What Is the Nurse Practitioner Job Outlook in the United States?
Written by:
Wilson College
• Sep 19, 2025
Healthcare is among the fastest-growing industries in the United States, with virtually every profession experiencing heightened demand—from doctors and medical assistants to veterinarians and pharmacy technicians.
At roughly 4 million strong, nurses make up the largest segment of the healthcare workforce. They’re also indispensable pillars of medical care, providing everything from primary and specialty care to patient education and care coordination. Within this broader nursing community, nurse practitioners (NPs) have become integral to expanding access to quality care, delivering a wide range of services to diverse patient populations.
Because of their increasingly vital role in healthcare, the job outlook for nurse practitioners is very promising. For aspiring NPs looking to enhance their clinical expertise and practice with greater autonomy, earning a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) is an essential step.
Are Nurse Practitioners In Demand?
Measured by employment growth, nurse practitioners are the most in-demand healthcare professionals in the country and have one of the most active job markets overall. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), NPs are the third fastest-growing profession in the United States, behind only wind turbine service technicians and solar photovoltaic installers—occupations with much smaller workforces.
Several factors contribute to the rising demand for nurse practitioners.
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Aging Population: Roughly 61 million Americans—nearly 18% of the population—are 65 or older, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. That share is projected to rise to about 20% by 2030—and continue to climb for several more years after that. An increasingly older population with greater healthcare needs will create abundant job opportunities for providers, including nurse practitioners.
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State Legislation: States regulate NPs’ scope of practice, determining the level of patient care and range of services they can provide. Over the past decade or so, more states have expanded NP practice authority. According to the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP), 27 states had approved legislation granting full practice authority to NPs as of 2024. This broader autonomy has led to a significant expansion of NP roles and opportunities.
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Physician Shortage: The United States is in the midst of a growing physician shortage. The Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) projects that over the next decade this shortfall will grow to 86,000, creating critical gaps in care—particularly in underserved communities. This deficit is expected to contribute to greater use of nurse practitioners, who can provide many of the same services as physicians, including primary care.
Where Are Nurse Practitioners Needed Most?
While NPs are in demand across the country in virtually every practice setting—including hospitals, private practices, and outpatient care facilities—their expertise is especially vital in certain regions and among certain population groups.
Rural Areas
Roughly 80 million Americans—nearly a quarter of the population—live in areas facing a significant shortage of primary care providers, according to the Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA). Two-thirds of these federally designated health professional shortage areas (HPSAs) are in rural regions of the country, limiting residents’ ability to access the care they need. Adding more NPs to the workforce in these areas can help close gaps in care, including both primary and specialty care services.
Underserved Communities
Beyond rural areas, many other communities face barriers to care, including urban areas. Rural communities are often home to historically underserved populations including low-income individuals, minority groups, and other vulnerable populations. With their training in culturally competent primary and specialty care, NPs play a vital role in bridging these gaps and extending care to communities that need it most.
Education
While rural and underserved communities are among those most in need of nurse practitioners, nursing schools nationwide have struggled to recruit enough faculty members to train the next generation of clinicians. Pursuing an MSN in education can equip experienced nurses with the pedagogical skills to become effective nurse educators—expanding both classroom capacity and healthcare access in high-need areas.
Job Outlook for Nurse Practitioners in the United States
A closer look at the data reveals an encouraging employment outlook for both practicing and aspiring NPs. The BLS estimates that employment of nurse practitioners will surge by 46% between 2023 and 2033, creating more than 135,000 net new jobs. The bureau cites increasing demand for healthcare services, state laws expanding NP practice authority, and a wave of nurse retirements as the primary growth drivers.
The job market for nurse practitioners varies by region, influenced by factors such as the age of the population and the availability of other healthcare professionals. On the low end, employment of NPs will grow by just 10% in Alaska—still double the national average for all occupations—while Arizona will see the greatest demand for NPs, with 71% growth, according to Projections Central. Other states with promising labor markets for NPs include the following:
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Pennsylvania: 42.7% employment growth (2022 to 2032); 3,420 net new jobs
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Texas: 60% employment growth; 11,430 net new jobs
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Florida: 58.5% employment growth; 11,070 net new jobs
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Tennessee: 58% employment growth; 7,880 net new jobs
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North Carolina: 55.5% employment growth; 4,550 net new jobs
No matter where NPs choose to work, there’s a good chance they’ll find ample employment opportunities.
Enter a Growing Profession With an MSN
An increasing demand for healthcare services, a shortage of providers, and expanded practice authority will contribute to a robust job market for nurse practitioners in the coming years.
If you’re a nurse looking to deepen your expertise and take the next step in your career, the MSN program at Wilson College Online can help you grow your skill set and access advanced roles in patient care. Designed for working nurses with busy schedules, the program offers asynchronous coursework and requires no clinical hours—allowing you to earn your degree on your terms without putting your career on hold.
Explore the benefits of a nursing education at Wilson College Online.
Recommended Readings
How Long Does It Take to Become a Nurse Practitioner?
Can Nurses Increase Their Salary With an MSN?
Chief Nursing Officer: Salary, Job Description, and Requirements
Sources:
American Association of Colleges of Nursing, Nursing Faculty Shortage Fact Sheet
American Association of Nurse Practitioners, State Practice Environment
Association of American Medical Colleges, Addressing the Physician Workforce Shortage
Health Resources & Services Administration, Health Workforce Shortage Areas
Projections Central, Long-Term Occupational Projections (2022-2032)
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Fastest Growing Occupations
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Healthcare Occupations
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Nurse Anesthetists, Nurse Midwives, and Nurse Practitioners
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Registered Nurses
U.S. Census Bureau, Older Adults Outnumber Children in 11 States and Nearly Half of U.S. Counties
