According to a recent Census Bureau report, in 2011:

• There were 3.5 million employed nurses in the U.S.: 78% registered nurses, 19% licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses, 3% nurse practitioners, and 1% nurse anesthetists
• On average, male nurses earned $60,700 per year, while female nurses earned $51,100 per year
• 41% of nurse anesthetists were men, earning $162,900 per year
• Since 1970, the proportion of male registered nurses has risen from 2.7% to 9.6% and the proportion of male licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses has risen from 3.9% to 8.1%

Source: "Male Nurses Becoming More Commonplace, Census Bureau Reports ," U. S. Census Bureau Press Release, February 25, 2013, http://www.census.gov/newsroom/releases/archives/employment_occupations/cb13-32.html