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 registered nurses (APRNs) is going to be significant in the next decade —especially demand for nurse practitioners (NPs).
The American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) reports that 88.0 percent of the 355,000 licensed NPs are certified in primary care, and 70.3 percent of NPs are already delivering primary care—a trend that will continue through the next decade. With an average of nine 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 2023) predicted that between 2022 and 2032, the demand for NPs will swell by 45 percent, making it the second fastest-growing occupation in the country. An incredible 118,600 new NP jobs are predicted during this time period. Overall for APRNs, this growth rate is 36 percent nationwide, including 9 percent nationwide for nurse anesthetists and 6 percent for nurse-midwives. Together, these APRN positions are slated to grow more than 12 times faster than the average growth rate for all occupations during the same decade (3 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 2020 and 2030, according to Career One Stop, a project sponsored by the US Department of Labor (2023):
| Absolute Growth – Projected Annual Openings | Percentage Growth |
|---|---|
| California – 2,120 jobs added per year | Arizona – 101 percent |
| New York – 2,060 | Georgia – 79 |
| Texas – 2,010 | West Virginia – 74 |
| Florida – 1,910 | Florida- 71 |
| Georgia – 1,250 | Florida – 37 |
| Ohio – 1,100 | Texas – 66 |
| Tennessee – 1,020 | Tennessee – 57 |
| Arizona – 910 | Nevada – 61 |
| Illinois – 900 | Utah – 61 |
| Massachusetts – 890 | Oregon – 61 |
NPs occupy such a high-growth occupation that several U.S. states have already surpassed their projected employment of NPs for 2030. The top five states for NPs are California, New York, Texas, Florida, Georgia, and Ohio (BLS May 2022).
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.
California Nurse Practitioners
Career One Stop (October 2023) predicted that the employment rate for NPs in this state will rise to 26,900 between 2020 and 2030. At a growth rate of 56 percent, this equals 2,120 new NP jobs annually statewide over the decade.
NP Salaries, Job Market, and Most Promising Region In California Compared to U.S. Averages (BLS May 2022)
| United States | California | |
|---|---|---|
| Employment | 258,230 | 19,130 |
| Average annual wages | $124,680 | $158,130 |
| Top-paying region (average annual salary) | California – $158,130 | San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA – $199,630 |
| Top-employing region | New York, Newark, Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA – 16,910 jobs | Los Angeles, Long Beach, Anaheim, CA – 6,190 jobs |
| Annual 10th percentile wage | $87,340 | $103,910 |
| Annual 25th percentile wage | $103,250 | $127,240 |
| Annual median wage | $121,610 | $149,910 |
| Annual 75th percentile wage | $135,470 | $170,900 |
| Annual 90th percentile wage | $165,240 | 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.
New York Nurse Practitioners
Career One Stop (October 2023) predicts that between 2020 and 2030, there will be a 56 percent growth in the NP job market in New York. This translates to 2,060 new jobs added statewide annually, for 26,200 NP jobs by 2030 in the state.
NP Salaries, Job Market, and Most Promising Region In New York Compared to U.S. Averages (BLS May 2022)
| United States | New York | |
|---|---|---|
| Employment | 258,230 | 17,670 |
| Average annual wages | $124,680 | Not available |
| Top-paying region (average annual salary) | California – $158,130 | New York, Newark, Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA – $170,320 |
| Top-employing region | New York, Newark, Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA – 16,910 jobs | New York, Newark, Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA – 15,060 jobs |
| Annual 10th percentile wage | $87,340 | Not available |
| Annual 25th percentile wage | $103,250 | Not available |
| Annual median wage | $121,610 | Not available |
| Annual 75th percentile wage | $135,470 | Not available |
| Annual 90th percentile wage | $165,240 | Not available |
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 2023), New York is the fifth most expensive region in terms of cost of living, with exceptionally 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 considering becoming NPs, New York has many options to level up their 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.
Texas Nurse Practitioners
In Texas, the Career One Stop (October 2023) predicted growth rate for NP jobs is 66 percent between 2020 and 2030. With a starting employment of 14,820 in 2020, the total number of additional jobs was predicted to be 2,010 for a total of 24,600 by 2030. As of May 2022, the BLS reported that 18,820 NPs were employed in the state of Texas in 2022—already surpassing the prediction anticipated for 2030.
NP Salaries, Job Market, and Most Promising Region In Texas Compared to U.S. Averages (BLS May 2022)
| United States | Texas | |
|---|---|---|
| Employment | 258,230 | 17,810 |
| Average annual wages | $124,680 | $124,660 |
| Top-paying region (average annual salary) | California – $158,130 | Wichita Falls, TX – $125,820 |
| Top-employing region | New York, Newark, Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA – 16,910 jobs | Dallas, Fort Worth, Arlington – 4,960 jobs |
| Annual 10th percentile wage | $87,340 | $95,140 |
| Annual 25th percentile wage | $103,250 | $104,260 |
| Annual median wage | $121,610 | $121,270 |
| Annual 75th percentile wage | $135,470 | $134,690 |
| Annual 90th percentile wage | $165,240 | $160,740 |
According to the Missouri Economic Research and Information Center (MERIC), Texas is the 18th 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
Career One Stop (October 2023) predicted 71 percent growth in the NP job market in Florida between 2020 and 2030. There is an anticipated addition of 1,910 jobs for a total of 23,020 NPs in the state by 2030.
NP Salaries, Job Market, and Most Promising Region In Florida Compared to U.S. Averages (BLS May 2022)
| United States | Florida | |
|---|---|---|
| Employment | 258,230 | 18,530 |
| Average annual wages | $124,680 | $110,310 |
| Top-paying region (average annual salary) | California – $158,130 | Tallahassee, FL – $137,960 |
| Top-employing region | New York, Newark, Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA – 16,910 jobs | Miami, Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach – 5,450 jobs |
| Annual 10th percentile wage | $87,340 | $63,880 |
| Annual 25th percentile wage | $103,250 | $98,930 |
| Annual median wage | $121,610 | $107,600 |
| Annual 75th percentile wage | $135,470 | $127,150 |
| Annual 90th percentile wage | $165,240 | $136,290 |
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 31st 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.
Georgia Nurse Practitioners
Starting from a baseline of 8,230 employees in 2020, Career One Stop (October 2023) predicted that the growth rate for Georgia would be 79 percent in the subsequent decade. By 2030, there were expected to be 1,250 new jobs, for a total of 14,700 NPs statewide.
NP Salaries, Job Market, and Most Promising Region In Georgia Compared to U.S. Averages (BLS May 2022)
| United States | Georgia | |
|---|---|---|
| Employment | 258,230 | 8,110 |
| Average annual wages | $124,680 | $115,440 |
| Top-paying region (average annual salary) | California – $158,130 | South Georgia nonmetropolitan – $124,700 |
| Top-employing region | New York, Newark, Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA – 16,910 jobs | Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA – 4,200 jobs |
| Annual 10th percentile wage | $87,340 | $82,590 |
| Annual 25th percentile wage | $103,250 | $101,780 |
| Annual median wage | $121,610 | $112,090 |
| Annual 75th percentile wage | $135,470 | $129,460 |
| Annual 90th percentile wage | $165,240 | $148,710 |
According to the Missouri Economic Research and Information Center (MERIC), Georgia is the 6th 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 in Morrow, GA offers a CCNE-accredited, 100 percent online MSN where a student can choose a family NP concentration. This program has 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 2022, according to the BLS, surpasses the Career One Stop (October 2023) predictions for 2030. Between 2020 and 2030, it was projected that Ohio would experience a 49 percent rate of growth for NP jobs over the decade. Starting from a baseline employment rate of 9,660, it was predicted that Ohio would add 1,100 jobs to create a total of 14,350 NP jobs by 2030. As of 2023 (BLS), Ohio has already surpassed that number by a margin of 1,070 jobs.
NP Salaries, Job Market, and Most Promising Region In Ohio Compared to U.S. Averages (BLS May 2022)
| United States | Ohio | |
|---|---|---|
| Employment | 258,230 | 10,730 |
| Average Annual Wages | $124,680 | $117,440 |
| Highest Paying Region (Av. Annual Salary) | California – $158,130 | Cleveland-Elyria, OH – $125,300 |
| Highest Employing Region | New York, Newark, Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA – 16,910 jobs | Columbus, OH – 2,430 jobs |
| Annual 10th percentile wage | $87,340 | $96,640 |
| Annual 25th percentile wage | $103,250 | $102,300 |
| Annual median wage | $121,610 | $113,040 |
| Annual 75th percentile wage | $135,470 | $130,000 |
| Annual 90th percentile wage | $165,240 | $135,890 |
According to the Missouri Economic Research and Information Center (MERIC), Ohio boasts deep savings in housing and ranks as the 12th 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.
Tennessee Nurse Practitioners
Career One Stop (October 2023) predicted that Tennessee would experience NP job growth of 57 percent, adding 1,020 jobs between 2020 and 2030, starting at a baseline of 8,180. Although the projection by Career One Stop for 2030 was 12,860, Tennessee already employed 13,060 NPs according to the BLS in 2022—surpassing the 2030 prediction by 200 jobs.
NP Salaries, Job Market, and Most Promising Region In Tennessee Compared to U.S. Averages (BLS May 2022)
| United States | Tennessee | |
|---|---|---|
| Employment | 258,230 | 13,060 |
| Average annual wages | $124,680 | $99,330 |
| Top-paying region (average annual salary) | California – $158,130 | Jackson, TN – $105,460 |
| Top-employing region | New York, Newark, Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA – 16,910 jobs | Nashville-Davidson-Murfreesboro-Franklin, TN – 5,030 jobs |
| Annual 10th percentile wage | $87,340 | $47,950 |
| Annual 25th percentile wage | $103,250 | $81,660 |
| Annual median wage | $121,610 | $103,080 |
| Annual 75th percentile wage | $135,470 | $116,930 |
| Annual 90th percentile wage | $165,240 | $131,820 |
According to the Missouri Economic Research and Information Center (MERIC), Tennessee is the 10th most affordable state in the U.S, with particular savings in housing. Like Florida, Tennessee’s salaries are significantly lower than the national average. Still, 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 can 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.
Arizona Nurse Practitioners
Career One Stop (October 2023) predicted Arizona is slated for a staggering 101 percent growth rate between 2020 and 2030. This means 910 new jobs annually, starting in 5,070 in 2020, and doubling to 10,180 in 2030.
NP Salaries, Job Market, and Most Promising Region In Arizona Compared to U.S. Averages (BLS May 2022)
| United States | Arizona | |
|---|---|---|
| Employment | 258,230 | 6,240 |
| Average annual wages | $124,680 | $121,410 |
| Top-paying region (average annual salary) | California – $158,130 | Yuma, AZ – $133,950 |
| Top-employing region | New York, Newark, Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA – 16,910 jobs | Phoenix-Mesa-Scottsdale, AZ – 4,550 jobs |
| Annual 10th percentile wage | $87,340 | $80,970 |
| Annual 25th percentile wage | $103,250 | $104,530 |
| Annual median wage | $121,610 | $120,480 |
| Annual 75th percentile wage | $135,470 | $133,470 |
| Annual 90th percentile wage | $165,240 | $157,800 |
According to the Missouri Economic Research and Information Center (MERIC), Arizona ranked #37 on the list of most affordable states, with groceries and utilities being more affordable by comparison. Being the state with the highest growth percentage, opportunities to find jobs and comparably affordable housing are two attractive features for aspiring NPs.
The Arizona Nurse Practitioner Council (AzNPC) is a prominent professional organization for Nurse Practitioners in Arizona. As Chapter 9 of the Arizona Nurses Association, AzNPC is also an affiliate of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners. Its mission is to empower all nurse practitioners to advance accessible, person-centered, equitable, high-quality health care for diverse communities. In addition to AzNPC, there’s also the Arizona Advanced Practice Nurses Network (AAPNN), a non-profit organization committed to promoting the professional growth of Nurse Practitioners in Arizona. Both organizations aim to uplift nurse practitioners’ practice and professional stature through legislative impact and education. These organizations serve as vital resources for NPs in Arizona, providing them with opportunities for networking, professional development, and advocacy.
The University of Arizona in Tucson, offers an online doctor of nursing practice (DNP) program with a family nurse practitioner specialization. This hybrid program combines online didactic coursework with on-campus intensives and on-ground practicum and clinical placements. The focus of the program is innovative, evidence-based professional practice, reflecting the application and implementation of credible research findings. Designed for registered nurses with a BSN or MSN, the College of Nursing provides both full-time and part-time study options. Part-time study is available only during the pre-clinical portion of the program and extends the duration of the program by a year. The program is recognized as one of the best in the nation by U.S. News & World Report.
Illinois Nurse Practitioners
The growth rate for NP jobs in Illinois was predicted to be 44 percent between 2020 and 2030. From a baseline of 8,420 jobs in 2020, CareerOneStop (October 2023) predicted an annual growth rate of 900 NP jobs for a total addition of 12,090 new jobs over the decade.
Interestingly, with a reported 7,990 NPs employed in the state of Illinois in 2022 (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 2022)
| United States | Illinois | |
|---|---|---|
| Employment | 258,230 | 7,990 |
| Average annual wages | $124,680 | $122,310 |
| Top-paying region (average annual salary) | California – $158,130 | Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI – $126,020 |
| Top-employing region | New York, Newark, Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA – 16,910 jobs | Chicago, Naperville, Elgin, IL-IN-WI – 5,720 jobs |
| Annual 10th percentile wage | $87,340 | $100,520 |
| Annual 25th percentile wage | $103,250 | $106,650 |
| Annual median wage | $121,610 | $124,840 |
| Annual 75th percentile wage | $135,470 | $132,060 |
| Annual 90th percentile wage | $165,240 | $142,580 |
According to the Missouri Economic Research and Information Center (MERIC), Illinois is the 16th 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, leadership development opportunities, and 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.
Massachusetts Nurse Practitioners
Career One Stop (October 2023) shows the rate of growth for NP jobs in Massachusetts will grow by 56 percent between 2020 and 2030. With 7,240 jobs in 2020, there is an annual projected growth rate of 890, resulting in 11,270 new jobs by 2030. Interestingly, with a reported 7,190 NPs employed in Massachusetts in 2022 (BLS 2022), the state has employed slightly fewer new positions than originally anticipated two years prior.
NP Salaries, Job Market, and Most Promising Region In Massachusetts Compared to U.S. Averages (BLS May 2022)
| Employment | Massachusetts | |
|---|---|---|
| Employment | 258,230 | 7,190 |
| Average annual wages | $124,680 | $138,700 |
| Top-paying region (average annual salary) | California – $158,130 | Boston-Cambridge-Nashua, MA-NH – $141,120 |
| Top-employing region | New York, Newark, Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA – 16,910 jobs | Boston-Cambridge-Nashua, MA-NH – 5,310 jobs |
| Annual 10th percentile wage | $87,340 | $100,520 |
| Annual 25th percentile wage | $103,250 | $106,650 |
| Annual median wage | $121,610 | $124,840 |
| Annual 75th percentile wage | $135,470 | $132,060 |
| Annual 90th percentile wage | $165,240 | $142,580 |
According to the Missouri Economic Research and Information Center (MERIC), in October 2023, Massachusetts had the third-highest cost of living, with housing more than double compared with other states and high utility costs. This is important to keep in mind for those seeking jobs and considering salary offers in Massachusetts.
The Massachusetts Coalition of Nurse Practitioners (MCNP) is a prominent professional organization for Nurse Practitioners in Massachusetts. Established in 1992, the MCNP is a non-profit membership organization that provides state-based representation, resources, and networking opportunities for Nurse Practitioners1. It is dedicated to advancing NP practice through leadership, education, and advocacy2. The MCNP also promotes accessible, person-centered, equitable, high-quality health care for diverse communities3. In addition to this, the Massachusetts Nurses Association (MNA) has been a powerful voice on nursing and healthcare in the region since its founding in 1903.
Simmons University in Boston offers an online master of science in nursing (MSN) with a family nurse practitioner (FNP) specialization. This fully accredited program is designed for registered nurses who already hold a BSN degree. The program offers full-time, part-time, and extended options to suit the needs of working professionals. The curriculum is centered around providing comprehensive care to patients across their lifespan and equips students to work in a range of clinical settings including hospitals, outpatient clinics, and community health centers. Upon graduation, students are eligible to sit for the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) board certification exam to become certified Family Nurse Practitioners. The program boasts a high pass rate for this exam, demonstrating the quality of education and support provided by the faculty. The program offers multiple start dates throughout the year and operates on a rolling admissions basis.
Becca Brewer, MEd
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.