Nurse Practitioners and Respiratory Therapists Shine in the 2026 Job Rankings

For the third consecutive year, the role of the nurse practitioner has retained the prestigious spot at the top of US News & World Report’s list of the 100 Best Jobs. In this latest ranking, respiratory therapists have achieved an impressive #12 overall and #4 within healthcare careers, while also being recognized as #8 in STEM careers. These rankings highlight not only the demand for these roles but also their significant impact on the healthcare landscape.

Alongside nurse practitioners and respiratory therapists, several other critical healthcare roles have made their presence felt on the top 100 list. Noteworthy professions include (#5) physician assistant, (#6) medical and health services manager, (#9) speech-language pathologist, (#14) nurse anesthetist, (#20) occupational therapist, and (#31) registered nurse, showcasing the broad spectrum of opportunities within the healthcare sector.

With a median salary exceeding $80,000, the profession of respiratory therapy is described as “both challenging and gratifying.” Importantly, it requires only an associate’s degree for entry, making it accessible for many aspiring healthcare professionals. The job outlook for respiratory therapists looks promising, as the US Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a robust 12.1% growth rate from 2024 to 2034, translating into an estimated 16,800 additional jobs created in the next decade, making it an attractive career choice.

The rankings showcase an exhaustive look at the best jobs across various sectors, categorized into 17 distinctive classifications, including healthcare, engineering, and business. These standings reflect vital aspects of employment, such as job growth potential, work-life balance, job safety, overall employment rates, and salary expectations.

According to US News, the continued dominance of the nurse practitioner in this coveted rank is attributed to the ongoing demand for skilled professionals in the healthcare domain, which is increasingly critical.

“In a year marred by cross-industry layoffs and job market instability, the 2026 Best Jobs rankings serve as an invaluable resource for individuals planning their career trajectories,” says Carly Chase, vice president of Careers at US News. “Roles in STEM continue to show strength in our rankings due to the persistent need for medical professionals. The Nurse Practitioner retains its No. 1 position, owing to immediate demand, flexible work options, and a robust 10-year job outlook.”

Trailing behind the nurse practitioner in the overall rankings are (#2) financial manager, (#3) IT manager, (#4) information security analyst, and (#5) physician assistant, exemplifying the diverse opportunities available across various sectors.

To pinpoint the Best Jobs, US News utilizes data from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, focusing on occupations with significant hiring needs. The rankings are then assessed based on five key metrics: future career prospects, wage potential, employment stability, job safety, and work-life balance. For further insights into the methodology utilized for these rankings, interested readers can explore the detailed breakdown.

Top 100 Best Jobs Overall for 2026

1. Nurse Practitioner
2. Financial Manager
3. IT Manager
4. Information Security Analyst
5. Physician Assistant
6. Medical and Health Services Manager
7. Software Developer
8. Data Scientist
9. Speech-Language Pathologist
10. Pilot
11. Actuary
12. Respiratory Therapist

For a comprehensive look at the full list of top 100 jobs, click here.

Best Healthcare Jobs for 2026

1. Nurse Practitioner
2. Physician Assistant
3. Speech-Language Pathologist
4. Respiratory Therapist
5. Nurse Anesthetist
6. Occupational Therapist
7. Dental Hygienist
8. Psychiatrist
9. Opthalmic Medical Technician
10. Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon

To view the full list of best healthcare jobs, click here.

Best STEM Jobs for 2026

1. Nurse Practitioner
2. IT Manager
3. Information Security Analyst
4. Physician Assistant
5. Software Developer
6. Data Scientist
7. Actuary
8. Respiratory Therapist
9. Nurse Anesthetist
10. Industrial Engineer

For more information about the best STEM jobs, click here.

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