<div class="edu-card" data-widget-id="18" data-cy="edu-card"> <div class="edu-card-banner" data-cy="edu-card-banner"> Advertisement </div> <div class="edu-card-container" data-cy="edu-card-container"> <div class="edu-card-content" data-cy="edu-card-content"> <div class="edu-card-title" data-cy="edu-card-title"> <h1 class="edu-card-title-heading" data-cy="edu-card-title-heading"> USC`s Online Master of Science in Nursing Program </h1> <p class="edu-card-title-subheading" data-cy="edu-card-title-subheading"> Earn Your MSN Online From USC in Just 21 Months </p> </div> <div class="edu-card-content-description" data-cy="edu-card-content-description"> <div class="edu-card-content-description-content"> <p>Become a family nurse practitioner online in as few as 21 months with top-ranked USC's CCNE and BRN-Accredited online Master of Science in Nursing program.</p> </div> <span class="edu-card-content-description-readmore"> <input type="checkbox" id="edu-card-content-description-readmore-input-18" class="edu-card-content-description-readmore-input" /> <label for="edu-card-content-description-readmore-input-18" class="edu-card-content-description-readmore-label"> <span class="edu-card-content-description-readmore-label-arrow"></span> </label> </span> </div> <a class="edu-card-content-button" target="_blank" href="https://nursing.usc.edu/requestinfo/index/">Visit Website</a> <span class="edu-card-content-caption"> </span> </div> <div class="edu-card-action" data-cy="edu-card-action"> <picture class="edu-card-picture" data-cy="edu-card-picture"> <img src="https://fortune.com/img-assets/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/USC-MSN_Formal-Vertical_Ver_S.Dworak-Peck-School-of-SW_CardOnTrans.png?w=250&amp;h=165" class=""> <span class="edu-card-picture-label"> </span> </picture> <div class="edu-card-action-cta" data-cy="edu-card-action-cta"> <a class="edu-card-action-button" target="_blank" href="https://nursing.usc.edu/requestinfo/index/">Visit Website</a> <span class="edu-card-action-caption"> </span> </div> </div> </div></div><script> function checkWidgets() { document.querySelectorAll('.edu-card-content-description-content').forEach((content) => { const readMoreBtn = content.nextElementSibling; if (!readMoreBtn) { return; } if (content && content.clientHeight === content.scrollHeight) { readMoreBtn.style.display = 'none'; } else { delete readMoreBtn.style.removeProperty('display'); } }) } window.removeEventListener('resize', checkWidgets); window.addEventListener('resize', checkWidgets); checkWidgets();</script>

<div class="edu-card" data-widget-id="19" data-cy="edu-card"> <div class="edu-card-banner" data-cy="edu-card-banner"> Advertisement </div> <div class="edu-card-container" data-cy="edu-card-container"> <div class="edu-card-content" data-cy="edu-card-content"> <div class="edu-card-title" data-cy="edu-card-title"> <h1 class="edu-card-title-heading" data-cy="edu-card-title-heading"> Online MS in Nursing From Georgetown University </h1> <p class="edu-card-title-subheading" data-cy="edu-card-title-subheading"> Earn Your Master’s in Nursing Online From Georgetown University </p> </div> <div class="edu-card-content-description" data-cy="edu-card-content-description"> <div class="edu-card-content-description-content"> <p>Nursing@Georgetown delivers Georgetown University’s MS in Nursing program online, preparing RNs with a BSN to pursue certification in an APRN specialty. Students can earn their degree in as few as 23 months. </p> </div> <span class="edu-card-content-description-readmore"> <input type="checkbox" id="edu-card-content-description-readmore-input-19" class="edu-card-content-description-readmore-input" /> <label for="edu-card-content-description-readmore-input-19" class="edu-card-content-description-readmore-label"> <span class="edu-card-content-description-readmore-label-arrow"></span> </label> </span> </div> <a class="edu-card-content-button" target="_blank" href="https://online.nursing.georgetown.edu/requestinfo/index/">Learn More</a> <span class="edu-card-content-caption"> </span> </div> <div class="edu-card-action" data-cy="edu-card-action"> <picture class="edu-card-picture" data-cy="edu-card-picture"> <img src="https://fortune.com/img-assets/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Georgetown_S_SNHS_grayCMYK.png?w=250&amp;h=165" class=""> <span class="edu-card-picture-label"> </span> </picture> <div class="edu-card-action-cta" data-cy="edu-card-action-cta"> <a class="edu-card-action-button" target="_blank" href="https://online.nursing.georgetown.edu/requestinfo/index/">Learn More</a> <span class="edu-card-action-caption"> </span> </div> </div> </div></div><script> function checkWidgets() { document.querySelectorAll('.edu-card-content-description-content').forEach((content) => { const readMoreBtn = content.nextElementSibling; if (!readMoreBtn) { return; } if (content && content.clientHeight === content.scrollHeight) { readMoreBtn.style.display = 'none'; } else { delete readMoreBtn.style.removeProperty('display'); } }) } window.removeEventListener('resize', checkWidgets); window.addEventListener('resize', checkWidgets); checkWidgets();</script>

<div class="edu-card" data-widget-id="20" data-cy="edu-card"> <div class="edu-card-banner" data-cy="edu-card-banner"> Advertisement </div> <div class="edu-card-container" data-cy="edu-card-container"> <div class="edu-card-content" data-cy="edu-card-content"> <div class="edu-card-title" data-cy="edu-card-title"> <h1 class="edu-card-title-heading" data-cy="edu-card-title-heading"> Advance Your Career With Nursing@Simmons </h1> <p class="edu-card-title-subheading" data-cy="edu-card-title-subheading"> Earn Your MSN and Become an FNP or PMHNP Online From Simmons University </p> </div> <div class="edu-card-content-description" data-cy="edu-card-content-description"> <div class="edu-card-content-description-content"> <p>Choose from two program options — FNP or PMHNP — and prepare to raise the standard of patient care. Explore Nursing@Simmons programs for RNs who hold a BSN or bachelor’s degree.</p> </div> <span class="edu-card-content-description-readmore"> <input type="checkbox" id="edu-card-content-description-readmore-input-20" class="edu-card-content-description-readmore-input" /> <label for="edu-card-content-description-readmore-input-20" class="edu-card-content-description-readmore-label"> <span class="edu-card-content-description-readmore-label-arrow"></span> </label> </span> </div> <a class="edu-card-content-button" target="_blank" href="https://online.simmons.edu/requestinfo/msn-fwp/">Learn More</a> <span class="edu-card-content-caption"> </span> </div> <div class="edu-card-action" data-cy="edu-card-action"> <picture class="edu-card-picture" data-cy="edu-card-picture"> <img src="https://fortune.com/img-assets/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/SC-MSN_University_Nursing_Color_Stacked.png?w=250&amp;h=165" class=""> <span class="edu-card-picture-label"> </span> </picture> <div class="edu-card-action-cta" data-cy="edu-card-action-cta"> <a class="edu-card-action-button" target="_blank" href="https://online.simmons.edu/requestinfo/msn-fwp/">Learn More</a> <span class="edu-card-action-caption"> </span> </div> </div> </div></div><script> function checkWidgets() { document.querySelectorAll('.edu-card-content-description-content').forEach((content) => { const readMoreBtn = content.nextElementSibling; if (!readMoreBtn) { return; } if (content && content.clientHeight === content.scrollHeight) { readMoreBtn.style.display = 'none'; } else { delete readMoreBtn.style.removeProperty('display'); } }) } window.removeEventListener('resize', checkWidgets); window.addEventListener('resize', checkWidgets); checkWidgets();</script>

ad_Nursing

cat_Other

Low Intent

ptype_Explainer

ptype_News

Sam Becker

<p>Over the past few years, one thing has become abundantly clear to most Americans: The United States needs more nurses. While the COVID-19 pandemic exposed how dire the situation is, <a href="https://bhw.hrsa.gov/sites/default/files/bureau-health-workforce/data-research/nchwa-hrsa-nursing-report.pdf">there was already a shortage</a> of nurses and health care workers, especially in certain parts of the country. </p><div class="paywall-selector"></div><div class="paywall">



<p>Nurse practitioners walk the line between doctors and registered nurses, and they’re assuming more prominent roles in many communities that lack adequate access to doctors or medical facilities. Nurse practitioners can and do provide a variety of services and care in hospitals, clinics, and doctor’s offices nationwide. As a <a href="https://nursejournal.org/resources/np-vs-aprn/">type of advanced practice registered nurse</a>, or APRN, nurse practitioners typically have a specialized skill set or area of expertise—and they have <a href="https://fortune.com/education/health/masters/rankings/best-online-masters-in-nursing/">earned a master’s degree</a> and been certified by their respective state to practice</p>



<p>Given the need for more health care workers and particularly nurses, job prospects for nurse practitioners have skyrocketed in recent years. In fact, this role is projected to be the <a href="https://www.bls.gov/ooh/fastest-growing.htm">fastest-growing occupation</a> between 2021 and 2031. More job opportunities will also help to push salaries higher—which should help attract more people to address the nursing shortage.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-job-growth-for-nurse-practitioners">Job growth for nurse practitioners</h2>



<p>The number of nurse practitioner positions is projected to surge 46% between 2021 and 2031, faster than any other occupation in the U.S., according to the most-recent <a href="https://www.bls.gov/ooh/fastest-growing.htm">figures from the Bureau of Labor Statistics</a>. And BLS data shows that nearly 113,000 new positions are expected to be created for nurse practitioners by 2031. </p>



<p>The need for more nurse practitioners stems from the unique nature of this role versus others in the broader nursing pool. “Nurse practitioners are a different group from registered nurses, as they can practice independently in many states,” says Bianca Frogner, director of the <a href="https://familymedicine.uw.edu/chws/">Center for Health Workforce Studies</a>. “They have a different slate of work and slate of training,” she says, adding that the role of nurse practitioner has become “a more appealing profession” because people can run their own clinics.</p>



<p>This level of autonomy allows many nurse practitioners to set up shop in rural or underserved communities, which are desperate for access to health care services and professionals. “It can be an attractive set of work factors that would be appealing to young people trying to decide on their career path,” says Frogner.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nurse-practitioners-can-easily-fetch-six-figure-salaries">Nurse practitioners can easily fetch six-figure salaries</h2>



<p>Along with increased job opportunities for nurse practitioners come higher salaries. In 2021, the median pay for nurse practitioners was $120,680, according to data from the BLS, and it’s likely that salary prospects for nurse practitioners will increase in the years to come.</p>



<p>But not all nurse practitioners have the same earning potential. Certain types of nurse practitioners—meaning their specialties or areas of focus—tend to earn more than others, and a big factor in how much someone earns comes down to where they work. A nurse practitioner in, say, Los Angeles is likely to earn a higher salary than one working in Grand Rapids.</p>



<p>As for <a href="https://nurse.org/articles/highest-paying-np-specialties/">the specific specialties that pay the most</a>, nurse practitioners working in psychiatric fields may earn median salaries close to $140,000, while adult-gerontology nurse practitioners may earn closer to $108,000. Other types of nurse practitioners may earn even less, though their salaries are still relatively when compared with the median household income in the U.S., which <a href="https://www.census.gov/library/publications/2022/demo/p60-276.html">was roughly $71,000</a> in 2021. </p>



<p>While nurse practitioner salaries may immediately attract someone looking for a well-paying and in-demand occupation, it’s worth noting that some significant investment is required in order to pursue this career path. </p>



<p>“Becoming a nurse practitioner requires a master’s degree—there’s an additional educational requirement,” says Mary Molloy, a clinical assistant professor of nursing at the School of Nursing and Allied Health at Fairleigh Dickinson University. “Nurse practitioners also need certifications, depending on the population that they’re interested in working with,” she adds. </p>



<p>In all, some nurse practitioners may be looking at seven or eight years of educational requirements—which can add up in terms of tuition and fees, as well as the total time commitment. That said, some of the <a href="https://fortune.com/education/business/articles/2022/10/03/5-of-the-most-affordable-masters-in-nursing-msn-programs-in-the-u-s/">most affordable nursing programs</a> have a total tuition price tag of less than $20,000.</p>



<p>Still, most nurse practitioners probably consider the costs <a href="https://fortune.com/education/business/articles/2022/08/04/is-a-masters-degree-in-nursing-msn-worth-it/">worthwhile</a> in the end, Molloy says. Given the ever-increasing cost of health care in the U.S., nurse practitioners may be able to help communities curb the costs to a degree—all while earning a relatively high salary, working in a recession-proof field, and being able to serve a community in need.</p>



<p>Nurse practitioners “take care of the health of the U.S. population at a more reasonable cost with better health outcomes,” Molloy says, adding that these roles often carry job satisfaction because people are “preventing disease, promoting and maintaining community health,” among other wide-ranging aims.</p>



<p><em>See how the schools you’re considering fared in Fortune’s rankings of the best master’s degree programs in data science (<a href="https://fortune.com/education/information-technology/masters/rankings/best-masters-in-data-science/">in-person</a> and <a href="https://fortune.com/education/data-science/masters/rankings/best-online-masters-in-data-science/">online</a>), <a href="https://fortune.com/education/health/masters/rankings/best-online-masters-in-nursing/">nursing</a>, <a href="https://fortune.com/education/information-technology/masters/rankings/best-online-masters-in-computer-science/">computer science</a>, <a href="https://fortune.com/education/information-technology/masters/rankings/best-online-masters-in-cybersecurity/">cybersecurity</a>, <a href="https://fortune.com/education/health/masters/rankings/best-online-masters-in-psychology-degree-programs/">psychology</a>, <a href="https://fortune.com/education/public-health/masters/rankings/best-online-masters-in-public-health-programs/">public health</a>, and <a href="https://fortune.com/education/business-analytics/masters/rankings/best-online-masters-in-business-analytics/">business analytics</a>, as well as the <a href="https://fortune.com/education/leadership/doctorate/rankings/best-online-doctor-education-programs/">doctorate in education</a> programs and MBA programs (<a href="https://fortune.com/education/business/mba/rankings/best-parttime-mba-programs-in-2022/">part-time</a>, <a href="https://fortune.com/education/business/mba/rankings/best-executive-mba-programs-in-2021/">executive</a>, <a href="https://fortune.com/education/business/mba/rankings/best-mba-programs/">full-time</a>, and <a href="https://fortune.com/education/business/mba/rankings/best-online-mba-programs/">online</a>).</em></p>



<div class="wp-block-group pro-tip-box-widget"><div class="wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained">
<h3 class="wp-block-heading pro-tip-box-heading">Read more</h3>



<li>If you want to find great resources to become a health coach, check out the <a href="https://fortune.com/education/articles/best-health-coach-certifications/">best health coach certifications</a>.</li>
<li>Interested in a psychology degree? Here are some of the <a href="https://fortune.com/education/health/best-online-masters-in-psychology-degree-programs/">best online masters in psychology programs</a> you can find.</li>
<li>Want a more flexible way to earn an online master’s degree in nursing? Explore our list of the <a href="https://fortune.com/education/health/best-online-msn-nurse-practitioner-programs/%22">best online MSN nurse practitioner programs</a>.</li>
<li>Choose one of the <a href="https://fortune.com/education/health/best-online-masters-in-public-health-programs/">best online masters in public health programs</a> to help you find the right school for you.</li>
<li>Our ranking of the <a href="https://fortune.com/education/health/best-online-masters-in-nursing/">best online masters in nursing programs</a> can be a useful tool in your search for advanced online learning.</li>
<li>Many universities offer <a href="https://fortune.com/education/health/most-affordable-online-msn-nurse-practitioner-programs/">affordable online MSN nurse practitioner programs</a>.</li>
<li>For those looking to learn the basics of nutrition, one of the programs in our list of the <a href="https://fortune.com/education/articles/best-nutritionist-certifications/">best nutritionist certifications</a> is a great first step.</li>
<li>Fulfill your ambitions of being a personal trainer with one of the <a href="https://fortune.com/education/articles/best-personal-trainer-certifications/">best personal trainer certification</a> programs. </li>
</div></div>
</div>

The role of nurse practitioner is projected to be the fastest-growing occupation between 2021 and 2031, with a median annual salary of more than $120,000.

The fastest-growing role in the U.S. is paying nurses $120K and up

F-Search

Education

Education Articles

Jasmine Suarez

Health and Wellness

The role of nurse practitioner is projected to be the fastest-growing occupation between 2021 and 2031.

Fortune earns a commission for purchases made from affiliate partners via some links on our site; other links are not affiliate partner links. <a href='/affiliate-disclosure/'>Click here</a> to read the full Fortune advertiser disclosure and how we earn commissions.

We have independently evaluated the products and services below. We may earn affiliate revenue from links in the content.

Fortune Editors

Fortune Education is designed to be your guide to navigating this new, rich and somewhat overwhelming world of education. Our team of experienced editors is committed to scouring the universe of online offerings in order to rank, rate, provide comparisons and recommend the right solutions for you and your career.

Fortune Education

Uncategorized

homepage

articles

Articles Hub

By Region

By State

By Cost

Business

Career Hub

Tech

EDUCATION

EDUCATION ARTICLES

THE FASTEST-GROWING ROLE IN THE U.S. IS PAYING NURSES $120K AND UP

The fastest-growing role in the U.S. is paying nurses $120K and up | Fortune Education

Rich Griset

10 free data analytics courses you can take online

https://fortune.com/education/articles/free-data-analytics-courses/?itm_source=parsely-api

Preston Fore

2024 real estate school review: AceableAgent

https://fortune.com/education/articles/real-estate-school-review-aceableagent/?itm_source=parsely-api

‘Democratizing AI education’: How Mark Cuban is helping teach students to disrupt industries with AI skills

https://fortune.com/education/articles/mark-cuban-foundation-ai-bootcamps/?itm_source=parsely-api

Brit Morse

A law associate making $300,000 a year at Skadden Arps quit over the firm’s deal with Donald Trump

/article/rachel-cohen-making-300k-year-law-associate-skadden-arps-quit-protest-firms-deal-trump/

Get ready to pay more than $2,000 for a new iPhone: Experts say Trump’s 125% tariff on China is a ‘complete disaster for Apple’ akin to ‘Armageddon’

/2025/04/10/apple-iphone-16-price-complete-disaster-china-trump-tariffs/

It’s about to get a lot harder for job seekers as tariffs are set to make the hiring landscape even more daunting

/2025/04/07/trump-tariffs-labor-market-more-challenging-job-seekers-economists-say/

This company does peer performance reviews—And then lets everyone read each other’s evaluations

/2025/03/24/performance-review-process-company-allows-all-workers-read-garner-health-workplace-culture/

2024 health coach certification review: Catalyst Coaching Institute

/education/articles/health-coach-certification-review-catalyst-coaching-institute/

A guide to a nurse’s salary: Broken down by all 50 states and industry type

/education/careers/nurse-salary/

2024 health coach certification review: Institute for Integrative Nutrition

/education/articles/health-coach-certification-review-institute-for-integrative-nutrition/

10 high-paying public health jobs right now

/education/careers/public-health-jobs/

Jason Del Rey

Is eBay actually sexy again as the ecommerce old-timer’s stock surges to an all-time high?

/2025/07/31/ebay-earnings-live-sports-cards-trading-pokemon/

Erik German

Meet the CIA-backed venture fund behind Palantir, Anduril—and a spy tool that might be on your phone

/2025/07/29/in-q-tel-cia-venture-capital-palantir-anduril/

Dana Hull

Kiel Porter

Bloomberg

Tesla engineering VP Moravy says company in ‘big swing moment’

/2025/07/27/tesla-engineering-vp-lars-moravy-big-swing-moment-musk-robotaxi-optimus-semi/

Christiaan Hetzner

Volkswagen seeks audience with Trump, dangling more than $10 billion in U.S. investments in exchange for tariff exemptions

/2025/07/25/volkswagen-trump-tariffs-exemptions/

Whether you’ve just completed your undergraduate degree or you are a professional with years of experience, Fortune is here to guide you on the next step of your educational journey.

The fastest-growing role in the U.S. is paying nurses $120K and up

About the Contributors

Top Articles

10 free data analytics courses you can take online

2024 real estate school review: AceableAgent

‘Democratizing AI education’: How Mark Cuban is helping teach students to disrupt industries with AI skills

Advance Your Career With Nursing@Simmons