Which U.S. States Have the Highest Demand for Nurse Practitioners?
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With an aging population, a rise in chronic disease, impending primary care physician shortages, and shifts in the primary care system toward team-based care, the demand for advanced practice nurses (APNs) is going to be significant in the next decade —especially demand for nurse practitioners (NPs).
The American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) reports that 88.9 percent of the 355,000 licensed NPs are certified in primary care, and 70.2 percent of NPs are already delivering primary care—a trend that will continue through the next decade. With an average of ten years of practice experience and at least a master’s-level education, NPs are highly experienced medical providers with extensive formalized training.
With NPs equipped with the skills needed for the current and impending needs in healthcare, the Bureau for Labor Statistics (BLS 2021) predicted that between 2020 and 2030, the demand for NPs will swell by 52 percent. An incredible 114,900 new NP jobs are predicted during this time period, with an overall nationwide job availability of 335,200. In comparison to other APRNs, this growth rate is 41 percent higher than the growth rate for nurse anesthetists and 39 percent higher than the growth rate for nurse-midwives. This predicted 52 percent growth rate is also nearly seven times that of the average growth rate for all occupations during the same decade (8 percent).
With this positive outlook for NPs across the nation, here are the top ten states for absolute job growth and the top ten states for percentage growth between 2018 and 2028, according to Career One Stop, a project sponsored by the US Department of Labor (2022):
| Absolute Growth – Projected Annual Openings | Percentage Growth |
|---|---|
| New York – 1,640 jobs added per year | Arizona – 51 percent |
| California – 1,390 | Colorado – 45 |
| Texas – 1,170 | New York – 41 |
| Florida – 1,110 | Georgia – 41 |
| Illinois – 760 | Florida – 37 |
| Tennessee – 730 | Tennessee – 35 |
| Georgia – 660 | Maryland – 35 |
| Ohio – 650 | Utah – 34 |
| Pennsylvania – 570 | Texas – 32 |
| New Jersey – 560 | Oregon – 32 |
NPs occupy such a high-growth occupation that several U.S. states have already surpassed their projected employment of NPs for 2028. Some of these higher-than-expected growth states include Texas, Ohio, Tennessee, Virginia, North Carolina, Missouri, Michigan, Kentucky, Wisconsin, and Arizona.
Keep reading to learn more about NP demand in the states offering the most absolute growth in the next decade, including the current NP job market, salary information, helpful local resources for NPs, and NP programs in the state available to RNs considering advancing their careers to the NP level.
New York Nurse Practitioners
CareerOneStop (August 2022) predicts that between 2018 and 2028, there will be a 41 percent growth in the NP job market in New York. This translates to 6,390 new jobs added statewide, for a total of 21,870 NP jobs by 2028 in the state.
NP Salaries, Job Market, and Most Promising Region In New York Compared to U.S. Averages (BLS May 2021)
| United States | New York | |
|---|---|---|
| Employment | 234,690 | 15,190 |
| Average annual wages | $118,040 | $133,940 |
| Top-paying region (average annual salary) | California – $151,830 | New York, Newark, Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA – $141,010 |
| Top-employing region | Texas – 17,810 jobs | New York, Newark, Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA – 15,060 jobs |
| Annual 10th percentile wage | $79,470 | $96,420 |
| Annual 25th percentile wage | $99,540 | $104,410 |
| Annual median wage | $120,680 | $128,220 |
| Annual 75th percentile wage | $129,680 | $153,070 |
| Annual 90th percentile wage | $163,350 | $167,750 |
When looking at NP salaries in New York compared to the rest of the nation, salaries are significantly higher. According to the Missouri Economic Research and Information Center (MERIC 2021), New York is the third most expensive region in terms of cost of living, with particularly high costs associated with housing. As NP salaries in this state are higher, this may help with the relatively high cost of living in New York.
NPs interested in becoming a part of the larger network of NPs in the state can consider joining the Nurse Practitioners of New York (NPNY), a New York Metro Area Group of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP). Membership in this professional organization opens NPs to earning CEs, access to NP-focused periodicals, networking, lobbying experience, and more.
For RNs thinking of becoming NPs, New York has many options to level up career skills. Utica College, based out of Utica, NY, offers a Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)-accredited, 48-credit-hour online master of science in the family nurse practitioner (FNP) specialization. This program only requires students to come to campus once for a three-day practicum and can be completed in 20 months as a full-time student, or in 36 months as a part-time student.
California Nurse Practitioners
CareerOneStop (August 2022) predicted that the employment rate for NPs in this state will rise to 19,700 between 2018 and 2028. At a growth rate of 31 percent, this equals 4,600 new NP jobs statewide over the course of the decade.
NP Salaries, Job Market, and Most Promising Region In California Compared to U.S. Averages (BLS May 2021)
| United States | California | |
|---|---|---|
| Employment | 234,690 | 17,400 |
| Average annual wages | $118,040 | $151,830 |
| Top-paying region (average annual salary) | California – $151,830 | San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA – $197,870 |
| Top-employing region | Texas – 17,810 jobs | Los Angeles, Long Beach, Anaheim – 5,490 jobs |
| Annual 10th percentile wage | $79,470 | $103,910 |
| Annual 25th percentile wage | $99,540 | $127,240 |
| Annual median wage | $120,680 | $149,910 |
| Annual 75th percentile wage | $129,680 | $170,900 |
| Annual 90th percentile wage | $163,350 | equal to or greater than $208,000 |
According to the Missouri Economic Research and Information Center (MERIC), California is the fourth-most expensive region in terms of cost of living, with particularly high costs associated with housing. When comparing California and national salary points, the higher-than-average salaries may help NPs employed in the state with the high cost of living.
NPs interested in growing a career in California can join the NP community, thereby joining the California Association for Nurse Practitioners (CANP). Benefits of membership include education and networking opportunities, access to provider insurance, access to academic journals, political representation, and more.
The University of Southern California, in Los Angeles, California, offers an online master of science in nursing (MSN) through the Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work Department of Nursing for those interested in becoming NPs. USC’s CCNE-accredited program is 49 credits and 784 clinical hours, and can be completed in 21 to 33 months either full- or part-time. While most work in this program is 100 percent online, students will be expected to attend two on-campus intensives.
Texas Nurse Practitioners
In Texas, the CareerOneStop (August 2022) predicted growth rate for NP jobs is 32 percent between 2018 and 2028. With starting employment of 12,460 in 2018, the total number of additional jobs was predicted to be 3,970 for a total of 16,430 by 2028. As of May 2021, the BLS reported that 17,810 NPs were employed in the state of Texas in 2021—already surpassing the prediction anticipated for 2028.
NP Salaries, Job Market, and Most Promising Region In Texas Compared to U.S. Averages (BLS May 2021)
| United States | Texas | |
|---|---|---|
| Employment | 234,690 | 17,810 |
| Average annual wages | $118,040 | $117,890 |
| Top-paying region (average annual salary) | California – $151,830 | Wichita Falls, TX – $125,820 |
| Top-employing region | Texas – 17,810 jobs | Dallas, Fort Worth, Arlington – 4,960 jobs |
| Annual 10th percentile wage | $79,470 | $81,160 |
| Annual 25th percentile wage | $99,540 | $99,880 |
| Annual median wage | $120,680 | $121,010 |
| Annual 75th percentile wage | $129,680 | $128,810 |
| Annual 90th percentile wage | $163,350 | $154,080 |
According to the Missouri Economic Research and Information Center (MERIC), Texas is the 15th most affordable state, boasting savings in groceries, housing, transportation, and healthcare. With NP salaries in Texas almost on par with the national average, an NP’s salary may go much further in Texas than in other states.
NPs who want to engage fully in the professional community can consider membership in a professional NP organization like the North Texas Nurse Practitioners (NTNP). NTNP is an affiliate of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP), and member benefits include access to local dinner meetings, discounts on conferences, access to members-only content, and updates on changes to legislation and regulations affecting NPs in texas.
Angelo State University in San Angelo, Texas offers those looking to become NPs the opportunity to develop expertise in a mostly-online format that minimizes campus visits. Students enrolled in the 49-credit-hour CCNE-accredited program need an unencumbered RN license in Texas and will be expected to complete clinical hours in Texas.
Florida Nurse Practitioners
CareerOneStop (August 2022) predicted 37 percent growth in the NP job market in Florida between 2018 and 2028. There is an anticipated addition of 4,100 jobs for a total of 15,200 NPs in the state by 2028.
NP Salaries, Job Market, and Most Promising Region In Florida Compared to U.S. Averages (BLS May 2021)
| United States | Florida | |
|---|---|---|
| Employment | 234,690 | 14,880 |
| Average annual wages | $118,040 | $104,830 |
| Top-paying region (average annual salary) | California – $151,830 | Sebring, FL – $121,460 |
| Top-employing region | Texas – 17,810 jobs | Miami, Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach – 3,710 jobs |
| Annual 10th percentile wage | $79,470 | $61,990 |
| Annual 25th percentile wage | $99,540 | $96,040 |
| Annual median wage | $120,680 | $101,110 |
| Annual 75th percentile wage | $129,680 | $126,030 |
| Annual 90th percentile wage | $163,350 | $130,630 |
It is notable that annual salaries in Florida are lower than the national averages by large margins. According to the Missouri Economic Research and Information Center (MERIC), Florida is the 27th most affordable state in the U.S. with particular savings in housing, transportation, and healthcare. So while salaries in this state may be lower than national averages, the dollar also stretches further in Florida.
To connect with the demand for jobs in Florida, NPs in the state can consider membership in the Florida Association of Nurse Practitioners (FLANP)—an organization working to improve access to healthcare in Florida. Membership in FLANP offers NPs access to the NP community in Florida, discounts on conference attendings, member discounts, and the possibility to become a part of FLANP leadership.
Florida is home to dozens of universities offering the possibility to become a nurse practitioner in various specialties. One such option is South University, with locations in West Palm Beach, Tampa, and Orlando. With both on-campus and online options, prospective NPs can earn a master of science online to become an FNP or enter into adult gerontology primary care. In the 62-credit-hour online MSN with a specialization in family nurse practitioner degree program, students will be expected to complete 650 clinical hours.
Illinois Nurse Practitioners
The growth rate for NP jobs in Illinois was predicted to be 31 percent between 2018 and 2028. From a baseline of 8,160 jobs in 2018, CareerOneStop (June 2022) predicted an annual growth rate of 760 NP jobs for a total addition of 2,540 new jobs over the decade. In 2028, the predicted number of NP jobs statewide is 10,700.
Interestingly, with a reported 7,160 NPs employed in the state of Illinois in 2021 (BLS), Illinois has employed fewer NPs since the CareerOneStop predictions were released.
NP Salaries, Job Market, and Most Promising Region In Illinois Compared to U.S. Averages (BLS May 2021)
| United States | Illinois | |
|---|---|---|
| Employment | 234,690 | 7,160 |
| Average annual wages | $118,040 | $120,470 |
| Top-paying region (average annual salary) | California – $151,830 | Peoria, IL – $124,360 |
| Top-employing region | Texas – 17,810 jobs | Chicago, Naperville, Elgin, IL-IN-WI – 4,960 Jobs |
| Annual 10th percentile wage | $79,470 | $97,950 |
| Annual 25th percentile wage | $99,540 | $101,180 |
| Annual median wage | $120,680 | $122,960 |
| Annual 75th percentile wage | $129,680 | $130,470 |
| Annual 90th percentile wage | $163,350 | $141,200 |
According to the Missouri Economic Research and Information Center (MERIC), Illinois is the 20th most affordable state, with savings in housing, utilities, and healthcare. The lower-than-average annual cost of living and the higher-than-national average salaries in Illinois will go further than they might in more expensive states.
The Illinois Society for Advanced Practice Nursing (ISAPN) is an organization that promotes and advocates for APRNs in the state of Illinois. With several different membership levels, NPs in Illinois can experience benefits as individual practitioners or as APRN business owners. Membership benefits include continuing education, access to a large professional network, opportunities for leadership development, and access to career development resources.
For current RNs who are interested in becoming NPs, Bradley University in Peoria, Illinois offers an online master of science in nursing FNP program with no campus residency requirements. The CCNE-accredited program is 50 to 59 credits, requires the completion of 700 to 750 clinical hours, and takes eight to ten semesters to complete.
Tennessee Nurse Practitioners
CareerOneStop (August 2022) predicted that the state of Tennessee would experience NP job growth of 35 percent, adding 2,590 jobs between 2018 and 2028, starting at a baseline of 7,470. Although the projection by CareerOneStop for 2028 was 10,060, Tennessee already employed 11,360 NPs according to the BLS in 2021—surpassing the 2028 prediction by 1,300 jobs.
NP Salaries, Job Market, and Most Promising Region In Tennessee Compared to U.S. Averages (BLS May 2021)
| United States | Tennessee | |
|---|---|---|
| Employment | 234,690 | 11,360 |
| Average Annual Wages | $118,040 | $95,120 |
| Highest Paying Region (Av. Annual Salary) | California – $151,830 | Clarksville, TN-KY – $105,070 |
| Highest Employing Region | Texas – 17,810 jobs | Nashville-Davidson–Murfreesboro–Franklin, TN – 4,400 jobs |
| Annual 10th percentile wage | $79,470 | $48,060 |
| Annual 25th percentile wage | $99,540 | $77,760 |
| Annual median wage | $120,680 | $99,630 |
| Annual 75th percentile wage | $129,680 | $107,230 |
| Annual 90th percentile wage | $163,350 | $129,510 |
According to the Missouri Economic Research and Information Center (MERIC), Tennessee is the 6th most affordable state in the U.S, with particular savings in housing. Similar to Florida, Tennessee’s salaries are significantly lower than the national average, but because of the lower cost of living, lower salaries will stretch further in Tennessee than in other states.
NPs looking to connect to the professional community in Tennessee have the opportunity to join the Tennessee Nurse Practitioner Association (TNNPA). In addition to the networking opportunities, membership benefits in TNNPA include members-only dinners, conference and CE discounts, legislative and regulatory updates, and access to employment opportunities.
Austin Peay State University, in Clarksville, offers a 100 percent online degree for those RNs who are looking to become NPs in the state of Tennessee. Austin Peay’s program requires students to complete 43 credits.
Georgia Nurse Practitioners
Starting from a baseline of 6,260 employees in 2018, CareerOneStop (June 2022) predicted that the growth rate for Georgia would be 41 percent in the subsequent decade. By 2028, there were expected to be 2,590 new jobs, for a total of 8,850 NPs statewide.
NP Salaries, Job Market, and Most Promising Region In Georgia Compared to U.S. Averages (BLS May 2021)
| United States | Georgia | |
|---|---|---|
| Employment | 234,690 | 7,020 |
| Average annual wages | $118,040 | $109,560 |
| Top-paying region (average annual salary) | California – $151,830 | Middle Georgia nonmetropolitan area – $129,210 |
| Top-employing region | Texas – 17,810 jobs | Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA – 3,680 jobs |
| Annual 10th percentile wage | $79,470 | $77,660 |
| Annual 25th percentile wage | $99,540 | $96,600 |
| Annual median wage | $120,680 | $101,690 |
| Annual 75th percentile wage | $129,680 | $121,070 |
| Annual 90th percentile wage | $163,350 | $141,880 |
According to the Missouri Economic Research and Information Center (MERIC), Georgia is the 5th most affordable state in the U.S, with particular savings in housing. Similar to Florida and Tennessee, Georgia’s salaries are significantly lower than the national average, but because of the lower cost of living, lower salaries will stretch further in Georgia than in other states.
NPs in Georgia can connect to their local professional community by becoming a part of the United Advanced Practice Registered Nurses of Georgia (UAPRN). Benefits for members of UAPRN include regional conferences with discounts for current members, access to state-sponsored quarterly meetings, legislative and regulation updates, CE offerings, and more.
RNs looking for career advancement in Georgia have many options to choose from when it comes to NP programs. Clayton State University located in Morrow, GA offers a CCNE accredited, 100 percent online MSN where a student can choose a family NP concentration. This program is 47 credits with 585 hours of clinical experience. The program can be completed in as few as 24 months or four semesters. Graduates of this CCNE-accredited program are eligible to sit for national certification by the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC).
Ohio Nurse Practitioners
Ohio is another state on our list where the actual number of NPs employed in 2021, according to the BLS, surpasses the CareerOneStop (August 2022) predictions for 2028. Between 2018 and 2028, it was projected that Ohio would experience a 25 percent rate of growth for NP jobs over the decade. Starting from a baseline employment rate of 7,720, it was predicted that Ohio would add 1,900 jobs to create a total of 9,620 NP jobs by 2028. As of 2021 (BLS), Ohio has already surpassed that number by a margin of 590 jobs.
NP Salaries, Job Market, and Most Promising Region In Ohio Compared to U.S. Averages (BLS May 2021)
| United States | Ohio | |
|---|---|---|
| Employment | 234,690 | 10,210 |
| Average annual wages | $118,040 | $112,490 |
| Top-paying region (average annual salary) | California – $151,830 | Cleveland-Elyria, OH – $118,250 |
| Top-employing region | Texas – 17,810 jobs | Cleveland-Elyria, OH – 2,330 jobs |
| Annual 10th percentile wage | $79,470 | $95,280 |
| Annual 25th percentile wage | $99,540 | $99,540 |
| Annual median wage | $120,680 | $103,310 |
| Annual 75th percentile wage | $129,680 | $128,690 |
| Annual 90th percentile wage | $163,350 | $135,180 |
According to the Missouri Economic Research and Information Center (MERIC), Ohio boasts deep savings in housing and ranks as the 13th most affordable state in the U.S. Despite salaries lower than national averages, NPs interested in home ownership will see their salaries stretch further in Ohio than in many other states in the U.S.
Similar to Illinois, Ohio has a professional association that unifies the interests of CNPs, CRNAs, CNMs, and CNSs, known as the Ohio Association of Advanced Practices Nurses (OAAPN). For NPs hoping to practice in Ohio, membership in OAAPN provides benefits such as access to continuing education, timely news and legislative updates, and networking opportunities.
RNs interested in pursuing an NP education in Ohio can turn to Cedarville University located in Cedarville, Ohio. Cedarville offers two online MSN programs: one in family practice and the other in pediatric practice. The programs are 41 to 44 credits, require 600 clinical hours, and as Cedarville is a Catholic University, some bible study is also required for graduation.
Pennsylvania Nurse Practitioners
CareerOneStop (August 2022) predicted demand for NPs would increase by 27 percent between 2018 and 2028, creating a total of 8,220 NPs in the state. In 2018, Pennsylvania employed 6,500 NPs and was expected to add 1,720 during that decade.
NP Salaries, Job Market, and Most Promising Region In Pennsylvania Compared to U.S. Averages (BLS May 2021)
| United States | Pennsylvania | |
|---|---|---|
| Employment | 234,690 | 7,610 |
| Average annual wages | $118,040 | $117,260 |
| Top-paying region (average annual salary) | California – $151,830 | Pittsburgh, PA – $125,270 |
| Top-employing region | Texas – 17,810 jobs | Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD – 3,800 jobs |
| Annual 10th percentile wage | $79,470 | $84,940 |
| Annual 25th percentile wage | $99,540 | $99,570 |
| Annual median wage | $120,680 | $106,700 |
| Annual 75th percentile wage | $129,680 | $128,450 |
| Annual 90th percentile wage | $163,350 | $165,900 |
According to the Missouri Economic Research and Information Center (MERIC), Pennsylvania is the 32nd most affordable state in the U.S. with particular savings in healthcare. With NP salaries that are on par with the national averages, NPs may see these average salaries stretch further than they would in more expensive states.
NPs working in Pennsylvania can connect to their local professional network by considering membership in the Pennsylvania Coalition of Nurse Practitioners (PCNP). In addition to joining a professional network that numbers in the thousands, members get access to professional advocacy, conferences, events, and meetings at state and regional levels, a weekly Friday eNews, a bi-annual newsletter, and much more.
Drexel University’s College of Nursing and Health Professions in Philadelphia, PA offers several nurse practitioner concentrations in its online CCNE-accredited MSN program. These include adult gerontology acute care nurse practitioner, family nurse practitioner (individual across the lifespan), adult-gerontology primary care nurse practitioner, pediatric acute care nurse practitioner, pediatric primary care nurse practitioner, pediatric primary/acute care nurse practitioner dual program, psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner, and women’s health/gender-related nurse practitioner. The online master of science in nursing family nurse practitioner program, in particular, is made up of 56 credits requiring two mandatory on-campus intensives.
New Jersey Nurse Practitioners
CareerOneStop (August 2022) predicted that openings for NPs in NJ would grow by 28 percent between 2018 and 202. Starting at a baseline of 6,250 NPs in 2018, this would lead to an addition of 1,760 new jobs, for a total of 8,010 new jobs in the state by 2028. In 2021, New Jersey employed 6,690 NPs according to the BLS, just 1,320 jobs less than the prediction for 2028.
NP Salaries, Job Market, and Most Promising Region In New Jersey Compared to U.S. Averages (BLS May 2021)
| Employment | New Jersey | |
|---|---|---|
| Employment | 234,690 | 6,690 |
| Average annual wages | $118,040 | $137,010 |
| Top-paying region (average annual salary) | California – $151,830 | Trenton, NJ – $140,190 |
| Top-employing region | Texas – 17,810 jobs | Trenton, NJ – 380 jobs |
| Annual 10th percentile wage | $79,470 | $100,660 |
| Annual 25th percentile wage | $99,540 | $125,780 |
| Annual median wage | $120,680 | $129,240 |
| Annual 75th percentile wage | $129,680 | $156,680 |
| Annual 90th percentile wage | $163,350 | $163,420 |
According to the Missouri Economic Research and Information Center (MERIC), New Jersey is the 12th most expensive state in the U.S., largely due to the high costs of housing. NP salaries in New Jersey are higher than the national average, helping NPs in the state manage the relatively higher average cost of living.
For those who love a good grassroots effort, the Advanced Practice Nurses of New Jersey (APN-NJ) are working together to remove scope of practice barriers to allow for APNs to become the solution to the healthcare access crisis. Membership in this association engages NPs in advocacy by signing them up to contact legislators, organize district efforts, or simply support the work of APN-NH through donations.
Seton Hall University offers a CCNE-accredited online MSN-AGNP program. Seton Hall’s curriculum is delivered mostly online, although students will be expected to attend a minimum of two out of the three immersion experiences on campus. Students enrolled in the 48-credit-hour program can choose a 600-hour primary track or a 675-clinical-hour acute track.
Becca Brewer
WriterBecca Brewer is building a better future on a thriving earth by healing herself into wholeness, divesting from separation, and walking the path of the loving heart. Previously to her journey as an adventurer for a just, meaningful, and regenerative world, Becca was a formally trained sexuality educator with a master of education.