By Jamela Adam

Nurse practitioner is the No. 1 job for 2025, the second year it achieved that ranking. Nurse practitioners have a strong career outlook, with job growth projected to increase by 46% by 2033.

The role requires a blend of soft skills such as empathy and hard skills such as advanced clinical knowledge.

Nurse practitioners, commonly called NPs, are advanced practice registered nurses who have undergone clinical training beyond registered nurse preparation.

These professionals are at the forefront of health care, diagnosing illnesses, developing treatment plans and providing direct patient care. NPs can work in different settings, including hospitals, clinics and nursing homes, and their specialties range from pediatrics and dermatology to oncology and more.

If you’re passionate about health care and want to make a difference in patients’ lives, consider becoming a nurse practitioner, which is the No. 1 job for 2025. It was also the best job for 2024. Here's what it's like to work in this top-ranked field.

Why Is Nurse Practitioner the No. 1 Job for 2025?

The nurse practitioner career path offers a strong combination of robust job growth, high pay and upward mobility.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, nurse practitioners should see a 46% increase in jobs, or 135,500 new positions, between 2023 and 2033. The median annual salary for nurse practitioners tops six figures, clocking in at $126,260 in 2023. Among NPs, the top 25% of earners made $140,610 that year, while the bottom 25% made $106,960.

Nurse practitioners also ranked No. 1 for Best STEM jobs — which refers to careers in science, technology, engineering and math — and No. 1 for Best Health Care Jobs. NPs are No. 23 on the list of Best-Paying Jobs.

What Is It Like to Work as a Nurse Practitioner?

To understand what it's like to work as a nurse practitioner, it helps to hear from professionals in the field.

“This career path has allowed me to blend my clinical expertise with my passion for patient care," said Richina Lukes-Milledge, nurse practitioner and owner of L'Elite MediSpa in New York.

She described her career as “an incredibly rewarding experience,” shaped by her background with emergency room, intensive care, education and clinical operations.

"I have the privilege of providing direct patient care, diagnosing and developing treatment plans, which is both fulfilling and empowering,” she said in an email.

“For me, working as a nurse practitioner has been extremely gratifying," Justin Cole, adult gerontology nurse practitioner at St. Dominic's Medical Associates in Jackson, Mississippi, said in an email. "It is difficult to put into words the feeling I experience knowing how much of a positive impact I have made in a patient’s life."

The full scope of the nurse practitioner role appeals to others in the field. “Many believe our role begins with diagnosis and ends with a treatment plan, but it encompasses so much more,” Deborah Jones-Shook, a certified registered nurse practitioner at the University of Maryland St. Joseph Medical Center, said in an email. “It's about building trusting relationships with patients and their families and the shared collegiality with colleagues. It's also about teaching people to care for themselves and fostering medical literacy.”

That said, working as a nurse practitioner comes with its share of emotional and physical stress. "The high expectations and multiple roles that NPs play can indeed be stressful," Pamela Marsh, chief pediatric nurse practitioner for Valley Children's Healthcare, said in an email. "You're not only responsible for patient care but also for decision-making, managing complex cases and collaborating with other health care professionals."

Nurse Practitioner's Job Stability and Outlook

The overall job outlook for nurse practitioners is exceptionally strong, with an expected 46% increase in jobs by 2033. Salaries for nurse practitioners are also competitive, with a median annual salary of $126,260.

When it comes to job stability, specialty roles may offer a more secure career path for nurse practitioners. They may specialize in pediatrics, neurology and other areas.

“In my experience, a specialty position tends to be more stable due to the required focus on knowledge and skill set,” Cole said. “Alternatively, the market seems to be more volatile and chaotic for primary care and acute care providers due to the number of available job openings and individuals seeking those specific job opportunities.”

Skills Needed for a Career as a Nurse Practitioner

Nurse practitioners typically need the following soft skills and hard skills to excel in their careers:

Soft Skills

- Empathy and compassion

- Strong communication skills

- Active listening

- Problem-solving abilities

- Adaptability and flexibility

- Leadership and teamwork

- Emotional resilience

- Attention to detail

Hard Skills

- Advanced clinical knowledge

- Diagnosing and treating medical conditions

- Proficiency in medical equipment and technology

- Medication management and prescribing

- Conducting and interpreting diagnostic tests

- Patient education and counseling

- Understanding health care regulations and compliance

- Electronic health record management

How to Become a Nurse Practitioner

Becoming a nurse practitioner often begins with earning a Bachelor of Science in nursing and getting licensure as a registered nurse by passing the NCLEX-RN exam. Then, aspiring nurse practitioners need a master of science in nursing or a doctor of nursing practice, with a focus on a chosen specialty.

Once you’ve completed your graduate program, you must pass a national certification exam in your specialty to become a certified nurse practitioner.

If you’re interested in practicing independently, you may be able to do so in some states. Make sure you investigate the regulations for the state in which you hope to practice.

Is Becoming a Nurse Practitioner Right for You?

If you’re passionate about making a difference in patients' lives and thrive in a fast-paced environment, becoming a nurse practitioner may be the right career move for you.

The job carries high pay, job security and the potential to work as a highly trained medical professional in a robust field. Make sure, however, that you’re able to endure the long hours and emotional challenges that are often a part of the job.