr 29, 2024

What is the lowest paid nurse practitioner? ›

As of May 2023, the BLS reports a median annual wage of $126,260 for NPs. According to the BLS, the lowest-earning 10% of NPs make about $94,500, while the top 10% of earners in the profession take home close to $170,000 per year.

How to make the most money as an NP? ›

According to the US Bureau of Labor and Statistics (BLS), the way to make the most money as a nurse practitioner is to work in the “Community Food and Housing, and Emergency and Other Relief Services” job category. The BLS lists this category as the highest-paying area to work for NP jobs.

Are NP or PA more respected? ›

Frequently Asked Questions About NPs and PAs

Neither profession ranks “higher” than the other. Both NPs and PAs work in the healthcare field but with different qualifications, educational backgrounds, and responsibilities. They also work in different specialties.

What is the best state for nurse practitioners? ›

The Top 10 States for Nurse Practitioners
  1. Arizona. Arizona takes the top spot as the best state to work in as an NP. ...
  2. New Mexico. New Mexico NPs earn above the national average annual salary, making $62.29 per hour. ...
  3. Iowa. ...
  4. New York. ...
  5. Oregon. ...
  6. Minnesota. ...
  7. Washington. ...
  8. Montana.
Nov 6, 2023

What is the highest paid NP field? ›

Top 10 Highest-Paying Nurse Practitioner Careers
RankSpecialtyMedian Annual Salary
1Aesthetic Nurse Practitioner$139,152
2Neonatal Nurse Practitioner$138,396
3Emergency Room Nurse Practitioner$134,456
4Orthopedic Nurse Practitioner$126,193
6 more rows

What state has the highest demand for nurse practitioner? ›

New York

Who is the largest employer for nurse practitioners? ›

Industry profile for Nurse Practitioners:
IndustryEmployment (1)Percent of industry employment
Offices of Physicians137,0304.82
General Medical and Surgical Hospitals61,7401.08
Outpatient Care Centers25,4402.39
Offices of Other Health Practitioners11,4001.00
1 more row

What specialty of nursing is in most demand? ›

The Highest-Demand Nursing Specialties
  • Neonatal Nurse. Babies who are born prematurely commonly experience a variety of health issues early on, and this is where a neonatal nurse comes in. ...
  • Clinical Nurse. ...
  • Dialysis Nurse. ...
  • Nurse Practitioner. ...
  • Nurse Advocate.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Terence Hammes MD

Last Updated:

Views: 6213

Rating: 4.9 / 5 (49 voted)

Reviews: 80% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Terence Hammes MD

Birthday: 1992-04-11

Address: Suite 408 9446 Mercy Mews, West Roxie, CT 04904

Phone: +50312511349175

Job: Product Consulting Liaison

Hobby: Jogging, Motor sports, Nordic skating, Jigsaw puzzles, Bird watching, Nordic skating, Sculpting

Introduction: My name is Terence Hammes MD, I am a inexpensive, energetic, jolly, faithful, cheerful, proud, rich person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.