The United States offers a wide range of career opportunities, but some professions are considered the “best” due to high demand, attractive salaries, and good work-life balance. While many people immediately think of surgeons, doctors, data scientists, computer engineers, or teachers, recent rankings reveal a surprising leader.
According to the U.S. News & World Report’s 2026 list of 100 Best Jobs in America, the Nurse Practitioner (NP) ranks number one.
Why Nurse Practitioner is the Best Job
The top ranking is not based solely on salary. The evaluation considers job growth, demand, and work-life balance. Key reasons include:
- High Demand: According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the demand for nurse practitioners in the U.S. is expected to grow 40%–46% over the next decade, ensuring abundant job opportunities.
- Greater Authority: Nurse practitioners have more responsibilities than regular nurses, including diagnosing illnesses, ordering lab tests, and prescribing medications.
- Lower Stress: Compared to surgeons and specialist doctors, nurse practitioners enjoy more predictable working hours and less stress.
Salary of Nurse Practitioners in the U.S.
Nurse practitioners earn highly competitive salaries, often surpassing many corporate jobs.
- Average Annual Salary: $132,000 (approximately ₹1.09 crore)
- Highest Salary: California – $173,000 per year (approximately ₹1.43 crore)
With strong demand, excellent pay, and a balanced lifestyle, the nurse practitioner role has become the most coveted career in the United States.
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