Find out why physician assistant, nurse practitioner, and physician topped U.S. News & World Report’s 100 Best Jobs for 2021.

<p>
  The results are in, and we’re not one bit surprised!
  <strong>Physician assistant (PA) was ranked #1</strong> among the
  <a href="https://money.usnews.com/careers/best-jobs/rankings" target="_blank"
    >100 Best Jobs</a
  >
  by U.S. News & World Report. This year, healthcare jobs led the pack, with
  <strong>Nurse Practitioner (NP) ranked #3,</strong> and
  <strong>Physician, #5</strong>. In fact, careers in healthcare dominated the
  entire list: <strong>42 of the 100 Best Jobs for 2021</strong>. were in the
  <strong>healthcare industry</strong>.
</p>
<p>
  Highly ranked positions share several characteristics, many of which were
  reinforced by the demands of the pandemic. Top careers are those that are in
  high demand and have significant growth potential. They also offer superb
  work-life balance and lower stress levels. Finally, they feature high median
  salaries and low unemployment rates. Here’s an overview of how the roles of
  PA, NP, and physician measured up:
</p>
<h2>#1 Best Job – Physician Assistant</h2>
<p>Benefits of being a PA:</p>
<ul>
  <li>Ability to examine, diagnose, and treat patients</li>
  <li>
    Either autonomy of practice or collaboration with physician (depending on
    state)
  </li>
  <li>Less training required than an MD</li>
  <li>Some potential for upward mobility</li>
  <li>Relatively lower stress level</li>
  <li>Above average for flexibility and work-life balance</li>
  <li>
    High job satisfaction: 96% of PAs would recommend the career to others
  </li>
</ul>
<p>U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics for PA:</p>
<ul>
  <li>Median Salary of $112,260</li>
  <li>Unemployment Rate of 0.7%</li>
  <li>Number of jobs (10-year outlook) 39,300</li>
  <li>Expected 10-year employment growth rate of 31.3%</li>
</ul>
<h2>#3 Best Job – Nurse Practitioner</h2>
<p>Benefits of being an NP:</p>
<ul>
  <li>Ability to examine, diagnose, and treat patients</li>
  <li>
    Either autonomy of practice or collaboration with physician (depending on
    state)
  </li>
  <li>More training than an RN, but less than an MD</li>
  <li>Potential for upward mobility</li>
  <li>
    Relatively lower stress level but below average flexibility and work-life
    balance
  </li>
</ul>
<p>U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics for NP:</p>
<ul>
  <li>Median Salary of $109,820</li>
  <li>Unemployment Rate of 1.2%</li>
  <li>Number of jobs (10-year outlook) 110,700</li>
  <li>Expected 10-year employment growth rate of 52.4%</li>
</ul>
<h2>#5 Best Job – Physician</h2>
<p>Benefits of being a physician:</p>
<ul>
  <li>Ability to examine, diagnose, and treat patients</li>
  <li>Autonomy of practice</li>
  <li>Significant upward mobility</li>
  <li>
    Average flexibility and work-life balance but higher stress level than PA or
    NP
  </li>
</ul>
<p>U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics for physician:</p>
<ul>
  <li>Median Salary of $206,500</li>
  <li>Unemployment Rate of 0.3%</li>
  <li>Number of jobs (10-year outlook) 18,500</li>
  <li>Expected 10-year employment growth rate 4.3%</li>
</ul>
<h2>Start Your Next Career Adventure</h2>
<p>
  We’re proud to offer exciting locum tenens opportunities for physicians and
  advanced practice providers (including physician assistants and nurse
  practitioners) across the nation. Our skilled and experienced recruiters will
  work with you to find opportunities that suit your strengths, skills, schedule
  and geographic preferences.
</p>
<p>
  At Cross Country Locums, we are pleased to offer our medical professionals
  weekly compensation via direct deposit, travel and housing arrangements, A++
  professional liability insurance, and more. Find out why PAs, NPs, and
  physicians across the country choose us.
</p>
<p>
  Check out our latest
  <a href="https://www.crosscountrylocums.com/job-search" target="_blank"
    >advanced practice and physician jobs</a
  >
  today.
</p>


Physician Assistant Ranked Best Job in America, with Nurse Practitioner and Physician Close Behind