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Job outlook for certified nurse practitioners in the United States
Certified nurse practitioner job growth summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
The projected certified nurse practitioner job growth rate is 40% from 2018-2028.
About 118,600 new jobs for certified nurse practitioners are projected over the next decade.
Certified nurse practitioner salaries have increased 11% for certified nurse practitioners in the last 5 years.
There are over 111,297 certified nurse practitioners currently employed in the United States.
There are 82,544 active certified nurse practitioner job openings in the US.
The average certified nurse practitioner salary is $102,331.
Are certified nurse practitioner jobs in demand?
Certified nurse practitioner job and salary trends over time
Certified nurse practitioner jobs over time
Certified nurse practitioner job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 111,297 | 0.03% |
| 2020 | 100,195 | 0.03% |
| 2019 | 95,130 | 0.03% |
| 2018 | 85,195 | 0.03% |
| 2017 | 78,855 | 0.02% |
Average certified nurse practitioner salary over time
Certified nurse practitioner salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | $102,331 | $49.20 | +1.7% |
| 2025 | $100,627 | $48.38 | +2.6% |
| 2024 | $98,071 | $47.15 | +3.0% |
| 2023 | $95,184 | $45.76 | +2.9% |
| 2022 | $92,463 | $44.45 | +2.8% |
Certified nurse practitioner jobs by state
Most common states for certified nurse practitioners
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | South Dakota | 869,666 | 145 | 17% |
| 2 | Oregon | 4,142,776 | 677 | 16% |
| 3 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 214 | 16% |
| 4 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 113 | 16% |
| 5 | Vermont | 623,657 | 98 | 16% |
| 6 | Virginia | 8,470,020 | 1,305 | 15% |
| 7 | Alaska | 739,795 | 107 | 14% |
| 8 | Missouri | 6,113,532 | 789 | 13% |
| 9 | Maine | 1,335,907 | 168 | 13% |
| 10 | New York | 19,849,399 | 2,355 | 12% |
| 11 | Illinois | 12,802,023 | 1,511 | 12% |
| 12 | New Jersey | 9,005,644 | 1,059 | 12% |
| 13 | Kentucky | 4,454,189 | 513 | 12% |
| 14 | Arizona | 7,016,270 | 741 | 11% |
| 15 | Maryland | 6,052,177 | 688 | 11% |
| 16 | Montana | 1,050,493 | 113 | 11% |
| 17 | Wyoming | 579,315 | 65 | 11% |
| 18 | Louisiana | 4,684,333 | 486 | 10% |
| 19 | Oklahoma | 3,930,864 | 388 | 10% |
| 20 | Mississippi | 2,984,100 | 299 | 10% |
Most common cities for certified nurse practitioners
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Duluth | 1 | 3% | $88,814 |
| 2 | Tuscaloosa | 2 | 2% | $77,147 |
| 3 | Chino | 1 | 1% | $121,917 |
| 4 | Lynchburg | 1 | 1% | $93,447 |
| 5 | Napa | 1 | 1% | $131,350 |
| 6 | Wilmington | 1 | 1% | $115,922 |
| 7 | Baltimore | 1 | 0% | $104,948 |
| 8 | Birmingham | 1 | 0% | $76,784 |
| 9 | Los Angeles | 1 | 0% | $122,244 |
| 10 | Portland | 1 | 0% | $115,889 |
Certified Nurse Practitioner job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of certified nurse practitioner experts
New York University
American International College
Bradley University
Donna Hallas PhD, RN, PPCNP-BC, CPNP, PMHS, FAANP, FAAN
Clinical Professor & Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Program DirectorNew York University
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research And Clinical Nursing
What general advice would you give to a Certified Nurse Practitioner?
Donna Hallas PhD, RN, PPCNP-BC, CPNP, PMHS, FAANP, FAAN: The biggest change to the profession over the next five years will be to find safe and effective ways to implement Artificial Intelligence (AI) into our practices. While AI is a huge game-changer, Nurse Practitioners and all health care providers, must apply the principles of critical thinking for each particular care to assure that patients are receiving the best evidence-based care.
What Certified Nurse Practitioner skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Donna Hallas PhD, RN, PPCNP-BC, CPNP, PMHS, FAANP, FAAN: Major advice for new Nurse Practitioners is that learning continues in the first position, as it takes at least a year to see the various problems individuals present with in the practice. After that initial learning curve, dedication and commitment to being a life-long learner is essential to having a successful career. Become an active member of the particular nursing organization that is within your specialty, as that is one way to stay knowledgeable about changes in the profession.
What will help Certified Nurse Practitioners increase their earning potential?
Donna Hallas PhD, RN, PPCNP-BC, CPNP, PMHS, FAANP, FAAN: For newly licensed advanced practice graduates from Graduate Nursing Schools, often the starting salary is established by the organization. Individuals need to know the salary ranges and determine if the salary is one that fits their expenses. For those Graduates who have had experience previously, and now have an advanced degree, for example, the DNP, they can often negotiate for a higher salary. Today, there are numerous opportunities for experienced graduates to bring new ideas to an organization, and speak to them during the interview process.
Catharine Armentrout
Assistant Director of FNP ProgramAmerican International College
School of Health Sciences
What skills stand out on Certified Nurse Practitioner resumes?
Catharine Armentrout: Nurse practitioners are registered nurses with a Master's or Doctorate degree that allows one to practice in their chosen field. I am a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP), and my training prepared me to take care of patients in the community in primary care. I am Board certified to practice as an FNP. Family Nurse Practitioners can care for newborns to geriatric patients. Times have changed since I graduated, and most inpatient occupations for Nurse Practitioners require an Acute Care Board certification, which is a different learning track than the FNP program.
Knowing what jobs to apply for is the first step. Understand the area you want to work in and consider all aspects of the job to include distance to travel back and forth to work, schedule, benefits, CME's, PTO, employer reimbursement for licenses to include RN and NP licenses, DEA license (every 3 years), State registration to prescribe (not every state has this, but Massachusetts does (150 a year)), Board Certification renewal (every 5 years), training schedule and length of time to train, expected number of patients that will be seen per day once fully independent, loan repayment, tuition reimbursement and RVU's if applicable.
Skills that stand out on a Nurse Practitioner's resume should include:
Use of EMR's (i.e., EPIC), dictation applications like Dragon
Performing procedures including IV placement, Phlebotomy, punch biopsy for skin changes, I and D of wounds, suturing, wound care (wound vac, e.g.), Foley placement as you might be surprised what occurs in a primary care office
Ability to interpret EKG's, CXR's, lab results
Ability to identify skin changes, stages of wounds and develop treatment plans for wound care
Ability to reduce utilization of the emergency room via primary care/ telehealth and preventing hospitalizations when possible
Ability to review end of life decisions with patients and families, including MOLST, Advanced directives, Health Care Proxy
Having a good bedside manner, ability to speak to patients and families using language they can understand. Having the ability to follow through on previous visits regarding abnormal labs, diagnostic tests even if the results are normal and overall providing excellent customer service.
Knowing when to ask for help is always a strength. You will most likely be among very experienced providers, and they will know you care because you asked about something you were not sure about or requested a second opinion.
Nurse Practitioners, first starting out, will likely receive the starting pay rate for the area they are working in. Urban vs. Suburban vs. Rural areas will have, often, significant differences, and it is not always about the cost of living. The longer the FNP was a nurse before graduating may not have much impact on starting pay, but nursing experience and clinical experiences during graduate school should be noted on the resume to help the employer understand the true clinical background of the applicant.
Due to your research! Evaluate practices and check reviews. Network your colleagues and co-workers and think outside the box because your next job might be a dream come true!
Amy Grugan Ph.D.
Assistant Professor, Assistant Director of NursingBradley University
Department of Nursing
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Certified Nurse Practitioner job market given the pandemic?
Amy Grugan Ph.D.: I think we will see many openings for nurses in acute care or bedside hospital care. This pandemic has been a challenge for all health care workers in not only the physical and intellectual burden but also the emotional burden. Acute care organizations will need to ensure we have a continuation of quality care for the entire population who seek services at their institutions. In addition, public health will need educators, caregivers, and staff to drive plans for vaccinations on a large scale. Now, more than ever, communities need strong public health professionals who can plan, implement, and evaluate initiatives to maintain the health of their residents.