In 2024, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were *** million registered nurses in the United States. With over *** thousand registered nurses, California had the highest number of registered nurses in the U.S., followed by Texas and Florida. On the other hand, Wyoming was the state with the least registered nurses in 2024.

The graph illustrates the number of active nurses in the United States, categorized by type: registered nurses and practical nurses. The x-axis represents the nurse types, while the y-axis indicates the total number of active nurses. Registered nurses have the highest count at 4,960,042, while practical nurses account for 916,564. The data highlights the significant difference in the number of active nurses between these two categories, emphasizing the larger workforce of registered nurses compared to practical nurses. This information is presented in a bar graph to compare the two categories visually.

There are currently around *** million registered nurses in the United States. Yet there are significant regional disparities, with California leading the pack in 2024. With over ******* registered nurses, the Golden State outpaces its closest competitors, Texas and Florida, by a considerable margin. This concentration of nursing professionals in populous states underscores the complex relationship between healthcare demand and population density. Diverse employment settings for nurses While the distribution of registered nurses varies widely across states, their employment settings also show interesting patterns. In 2023, hospitals remained the primary employer for registered nurses, accounting for nearly ********** of all nursing positions. Ambulatory healthcare services emerged as the second most common workplace, while educational services employed only a small fraction of the nursing workforce. This distribution highlights the critical role of nurses in various healthcare settings beyond traditional hospital environments. Specialized nursing roles across states The nursing profession encompasses various specialized roles, each with its own unique distribution across the country. For instance, nurse anesthetists showed significant variation in employment numbers, ranging from as few as ** to as many as ***** per state in 2024. Interestingly, Delaware led in nurse anesthetist employment, while Vermont and Alaska had the lowest numbers. Similarly, nurse midwives exhibited a wide range of employment figures, with California boasting the highest count and South Carolina the lowest.

Enfermeiros nos Estados Unidos aumentaram para 12,19 por 1000 pessoas em 2023, em comparação com 12,05 por 1000 pessoas em 2022. Esta página inclui um gráfico com dados históricos para os Enfermeiros dos Estados Unidos.

Graph and download economic data for Employed full time: Wage and salary workers: Licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses occupations: 16 years and over (LEU0254489500A) from 2000 to 2024 about vocational nurses, licenses, nursing, occupation, full-time, salaries, workers, 16 years +, wages, employment, and USA.

Forecast: Number of Nurses Graduates in the US 2024 - 2028 Discover more data with ReportLinker!

The number of employees working in U.S. skilled nursing facilities (SNF) amounted to 1.38 million in 2023. Roughly a third of these workers were nursing assistants, while a further one in ten were registered nurses (RN).

In 2024, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, over *** ******* people were working in nursing in the United States. The most frequent occupation was registered nurse with over **** ******* people, followed by around **** ******* nursing assistants, orderlies and aides. On the other hand, only around ***** nurse-midwives were working in the United States in 2024.

In 2022, with a total of ******* nurses, most registered nurses were part of the ******** years old age group in the United States. That year, the average age of RNs was **** years old.

Introduction

According to Nursing Workforce Statistics, The nursing workforce comprises various roles, including Registered Nurses (RNs), Nurse Practitioners (NPs), Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs), and Nursing Assistants (CNAs), each with distinct responsibilities and educational requirements.

R.N.s, the largest group, typically hold an Associate or Bachelor's degree and provide comprehensive patient care. N.P.s with advanced degrees offer specialized hospital services.

LPNs and CNAs support patient care under supervision, with LPNs requiring a diploma or certificate and CNAs needing state certification.

The nursing workforce, which exceeds 3 million in the U.S., faces challenges such as shortages and burnout but also benefits from growth in advanced practice roles and diverse career opportunities.

In 2024, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were approximately 630 thousand licensed practical and vocational nurses in the United States. With over 79 thousand licensed nurses, California had the highest number of licensed nurses in the U.S., followed by Texas and New York. On the other hand, Alaska had the least licensed nurses in 2024.

Forecast: Number of Nurses Licensed to Practice in the US 2024 - 2028 Discover more data with ReportLinker!

Forecast: Number of Professional Nurses Licensed to Practice in the US 2024 - 2028 Discover more data with ReportLinker!

The global Registered Nurses market size was valued at USD 318.04 Billion in 2025 and is predicted to expand at a CAGR of 3.58% over the forecast period. The market for registered nurses is primarily driven by the increasing prevalence of chronic illnesses, technological advancements in healthcare, and the rising aging population. Registered Nurses are in high demand due to their versatility and ability to provide comprehensive patient care in various healthcare settings. The shortage of healthcare professionals and the growing need for specialized care further contribute to the market's growth. The Registered Nurses market is segmented by employment setting, specialization, degree level, and region. The hospital segment holds the largest market share due to the increasing number of hospital admissions and the extensive use of registered nurses in acute care settings. The home health care segment is anticipated to grow at the fastest pace, driven by the increasing demand for home healthcare services. In terms of specialization, critical care nursing holds the largest share, attributed to the growing number of critically ill patients and the need for specialized care. The Master's of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree segment dominates the market, as advanced practice nurses are increasingly sought after to meet the evolving healthcare needs. The North American region dominates the global market, followed by Europe and Asia Pacific. The increasing healthcare expenditure and the presence of a large patient population contribute to the dominance of North America. The Asia Pacific region is expected to witness significant growth due to the rising demand for healthcare services in emerging economies such as China and India. Executive Summary The Registered Nurses Market is projected to reach USD 436.6 billion by 2032, exhibiting a CAGR of 3.58% during the forecast period (2024-2032). The market growth is attributed to factors such as increasing demand for healthcare services, aging population, rising prevalence of chronic diseases, and government initiatives to improve healthcare infrastructure. Recent developments include: , The Registered Nurses Market is poised to reach USD 436.6 billion by 2032, exhibiting a CAGR of 3.58% during the forecast period (2024-2032). The increasing demand for healthcare services, coupled with the aging population and rising prevalence of chronic diseases, is driving the growth of the market. Additionally, government initiatives to improve healthcare infrastructure and increase access to healthcare services are further contributing to the market's growth. Furthermore, technological advancements, such as the adoption of telehealth and remote patient monitoring, are creating new opportunities for registered nurses to deliver care and expand their reach.. Key drivers for this market are: Aging population Rising healthcare expenditure Advancements in healthcare technology Telenursing Focus on preventive care. Potential restraints include: Aging population Nurse shortage Technological advancements Increasing prevalence of chronic diseases Government initiatives.

Graph and download economic data for Employed full time: Median usual weekly nominal earnings (second quartile): Wage and salary workers: Licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses occupations: 16 years and over (LEU0254542900A) from 2000 to 2024 about vocational nurses, licenses, nursing, second quartile, occupation, full-time, salaries, workers, earnings, 16 years +, wages, median, employment, and USA.

Forecast: Density of Associate Nurses Employed in Hospitals in the US 2024 - 2028 Discover more data with ReportLinker!

Snapshot img

US Nursing Education Market Size 2025-2029

The US nursing education market size is forecast to increase by USD 161.9 billion at a CAGR of 30% between 2024 and 2029.

US Nursing Education Market is experiencing significant growth, driven by the increasing demand for competency-based learning and the integration of advanced technologies such as Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) in nursing education. The shift towards competency-based learning is a response to the evolving healthcare landscape and the need for nurses to possess a higher level of skills and knowledge to provide effective patient care. Furthermore, the use of AR and VR technologies in nursing education offers learning experiences, enabling students to practice complex procedures in a safe and controlled environment. However, the market is not without challenges.
One of the significant challenges is the lack of standardized assessment metrics to measure the effectiveness of nursing education programs. This challenge hampers the ability to evaluate the success of educational initiatives and the readiness of graduates to enter the workforce. To capitalize on the market opportunities and navigate these challenges effectively, companies must focus on developing innovative solutions that address the need for competency-based learning and provide reliable assessment metrics. Additionally, investing in the integration of AR and VR technologies can offer a competitive edge in the market.

What will be the size of the US Nursing Education Market during the forecast period?

Request Free Sample

The nursing education market in the US is experiencing significant growth and innovation, driven by the demand for advanced nursing informatics solutions and continuing education units. This trend is reflected in the development of nurse recruitment strategies that leverage telehealth platforms and nursing curriculum tailored to healthcare technology. Nursing salary trends continue to influence the market, as nursing informatics specialists become increasingly essential for effective healthcare data management. Nursing simulation software and nursing career pathways are key components of nursing education trends, providing clinical experience and patient safety initiatives that align with patient-centered care and improved health outcomes.
Accreditation standards and nursing faculty recruitment are also critical areas of focus, as institutions seek to maintain high educational standards and remain competitive. Patient portals, mobile health apps, and nursing education consultants are essential tools for nursing workforce development, enabling professional growth and leadership training. Nursing ethics committees and clinical data analytics further enhance the quality of nursing education and research, ensuring that the nursing profession remains at the forefront of healthcare innovation.

How is this market segmented?

The market research report provides comprehensive data (region-wise segment analysis), with forecasts and estimates in 'USD billion' for the period 2025-2029, as well as historical data from 2019-2023 for the following segments.

Type

  Graduate courses
  Postgraduate courses


End-user

  Hospitals
  Home healthcare services


Program Type

  Associate Degree
  Bachelor's Degree
  Master's Degree
  Doctoral Programs


Delivery Mode

  On-Campus
  Online
  Hybrid


Institution Types

  Universities
  Community Colleges
  Vocational Schools


Geography

  US

By Type Insights

The graduate courses segment is estimated to witness significant growth during the forecast period.

The nursing education market in the US is experiencing significant growth due to the rising enrollment in undergraduate and graduate nursing programs. This trend is driven by the increasing demand for specialized nursing professionals in various fields, such as geriatric nursing, mental health nursing, and critical care nursing. The American Nurses Association and other nursing organizations advocate for continued nursing education as a means of addressing health disparities and improving patient care. E-learning platforms, nursing simulation labs, and clinical skills training are essential components of graduate nursing programs, providing students with the necessary theoretical and practical knowledge.

Nursing informatics, healthcare reform, and patient safety are key areas of focus, with data analytics and clinical decision support playing crucial roles. The nursing workforce is evolving, with an emphasis on nurse retention, nursing leadership, and nursing professional development. Online nursing programs, mobile health, and wearable technology are transforming nursing education, making it more accessible and flexible. Nursing evaluation, nursing diagnosis, and nursing standards are integral parts of nursing education, ensuring that students are prepared for the nursing l

Comprehensive dataset of 44,908 Registered general nurses in United States as of June, 2025. Includes verified contact information (email, phone), geocoded addresses, customer ratings, reviews, business categories, and operational details. Perfect for market research, lead generation, competitive analysis, and business intelligence. Download a complimentary sample to evaluate data quality and completeness.

Nursing burnout Statistics: Considering the pandemic and post-pandemic time, nursing burnout has become a significant issue in the healthcare industry. We have seen the problems faced by the nurses during the lockdown about they were treated and what kind of exhaustion they faced. But even after 2 years of that event the healthcare industry is still facing the same problem. The major reason behind this problem is the low level of hiring in the nursing segment in healthcare units around the world. These nursing burnout statistics are written with insights from around the globe to understand the severity of the problem. It has included various types of content along with interesting graphics for a better level of understanding. Editor’s Choice In the United States of America, there are around 2.7 million nurses who reported feeling burnout during work in 2022. As of today, Belgium has 60% of the burnout nurses while there are 40% in Uganda. According to Nursing burnout statistics, there are around 81.2% of female nurses and 18.8% of male nurses feel burned out during the sessions of their job. 5% of the nurses in China had suicidal thoughts while 17% of nurses in Australia took mental health support. 6% belonged to the age group of 26 years to 30 years facing the highest number of burned out in all the other age groups. On average today, nursing burnout statistics say that low staffing resulting in 80.19% was the main reason for burnout. 46% and 22% belong to the reasons of ethical dilemmas physical attacks from patients or patients’ families in the United States of America. According to the Nursing burnout statistics, it has been estimated that the world will face a shortage of nurses by the year 2030 resulting in a number of 13 million. As of today, the turnover rate of nurses due to burnout is 27.1%. For every 1% of the turnover in the nursing field, it will cost hospitals around $2,62,300 every year.

Forecast: Number of Professional Nurses and Midwives Employed in Hospitals in the US 2024 - 2028 Discover more data with ReportLinker!