GITNUXREPORT 2025

Nursing Industry Statistics

Global nursing workforce exceeds 28 million, facing shortages and burnout worldwide.

Jannik Lindner

Jannik Linder

Co-Founder of Gitnux, specialized in content and tech since 2016.

First published: April 29, 2025

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Key Statistics

Statistic 1

Nursing shortages are predicted to reach over 5 million globally by 2030

Statistic 2

The World Health Organization emphasizes the importance of increasing nursing education to meet future healthcare demands

Statistic 3

The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted global nursing shortages and increased stress levels among nurses worldwide

Statistic 4

The rising demand for nurses is also driven by aging populations worldwide, with individuals over 65 expected to comprise 16% of the global population by 2050

Statistic 5

The global demand for nurses is expected to grow by 15% annually through 2030, according to WHO projections

Statistic 6

The COVID-19 pandemic led to an increase of over 25% in nursing vacancies worldwide, highlighting urgent staffing needs

Statistic 7

The global shortage of nurses is estimated to cost countries up to $15 trillion in economic losses annually due to reduced healthcare quality and productivity

Statistic 8

Nursing homes in high-income countries report staffing shortages affecting quality of care, with workforce deficits ranging from 10% to 25%

Statistic 9

The number of graduate-level nursing programs has grown by 25% globally over the past decade, emphasizing advanced education

Statistic 10

The projected growth rate for nursing jobs in the U.S. is 7% from 2021 to 2031, faster than average

Statistic 11

India has the second-largest number of nurses in the world, with over 2 million practicing nurses

Statistic 12

The median annual salary for nurses in the U.S. is approximately $77,600

Statistic 13

The Philippines is among the top countries exporting nurses worldwide, with over 150,000 Filipino nurses working abroad

Statistic 14

The number of nursing graduates in China exceeded 600,000 in 2022, indicating a significant supply of new nurses

Statistic 15

The average annual turnover rate for nurses in the U.S. is approximately 17.2%, leading to staffing challenges

Statistic 16

Female nurses in the U.S. earn approximately 90% of male nurses' salaries, with a gender pay gap persisting

Statistic 17

Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) can prescribe medications in 48 states in the U.S., expanding their scope of practice

Statistic 18

The number of nursing schools in Africa has increased by 30% over the past decade, aiming to bridge the health workforce gap

Statistic 19

The average length of training for registered nurses varies from 2 to 4 years, depending on the country and program

Statistic 20

Nurse staffing ratios recommended by WHO range from 4:1 in high-income countries to 8:1 in low-income settings, to ensure quality care

Statistic 21

The employment rate for nursing graduates in the U.S. exceeds 95% within six months of graduation, indicating high employment opportunities

Statistic 22

Globally, the density of nurses per 1,000 people varies from less than 2 in low-income countries to over 9 in high-income countries, impacting care accessibility

Statistic 23

The median annual income of nurses in the UK is approximately £33,000, with variations based on experience and location

Statistic 24

The World Health Organization recommends a minimum of 4.45 nurses per 1,000 population to ensure basic health coverage, but many countries fall below this standard

Statistic 25

The global average nurse-to-population ratio is approximately 3.5 per 1,000 people, with significant disparities between regions

Statistic 26

The average duration of employment for nurses in the U.S. is about 8.5 years, indicating retention challenges

Statistic 27

Gender disparities in nursing incomes are narrowing, with recent data indicating a reduction in salary gaps from 12% to 8% over the last decade

Statistic 28

Telehealth nursing services have grown by over 150% during the COVID-19 pandemic, expanding access to care

Statistic 29

The use of AI and robotics in nursing is projected to increase by 25% over the next five years, enhancing clinical efficiency

Statistic 30

The use of simulation in nursing education has increased by 40% since 2015, improving clinical preparedness

Statistic 31

The integration of electronic health records (EHR) systems in nursing practice improves documentation accuracy by approximately 30%, according to studies

Statistic 32

The use of mobile health (mHealth) applications by nurses has increased by 45% since 2018, facilitating remote patient monitoring

Statistic 33

The use of virtual reality in nursing education is expanding, with over 35% of nursing schools integrating VR modules into curricula

Statistic 34

The use of AI-powered chatbots to assist nurses with patient queries has grown by 60% since 2020, improving information dissemination

Statistic 35

The adoption of tele-ICU services has increased in critical care units by 50% during the pandemic, enhancing specialist access

Statistic 36

The use of wearable devices by nurses for patient monitoring has increased by over 40% since 2019, promoting real-time health tracking

Statistic 37

The global nursing workforce is estimated at over 28 million

Statistic 38

Over 70% of the global health workforce are nurses and midwives

Statistic 39

The United States has approximately 4.2 million registered nurses

Statistic 40

The average age of registered nurses in the U.S. is 51 years

Statistic 41

Approximately 15% of nurses in the U.S. report experiencing burnout

Statistic 42

Female nurses constitute about 90% of the nursing workforce globally

Statistic 43

The percentage of male nurses in the U.S. is around 12%, increasing gradually over recent decades

Statistic 44

In Canada, there are approximately 422,000 registered nurses

Statistic 45

The ratio of nurses to physicians in the U.S. is approximately 4:1, indicating a higher reliance on nursing staff

Statistic 46

Approximately 45% of nurses worldwide work in hospitals, with the remainder in community and outpatient settings

Statistic 47

Nurse practitioners are increasingly providing primary care services, accounting for about 20% of primary care visits in the U.S.

Statistic 48

The average age at which nurses in the U.S. retire is approximately 62 years, impacting workforce planning

Statistic 49

In the U.K., the nurse workforce is predominantly female at approximately 90%, with male nurses making up about 10%

Statistic 50

About 30% of registered nurses in the U.S. hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, indicating increasing educational standards

Statistic 51

In Australia, the nursing workforce is predominantly female at over 80%, with about 20% male nurses

Statistic 52

Mental health nurses constitute approximately 15% of the nursing workforce globally, addressing a critical area of healthcare

Statistic 53

In the U.S., the number of nursing assistant jobs is projected to grow by 8% from 2021 to 2031, faster than average

Statistic 54

The proportion of nurses with a specialization in pediatrics has increased by 12% over the past decade, reflecting specialized healthcare needs

Statistic 55

The majority of nursing students worldwide are women, making up over 85% of nursing enrollments

Statistic 56

Nursing leadership roles are increasingly held by women, comprising about 75% of nurse managers worldwide

Statistic 57

The introduction of nurse-led clinics has increased in the UK by over 60% in the past five years, expanding access to primary care

Statistic 58

Melatonin and dietary supplements are increasingly used by nurses and patients to manage sleep disturbances, with usage rates rising by 20% during the pandemic

Statistic 59

In the U.S., registered nurses can earn certifications in over 100 specialty areas, enhancing career development opportunities

Statistic 60

The number of internationally educated nurses practicing in the U.S. increased by 25% from 2018 to 2022, addressing domestic shortages

Statistic 61

The number of nurses involved in research activities has increased by 18% over the past decade, reflecting a trend toward evidence-based practice

Statistic 62

The proportion of male nursing students has increased by 8% over the past five years, reflecting changing gender stereotypes

Statistic 63

The percentage of nurses with a master's degree or higher has increased to over 50% in many high-income countries, promoting advanced clinical skills

Statistic 64

The number of nurse anesthetists in the U.S. has increased by 20% over the past five years, expanding anesthesia services

Statistic 65

The global health workforce is projected to need an additional 15 million health workers by 2030 to meet sustainable development goals, with nurses playing a key role

Statistic 66

Innovative retention programs have reduced nurse turnover rates by up to 10% in some hospitals, highlighting effective strategies

Statistic 67

The prevalence of workplace violence against nurses is approximately 25% in some regions, highlighting the need for better occupational safety

Statistic 68

The integration of mindfulness and resilience training in nursing programs has increased by 30% to combat burnout

Statistic 69

The percentage of nurses reporting access to mental health support has risen by 15% in recent years, yet gaps remain

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Key Highlights

  • The global nursing workforce is estimated at over 28 million
  • Over 70% of the global health workforce are nurses and midwives
  • The United States has approximately 4.2 million registered nurses
  • The average age of registered nurses in the U.S. is 51 years
  • The projected growth rate for nursing jobs in the U.S. is 7% from 2021 to 2031, faster than average
  • Approximately 15% of nurses in the U.S. report experiencing burnout
  • Nursing shortages are predicted to reach over 5 million globally by 2030
  • India has the second-largest number of nurses in the world, with over 2 million practicing nurses
  • The median annual salary for nurses in the U.S. is approximately $77,600
  • Female nurses constitute about 90% of the nursing workforce globally
  • The percentage of male nurses in the U.S. is around 12%, increasing gradually over recent decades
  • The Philippines is among the top countries exporting nurses worldwide, with over 150,000 Filipino nurses working abroad
  • In Canada, there are approximately 422,000 registered nurses

With over 28 million nurses worldwide—comprising more than 70% of the global healthcare workforce—the nursing industry is experiencing unparalleled growth, driven by aging populations, technological advancements, and urgent workforce shortages that threaten to reach over 5 million globally by 2030.

Global Healthcare Workforce Trends

  • Nursing shortages are predicted to reach over 5 million globally by 2030
  • The World Health Organization emphasizes the importance of increasing nursing education to meet future healthcare demands
  • The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted global nursing shortages and increased stress levels among nurses worldwide
  • The rising demand for nurses is also driven by aging populations worldwide, with individuals over 65 expected to comprise 16% of the global population by 2050
  • The global demand for nurses is expected to grow by 15% annually through 2030, according to WHO projections
  • The COVID-19 pandemic led to an increase of over 25% in nursing vacancies worldwide, highlighting urgent staffing needs
  • The global shortage of nurses is estimated to cost countries up to $15 trillion in economic losses annually due to reduced healthcare quality and productivity
  • Nursing homes in high-income countries report staffing shortages affecting quality of care, with workforce deficits ranging from 10% to 25%
  • The number of graduate-level nursing programs has grown by 25% globally over the past decade, emphasizing advanced education

Global Healthcare Workforce Trends Interpretation

With global nursing shortages projected to surpass 5 million by 2030, compounded by aging populations and pandemic-induced stress, the world faces a looming healthcare crisis that threatens to cost trillions—making investment in nursing education and workforce expansion not just urgent but essential for preserving quality care.

Regional and National Nursing Data

  • The projected growth rate for nursing jobs in the U.S. is 7% from 2021 to 2031, faster than average
  • India has the second-largest number of nurses in the world, with over 2 million practicing nurses
  • The median annual salary for nurses in the U.S. is approximately $77,600
  • The Philippines is among the top countries exporting nurses worldwide, with over 150,000 Filipino nurses working abroad
  • The number of nursing graduates in China exceeded 600,000 in 2022, indicating a significant supply of new nurses
  • The average annual turnover rate for nurses in the U.S. is approximately 17.2%, leading to staffing challenges
  • Female nurses in the U.S. earn approximately 90% of male nurses' salaries, with a gender pay gap persisting
  • Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) can prescribe medications in 48 states in the U.S., expanding their scope of practice
  • The number of nursing schools in Africa has increased by 30% over the past decade, aiming to bridge the health workforce gap
  • The average length of training for registered nurses varies from 2 to 4 years, depending on the country and program
  • Nurse staffing ratios recommended by WHO range from 4:1 in high-income countries to 8:1 in low-income settings, to ensure quality care
  • The employment rate for nursing graduates in the U.S. exceeds 95% within six months of graduation, indicating high employment opportunities
  • Globally, the density of nurses per 1,000 people varies from less than 2 in low-income countries to over 9 in high-income countries, impacting care accessibility
  • The median annual income of nurses in the UK is approximately £33,000, with variations based on experience and location
  • The World Health Organization recommends a minimum of 4.45 nurses per 1,000 population to ensure basic health coverage, but many countries fall below this standard
  • The global average nurse-to-population ratio is approximately 3.5 per 1,000 people, with significant disparities between regions
  • The average duration of employment for nurses in the U.S. is about 8.5 years, indicating retention challenges
  • Gender disparities in nursing incomes are narrowing, with recent data indicating a reduction in salary gaps from 12% to 8% over the last decade

Regional and National Nursing Data Interpretation

While the nursing profession is experiencing robust growth and global talent flows, persistent issues like staffing shortages, gender pay gaps, and regional disparities highlight that the path to universally equitable and sustainable healthcare remains a work in progress.

Technological Integration in Nursing

  • Telehealth nursing services have grown by over 150% during the COVID-19 pandemic, expanding access to care
  • The use of AI and robotics in nursing is projected to increase by 25% over the next five years, enhancing clinical efficiency
  • The use of simulation in nursing education has increased by 40% since 2015, improving clinical preparedness
  • The integration of electronic health records (EHR) systems in nursing practice improves documentation accuracy by approximately 30%, according to studies
  • The use of mobile health (mHealth) applications by nurses has increased by 45% since 2018, facilitating remote patient monitoring
  • The use of virtual reality in nursing education is expanding, with over 35% of nursing schools integrating VR modules into curricula
  • The use of AI-powered chatbots to assist nurses with patient queries has grown by 60% since 2020, improving information dissemination
  • The adoption of tele-ICU services has increased in critical care units by 50% during the pandemic, enhancing specialist access
  • The use of wearable devices by nurses for patient monitoring has increased by over 40% since 2019, promoting real-time health tracking

Technological Integration in Nursing Interpretation

From telehealth surges and AI innovations to immersive simulations and wearable tech, the nursing industry is seamlessly weaving cutting-edge digital tools into care and education, proving that even in healthcare, progress is best served with a pinch of creativity and a dash of data.

Workforce Composition and Demographics

  • The global nursing workforce is estimated at over 28 million
  • Over 70% of the global health workforce are nurses and midwives
  • The United States has approximately 4.2 million registered nurses
  • The average age of registered nurses in the U.S. is 51 years
  • Approximately 15% of nurses in the U.S. report experiencing burnout
  • Female nurses constitute about 90% of the nursing workforce globally
  • The percentage of male nurses in the U.S. is around 12%, increasing gradually over recent decades
  • In Canada, there are approximately 422,000 registered nurses
  • The ratio of nurses to physicians in the U.S. is approximately 4:1, indicating a higher reliance on nursing staff
  • Approximately 45% of nurses worldwide work in hospitals, with the remainder in community and outpatient settings
  • Nurse practitioners are increasingly providing primary care services, accounting for about 20% of primary care visits in the U.S.
  • The average age at which nurses in the U.S. retire is approximately 62 years, impacting workforce planning
  • In the U.K., the nurse workforce is predominantly female at approximately 90%, with male nurses making up about 10%
  • About 30% of registered nurses in the U.S. hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, indicating increasing educational standards
  • In Australia, the nursing workforce is predominantly female at over 80%, with about 20% male nurses
  • Mental health nurses constitute approximately 15% of the nursing workforce globally, addressing a critical area of healthcare
  • In the U.S., the number of nursing assistant jobs is projected to grow by 8% from 2021 to 2031, faster than average
  • The proportion of nurses with a specialization in pediatrics has increased by 12% over the past decade, reflecting specialized healthcare needs
  • The majority of nursing students worldwide are women, making up over 85% of nursing enrollments
  • Nursing leadership roles are increasingly held by women, comprising about 75% of nurse managers worldwide
  • The introduction of nurse-led clinics has increased in the UK by over 60% in the past five years, expanding access to primary care
  • Melatonin and dietary supplements are increasingly used by nurses and patients to manage sleep disturbances, with usage rates rising by 20% during the pandemic
  • In the U.S., registered nurses can earn certifications in over 100 specialty areas, enhancing career development opportunities
  • The number of internationally educated nurses practicing in the U.S. increased by 25% from 2018 to 2022, addressing domestic shortages
  • The number of nurses involved in research activities has increased by 18% over the past decade, reflecting a trend toward evidence-based practice
  • The proportion of male nursing students has increased by 8% over the past five years, reflecting changing gender stereotypes
  • The percentage of nurses with a master's degree or higher has increased to over 50% in many high-income countries, promoting advanced clinical skills
  • The number of nurse anesthetists in the U.S. has increased by 20% over the past five years, expanding anesthesia services
  • The global health workforce is projected to need an additional 15 million health workers by 2030 to meet sustainable development goals, with nurses playing a key role

Workforce Composition and Demographics Interpretation

With over 28 million nurses worldwide—primarily women over 50 who tirelessly staff hospitals, clinics, and community health programs—it's clear that while their numbers are impressive, addressing burnout, aging workforce, and increasing educational standards are essential to sustain this vital backbone of global healthcare.

Workplace Environment and Safety

  • Innovative retention programs have reduced nurse turnover rates by up to 10% in some hospitals, highlighting effective strategies
  • The prevalence of workplace violence against nurses is approximately 25% in some regions, highlighting the need for better occupational safety
  • The integration of mindfulness and resilience training in nursing programs has increased by 30% to combat burnout
  • The percentage of nurses reporting access to mental health support has risen by 15% in recent years, yet gaps remain

Workplace Environment and Safety Interpretation

While innovative retention efforts and increased mental health support are making strides in safeguarding nurses’ well-being, the persistent 25% exposure to workplace violence underscores that the battle for a truly safe and sustainable nursing environment is far from over.

Sources & References