US Healthcare Salaries 2026: How Much Nurses, Medical Assistants and Other Workers Earn

The United States has released updated employment and salary figures showing how much healthcare professionals earn annually, with registered nurses among the occupations expected to record significant job growth over the next decade.

The latest figures from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) show that registered nurses had a median annual wage of $97,550 in May 2025, while medical assistants earned a median of $45,690.

The figures could be of interest to Nigerian healthcare professionals considering career opportunities in the United States, particularly as demand for several healthcare occupations is projected to remain strong.

How much do registered nurses earn in the US?

Registered nurses earned a median annual salary of $97,550, according to the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.

The figure means half of registered nurses earned more than that amount while the other half earned less.

The BLS also projects employment for registered nurses to grow by 6% between 2025 and 2035, compared with 3% for all occupations.

About 194,700 additional registered nursing jobs are projected over the period, while approximately 180,800 openings are expected each year on average because of employment growth and workers leaving the occupation.

Registered nurses also recorded higher median wages in some sectors. Those working in government, excluding state and local education and hospitals, had a median annual wage of $110,780 in May 2025.

Nurse practitioners earn more than registered nurses

Nurse practitioners recorded a considerably higher median annual wage.

The BLS lists the 2025 median annual salary for nurse practitioners at $132,300.

The broader category covering nurse anesthetists, nurse midwives and nurse practitioners had a median annual wage of $134,920.

Nurse anesthetists were particularly highly paid, with a median annual wage of $236,590.

The figures show how advanced nursing qualifications can lead to significantly different earning levels within the US healthcare sector.

Medical assistants earn $45,690 annually

Medical assistants had a median annual wage of $45,690 in May 2025.

Their work can include administrative and clinical responsibilities such as scheduling appointments and taking patients’ vital signs.

The occupation is also expected to experience strong demand. BLS projections show employment growing 13% from 2025 to 2035, much faster than the average for all occupations.

Around 109,700 openings for medical assistants are projected each year on average during the period.

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Home health and personal care aides

Home health and personal care aides had a median annual wage of $35,800 in May 2025.

Despite the lower median salary compared with registered nurses and nurse practitioners, the occupation has one of the strongest projected growth rates among healthcare-related jobs.

The BLS expects employment to grow 18% between 2025 and 2035, with about 760,500 openings projected annually on average.

The work generally involves helping people with disabilities, chronic illnesses or age-related needs with daily activities.

US healthcare jobs remain in demand

The salary figures come as the US continues to record strong projected demand for several healthcare occupations.

An ageing population is one factor behind expected growth in healthcare employment, as older people generally require more medical services.

The BLS also points to continued demand for healthcare workers caring for people with chronic conditions and providing services in hospitals, outpatient facilities and home healthcare.

For Nigerian professionals, the figures offer a useful picture of potential earnings in the American healthcare market. However, a US salary figure does not automatically mean that a foreign-trained professional can immediately take up the corresponding job.

Healthcare workers trained outside the US may need to satisfy professional licensing, education, examination and other requirements before they can practise, depending on their occupation and state.

The BLS salary figures are also median wages, not guaranteed starting salaries. Actual earnings can vary according to location, experience, employer, specialty and level of qualification.

US healthcare salaries at a glance

The latest figures give prospective workers a clearer idea of the earning differences across healthcare occupations while also highlighting where employment demand is expected to remain strong.

FAQs

How much does a registered nurse earn in the US?

The median annual wage for registered nurses was $97,550 in May 2025.

How much does a nurse practitioner earn in America?

Nurse practitioners had a median annual wage of $132,300 in May 2025.

How much do medical assistants earn in the US?

Medical assistants earned a median annual wage of $45,690 in May 2025.

Which healthcare job has stronger projected growth?

Home health and personal care aides have an 18% projected employment growth rate from 2025 to 2035, while medical assistants are projected to grow by 13% and registered nurses by 6%.

Can Nigrian nurses work in the US?

Nigerian nurses can pursue US employment, but they must meet the applicable professional licensing and immigration requirements. The requirements can vary by state and occupation.

Does the US salary figure guarantee how much a Nigerian worker will earn?

No. BLS figures are median wages across the US. Actual pay depends on factors including location, experience, specialty, employer and qualifications.