[hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Nursing is the country’s largest healthcare profession.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]With millions of RNs, the U.S. still faces a nursing shortage.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]High demand and high wages make nursing a great career path. [/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Over 5 million registered nurses (RNs) work in the U.S., according to the [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.aacnnursing.org/news-data/fact-sheets/nursing-workforce-fact-sheet” target=”_blank”]American Association of Colleges of Nursing[/hen-ui-link] (AACN). Yet, more than 25% of RNs plan to leave the profession in the next five years.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]In spite of the high number of nurses, the country faces a nursing shortage. Demand for nurses will continue to grow over the next decade. High demand plus high wages can make nursing an attractive career path.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Nurses Are Still in Demand[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]In the wake of the pandemic, demand for nurses continues to grow. As the population ages and current nurses retire, the U.S. needs new nurses to meet this need.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The BLS projects that RN jobs will grow 6% from 2022-2032, which is faster than average. This equals over 193,000 job openings annually. Nursing schools will need to train students to take on these new jobs.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]On top of the growing demand for nurses, the American Nurses Association recently warned of a nursing shortage. The profession reports a median age of 46, according to the AACN. And over a quarter of RNs plan to leave the profession or retire in the next five years.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]As nurses leave the profession, demand for healthcare professionals continues to rise. As a result, nurses will likely see strong demand in the future. Currently, [hen-ui-link href=”/articles/the-us-nursing-shortage-state-by-state-breakdown//”]nursing shortages[/hen-ui-link] are already affecting many states.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Top 5 States with Highest Demand for Nurses[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Many states report high demand for nursing. Nationally, the [hen-ui-link href=”https://bhw.hrsa.gov/sites/default/files/bureau-health-workforce/Nursing-Workforce-Projections-Factsheet.pdf” target=”_blank”]National Center for Health Workforce Analysis[/hen-ui-link] projects a shortage of over 78,000 RNs by 2025. By 2035, several states may see a significant shortage, according to 2022 nurse workforce projections.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The states with the highest demand for nurses include:[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Washington:[/hen-ui-text] Projected shortage of 26%[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Georgia:[/hen-ui-text] Projected shortage of 21%[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]California:[/hen-ui-text] Projected shortage of 18%[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Oregon:[/hen-ui-text] Projected shortage of 16%[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Michigan:[/hen-ui-text] Projected shortage of 15%[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Other states with projected shortages of over 10% include Idaho, Louisiana, North Carolina, New Jersey, and South Carolina. Currently, many states rely on travel nurses to staff in-demand roles. RNs willing to meet the growing demand in these states may also benefit from higher salaries.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Nursing Career Earning Potential[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]RNs earn a median salary of $81,220 per year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Some of the highest-paying nursing specialties report even higher salaries.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Nurse practitioners, nurse anesthetists, clinical nurse specialists, and nurse midwives are known as advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs). These high-paying nursing specialties generally require a master’s or doctorate in nursing and an APRN license.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The highest-paying nursing careers include:[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”ordered” bullet-style=”number”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Nurse anesthetist:[/hen-ui-text] $175,390 ([hen-ui-link href=”https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Nurse_Anesthetist_(CRNA)/Salary” target=”_blank”]August 2023[/hen-ui-link])[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner:[/hen-ui-text] $117,430 ([hen-ui-link href=”https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Psychiatric_Nurse_Practitioner_(NP)/Salary” target=”_blank”]August 2023[/hen-ui-link])[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Nurse midwife:[/hen-ui-text] $103,360 ([hen-ui-link href=”https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Certified_Nurse_Midwife/Salary” target=”_blank”]August 2023[/hen-ui-link])[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Family nurse practitioner:[/hen-ui-text] $101,730 ([hen-ui-link href=”https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Family_Nurse_Practitioner_(NP)/Salary” target=”_blank”]August 2023[/hen-ui-link])[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Clinical nurse specialist:[/hen-ui-text] $98,160 ([hen-ui-link href=”https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Clinical_Nurse_Specialist_(CNS)/Salary” target=”_blank”]August 2023[/hen-ui-link])[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Nurses without a graduate degree also earn above-average salaries. These specialties are some of the [hen-ui-link href=”/articles/best-nursing-specialities-for-the-future//”]highest-paying healthcare careers[/hen-ui-link] that only require a bachelor’s degree.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The highest-paying nursing careers that do not require a graduate degree include:[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”ordered” bullet-style=”number”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Informatics Nurse:[/hen-ui-text] $83,780 ([hen-ui-link href=”https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Informatics_Nurse/Salary” target=”_blank”]August 2023[/hen-ui-link])[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Oncology Nurse:[/hen-ui-text] $81,160 ([hen-ui-link href=”https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Nurse_Oncology/Hourly_Rate” target=”_blank”]August 2023[/hen-ui-link])[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Trauma Nurse:[/hen-ui-text] $80,560 ([hen-ui-link href=”https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Trauma_Nurse_Specialist/Hourly_Rate” target=”_blank”]August 2023[/hen-ui-link])[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Dialysis Nurse:[/hen-ui-text] $80,240 ([hen-ui-link href=”https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Dialysis_Registered_Nurse_(RN)/Hourly_Rate” target=”_blank”]August 2023[/hen-ui-link])[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Infection Control/Prevention Nurse:[/hen-ui-text] $78,460 ([hen-ui-link href=”https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Nurse_Infection_Control/Salary” target=”_blank”]August 2023[/hen-ui-link])[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Nurses can increase their earning potential by pursuing specialized roles or earning a graduate degree. As nurses gain professional experience, their salaries typically increase.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Preparing for a Career in Nursing[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”/registered-nursing/how-to-become-a-rn//”]To become an RN[/hen-ui-link], you’ll need an associate or bachelor’s degree in nursing (BSN) and an RN license. Many nurses also pursue specialty certification or additional education to increase their job opportunities.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Earn a Nursing Degree[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]You’ll need a nursing degree to become an RN. If you already have a bachelor’s degree in another major, you can research accelerated BSN programs. These programs typically take 12-18 months and include clinical experience.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]If you don’t have a degree, you can enroll in a two-year associate program to become an RN. An associate degree meets the requirements for an RN license. However, many employers prefer to hire nurses with a bachelor’s degree. RN-to-BSN programs help current RNs complete a bachelor’s degree.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Pass the NCLEX and Obtain Licensure [/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Nurses must pass the NCLEX-RN exam and apply for a state-issued license to become RNs. Nursing programs guide students through the process of studying for the licensure exam and applying for a license.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Each state sets its licensure requirements, which typically include an accredited nursing degree, passing NCLEX-RN scores, and specific coursework. You’ll also likely complete a background check as part of the licensure process.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Become Certified (for Specialties)[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]If you’re interested in specialized nursing roles, pursuing certification can demonstrate your expertise. For example, you can become a certified emergency nurse, a certified critical care nurse, or a certified informatics nurse.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Several organizations offer nursing certifications, including the American Nurses Credentialing Center and the [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.aacn.org/certification/get-certified” target=”_blank”]American Association of Critical-Care Nurses[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Many employers require nurses to complete certifications in CPR, basic life support, and advanced cardiac life support.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Choose Working Environment and Location [/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]RNs work in several different healthcare settings. While many work in hospitals, other RNs work in doctors’ offices, home health care services, and outpatient care centers.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Nurses’ job title and work environment often shape their duties and schedules. Hospitals, for instance, typically require 12-hour shifts while a doctor’s office typically does not. Consider what setting best matches your interests and schedule.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Location can also affect your job opportunities and responsibilities as a nurse. Rural areas, for example, report a larger shortage of qualified nurses. Travel nurses who are willing to relocate report some of the highest RN salaries.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-accordion variant=”no-background”] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Sources”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Nurses in the Workforce. (2023). ANA[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://bhw.hrsa.gov/sites/default/files/bureau-health-workforce/Nursing-Workforce-Projections-Factsheet.pdf” target=”_blank”]Nurse Workforce Projections, 2020-2035[/hen-ui-link]. (2022). HRSA[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.aacnnursing.org/news-data/fact-sheets/nursing-workforce-fact-sheet” target=”_blank”]Nursing Workforce Fact Sheet[/hen-ui-link]. (2023). AACN[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Occupational Employment and Wages: Registered Nurses. 2023. BLS[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.payscale.com/” target=”_blank”]Payscale homepage[/hen-ui-link]. (2023). Payscale[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item][/hen-ui-accordion]