As of 2023, there were approximately 3.44 million nurses professionally active in the US. Forecasts project this number to increase steadily by 1.6% from 2024 to 2025 and continue with similar annual growth rates, reaching around 3.71 million by 2028. This indicates a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of approximately 1.5% over the five-year period from 2023 to 2028, illustrating a consistent demand for nursing professionals.

Future trends to watch for include:

Increased demand for healthcare services due to an aging population.
Potential policy changes impacting nurse education and employment opportunities.
Evolving healthcare technology requiring nurses to adapt and upskill.