The need for foreign nurses in the U.S. is continuously increasing. Although the country has better birth rates compared to Europe and the rest of the Western world, it’s still experiencing a population decline. The data indicate that by 2040, one-fifth of the population will be above 65 years of age.
The market situation is exacerbated by the fact that many young people don’t want to do nursing jobs. The profession is often considered underpaid, especially in busy hospitals. Furthermore, being a nurse doesn’t sound as glamorous as being a graduate cooperative worker.
Given the situation, the U.S. market is always on the lookout for foreign professionals. These experts fill the major gaps in the system, especially in rural areas that experience the largest population drain. In this article, we’ll explain the phenomenon further and outline the U.S. states with the greatest need for foreign nurses.
5 States With the Biggest Nurse Shortages
When we talk about the states with the biggest shortages, you shouldn’t expect shocking reveals. Essentially, regions, cities, and states with the largest populations also have the highest demand for registered nurses. This means that large urban areas like LA, New York, and Chicago will always be at the forefront of these lists.
1. California
In late 2024/early 2025, California struggled the most with nurse deficits. Data indicates that the state will lack approximately 44,500 professionals by 2030, which is almost three times as many as the second state on this list.
These numbers aren’t that surprising given the size and population of this state. California also boasts an impressive number of healthcare facilities, ranging from traditional hospitals to wellness and aesthetic centers.
However, if you’re a foreign nurse, you might not want to start your career in this state. While California’s paychecks are simply amazing, the cost of living, and especially housing, can be extremely high in certain cities. Then again, with its liberal policies, California is one of the most welcoming states for immigrants.
2. Texas
Similar to California, Texas is a large state that gives medical professionals a large number of opportunities. Whether we’re talking about clinics, hospitals, or other facilities, nurses can pick and choose between different settings and specializations.
Despite the fact that the number of nurses in the state has grown from 208,637 in 2020 to 243,702 in 2024, experts still predict a shortage in the near future. According to them, the increased need for nurses will stem from the growing population and the need for additional services.
Texas gives great developmental opportunities to foreigners, especially those coming from Mexico. If we also consider high paychecks, this might be one of the top destinations for foreign nurses.
3. New York
Similar to California and Los Angeles, New York State demand is largely driven by the needs of New York City. With the large number of general medicine, retirement, psychiatric, pediatric, and aesthetic facilities, there are always jobs for domestic and foreign nurses.
While securing a job in certain cities and areas can be quite lucrative, employment in New York City, in particular, presents its own set of challenges. With the high rents and standard of living, it is often hard for foreigners to support themselves while also providing for their families.
Nevertheless, New York City remains a prime destination for young professionals seeking to experience one of the world’s largest metropolitan areas. Furthermore, working in this city can significantly boost your resume and open future employment opportunities.
4. Florida
Some statistics indicate that Florida’s nurse demand will decrease in the following years. However, these statistics might not be completely true. The southern state is popular among retirees, which is why there’s such a high demand for medical assistance.
The state features a large number of medical facilities. It is also popular as a prime tourist hotspot, which further increases the demand for certain healthcare and wellness services.
Similar to Texas, Florida is an excellent destination for Latino people. With its vast Cuban and Puerto Rican populations, the Spanish language is often a significant advantage in employment. Furthermore, given the beautiful climate, it is no wonder that many foreigners make Florida their home.
5. New Jersey
Lastly, we have to mention New Jersey. As another highly populated zone, it offers numerous employment opportunities, whether we’re talking about healthcare or otherwise. The state spreads from New York City to Philadelphia and is characterized by a highly developed transport network that makes it ideal for commuters.
The great thing about New Jersey is that you can live in a cheaper suburban area while getting hefty paychecks at local city clinics and hospitals. This makes it a perfect destination for foreign nurses who are looking to help their families by saving as much money as possible.
What Affects the Nurse Demand?
There are numerous reasons why the demand for foreign nurses has increased in the last several decades:
- Employee Shortages: Like many countries in the West, the U.S. population is aging rapidly. There are fewer and fewer people in the workforce, which affects healthcare but also other industries.
- Immigration Laws: Generally speaking, the U.S. has welcoming laws for foreigners. Even if the party in power is against illegal immigrants, there will always be interest in bringing in skilled medical labor.
- Simplified Transport and Recruitment: It has never been easier to recruit, onboard, and transport foreign workers to the States. Given the cheap airplane fares, advanced recruitment software, and streamlined paperwork procedures, foreign nurses can start working in America in a few short weeks.
The great thing about foreign nurses is that they’re generally willing to accept any assignment. This makes them perfect for patching holes in rural areas, where American workers are often reluctant to work.
Last Thoughts
If you’re looking to become a registered nurse in the U.S., consider states such as California, Texas, Illinois, and the East Coast. We also recommend you spend some time searching for a reputable nurse recruitment agency. The right company can make the entire transition that much smoother.