The demand for Nurse Practitioners (NPs) continues to rise, making this one of the fastest-growing careers in healthcare. With a projected 28% increase in NP job openings over the next six years, the demand for NPs is being driven by a growing shortage of healthcare providers and the aging U.S. population. This translates into approximately 16,900 job vacancies annually for NPs across the country, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). While job opportunities are abundant, some states are projected to offer more favorable conditions for Nurse Practitioners seeking employment.
If you’re searching for a Nurse Practitioner job currently, consider focusing your search on the following states, which are projected to have the highest demand and competitive salaries for NPs.
New York
- Projected Growth: 41% by 2028
- Annual Vacancies: 1,450
- Average Salary: $122,550/year
New York continues to be a top state for NP job opportunities. With a projected 41% growth in demand by 2028, New York will create approximately 1,450 new NP job openings annually. Nurse Practitioners in New York earn a competitive salary, averaging $122,550/year, making it a lucrative location for those seeking job stability in a high-demand market.
California
- Projected Growth: 35% by 2026
- Annual Vacancies: 1,200
- Average Salary: $138,660/year
With the largest population in the U.S., California is also experiencing significant demand for Nurse Practitioners. By 2026, the state is projected to see a 35% increase in NP demand, resulting in 1,200 new job openings each year. California also offers one of the highest average salaries for NPs, at $138,660/year. This combination of high pay and job availability makes California a prime location for NPs looking to advance their careers.
Texas
- Projected Growth: 46% by 2030
- Annual Vacancies: 1,100
- Average Salary: $115,440/year
Texas leads the nation in projected growth for Nurse Practitioners, with an impressive 46% increase in demand by 2030. This rapid expansion will generate around 1,100 job vacancies annually, offering excellent opportunities for NPs. In addition to high demand, Texas offers competitive compensation, with an average NP salary of $115,440/year. The state’s growth, combined with no state income tax, makes it an appealing option for healthcare professionals.
Florida
- Projected Growth: 45% by 2026
- Annual Vacancies: 1,000
- Average Salary: $101,510/year
Florida is another hot spot for Nurse Practitioners, with projected job growth of 45% by 2026. This increase will result in about 1,000 new job openings for NPs each year. Florida’s no state income tax and sunny weather are additional perks for those seeking employment in the state. With an average salary of $101,510/year, Florida is an attractive option for NPs looking to balance career opportunities with quality of life.
Ohio
- Projected Growth: 30% by 2026
- Annual Vacancies: 700
- Average Salary: $103,780/year
For Nurse Practitioners looking for opportunities in the Midwest, Ohio offers a projected 30% increase in demand by 2026, creating 700 job vacancies annually. NPs in Ohio earn an average salary of $103,780/year, and demand is particularly high in the suburban and northern regions of the state. Ohio offers a mix of career growth and a lower cost of living compared to other states, making it a favorable location for healthcare professionals.
*Originally posted on 9/2/2020. Last updated on 9/17/2024.
With a career focused on healthcare Business Development and Service Line performance, Paul had recently been at the forefront redefining the traditional In-house Provider Recruiting role. In his position as Medical Staff Development Officer at University Hospitals, Lake Health Region in Cleveland, Ohio, Paul integrated collegial interaction, analytics, and provider experience expertise to drive a differentiated recruitment strategy.
Paul has brought that knowledge and experience to Client Sourcing at PracticeMatch. Joining PracticeMatch in 2021, Paul supports Client Sourcing’s pro-active recruiting model that generates a robust prospect pool, creates an effective and efficient recruiting experience, and identifies key metrics to ensure optimal performance for the client. Paul has a commitment to learning, development and passion for building a team of recruiting professionals to leverage their national footprint which benefits its client organizations and their candidates.