Registered Nurses

Job Zone 4 - Considerable preparation needed

Assess patient health problems and needs, develop and implement nursing care plans, and maintain medical records. Administer nursing care to ill, injured, convalescent, or disabled patients. May advise patients on health maintenance and disease prevention or provide case management. Licensing or registration required.

Pay & job outlook

Median pay: $97,550/yr (U.S. national, May 2025)

$68,940$137,470

Typical range nationwide (10th–90th percentile). This is a population snapshot, not a personal prediction - actual pay varies by location, employer, and experience.

Job outlook: +4.9% projected growth, 2024–2034 — about as fast as average.

About 189,100 openings per year, on average, over the decade.

Typical entry-level education: Bachelor's degree.

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS and Employment Projections.

Top skills

Social PerceptivenessSpeakingService OrientationActive ListeningCoordinationCritical ThinkingReading ComprehensionJudgment and Decision MakingMonitoringWriting

Top knowledge areas

PsychologyCustomer and Personal ServiceMedicine and DentistryEnglish LanguageAdministrativeMathematicsTherapy and CounselingAdministration and Management

Core tasks

• Record patients' medical information and vital signs.

• Administer medications to patients and monitor patients for reactions or side effects.

• Maintain accurate, detailed reports and records.

• Monitor, record, and report symptoms or changes in patients' conditions.

• Provide health care, first aid, immunizations, or assistance in convalescence or rehabilitation in locations such as schools, hospitals, or industry.

• Consult and coordinate with healthcare team members to assess, plan, implement, or evaluate patient care plans.

• Direct or supervise less-skilled nursing or healthcare personnel or supervise a particular unit.

• Monitor all aspects of patient care, including diet and physical activity.

Frequently asked questions

What's the median pay for Registered Nurses?

The median pay for Registered Nurses is $97,550 per year, per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

What's the job outlook for Registered Nurses?

Employment for Registered Nurses is projected to change +4.9% from 2024 to 2034 - about as fast as average.

What education is typically required for Registered Nurses?

Typical entry-level education: Bachelor's degree.

How many job openings are there each year for Registered Nurses?

About 189,100 openings per year, on average, over the decade.