Nursing continues to be a rewarding and high-demand profession, with a strong career outlook for 2023 and beyond. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data projects solid job growth, competitive salaries, and increasing demand for specialized skills in nursing. This article explores what nurses can expect in terms of job prospects, income potential, and areas of specialization that are particularly in demand in today’s healthcare landscape.

nursing career outlook 2023

Projected Job Growth for Nurses in 2023

According to the BLS, employment of registered nurses (RNs) is expected to grow by 9% from 2022 to 2032, which is faster than the average for all occupations. This growth is largely driven by an aging population, increased focus on preventative care, and a rising demand for healthcare services in various settings, including outpatient centers and home healthcare.

Similarly, demand for licensed practical nurses (LPNs) and licensed vocational nurses (LVNs) is projected to grow by 7% over the same period. As more healthcare facilities expand their services to meet patient needs, these roles will continue to be integral to the healthcare system.

However, the most significant growth is anticipated among advanced practice roles:

  • Nurse Practitioners (NPs), Nurse Anesthetists, and Nurse Midwives are projected to see a 45% growth rate from 2022 to 2032, making these some of the fastest-growing occupations across all fields. Advanced practice nurses (APRNs) often fill primary care roles, especially in rural and underserved areas, where their skills are in high demand.

Median Salaries for Nursing Roles

Nursing offers competitive salaries across various roles and experience levels. According to the latest BLS data, here’s a look at current median annual wages for key nursing positions:

  • Registered Nurses (RNs): The median salary for RNs in 2022 was $77,600, though wages can vary based on location, experience, and specialty.
  • Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurses (LPNs/LVNs): The median salary was $51,850 in 2022.
  • Nurse Practitioners (NPs): Nurse practitioners earned a median annual wage of $120,680, reflecting the advanced skill level and autonomy of these roles.

Specialized skills, certifications, and regional demand can further enhance salary potential. For instance, NPs in California or New York often command higher salaries than those in lower-cost regions. Additionally, critical care and emergency nurses may earn premiums for working in high-stress, high-stakes environments.

Areas of Specialization in Nursing

Nursing is a diverse field with a wide range of specializations, each offering unique opportunities for growth and impact. Here are some of the top specializations experiencing high demand:

  1. Critical Care Nursing: Critical care nurses work in intensive care units (ICUs) and care for patients with life-threatening conditions. This high-intensity field requires strong skills in patient monitoring, emergency response, and critical thinking.

  2. Emergency Nursing: Emergency nurses provide care in emergency departments, treating patients with acute injuries or serious medical conditions. They thrive in fast-paced settings and are skilled in trauma care, stabilization, and rapid decision-making.

  3. Oncology Nursing: Oncology nurses support cancer patients, assisting with chemotherapy, symptom management, and emotional support. As cancer treatment becomes more advanced, demand for knowledgeable oncology nurses continues to rise.

  4. Pediatric Nursing: Pediatric nurses specialize in the care of infants, children, and adolescents, from routine wellness visits to critical care. This field requires specialized knowledge in child development and the ability to communicate with families.

  5. Nurse Practitioners (NPs): Nurse practitioners are advanced practice nurses who can provide primary and specialty care, prescribe medications, and perform diagnostic tests. NPs are especially in demand in rural and underserved areas, where they fill essential healthcare roles.

As healthcare demand rises, so does the need for skilled nurses across a variety of settings and specializations. Nurses with advanced degrees or certifications in high-demand areas like critical care, emergency medicine, and oncology will continue to have strong job prospects, while those pursuing advanced practice roles can expect both higher salaries and more autonomy.

Whether you’re a recent graduate or an experienced nurse considering specialization, the nursing field offers robust opportunities to advance and make a difference.

Paul Olzak, MBA, CPRP

Joining PracticeMatch in 2021, Paul supports Client Sourcing's proactive 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. Prior to joining the PracticeMatch team, Paul served as Medical Staff Development Officer at University Hospitals, Lake Health Region in Cleveland, Ohio.

References:

"Occupational Outlook Handbook – Registered Nurses." Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2023, www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/registered-nurses.htm.

"Occupational Outlook Handbook – Nurse Anesthetists, Nurse Midwives, and Nurse Practitioners." Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2023, www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/nurse-anesthetists-nurse-midwives-and-nurse-practitioners.htm.

"Healthcare Job Projections." American Nurses Association, www.nursingworld.org/.