Nurse Practitioners
Diagnose and treat acute, episodic, or chronic illness, independently or as part of a healthcare team. May focus on health promotion and disease prevention. May order, perform, or interpret diagnostic tests such as lab work and x rays. May prescribe medication. Must be registered nurses who have specialized graduate education.
How to read this profile
BLS projects U.S. employment for Nurse Practitioners to increase by 41.0% between 2024 and 2034, from 336,300 to 474,100 jobs. Its estimate of 29,400 annual openings includes replacement needs, so it does not represent current vacancies, contract postings, or freelance demand. The wage ($132,300), education (Master's degree), and related experience (None) figures on this profile describe typical U.S. employees. O*NET skills describe the occupation; they do not assess an individual worker's proficiency.
Base employment (2024)
336,300
Projected employment (2034)
474,100
Projected change (2024–2034)
41%
Annual openings (projected average)
29,400
Pay & Preparation
$132,300
Master's degree
None
None
Essential Skills
Critical Thinking (4.12/5) • Active Listening (4.12/5) • Reading Comprehension (4.12/5) • Complex Problem Solving (4.12/5) • Active Learning (4/5) • Speaking (4/5)
O*NET describes occupational requirements; these ratings do not measure current job-posting frequency or an individual worker’s proficiency.
BLS projections are long-term estimates; annual openings include growth and replacement needs and are not current vacancies.
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