
The demand for Advanced Practice Providers (APPs)—including nurse practitioners (NPs), physician assistants (PAs), and clinical nurse specialists (CNSs)—continues to rise, fueled by growing shortages of primary care providers and an aging population. As healthcare evolves, APPs are stepping into essential roles, offering high-quality, cost-effective care across a variety of specialties.
This article provides an overview of the top-paying specialties expected to see significant growth for advanced practice providers in 2024. We'll explore salary ranges, work environments, and patient populations. Whether you're considering a career as an NP, PA, or CNS, or are interested in learning more about the advanced practitioner role, this guide will highlight some of the most in-demand specialties.
1. Emergency Medicine
Emergency Medicine remains one of the highest-paying and in-demand specialties for advanced practice providers in 2024. The rise in chronic health conditions and aging populations has led to an increase in emergency room visits, necessitating skilled providers in urgent care settings.
Job Role:
Emergency NPs and PAs assess, stabilize, and treat patients presenting with traumatic injuries or acute illnesses. Their responsibilities include making quick, lifesaving decisions, performing procedures such as suturing, casting, and diagnostic imaging, and working in fast-paced, high-stress environments.
Salary:
The average salary for emergency medicine NPs and PAs in 2024 is approximately $135,000 annually, reflecting their critical role in acute care.
2. Primary Care
As the U.S. faces an ongoing physician shortage, Primary Care advanced practitioners are in high demand. NPs and PAs in this field serve as the first point of contact for patients, providing preventative care and managing chronic conditions.
Job Role:
Primary care NPs and PAs handle a wide range of patient needs, from managing chronic illnesses like diabetes and heart disease to addressing mental health, minor infections, and routine health maintenance. With the increasing focus on preventive healthcare, their role is vital to improving patient outcomes.
Salary:
In 2024, primary care advanced practitioners earn an average salary of $120,000 per year. As the demand for cost-effective care grows, this specialty offers not only competitive pay but also significant job growth potential.
3. Pediatrics
Pediatric Nurse Practitioners (PNPs) are expected to see growth in 2024 as demand for preventive care and child wellness services continues to rise. Pediatric advanced practitioners care for patients from birth through young adulthood, diagnosing and managing childhood illnesses and developmental issues.
Job Role:
PNPs manage conditions like asthma, allergies, diabetes, and mental health disorders in children. They also provide well-child visits, immunizations, health screenings, and educational guidance on child development, nutrition, and safety.
Salary:
The average salary for PNPs in 2024 is around $120,000, with strong demand in clinics, hospitals, and private practice settings.
4. Psychiatry/Mental Health
With mental health services in high demand, Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioners (PMHNPs) are stepping in to fill the gap left by a shortage of psychiatrists. Mental health has become a growing priority, and PMHNPs are essential in treating and managing a range of mental health conditions.
Job Role:
PMHNPs diagnose and treat patients with conditions such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, PTSD, and substance abuse. They also manage medications and often provide therapy and counseling.
Salary:
PMHNPs can expect to earn around $130,000 annually in 2024, with job demand expected to remain high as the need for mental health services continues to grow.
5. Geriatrics
As the population ages, Geriatric Nurse Practitioners (GNPs) are playing a key role in managing the complex health needs of older adults. This specialty is crucial for coordinating care, supporting families, and improving the quality of life for seniors.
Job Role:
GNPs work in nursing homes, assisted living facilities, hospitals, and private practices. They focus on managing chronic conditions, providing preventive care, and helping seniors navigate healthcare decisions while supporting end-of-life care.
Salary:
In 2024, GNPs earn an average salary of $125,000. As the need for geriatric care increases, the specialty offers excellent job security and growth potential.
6. Oncology
With cancer rates rising and new treatments emerging, Oncology Nurse Practitioners (ONPs) and Advanced Practice Providers are increasingly in demand. Oncology advanced practitioners support patients throughout the cancer journey, from diagnosis to treatment and recovery.
Job Role:
Oncology APPs educate patients about their diagnosis, manage symptoms, and coordinate care between specialists. They prescribe medications like chemotherapy and help patients cope with treatment side effects.
Salary:
The average salary for Oncology APPs in 2024 is around $135,000 annually, reflecting the specialty's complexity and the growing need for cancer care specialists.
7. Critical Care
Critical Care NPs and PAs provide lifesaving care to critically ill patients in ICUs, trauma centers, and emergency departments. This specialty is highly demanding, requiring advanced clinical skills and the ability to make fast decisions in high-pressure environments.
Job Role:
Critical care practitioners monitor unstable patients, operate complex medical equipment, and provide treatments for conditions like sepsis, respiratory failure, and multi-organ failure. They work closely with physicians and other healthcare professionals to provide 24/7 patient care.
Salary:
Critical care NPs and PAs can earn upwards of $140,000 annually in 2024, making this a lucrative yet challenging career path for those interested in acute care.
8. Cardiology
Cardiology remains one of the top specialties for advanced practice providers as heart disease continues to be the leading cause of death in the United States. Cardiovascular NPs and PAs are integral in diagnosing and treating heart conditions and promoting heart health.
Job Role:
Cardiology APPs assess and manage patients with heart disease, perform diagnostic tests such as EKGs, and participate in procedures like cardiac catheterizations and pacemaker insertions.
Salary:
In 2024, cardiology APPs can expect to earn an average salary of $140,000, with demand projected to increase due to the aging population and rising rates of obesity and heart disease.
As the demand for advanced practice providers continues to grow, specialties such as emergency medicine, primary care, pediatrics, psychiatry, geriatrics, oncology, critical care, and cardiology offer rewarding careers with competitive salaries. Each specialty provides unique opportunities for NPs, PAs, and CNSs to make a meaningful difference in patient care.
Whether you're just starting your career or looking to specialize, the potential for growth in these fields is immense. Explore opportunities in your desired specialty and take the next step in your career as an advanced practitioner.
If you are looking for your next opportunity, check out our job board to find opportunities from leading healthcare organizations across the US.

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.