Nurse practitioners continue to be among the most sought-after professionals in the U.S., securing the top spot in the latest US News & World Report ranking of the Top 100 Jobs for 2025. This marks the second consecutive year that the healthcare sector has led the rankings due to the rising demand for medical professionals.
“Careers in healthcare and healthcare support remain promising in the 2025 rankings due to the ongoing need for professionals dedicated to public health and well-being,” said Carly Chase, vice president of careers at US News. “Nurse practitioners hold the No. 1 spot again this year due to their crucial role in healthcare, job flexibility, and strong long-term career outlook.”
The rankings consider various factors such as salary, job satisfaction, work-life balance, stress levels, and career growth opportunities to determine the best jobs in the country.
Healthcare Jobs Lead the Way
Physician assistants ranked third overall, with Jennifer M. Orozco, Chief Medical Officer of the American Academy of Physician Associates, emphasizing their importance in addressing healthcare access gaps nationwide. Other in-demand healthcare positions on the list include:
- Speech Pathologist – No. 9
- Physical Therapist – No. 21
- Occupational Therapist – No. 23
- Respiratory Therapist – No. 25
- Home Health Aide – No. 38
- Pharmacist – No. 52
- Registered Nurse – No. 54
- Physical Therapy Assistant – No. 64
- Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurse – No. 88
- Occupational Therapy Assistant – No. 97
The rankings were compiled using data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, identifying jobs with the greatest hiring demand.
New Recognition for Family-Friendly Workplaces
In a separate initiative, US News has collaborated with the Milken Institute and SHRM to release its first-ever list of the Best Companies for Family Caregivers. This list recognizes 80 publicly traded companies across 29 industries that provide strong support for employees balancing work and caregiving responsibilities.
“Many employees juggle significant personal and professional responsibilities,” Chase noted. “This new rating highlights workplaces that offer supportive policies to help employees manage family care and their careers effectively.”
Diane Ty, Managing Director of the Milken Institute’s Future of Aging, emphasized the growing importance of employer support in caregiving, stating, “As caregiving demands increase, companies play a crucial role in fostering a supportive work environment.”
Among the recognized companies are:
- Aveanna Healthcare (Health Services)
- Hines (Real Estate)
- HUB International & Walker & Dunlop (Financial Services)
- Yardi (IT, Software & Services)
Both rankings highlight the evolving job market and the growing focus on workplace policies that support career sustainability and work-life balance.
