How to become registered nurseseducation, training, experience and the steps to enter
Median annual pay
$97,550
25th–75th pct. $80,330–$112,350
Top pay (est.)
$178,700
Top 10% $137,470
Pay in 5 years
$114,200est.
2031
Pay in 10 years
$133,800est.
$115,000–$155,300
Outlook score
61/100
★★★☆☆ Average
AI replacement risk
33%
Low
Job growth (10 yr)
+5.6%
181K openings / yr
How to become registered nurses
Typical education
Bachelor's degree
BLS
Related experience
None
On-the-job training
None
A step-by-step guide for this occupation is being prepared. The education, training and experience data above show the typical path.
Skills, education and requirements for Registered Nurses
Key skills
O*NET skill level ratings (0–7).
Key knowledge areas
What the work involves
Updating and Using Relevant KnowledgeIdentifying Objects, Actions, and EventsAssisting and Caring for OthersMonitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsMaking Decisions and Solving ProblemsOrganizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkAnalyzing Data or InformationEstablishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships
Important abilities
Problem SensitivityOral ComprehensionInductive ReasoningOral ExpressionWritten ComprehensionSpeech Clarity
Education of workers
Training before entry
Related work experience
Job Zone 4 — considerable preparation needed (O*NET)
Difficulty of entry: ★★★☆☆ Moderate (from education, training, experience and Job Zone)
Career path and how to earn more as registered nurses
Career-path guidance is being prepared. Pay by percentile is shown in the Pay section.
Pay and employment figures are national statistics. Projected pay, outlook scores and AI replacement risk are estimates from the Shigoto Zukan model, not guarantees. To request a correction, use the contact form. How to read the data
Sources: BLS OEWS May 2025; BLS Employment Projections 2025–35; O*NET 31.0 Database by USDOL/ETA (CC BY 4.0), modified by Shigoto Zukan. Pay ranges, projections and scores are Shigoto Zukan estimates.