Healthcare
Registered nurses
Registered nurses coordinate and deliver patient care across a wide range of settings. The pathway runs through an approved nursing program followed by state licensure, and the work rewards clear communication and disciplined recordkeeping as much as clinical knowledge.
- May 2025 U.S. median annual pay
- $97,550
- Projected employment growth, 2025–2035
- 6%
Education and licensing
An approved nursing degree or diploma pathway.
State licensure is required to practise.
Where people work
- Hospitals
- Physicians' offices
- Home healthcare
- Nursing care facilities
- Schools
Skills that matter day to day
- Communication
- Careful recordkeeping
- Patient coordination
Caveats on these figures
- The national median is a midpoint across all experience levels and locations. It is not an entry-level offer or a local quote.
- Projected growth describes expected change in employment over the period, not the number of openings available today.
- Licensure requirements and timelines vary by state.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/registered-nurses.htm. Pay figures are May 2025 national medians; growth projections cover 2025–2035. Retrieved September 27, 2026 and refreshed manually.