Nurse Practitioners Maintain Top Ranking as No. 1 Job in the U.S. for 2026

The American Association of Nurse Practitioners® (AANP) proudly announced that the nurse practitioner (NP) profession has once again claimed the top position in the U.S. News & World Report's 2026 Best Jobs rankings, marking the third consecutive year of this accolade. Not only were NPs ranked as the best job overall, but they also led both the Best Health Care Job and Best STEM Job categories, emphasizing their critical role in the healthcare system and the economy.

In its assessment, U.S. News & World Report evaluated a multitude of occupations based on various criteria, including job market health, growth potential, wage potential, employment rates, job safety, stability, and the essential aspect of work-life balance. NPs stood out in all these areas, evidencing a robust demand for their services in a constantly evolving healthcare landscape.

AANP President Dr. Valerie Fuller expressed pride in this continued recognition, stating, "Nurse practitioners continue to lead the nation not only in excellence and impact, but now for the third year running as the top job in America." This honor reflects the advanced clinical expertise NPs possess, their growing demand, and the profound trust placed in them by patients.

According to recent Gallup Poll data, public confidence in healthcare professionals remains strong, with nurses, including NPs, recognized as the most honest and ethical profession—a title they have maintained for over two decades. Dr. Fuller stressed the importance of this trust in effective care delivery, adding, "With workforce trust at the foundation of effective care delivery, the Gallup findings reinforce what patients and families experience daily. NPs bring integrity, compassion, and excellence to every interaction."

The National Association of Nurse Practitioners currently boasts over 461,000 licensed NPs across the United States. These professionals provide high-quality, patient-centered care that spans primary, specialty, and acute care services, thereby contributing significantly to improving health outcomes and enhancing the quality of life for patients.

Nurse practitioners are instrumental in navigating the complex health needs of millions of Americans. Their roles encompass prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing management of both acute and chronic conditions, making them pivotal to the modern healthcare framework.

The AANP stands as the largest professional membership organization representing this extensive workforce. As the Voice of the Nurse Practitioner®, they are dedicated to advancing health policy and promoting excellence in practice, education, and research to ensure high-quality care for patients. Those interested in learning more about NPs can visit their site at aanp.org.

Overall, the recognition of nurse practitioners as the top job in America for 2026 underscores their vital contribution to healthcare and society. As communities face ongoing health challenges, the significance of NPs will only continue to grow in ensuring that accessible, quality healthcare is available to all.

This recognition also serves to highlight the evolving landscape of healthcare roles, where professionals like NPs are not only essential to patient care but are also instrumental in driving improvements in healthcare systems across the nation.