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Job outlook for practical nursing instructors in the United States
Practical nursing instructor job growth summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
The projected practical nursing instructor job growth rate is 12% from 2018-2028.
About 159,400 new jobs for practical nursing instructors are projected over the next decade.
Practical nursing instructor salaries have increased 9% for practical nursing instructors in the last 5 years.
There are over 10,699 practical nursing instructors currently employed in the United States.
There are 93,630 active practical nursing instructor job openings in the US.
The average practical nursing instructor salary is $79,190.
Are practical nursing instructor jobs in demand?
Practical nursing instructor job and salary trends over time
Practical nursing instructor jobs over time
Practical nursing instructor job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 10,699 | 0.00% |
| 2020 | 9,605 | 0.00% |
| 2019 | 9,381 | 0.00% |
| 2018 | 8,757 | 0.00% |
| 2017 | 8,737 | 0.00% |
Average practical nursing instructor salary over time
Practical nursing instructor salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | $79,190 | $38.07 | +1.2% |
| 2025 | $78,277 | $37.63 | +1.5% |
| 2024 | $77,113 | $37.07 | +3.1% |
| 2023 | $74,773 | $35.95 | +3.1% |
| 2022 | $72,538 | $34.87 | +2.4% |
Practical nursing instructor jobs by state
Most common states for practical nursing instructors
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kansas | 2,913,123 | 932 | 32% |
| 2 | Virginia | 8,470,020 | 2,569 | 30% |
| 3 | Iowa | 3,145,711 | 935 | 30% |
| 4 | Colorado | 5,607,154 | 1,602 | 29% |
| 5 | Nebraska | 1,920,076 | 562 | 29% |
| 6 | New Mexico | 2,088,070 | 559 | 27% |
| 7 | Montana | 1,050,493 | 279 | 27% |
| 8 | Oregon | 4,142,776 | 1,042 | 25% |
| 9 | New Jersey | 9,005,644 | 2,201 | 24% |
| 10 | Kentucky | 4,454,189 | 1,046 | 23% |
| 11 | Connecticut | 3,588,184 | 842 | 23% |
| 12 | Michigan | 9,962,311 | 2,224 | 22% |
| 13 | Delaware | 961,939 | 213 | 22% |
| 14 | Idaho | 1,716,943 | 353 | 21% |
| 15 | Alaska | 739,795 | 153 | 21% |
| 16 | Wyoming | 579,315 | 119 | 21% |
| 17 | Missouri | 6,113,532 | 1,250 | 20% |
| 18 | North Dakota | 755,393 | 153 | 20% |
| 19 | Illinois | 12,802,023 | 2,423 | 19% |
| 20 | Alabama | 4,874,747 | 911 | 19% |
Most common cities for practical nursing instructors
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bartlesville | 1 | 3% | $58,919 |
| 2 | Evans | 1 | 3% | $57,078 |
| 3 | Enfield | 1 | 2% | $98,552 |
| 4 | Moline | 1 | 2% | $63,290 |
| 5 | Stillwater | 1 | 2% | $59,326 |
| 6 | Albuquerque | 3 | 1% | $69,394 |
| 7 | Aurora | 2 | 1% | $86,102 |
| 8 | Lafayette | 1 | 1% | $79,058 |
| 9 | Providence | 1 | 1% | $98,118 |
| 10 | West Palm Beach | 1 | 1% | $75,843 |
| 11 | Hialeah | 1 | 0% | $74,793 |
| 12 | Memphis | 1 | 0% | $80,690 |
Practical Nursing Instructor job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of practical nursing instructor experts
Nicholls State University
Saint Xavier University
Bethune-Cookman University
The University of Rhode Island
Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine
Arizona State University
Oakland University
Southwestern Adventist University
Dixie State University
Spokane Community College
Lakeview College of Nursing
NCOPE
Eastern Kentucky University
Boise State University
Dr. Raquel Engolio
Assistant Professor, Department Head for NursingNicholls State University
Nursing Department
What skills stand out on Practical Nursing Instructor resumes?
Dr. Raquel Engolio: Expertise and clinical experience are skills that will stand out for a clinical nursing instructor. Certifications in a respective specialty and advanced nursing degrees help to confirm that experience. Clinical experience in the acute setting is very valuable for clinical nursing instructors. Participating in a preceptorship, mentoring undergraduate students, and orienting new nursing graduates are skills that help clinical instructors stand out.
What soft skills should all Practical Nursing Instructors possess?
Dr. Raquel Engolio: Communication and teamwork. Clear communication as a clinical nurse educator is critical. Clinical instructors will supervise students in a complex, fast-paced clinical environment. This requires clear, timely, and professional communication. In respect to teamwork, clinical nursing instructors can expect to work with a team of course faculty in the classroom, lab, and clinical setting. During clinical, instructors work with the staff nurses and healthcare team. It is vital for clinical instructors to maintain positive group dynamics. Students, staff, and patients will often reach out and seek instructors who convey approachability, warmth, and competency in the clinical setting.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Practical Nursing Instructors?
Dr. Raquel Engolio: Writing, assessment, and application of the nursing process in the clinical setting are important technical skills. Clinical instructors will lead nursing students and teach safe nursing care during the clinical experience. An advanced understanding of assessment, best practices for safe patient care, and applying safe clinical judgment in the health care setting are most important.
What skills will help Practical Nursing Instructors earn the most?
Dr. Raquel Engolio: Writing and professional presentation skills. Experience with publications, participation in nursing research, and years of experience in nursing education will help nursing instructors earn a more competitive salary. Publishing in peer-reviewed journals, participating in nursing research, and presenting information at events like a national conference will make clinical instructors more marketable. In addition, the attainment of advanced practice degrees and terminal degrees will improve a nurse educator's salary. These skills and qualifications require expertise in nursing and highlight a commitment to the profession and nursing education.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Practical Nursing Instructor job market given the pandemic?
Michele Poradzisz Ph.D.: Nurses have always been respected and trusted, but the pandemic has given the public the chance to see nurses in a new light and appreciate them even more. People have witnessed the dedication that nurses have to their patients and profession. I believe this will motivate more people to want to join this noble profession. According to a 2020 study with The National Forum of State Nursing Workforce Centers, the average age of registered nurses is currently at 51 years, so we can expect to see a large number of nurses retiring from full-time practice over the next decade. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projected 7% growth in the market for RNs from 2019-2029, which is faster than the average growth in any other occupation.
We are seeing an increase in the number of people with degrees in other fields who are attracted to nursing and want to change careers. Accelerated degree programs for non-nursing graduates capitalize on the individual's previous education and experience and fast-track them to a baccalaureate (BSN) or master's (MSN) degree in nursing. For example, Saint Xavier University offers an accelerated BSN program that allows students to complete the nursing program in 15 months. Cohort sizes are kept small (typically 24 students) to allow personalized attention from faculty as well as to promote strong bonds among students.
Aside from the growth in the nursing job market, a big change will be in where nurses practice. The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the need to bolster public health and community health resources in the U.S. Public health nurses focus on preventive care and provide care in state and local health departments, as well as schools, community clinics and workplaces. The length of stay for patients in hospitals is continually decreasing, and many elective surgeries and procedures are now done in outpatient or ambulatory settings. More and more, hospitals will provide care for the most complex or critically ill patients, while routine care will be centered outside hospitals. In addition, the large increase in numbers of people with chronic diseases points to the need for more nurses in home care and community settings.
Sameh Ghareeb
Assistant ProfessorBethune-Cookman University
L. Gale Lemerand School of Nursing
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Practical Nursing Instructor job market given the pandemic?
Sameh Ghareeb: Two of the biggest trends in nursing jobs because of the pandemic are overtime hours and the outburst of travel nursing jobs.
The increase of numbers of admitting patients to the hospital has significantly increased the need of nurses. This made hospitals request nurses to work additional shifts, in which many nurses worked 48-60 hrs/wk.
In addition, the need for nurses, pushed hospitals to hire more nurses. But as there is a shortage in nursing, nursing travel agency work outbursts.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Practical Nursing Instructor job market given the pandemic?
Barbara Wolfe Ph.D.: The need for RNs and advanced practice nurses (APRNs) is in great demand. Based on data from The Bureau of Labor Statistics, the number of registered nurses (RNs) is expected to increase by 7% and the need for nurse practitioners and other APRNs is expected to increase by 45% in the next eight or so years.
There is a significant need for nursing faculty. Currently there is a national nurse faculty vacancy rate of > 7%. This will, no doubt, increase given the projected swell of retirements by 2025-as much as a third of the current faculty workforce. Thus, we will see an increase need for doctoral education to prepare these individuals for this career path.
What technical skills for a Practical Nursing Instructor stand out to employers?
Barbara Wolfe Ph.D.: Health care is rapidly changing, and the pandemic has contributed to some of these changes (e.g., the use of telehealth). Employers are looking for nurses who are able to adapt, innovate, and apply not only their technical skills, but also their knowledge and critical thinking to a variety of settings--particularly since most of health care is delivered in non-hospital environments.
Abram Brummett Ph.D.
Assistant ProfessorOakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine
Department of Foundational Medical Studies
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Practical Nursing Instructor job market given the pandemic?
Abram Brummett Ph.D.: You may have heard of the "Fauci Effect," which has driven the interest in medical professions up. Applications to OUWB are up since the pandemic, and I suspect that interest in medical fields will go up across the board to include fields such as nursing, physician assistants, occupational therapists, social workers, and my discipline, clinical bioethics. The pandemic has exposed medical professionals as the heroes they always have been and that exposure has been inspiring to others.
What soft skills should all Practical Nursing Instructors possess?
Abram Brummett Ph.D.: Teaching soft skills is a really important part of what we do in the medical humanities and clinical bioethics. While we wrestle with difficult ethical dilemmas in contexts such as the end of life, birth, child-rearing, sexuality, and suffering, we also work hard to resist a reductionistic view of patients as a complex set of tubes, pumps, and chemicals that can result from years of medical education. We do this by encouraging a "holistic" approach to patient care that sees a patient situated within a whole matrix of social, psychological, religious, and economic factors that influence the doctor-patient relationship. Soft skills are a vital part of this approach, being able to talk with, earn the trust of, and motivate patients to follow a treatment regimen is just as important as an accurate diagnosis. Medicine remains, and will always be, a science and an art, and we are here to emphasize the art.
Erica Lee
Associate Program Director/ Clinical Assistant Professor- Prelicensure Nursing, Honors FacultyArizona State University
Edson College of Nursing & Health Innovation
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Practical Nursing Instructor job market given the pandemic?
Erica Lee: I hope that the biggest trend for new nurses entering the profession will be extended orientation periods. Unfortunately, many student nurses have missed out on inpatient clinical exposure during the pandemic in an effort to limit numbers of individuals entering into facilities. This may affect how confident the new graduate RN's feel in the environment and extra attention to orientation could help.
How have salaries changed over time for Practical Nursing Instructors?
Julie Kruse Ph.D.: In the last century, nursing has been a stable career choice in terms of job stability and with the continued and projected nursing shortage, it will be a viable option in the future. Nursing is also a career choice that offers a comfortable living wage.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (2019) reports that the median salary for a nurse is $73,300 (range $52,080- $111,220) with a median hourly rate of $35.24 (range $25.04- $53.47). According to Nurse.com nursing salaries have had increased growth by 2.6% every year since 2014. The nursing shortage combined with a comfortable living wage makes nursing an excellent career choice.
References
American Academy of Ambulatory Nursing (2021). https://www.aaacn.org/certification/telehealth-certification
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Practical Nursing Instructor job market given the pandemic?
Julie Kruse Ph.D.: There are several areas in nursing that will most likely see an increase due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
1) Telehealth Nursing: Telehealth has been defined as the sharing of heath information by patients and providers either synchronously or asynchronously using a telephone, videophone, or biometric monitoring unit (Bowles et al, 2012; Radhakrishnan et al, 2016). The COVID-19 pandemic has stimulated growth in the area of telehealth and some researchers have estimated that over 30% of outpatient visits were conducted by telehealth in 2020.
The American Hospital Association reported that the number of hospitals either partially or fully implementing telehealth grew from 35% in 2010 to 76% in 2017. The compounded annual growth of telehealth is projected to grow over 28% from 2019 - 2025 according to an Arizton Market Report.
Even though the COVID-19 pandemic stimulated a spike in the growth of telehealth, this area of health care has been rapidly expanding over the past decade. Telehealth has been used with success in managing patients with heart disease, diabetes, COPD, and chronic wounds. Additionally, there will be a need for telehealth services to treat mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression as well as providing public health outreach to women, infants, and children.
2) Nursing in Outpatient and Community Settings: There will continue to be a shift from nursing care in hospital settings to community and outpatient settings.
3) Mental Health and Wellness: There will be a continued and increased need for mental health and wellness services. In a recent national study by Ettman et al. (2020), it was reported that the COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in a 3-fold increase in the number of people who reported depressive symptoms. This increase in depressive and anxiety symptoms from the pandemic is further supported by the Kaiser Family Foundation who report that 11% of adults reported anxiety and depressive symptoms from January-June of 2019 versus 41.1% in January of 2021. The demand for nurses in this field will continue to expand as the number of people who experience mental health and substance misuse conditions continues to outpace the number of nurses and clinicians who can provide care.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Practical Nursing Instructor job market given the pandemic?
Dr. Terri Gibson: From what I read from nursing organizations and journal literature, big trends include the following:
-Wages seem to be increasing, even slightly for nurses providing direct care at the bedside. There continues to be a need for well-prepared nurses to work in acute care hospitals. With elevated rates of burnout among nurses, students need to be prepared to work under stressful conditions. For me as an educator, it means I have spent time encouraging and supporting the care they give themselves. We've worked on assessments and teaching-learning activities so they are aware that when they are healthy-physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually, they can provide safer, better quality patient care. We spend some time learning ways to optimize their well-being through attention to stress management, good nutrition, regular exercise, healthy relationships, and spiritual renewal.
-Another trend is to bring students into the working environment as techs to take care of patients in the hospital or under the auspices of an RN license to assist with Covid vaccine administration. From my experience, students want to participate in care delivery now, so they have some preparation for what their future holds once they have their license and start into their first position as a nurse.
What certifications/licenses/courses can have the biggest impact for Practical Nursing Instructors?
Judy Scott: Being able to pass the NCLEX-RN exam with their first attempt will have a large impact on the student's ability secure that first position after graduation. Many students have taken advantage of the opportunity to work as an apprentice nurse during their last semester of school, thereby obtaining valuable work experience. Those that have not, will experience a nurse precepted experience working along side a nursing professional.
What's a good job out of college for Practical Nursing Instructors?
Elizabeth Curtin: There are many healthcare-related jobs, as nursing isn't the only one where we are seeing a shortage. There is a need for pharmacy techs, respiratory therapists, lab techs, phlebotomists, the list goes on. Also construction always needs skilled workers. My son has worked continually with a company that does fireproofing and construction and hasn't missed a paycheck since the pandemic started.
What technical skills for a Practical Nursing Instructor stand out to employers?
Elizabeth Curtin: More hands-on skills, resilience, adaptability to the ever-changing environment.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Practical Nursing Instructor job market given the pandemic?
Keri Stolz-Russell: I would say that one of the biggest trends we'll see are nurses who experience "burnout" much more quickly. Taking care of COVID patients is exhausting both mentally and physically. I know that I always have to prepare myself mentally to enter a COVID room and go through my mental checklist of dos and don'ts, make sure all the supplies that I'll need if they're not already in the room, make sure I have a "gofer" nearby so I can poke my head out if I need something, and prepare myself to be uncomfortable under all of the PPE. The mental fatigue doesn't end there once I have left the patient's room. The facility I work for does not allow COVID positive patient s to have visitors which means there are a lot more families calling for updates along with long explanations as to what certain medications are, whether or not their family member is getting the treatment described on T.V., and whether or not I think their loved one will make it. The mental fatigue is then brought home with me. I'm concerned about bringing it into the car where my children sit to go run errands and attend school activities. I am concerned about taking off my scrubs as soon as I get home, putting them in the washer, taking a shower, and praying that I didn't bring it into my home.
What's a good job out of college for Practical Nursing Instructors?
Keri Stolz-Russell: I tend to lean toward a Med/surg job. Med/Surg is fast paced and provides new nurses with a variety of diseases processes, complications, medical equipment, and ways to develop their clinical and critical thinking skills. I know that many new grads have the desire and goal to be an ER or CCU nurse, which is great of course, but I personally think that some experience on a med/surg floor first should be a stepping stone to getting there. It's interesting because when getting report from an ER nurse I can always tell who has had experience on a med/surg floor compared to those who have always been an ER nurse. These nurses tend to "have all of their ducks in a row" regardless of how long they've had their patient and they know more specific details regarding the patients living situation, meds that were given, and what actually brought them to the ER. On the other hand, ER nurses who only know the ER setting aren't as detailed, but rather give a brief overview as to why the patient came in and what has already been done. I've been told by coworkers who went from a med/surg floor to the ER or CCU that they were thankful that they started on med/surg first because it allowed them to develop the skills and clinical/critical reasoning at a slower pace as opposed to being forced to play "catch up" immediately down in ER or CCU while caring for critically ill patients.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Practical Nursing Instructor job market given the pandemic?
Chris Robinson: The pandemic has refined the values for workers and employers alike. For instance, employees may value flexibility in the work setting or hours over higher compensation. Furthermore, the belief that a position "absolutely required the employee to be physically present" has been challenged, and often, new approaches enabled effective remote work. Given the opportunity to work remotely, this has also opened up the talent pools for many positions, as geographic proximity is not a necessity in many more instances than seen before COVID-19. For employees who must be physically present to perform their jobs, employers have been more open to allowing employees different work schedules, such as electing to work four 10 hour shifts versus the traditional 8-hour day every single weekday.
What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for Practical Nursing Instructors in the next 3-5 years?
Chris Robinson: I am of the mindset that technology isn't a separate concept, but something becoming deeply interwoven into our day-to-day lives. On the business side, I feel access to real-time data will become the relative norm, enabling employees at all levels to not only have access to critical data, but have it presented in a meaningful way. The term "data" brings with it a certain stigma, and to some, reflections of giant spreadsheets of data. A giant spreadsheet may contain critical data, but it must be visualized in a way that allows a person to quickly draw an appropriate conclusion. From a physical goods standpoint, additive manufacturing is no longer something exclusive to the prototyping and enthusiast community, but something accessible across professions. I would not be surprised if 3D printers were integrated into retailers the same way 1-hour photo labs are.
Dr. Brooke Bentley Ph.D.
School of Nursing Chair & Full ProfessorEastern Kentucky University
School of Nursing
How do you envision technology impacting Practical Nursing Instructors in the next 5 years?
Dr. Brooke Bentley Ph.D.: Technology will likely increase telehealth use to care for more and more patients in home and community settings. More apps and newer software will be integrated into health care. Nurses will need to be technologically savvy and astute, and confident in their assessment skills and patient care knowledge. Nurses will need to make sure their assessment, judgment, and intuition match patient data output from technology.
Dr. Lori Gray
Associate Professor: Director of Music EducationBoise State University
Department of Music Education
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Practical Nursing Instructors to find work opportunities?
Dr. Lori Gray: The unfortunate reality is that there is a teacher shortage across the United States. However, this can be positive for graduates seeking jobs in Education. Even with a teacher shortage, graduates need to maintain a realistic view of the job market and be flexible in where they are willing to live. The job search process will be quite challenging if graduates limit themselves to one town or a particular job type. I urge our Music Education majors to be open-minded about the kinds of jobs they are willing to consider and explore a few locations.