Logan Reid
Nurses are the largest group of healthcare professionals in the United States, with hospitals being the primary practice setting for registered nurses (RNs). The nursing workforce is nearly four times the size of the physician workforce, with RNs providing and coordinating patient care in hospitals, physicians' offices, nursing care facilities, and outpatient clinics. The demand for nurses in the US is high, with the US needing more than 200,000 new RNs each year to meet healthcare needs and replace retiring nurses.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of active RN licenses | 5,239,499 |
| Number of active LPN/LVN licenses | 973,788 |
| Percentage of RNs working full-time | 64.9% |
| Percentage of LPNs/LVNs working full-time | 65.7% |
| Percentage of RNs working in hospitals | 60% |
| Percentage of RNs working in ambulatory care | 18% |
| Percentage of RNs working in nursing and residential care facilities | 7% |
| Median annual salary for advanced practice nurses (NP, nurse anesthetists, nurse midwives) in 2020 | $117,670 |
| Median annual wage for healthcare practitioners and technical occupations in 2022 | $77,760 |
| Number of people employed in general medical, surgical, and specialty hospitals | 7 million+ |
| Number of people working as nursing assistants, home health aides, and personal care aides | 5.3 million |
| Percentage of employment in healthcare occupations related to nursing, including nursing assistants | 42% |
| Projected growth rate of nurse practitioners from 2021 to 2031 | 40% |
| Projected number of annual openings for registered nurses | 194,500 |
| Projected employment growth for registered nurses from 2023 to 2033 | 6% |
| Median annual wage for registered nurses in May 2024 | $93,600 |
| Median age of RNs in 2020 | 52 years |
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What You'll Learn
There is a nursing shortage in the US
The United States is currently facing a critical nursing shortage, which was brought back into the spotlight by the COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic placed a significant strain on the healthcare system, with nurses facing limited staff and resources while providing critical care. The nursing shortage in the U.S. has been a longstanding challenge, with the country experiencing periodic nursing shortages since the early 1900s due to various factors such as world wars and economic recessions.
The nursing shortage is affecting patient care and other members of the healthcare team. Nurses are critical to healthcare delivery, and any challenges they face have a widespread impact. Frontline nurses are confronted with heavy workloads, long hours, and the pressure of treating critically ill patients, leading to nurse burnout. A 2021 study from Illinois found that a patient's risk of dying within 30 days of admission increased by 16% for every additional patient added to a nurse's workload. High workload also contributes to errors and elevated mortality rates, along with heightened dissatisfaction among nurses.
The demand for nurses with master's and doctorate degrees is higher than the current supply. While nursing has a low unemployment rate and is a stable occupation, there is a shortage of nurse educators, limiting the ability of educational institutions to train new nursing students. The U.S. needs more than 200,000 new registered nurses (RNs) each year to meet increasing healthcare needs and replace nurses entering retirement. From 2020 to 2021, the number of RNs in the workforce decreased by over 100,000, with a significant portion of these nurses being under 35 years old.
The nursing shortage is causing a ripple effect of rising healthcare costs and a lower quality of life across the country. By 2030, 42 out of 50 states in the U.S. are expected to experience shortages, with North Dakota, Colorado, Texas, Florida, and Nevada anticipating the most pronounced shortages. The demand for nurses is expected to continue to grow, with job growth expected across most healthcare settings, including hospitals, outpatient care centers, and residential care facilities due to the aging population.
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RNs work in hospitals, outpatient clinics, and schools
Registered nurses (RNs) work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, outpatient clinics, and schools. Each setting offers unique experiences and challenges, catering to different preferences and skill sets.
Hospitals are the primary practice setting for RNs, with over 60% of RNs working in hospitals. They work in various departments, including emergency, surgery, intensive care, maternity, and pediatrics. This setting is ideal for RNs seeking a dynamic and fast-paced work environment, allowing them to work with diverse patient populations and medical conditions. Hospitals often require 12-hour shifts and round-the-clock coverage, which can be a positive for those seeking a certain type of work schedule. However, the constant exposure to loss of life, illnesses, and stress can lead to emotional challenges and burnout if self-care is neglected.
Outpatient clinics, including urgent care centers, surgical centers, and specialty clinics, offer a different pace from hospitals. RNs in these settings may have more regular hours, allowing them to build long-term relationships with patients. They focus on preventive care, non-critical acute care, and minor surgical procedures. Outpatient clinics provide RNs with expanding employment opportunities, a more predictable schedule, and greater autonomy in decision-making. However, the large volume of cases and patient care responsibilities can be overwhelming.
Schools are another option for RNs, often requiring specialized certification for school nurses. School settings are ideal for RNs who want to promote health and wellness among children and teenagers. They offer regular daytime schedules, a variety of tasks, and summers off. School nurses experience less stress than those in clinical settings, but they may feel isolated as the sole healthcare professional.
RNs in these three settings have distinct roles and responsibilities, allowing them to contribute to patient care, education, and community health in diverse ways.
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RNs earn a median annual wage of $93,600
Registered nurses (RNs) are healthcare professionals who provide and coordinate patient care and educate patients and the public about health conditions. They work in hospitals, physicians' offices, home healthcare services, nursing care facilities, outpatient clinics, and schools. Hospitals continue to be the primary practice setting for RNs, with 60% of RNs working in hospitals.
The median wage for RNs is influenced by several factors, including their education and experience. RNs typically pursue one of three educational paths: a bachelor's degree in nursing, an associate's degree in nursing, or a diploma from an approved nursing program. The demand for nurses with master's and doctorate degrees is higher than the current supply, impacting their earning potential. RNs with advanced degrees may have the opportunity to specialize or take on leadership roles, which can lead to higher wages.
The nursing profession has faced challenges in recent years, particularly with the COVID-19 pandemic, which led to a significant increase in nursing incomes across the country. The pandemic also contributed to an already existing nursing shortage and exposed workplace challenges, with nurses reporting increased workloads and symptoms of burnout. The aging population and advancements in healthcare have further influenced the demand for RNs and their median wage.
Looking at geographic variations, the top five metro areas for RNs' median salary are in California, and nineteen of the top 20 are in the West or Northeast. The bottom 25 include 13 in the South and 9 in the Midwest/Central regions. These variations may be due to factors such as the cost of living, the demand for healthcare services, and the availability of healthcare facilities in different regions.
Overall, the median annual wage of $93,600 for RNs reflects the valuable role they play in providing patient care and their specialized knowledge and skills. The demand for RNs and the impact of various factors on their profession contribute to the earnings associated with this occupation.
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Nursing assistants earned $28,686
Nursing is a diverse and in-demand profession, with hospitals being the primary practice setting for registered nurses (RNs). The profession offers a wide range of career paths, including nursing assistants, who play a vital role in providing basic patient care.
Nursing assistants, sometimes referred to as nursing aides, are an integral part of the healthcare team. They work under the supervision of licensed nurses and are responsible for tasks such as monitoring vital signs, assisting with mobility, feeding, bathing, and other activities of daily living. Nursing assistants often work in nursing and residential care facilities, as well as hospitals, and their employment is projected to grow.
The salary of nursing assistants can vary depending on various factors. According to one source, the median annual wage for nursing assistants was $39,530 in May 2024, with the lowest 10% earning less than $31,390 and the highest 10% earning more than $50,140. However, another source mentions that the average annual base salary for nursing assistants in the United States is $45,819, with the lowest 10% earning $33,159 or less, and the highest 10% earning $63,314 or more.
It is worth noting that the salary of nursing assistants can be influenced by factors such as location, workplace, and experience. Additionally, some states offer higher wages for certified nursing assistants (CNAs), and nursing assistants with additional credentials, such as a Certified Medication Assistant (CMA) qualification, may be authorised to dispense medications.
In terms of gender, it is notable that women working as nursing assistants, the most common healthcare support occupation, earned $28,686. This figure reflects the overall gender dynamics in the healthcare sector, where men tend to dominate higher-paying roles, such as paramedics, surgeons, and physicians.
While nursing assistants play a crucial role in patient care, it is important to recognise that their salaries are significantly lower than those of registered nurses and advanced practice nurses. Registered nurses, who must be licensed, had a median annual wage of $93,600 in May 2024, with the lowest 10% earning less than $66,030 and the highest 10% earning more than $135,320. Advanced practice nurses, including nurse practitioners, nurse anesthetists, and nurse midwives, earned a median annual salary of $117,670 in 2020.
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Nursing is the largest healthcare profession in the US
The demand for nurses with master's and doctorate degrees is higher than the current supply, and the nursing profession is facing critical shortages. The US needs more than 200,000 new registered nurses each year to meet increasing healthcare needs and replace nurses entering retirement. The COVID-19 pandemic has also significantly impacted the nursing profession, with more than 60% of nurses reporting an increase in their workload and 35-54% of nurses and physicians experiencing symptoms of burnout.
The median annual wage for registered nurses was $93,600 in May 2024, with the lowest 10% earning less than $66,030 and the highest 10% earning more than $135,320. Job growth is expected across most healthcare settings, including hospitals, outpatient care centers, and residential care facilities.
Registered nurses provide and coordinate patient care and educate patients and the public about health conditions. They usually take one of three education paths: a bachelor's degree in nursing, an associate's degree in nursing, or a diploma from an approved nursing program. Registered nurses must be licensed, and the process is closely monitored by organizations like the ANA to ensure safe staffing and address challenges like the nursing shortage.
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Frequently asked questions
As of 2025, there are 5,239,499 actively licensed registered nurses (RNs) in the US.
60% of RNs work in hospitals, making up just over 7 million healthcare workers in the US.
Employment of registered nurses is projected to grow 6% from 2023 to 2033, faster than the average for all occupations. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 194,500 average annual openings for registered nurses between 2020 and 2030, with employment projected to grow by 9%.
The median annual wage for registered nurses was $93,600 in May 2024.
