male nursing jobs 2023

Male Nurse Statistics: A Look at the Numbers

• According to U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data from 2023, men represent nearly 12% of all licensed practical nurses, registered nurses, and nurse practitioners.
• The percentage of nurses who are men has grown by 59% over the past 10 years.
• The American Association of Colleges of Nursing and nursing programs are expanding their recruitment efforts to men and other groups that have been historically underrepresented in nursing to fill the staffing shortages.

Nurses at all levels are in demand due to retiring nurses, primary care provider and nursing shortages , and high rates of nurse burnout . The American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) wants nursing programs to use more diverse recruitment strategies to recruit underrepresented groups in nursing to fill some of these gaps, such as men.

Men have been increasingly choosing nursing as their profession over the last 20 years. Find out about the growth of male nurses and the role they play in filling staffing shortages and creating a more representative workforce.

Male Representation in Nursing

The number of male nurses continues to grow at all levels of nursing, but nursing still has a long way to go to overcome the stigma labeling nursing as “women’s work.” However, in the last 20 years, the number of nurses who identify as men has more than doubled.

Men in Nursing by License Type

The percentage of nurses who identify as men has increased over the last 20 years, according to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). In 2002, nearly 7% of RNs, LPNs, and NPs were men. Twenty years later, male nurses now make up about 12% of total nurses.

In the last 10 years alone, the percentage of nurses who identify as men has increased by more than 59%. Male LPNs increased by 112%, NPs by 108%, and RNs by 51%.

Number of Male Nurses Over Time

The BLS did not start tracking NPs as a unique occupation category until 2011 because of the changes in occupation classifications in the 2010 census that affected all future years. Before 2011, NPs were classified as RNs. Employment data for men in other nursing roles, such as certified nursing assistant, certified nurse midwife, and clinical nurse specialist, are not currently reported by the BLS.

Effective with January 2011 data, occupations reflect the introduction of the 2010 Census occupational classification system into the Current Population Survey, or household survey. This classification system is derived from the 2010 Standard Occupational Classification (SOC). No historical data have been revised. Data from 2002 to 2011 are not strictly comparable with later years.

Percentage of Male and Female Nurses

By Nursing Licensure, 2022

2022 had the highest representation of total male nurses. Male nurse representation was highest among RNs.

The Increase of Male Nurses From 2011-2022

Within the last 12 years, the percentage of RNs, NPs, and LPNs who are men has grown significantly. Yet, growth has not always remained consistent. On average, the percentage of male nurses increased by 0.3 percentage points year-over-year. Yet, in 2016, 2019, and 2022, men comprised a smaller percentage of total nurses than in the prior year.

From 2011 to 2022, the total number of male nurses increased from just over 303,000 to more than 500,000.

The table begins with data from 2011 because of the changes in occupation classifications in the 2010 census that affected all future years.

Source: BLS

This data does not account for transgender and nonbinary individuals because the BLS only tracks the percentage of women in industries since most industries are male dominated. The number of male nurses was determined by subtracting the percentage of female nurses from the total number of employed persons.

Men as Advanced Practice Providers

BLS only started collecting data on the percentage of advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) by sex in 2011. Before then, APRNs were listed as part of the RN data.

Additionally, few nurses become certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs) and certified nurse midwives (CNMs), so BLS did not break those specialties down by sex. According to the most recent data on CNMs from the Health Resources and Services Administration’s Nursing Workforce Survey in 2018, only 1% are men.

However, even the limited data on APRNs shows a growth trend for men becoming APRNs in the last 12 years. The number of nurse practitioners that are men has grown from 9,400 to more than 29,700 between 2011 and 2022

Most male nurses are CRNAs. According to the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists (AANA) in 2022, men make up 40% of CRNAs compared to just under 13% of total LPNs, RNs, and NPs.

Male Representation by Nursing Degree

Men make up more of the currently enrolled students in bachelor’s, master’s, doctor of nursing practice (DNP), and doctor of philosophy (Ph.D.) in nursing programs than the people who currently hold each degree. This trend shows the recruitment strategies may be working. Men are also slightly more likely to hold an associate degree in nursing (ADN) than a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) degree. Only about 13% of BSN students enrolled in the 2021-22 academic year were men, despite most employers preferring or requiring BSN-prepared nurses .

The percentage of associate and bachelor’s degree-holders who are men changed less than 2% between the 2020 National Nursing Workforce Survey and the 2018 Health Resources and Services Administration’s Nursing Workforce Survey .

DNP degrees are most popular among male nurses currently enrolled in nursing school and who have already completed their highest degree. This may be because 40% of CRNAs are men, according to the AANA, and CRNAs need a DNP to practice.

Men in Nursing School by Degree Type

Source: AACN Fact Sheet – Enhancing Diversity in the Nursing Workforce

Men in Nursing by Highest Level of Education

Source: The 2020 National Nursing Workforce Survey

The Role of Men in a Diverse Nursing Workforce to Combat the Nursing Shortage

The AACN wants to recruit more men, along with other groups that have been underrepresented in nursing, as part of their diverse nursing recruitment strategy . Nursing has historically been an industry of mostly white women.

According to the AACN , “Though nursing schools have made strides in recruiting and graduating nurses that reflect the patient population, more must be done before equal representation is realized.”

However, the AACN and nursing programs are rethinking who they recruit into nursing. BLS projects 203,000 openings for RNs each year from 2021-2031 and a 46% projected increase of NPs between 2021-2031. Nursing schools know they need to recruit a more diverse workforce to help combat the nursing shortage .

More male nurses are part of that strategy. More than 215,000 men have joined the nursing field as LPNs, RNs, and NPs between 2002 and 2022, according to BLS. However, male nurses have not increased in number consistently since 2002.

These efforts have been inconsistent depending on the degree, license, and specialty. Most male nurses earn their DNP and become CRNAs. Other than CRNAs, registered nurse is the most popular nursing role for men.

Men are also drawn to certain specialties over others. According to the 2020 National Nursing Workforce Survey , men made up fewer than 3% of LPNs and RNs who worked in specialties such as:

• School nursing
• Labor and delivery

Popular Specialties for Male Nurses

We made a list of the top five specialties for male LPNs and RNs, based on data from the 2020 National Nursing Workforce Survey , most male nurses are in specialties with fast-paced environments that require them to be adaptable, have physical stamina, quickly solve problems, and critically think.

Emergency/trauma

Critical care, psychiatric/mental health/substance use, you might be interested in.

The Number of Male Nurses Has Multiplied 10x in the Past 40 Years

The nursing industry has changed significantly over the last 40 years, with substantial developments in how nurses use technology to interact with patients and manage a large percent of the patient relationship. Another notable shift has been the growing number of male nurses joining the ranks in this healthcare profession. Looking through data from 1977 …

The Importance of Male Representation in Nursing

Male representation in nursing helps to broaden gender diversity and may help close the nursing shortage gap.

8 Ways to Promote Equal Pay in Nursing

Women dominate the field of nursing but continue to earn less than men. We discuss how the gender pay gap works and what you can do to even the playing field.

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The Male Nurse: Benefits and Percentages of Men in Nursing

Understanding the Numbers When reviewing job growth and salary information, it’s important to remember that actual numbers can vary due to many different factors — like years of experience in the role, industry of employment, geographic location, worker skill and economic conditions. Cited projections do not guarantee actual salary or job growth.

There are more men in nursing currently than at any other point in history — that’s good for male nurses and the profession. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), 12.6% of registered nurses (RNs) in 2023 were men.* That's up from 7% in 2008, as reported by NurseJournal.*

As the nation’s population ages, there will be more opportunities for men to join the profession. BLS projects RN jobs to grow 6% from 2022 to 2032 — faster than the average rate of growth for all other occupations.*

“Nursing is a rewarding profession,” said Southern New Hampshire (SNHU) bachelor's in nursing  (BSN) graduate Cesar Bonilla Ramos '18 . A dialysis nurse in Boston, Massachusetts, Ramos said, “We touch the lives of people from birth to death.”

Daniel Arellano, a nurse practitioner and graduate faculty member at SNHU, sees a tremendous opportunity for men in nursing. He said nursing offers growth that may be attractive to men seeking career stability.*

“In my nursing school class of 80, there were less than 10 male students,” said Arellano. “These days, the numbers have greatly increased.”

What are the Benefits of Being a Nurse?

Besides the inherent reward of helping people in need, nursing can offer an attractive array of well-appreciated professional perks. The wide variety of nursing specializations , high salary potential, advancement opportunities, flexibility and job demand are among them.* The increased demand is due, in part, to a nationwide nursing shortage .*

“The sky is the limit when it comes to nursing,” said Ramos, who likes the diverse choices for career paths open to him as a nurse. “If someone is good (at) working under pressure, ER (emergency room) is a good choice. If you’re tech-oriented, there is nursing informatics.”

A self-described Type A personality, Bergacs started in the ER. He believes the “exciting, high-intensity work caring for patients with high acuity” appeals to many men in nursing. “In these situations, it feels like you can do more for a single patient,” he said.

Arellano agrees that “male nurses are often drawn to higher acuity environments such as critical care, flight nursing or emergency medicine.” But he was quick to add that “they’re represented in almost every nursing specialty.”

Flexibility is another significant benefit of being a nurse. Because Bergacs works as a civilian nurse and serves as a major in the U.S. Air Force Reserve, he appreciates the flexible schedule nursing offers him. He works two 24-hour shifts a week and still has plenty of time to spend outdoors, taking in the sights of the Sierra Nevada mountains.

It's a good time to join the nursing profession, according to Dr. Nicholas Carte , a graduate nursing faculty lead at SNHU. You not only have the chance to specialize within nursing and earn a competitive salary, he said, but you can also pave the way for other men interested in the profession.*

With over 15 years of experience in higher education, Carte has taught in various learning mediums, including traditional classrooms, clinical, hybrid and online environments. His writing has also been featured in the Journal of Emergency Medicine Forecast and the Journal of Intensive Critical Care Nursing, among others.

Read more: How to Become a Nurse

How Much Do Male Nurses Make?

That’s a tricky question because it depends on so many factors. Your area of specialization, geographic location, level of nursing education and personal ambition all play a role. And there’s generally parity between what male and female nurses make.*

According to BLS, RNs earned a median annual wage of $86,070 in 2023.* Nurse anesthetists, nurse midwives and nurse practitioners, also known as advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs), earned a median salary of $129,480 in 2023, BLS reported.*

Nurse educators, a good position to consider if you're interested in being both a nurse and a teacher , earned an annual median income of $80,780 in 2023, according to BLS.*

As a dialysis nurse in the healthcare hub of Boston, Ramos noticed a growing need in his area of specialty. “Some of the major dialysis providers offer signing bonuses up to $10,000 for an experienced nurse,” he said, noting a similar trend in the operating room (OR).*

According to Arellano, “the nurse practitioner track is growing the fastest since there are greater needs for care providers in the inpatient and outpatient environment” he said. “ Nurse practitioners are ideally positioned to help in the practice of medical care in rural communities.”*

What is it Like to Be a Male Nurse?

“You’re always on your feet, so I always wear sneakers because you run around all day," Bergacs said. “Men do tend to gravitate toward critical care nursing, which may seem to an outsider as more technology-focused and less personal, but I can assure you there are many hands held, backs rubbed, feet washed, bed linens changed and words of encouragement shared in these environments, too.”

Nurses who have been in the profession for any length of time see universal truths in this perspective. Bergacs is one of them. “Nursing is truly a passion,” he said. “Don’t go into it for just financial reasons."

As Crouch matured in his role as a nurse, he could participate in different projects while also gaining bedside experience in an intensive care unit (ICU). "I then made the decision to pursue the path to becoming a CNL," he said.

Crouch admired the position of CNL because of its versatility to be a caregiver, educator, mentor and innovator. "(CNLs) relentlessly (serve) as a positive influence for patients and nurses by improving the healthcare system," he said.

For Gray, embracing ethical principles such as honesty and integrity are integral part of how nurses can positively impact their communities. He had some encouraging words for anyone looking to enter the nursing field.

"Trust your intuition. You have been nursing all your life," he said. "Nursing school provides you with the skills and knowledge needed to become a nurse, but caring and intuition come from within."

Find Your Program

Nursing is lifelong learning.

As an educator, Arellano always encourages nurses to continue their education. “My students quote me by saying, ‘Keep climbing the educational ladder.’ Learning is a requirement to be a great nurse,” he said. “Whether that learning is a local conference to enhance your skills or a PhD, always strive to make yourself a better nurse.”

After earning a traditional BSN, Bergacs pursued his MBA online  through SNHU. “Because I have a busy schedule between my military and civilian nursing careers, I found it easy to accommodate class time ,” he said. “I worked nights and did my schoolwork at night instead of during the day and completed the program as time allowed.”

While he hopes to progress to management, he says his MBA brings a business perspective to his current role, making the job experience richer for him. “My helicopter brings business into the hospital system,” he said. “And it’s also a marketing tool and public relations. You’re representing the hospital system when you’re piloting the helicopter.”

Carte agreed that career-long learning is an integral part of nursing. "Any (nurse) should value these opportunities to learn and advance one's care to support high quality and safe delivery of healthcare to a diverse group of patients," he said.

*Cited job growth projections may not reflect local and/or short-term economic or job conditions and do not guarantee actual job growth. Actual salaries and/or earning potential may be the result of a combination of factors including, but not limited to: years of experience, industry of employment, geographic location, and worker skill.

Betty Egan is a freelance copywriter with 25+ years of experience across a diverse spectrum of industry sectors, including higher education. She lives and works remotely from the mountains of northern New Hampshire. Connect with her on LinkedIn .

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Men in Nursing: Why Nursing is a Rewarding and In-Demand Career Choice

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The number of male nurses has multiplied by 10 times in the past 40 years . According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, as of 2022, over 12% of registered nurses in the United States are men. This shift in gender distribution is significant in a field that has been historically dominated by women.

A career in nursing provides an opportunity for nurses to help others. Additionally, nursing offers flexibility that few other careers can match, with a variety of work settings, schedules, and specialties to choose from. Job stability is another factor that makes nursing a great choice for men. Healthcare is one of the fastest-growing industries in the country, and with an aging population , the demand for healthcare professionals will only increase.

There is a growing demand for male nurses in healthcare. Some male patients may feel more comfortable having a male nurse, especially during intimate procedures. Male nurses can also play an important role in the care of male patients with mental health issues.

With the demand for healthcare professionals projected to grow, male nurses can play an essential role in meeting patient needs and improving the overall quality of care. Keep reading to learn everything you need to know to start your journey toward this rewarding career. 

What Is a Male Nurse?

Male nurses are male-identifying healthcare professionals who provide care for patients who are sick, injured, or infirm.

Male nurses, like nurses of any gender identity, play a crucial role in a variety of healthcare settings, helping with both the physical and emotional needs of patients. Their daily tasks include administering medications, monitoring vital signs, assisting with bathing and dressing, and providing comfort and reassurance to patients and their families.

Nurses are also often responsible for coordinating care plans, collaborating with other members of the healthcare team, and advocating for their patients. They most commonly work in hospitals and clinics, long-term care facilities, and home health care.

In addition to their responsibilities in the field, nurses also hold positions within the U.S. healthcare industry that involve research, education, and leadership. As with any healthcare profession, these roles are multifaceted and require a specific set of skills as well as knowledge and compassion. 

Popular Male Nurse Specialties

Male nurses hold jobs in every specialty of nursing, but there are some disciplines that attract more male nurses than others. According to American Association of Colleges of Nursing , here are some of the most popular specialties for male nurses:

• Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA): CRNAs administer anesthesia to patients undergoing medical procedures or surgeries. This is an attractive role for nurses who regard high salaries as one of their main priorities.
• Emergency room nurse: ER nurses provide urgent care to patients in emergency situations. This is a great choice for nurses who can perform under pressure and enjoy a fast-paced environment.
• ICU nurse: ICU nurses care for critically ill patients in intensive care units. This specialty is a smart route for those who can handle a high-stress work environment and want to help patients who need critical care.
• Critical care nurse: Critical care nurses work with patients who have life-threatening illnesses or injuries that require around-the-clock monitoring. This specialty allows nurses to work with cutting-edge medical technology and make a significant impact on patients and their families.
• Flight nurse: Flight nurses provide medical care to patients who are being transported by air ambulance. This may be a great fit for nurses who enjoy adventure and travel.

Value of Male Nurses in Healthcare

Male nurses bring immeasurable value to the healthcare system in their ability to represent and care for male patients. Male patients often feel more comfortable with a male nurse , particularly in situations where they are dealing with diagnoses or conditions that are specific to their anatomy, such as prostate or testicular issues. An increase in male nurses on a healthcare facility’s staff can help male patients feel seen, heard, and represented in their healthcare experiences.

More male nurses in healthcare can also bring more diverse perspectives and experiences to the nursing profession. They can offer unique insights into patient care and bring an important perspective to medical teams that may otherwise be lacking. Male nurses are a vital part of the healthcare system, and their contributions are crucial in making sure that patients receive the best possible care.

What Male Nurses Have to Say About Their Job

Many former WGU students have had incredibly rewarding careers in the nursing profession.

Andrew Nagel, a case manager RN and veteran living in Indiana, appreciates how his military background helps him better serve some of his patients. “I can walk into a veteran's home, and we may come from vastly different worlds. Our upbringings may be different, we might be from different parts of the country, but because we have both served our country, we have that commonality. And as a nurse, that can be a very powerful thing because it helps build that nurse-patient relationship,” Nagel said.

Another WGU alumnus, Kentucky-based Robbie Reno calls nursing his ultimate calling in life. Robbie worked in an isolation unit at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, tirelessly administering medications, helping patients keep their blood pressure and heart rate up, and providing mental and emotional support when needed.

Benefits of Becoming a Nurse

Nursing offers many benefits and opportunities for men seeking stable, enriching work in healthcare. Here some of the most attractive benefits of becoming a nurse:

• Career stability: Nursing will always be a high-demand career choice, with an increasing number of job opportunities available in a variety of healthcare settings. 
• Career flexibility: Nursing is known as a highly flexible field in terms of scheduling and work arrangements. Nurses can work full-time, part-time, variable, per diem, or combination shifts, making it a great choice for those looking for an alternative to the 9-to-5 grind.
• Stable pay: The nursing field offers competitive salaries and ample opportunities for advancement. According to the BLS, the median annual wage for registered nurses was $77,600 in May 2021 .
• Travel opportunities: For those who’ve always wanted to travel for work, nursing is a great way to access those opportunities while making a difference in people’s lives. Travel nursing allows nurses to work short-term contracts in different locations across the country.
• Scholarships: There are many scholarships available for male nurses across the country, making it an affordable academic option for those who want to break into this profession. 

How to Become a Nurse

If you’re ready to become a nurse, there are several academic paths you can take. For the most part, aspiring nurses choose one of three options:

• Diploma program: A diploma program in nursing is usually offered by hospitals and takes between two and three years to complete. These programs provide hands-on clinical experience and graduates are eligible to take the NCLEX-RN exam to become licensed as registered nurses.
• Associate degree in nursing (ADN): An ADN program is a two-year program future nurses can enroll in at community colleges and technical schools. This type of program offers classroom instruction and clinical experience. Once completed, graduates can take the NCLEX-RN exam to become licensed as registered nurses.
• Bachelor's degree in nursing (BSN): A BSN program is a two- to four-year degree program offered by colleges and universities. This type of program provides a comprehensive education in nursing, including courses in science, the humanities, and social sciences, as well as clinical experience. ADN and BSN programs both prepare graduates for the same licensure exam and the same job responsibilities. However, BSN programs typically provide a more in-depth education, which can lead to more advanced job opportunities and higher salaries. In fact, WGU’s Prelicensure Nursing BSN allows students to become an RN and earn their BSN in one program.

For those who have already completed an ADN program, there are also RN-to-BSN programs available, such as WGU's RN-to-BSN degree .

WGU’s RN-to-BSN program is entirely online, which provides flexibility and convenience for working nurses. The program is designed to be completed on a self-paced basis, which allows students to continue working while completing their BSN degree.

The program is also accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) . This accreditation ensures that the program meets high standards for quality and effectiveness and that graduates are well-prepared for advanced nursing roles.

WGU’s RN-to-BSN program is designed to be affordable, with a flat-rate tuition fee that covers all course materials, textbooks, and assessments. Completing a BSN degree can lead to more advanced nursing roles and higher earning potential. Employers are increasingly looking for nurses with a BSN degree, as it provides a more in-depth education and prepares nurses for leadership roles in healthcare. By completing WGU's RN-to-BSN program, nurses can enhance their professional development and improve their career prospects. Invest in your future today and apply for WGU’s RN-to-BSN degree program !

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By the Numbers: Nursing Statistics 2023

This article has been updated on March 29, 2023.

The compassion, professionalism, and positive impact of the nursing profession continues to be recognized by the public at large. According to new data published by Gallup , nurses in 2023 continue to rank as the most trusted profession — a title they have held for over twenty years. And nurses continue to demonstrate their commitment to individual patients and public health as a whole as the scope of their practice expands and evolves rapidly.

With approximately 4.42 million registered nurses (RNs) and over 700,000 licensed nurse practitioners (LPNs), the nursing profession continues to flourish. Nursing statistics show that diversity is increasing within the profession, and the demand for nurses in a wide variety of settings is surging. Salaries are increasing in the field as well.

These inflection points add to the widespread celebration of Nurses Month underway during May 2023.

Sponsored by the American Nurses Association (ANA), Nurses Month is an annual event recognizing nurses for their tremendous effort and compassion, as they work collectively to improve the health of individuals, families, and communities nationwide. This year, their theme is as evergreen as it is prescient: Nurses Make A Difference. As we celebrate the undeniable positive impact that nurses make, let's take a look at the ways that the nursing profession is growing and expanding to serve more people than ever.

Demographics

Current trends in nursing reveal an aging workforce that is slowly but steadily increasing in equality among two underrepresented groups in nursing: men and people of color. Nurses who are 65 years of age or older comprise the largest age category in the profession and represented 19% of the RN workforce, according to the 2020 National Nurse Workforce Study . That's up from 14.6% of nurses over 65 measured in 2017 and 4.4% measured in 2013.

The report revealed the following racial demographics within the nursing field (2017 statistics in parentheses): 

• 80.6% White/Caucasian (down from 80.8%)
• 7.2% Asian (down from 7.5%)
• 6.7% Black/African American (up from 6.2%)
• 2.3% Other (down from 2.9%) 
• 2.1% More than one race category selected (up from 1.7%)
• 0.5% American Indian or Alaska Native (up from .4%)
• 0.4% Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander (down from .5%)
• 0.2% Middle Eastern/North African (2020 was the first survey with this category)

Additionally, 5.6% of RN respondents self-identified as Hispanic/Latino/Latina, up from 5.3% in 2017. 

The survey also found that men represent 9.4% of registered nurses, up from 9.1% in 2017. And men are getting advanced degrees in a greater number than they were before, too; male nurse practitioners made up 8.2% of the workforce in 2013, growing to 12.6% in 2021.

The demand for registered nurses (RNs) and family nurse practitioners (FNPs) remains high for several reasons. The aging population has a twofold effect on the nursing profession as both nurses and the patients they care for are growing older. Many nurses are nearing retirement age, and many patients are facing increased health care needs. Worldwide, 4.7 million nurses are expected to retire by 2030. When combined with the existing nursing shortage and aging Baby Boomer population, that results in the need for 10.6 million new nurses by 2030, according to a report compiled by the International Centre for Nurse Migration.

In the United States, the BLS projects that there will be about 203,200 openings for registered nurses every year through 2031 as nurses retire and patient demand increases. That represents a 6% growth rate in registered nursing jobs by 2031.

As positive as the employment potential for registered nurses looks, the BLS predicts that demand for nurse practitioners (NPs) will be remarkably higher. They project an overall employment increase of 40% between the years 2021 and 2031, which is much faster than average for other occupations. The BLS attributes this growth to:

• Increased focus on preventative care
• Demand for health care services from the aging baby-boom population
• Heightened use of team-based models of care
• Changes in legislation that allow advanced practice registered nurses to perform more services
• Growing cultural awareness of nurse practitioners as primary health care sources

The BLS expects to see approximately 30,200 openings for nurse anesthetists, nurse midwives, and nurse practitioners each year on average between 2021 and 2031. Factoring in retirement and other exits from the workforce, that represents 118,600 new jobs for advanced practice registered nurses—112,700 of which are projected to be for nurse practitioners—over the course of ten years.

Nursing statistics for salary are also a great sign of health and longevity for the profession.

Typical salaries vary depending on the geographic location and facility in which a nurse is employed, but the overall national picture is encouraging. The BLS reported a 2021 median annual income for RNs of $77,600. 

The salaries are markedly higher for nurse practitioners, who earned a median wage of $123,780 as of May 2021.

Satisfaction

Registered nurses typically enjoy a high level of job satisfaction according to the latest nursing statistics.

In a 2021 survey of RNs , 81% of nurses said they were satisfied with their jobs. While the COVID-19 pandemic increased rates of nurses feeling burned out or emotionally drained, 66% said they planned to remain at their current jobs, which is actually an increase from the 2019 statistic of 64%.

Nurse practitioners also enjoy high levels of job satisfaction. Improved work/life balance, increased autonomy as a caregiver, and increased earnings are just a few of the reasons many NPs love their jobs. U.S. News & World Report ranks the profession as #1 in Best Health Care Jobs and #2 in the 100 Best Jobs overall. Upward mobility is also above average, with career advancements and possibilities for salary increases creating a wide array of opportunities.

The public deeply and overwhelmingly trusts nurses. As noted in the introduction, the Gallup's annual Most Honest and Ethical Professions poll continues to rank nurses in the number one position for the 21st year in a row. Not only that, but 79% of Americans polled stated that nurses' honesty and ethical standards are "very high" or "high." The second-highest profession, medical doctors, only reached 62% — which highlights the unique, positive impact of nurses on the lives of individuals.

Nurses are deeply trusted because they serve as both confidantes and liaisons between doctors and family members. This level of professional respect, combined with the fact that nurses have dedicated their lives to helping others, make the profession difficult to surpass in integrity, especially during a pandemic and pandemic recovery.

Nursing Statistics Summarized

• The average age of surveyed registered nurses is 52 years ( NCSBN ).
• 9.4% of nurses are male, versus 6.62% in 2013 ( NCSBN ).
• Nurses who are Black, multiracial, or Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander are increasing in representation ( NCSBN ).
• Registered nurse jobs are growing at an average pace of 6% by 2031 ( BLS ).
• Nurse practitioner jobs are growing much faster than average at 40% by 2031 ( BLS ).
• Registered nurses can anticipate 195,400 potential new job openings by 2031 ( BLS ).
• Nurse practitioners can anticipate 118,600 potential new job openings by 2031 ( BLS ).
• RNs earned a median annual salary of $77,600 as of May 2021 ( BLS ).
• The median salary of nurse practitioners is over $123,780 per year ( BLS ).
• 81% of nurses are satisfied with their current jobs ( AMN Healthcare ).

Serving Communities and Beyond

Nurses serve as both the frontline and backbone of quality patient care. With the arrival of National Nurses Month, the staff and faculty at Carson-Newman University thank everyone who has dedicated their career to nursing and continues to touch lives with compassion.

Carson-Newman offers expert clinical preparation and a Christian-centered curriculum for those who aspire to become family nurse practitioners (FNPs). Through our affordable and convenient online FNP program, which provides clinical placements, you can broaden your impact and make holistic patient care more accessible in your community.

About Carson-Newman's Online FNP Programs

Founded in 1851, Carson-Newman is a nationally ranked Christian liberal arts university. An online, yet personal, learning environment connects you with fellow students, faculty, and staff. Faith and learning are combined to create evidence-based online graduate nursing programs designed to transform you into a more autonomous caregiver.

Through its online program and student-centric curriculum, Carson-Newman provides a life-changing education where students come first. Designed for working nurses, Carson-Newman's affordable FNP programs feature 100% online coursework with no mandatory log-in times, clinical placement service, and exceptional individualized support that prepare graduates to pass the FNP licensure exam.

If you're ready for the next step in your nursing career, consider the online Master of Science in Nursing – Family Nurse Practitioner offered by Carson-Newman University and accredited by the CCNE.

For those who already hold an MSN degree, consider pursuing a Post-Master's FNP Certificate to enjoy all the leadership opportunities, job satisfaction and autonomy of a family primary care provider. For more information, visit onlinenursing.cn.edu.

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