Explore jobs
Find specific jobs
Explore careers
Explore professions
Best companies
Explore companies
Agency nurse job growth summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
The projected agency nurse job growth rate is 6% from 2018-2028.
About 195,400 new jobs for agency nurses are projected over the next decade.
Agency nurse salaries have increased 10% for agency nurses in the last 5 years.
There are over 1,760,111 agency nurses currently employed in the United States.
There are 420,018 active agency nurse job openings in the US.
The average agency nurse salary is $73,620.
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 1,760,111 | 0.52% |
| 2020 | 1,724,862 | 0.51% |
| 2019 | 1,722,425 | 0.52% |
| 2018 | 1,704,914 | 0.51% |
| 2017 | 1,678,855 | 0.51% |
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $73,620 | $35.39 | +2.8% |
| 2024 | $71,636 | $34.44 | +2.2% |
| 2023 | $70,101 | $33.70 | +2.5% |
| 2022 | $68,411 | $32.89 | +2.3% |
| 2021 | $66,896 | $32.16 | +1.4% |
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | South Dakota | 869,666 | 624 | 72% |
| 2 | Vermont | 623,657 | 420 | 67% |
| 3 | North Dakota | 755,393 | 495 | 66% |
| 4 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 860 | 64% |
| 5 | Montana | 1,050,493 | 649 | 62% |
| 6 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 4,158 | 61% |
| 7 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 412 | 59% |
| 8 | Delaware | 961,939 | 558 | 58% |
| 9 | Maine | 1,335,907 | 757 | 57% |
| 10 | Indiana | 6,666,818 | 3,488 | 52% |
| 11 | Alaska | 739,795 | 383 | 52% |
| 12 | Florida | 20,984,400 | 10,764 | 51% |
| 13 | Iowa | 3,145,711 | 1,606 | 51% |
| 14 | Wyoming | 579,315 | 278 | 48% |
| 15 | Colorado | 5,607,154 | 2,588 | 46% |
| 16 | Kansas | 2,913,123 | 1,336 | 46% |
| 17 | Washington | 7,405,743 | 3,360 | 45% |
| 18 | Georgia | 10,429,379 | 4,191 | 40% |
| 19 | Maryland | 6,052,177 | 2,419 | 40% |
| 20 | New Mexico | 2,088,070 | 808 | 39% |
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bowling Green | 3 | 5% | $74,398 |
| 2 | Peoria | 2 | 2% | $69,226 |
| 3 | Hartford | 1 | 1% | $72,575 |
| 4 | West Palm Beach | 1 | 1% | $66,768 |
Northwestern State University of Louisiana
Pennsylvania State University - Harrisburg
California State University - Chico
Meharry Medical College
Molloy College
University of St. Francis
The University of Tampa
Harding University
Hartwick College
University of Maine
University of Detroit Mercy
Metropolitan State University of Denver
Dr. Cynthia Aurentz DNP, MSN, RN, CNE: There is a wide range in salaries across nursing roles so be the best you can, wherever you land. Pursue certifications in your specialty and gain experience so that you are prepared for mobility across varying roles. Advanced practice roles require more school and if that seems intriguing, research the different specialties. Nurse anesthesia is one of the highest paying nursing roles but it is also one of the most competitive. If that is a goal, get as much critical care experience as you can and make friends with the admission coordinators at prospective schools—let them know how important it is to you!
Northwestern State University of Louisiana
Allied Health And Medical Assisting Services
Krystyna Tabor: This question is too hard to answer. The right question is "what doesn't a nurse do on a day-to-day basis?". People have an idea of what nurses do. However, only nurses know what they actually do and under what conditions they do it. The list is way too long.
Krystyna Tabor: The biggest thing that I think everyone entering the field of nursing should do on a daily basis is LEARN. Just because you graduated nursing school and passed the NCLEX does not mean that you know everything that you need to know in order to care for people.
Krystyna Tabor: Nursing has always been and will continue to be a good profession to enter. Nursing offers a flexibility that other professions do not offer. You can work at the bedside, in a clinic, or at home, etc. A nurse is not limited to a specific area. IE: nurses can change environments and specialties.
Pennsylvania State University - Harrisburg
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research And Clinical Nursing
Dr. Robert Doerfler PhD, CRNP: The earliest approach for the individual new grad is to consider several offers; don't agree to the first job offer—no matter how flattering and rosy it seems. You may end up agreeing to it in a short time, but give yourself a chance to consider other offers as well. Think about secondary gains. One offer may be a little less than another, but money isn't everything. Secondary benefits may include employer reimbursement or payment for continuing education (required by many states for re-licensure), cross-training in or certification for a clinical specialty that pays better (and thus a job you can bid on later), a promotion scheme that supplies specific benchmarks to the new grad to aim for to hit higher salary targets, and benefits plans that cover more out of pocket costs for health care, dental and vision insurance, 401k, and similar non-salary compensation. You may make more money at one job, but end up paying out of pocket for high deductibles or non-covered care, than you might at a job that has a much better benefits package, even if the pay is a little less.
Dr. Robert Doerfler PhD, CRNP: I would strongly recommend that new graduates consider carefully the structure and duration of orientation or onboarding. Many hospitals are understaffed and new nurses are often being rushed through shortened orientations/residencies in an effort to relieve those staffing shortfalls. Duration and expected benchmarks for achievement should be available in writing as you consider your first job offer. If possible, ask to spend a few hours or shifts with the unit you are thinking about joining: Observe how the nurses treat each other and the ancillary staff. Do they seem mutually supportive? Is there a lot of gossipy talk? How does the morale seem? These social issues can become quite distressing to the new grad, and can result in dissatisfaction and premature departure due to emotional stress.
Dr. Robert Doerfler PhD, CRNP: Facility with telehealth will become more important, as health systems develop better follow up of discharged patients in order to reduce readmissions. Recognizing clinical deterioration and knowing when to speak up about it, and to whom, will become more important as health care systems become more consolidated, and as they continue to experience shortages of RNs (especially as more states pass minimum staffing laws). Developing skills in research ("evidence-based practice"), collaboration with colleagues in councils and committees, and unit-based advocacy will become more important as a counterweight to the prerogatives of non-clinical administrators seeking to boost efficiencies, cut costs, and control risk: Advocating for patients is important, but advocating for your unit's needs also advocates for your patients as a class of people with particular needs.
Rich Burton DNP, RN, CMSRN: Often new graduates become hyper focused on working in a specialty unit for example ER, ICU, or NICU etc. I recommend instead focus on finding great hospitals that have extensive training programs and you want to work for. You will always have an opportunity to change positions within the hospital once you have a few year’s experience. A great hospital with adequate staffing and training will provide a much more supportive learning environment as you transition from student nurse to professional nurse.
Rich Burton DNP, RN, CMSRN: Most hospitals have set rates for nurses but if you are looking to maximize your salary, I would say location location location. Certain areas of the country pay more than others, be willing to move to maximize your earning potential. Hospitals might also pay more for certifications or a bachelor’s degree as well.
Rich Burton DNP, RN, CMSRN: Its only a matter of time before artificial intelligence (AI) makes its way into healthcare and nursing. Keeping up to date on new technology and being flexible to adapt to the ever changing field of nursing is very important. Flexibility and embracing change is essential.
Meharry Medical College
Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences
Olugbemiga Ogunkua M.D., Ph.D.: 2. Ability to learn about new inventions. Computer has changed the field tremendously and knowledge comes at a fast and furry pace so you need to keep up with new knowledge and be able to discriminate about what is useful and relevant from what is not useful though may be novella. Mountains of new information can easily lead to confusion. Learn to know the rules first, before you embark with the new fag in town.
Olugbemiga Ogunkua M.D., Ph.D.: 3. Do your homework and see what is consider reasonable for your position and demand the highest with the view of putting in your best. If you start low it is difficult with the system to getter better. But do not be greedy, the first five years in your profession is still part of the active learning process. Strife to be the best you can be.
Olugbemiga Ogunkua M.D., Ph.D.: 1. Learn as much as you can as if you are still a student. Respect your seniors and colleagues. Show humility so that you can learn from all around you. Those not having long list of degrees can teach you a lot. Nurses, technicians working aids and ancillary staffs have seen a lot in the practice and you can tap into their experience and be a better you professionally.
Molloy College
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research And Clinical Nursing
Normadeane Armstrong PhD, RN, ANP-BC: Starting a career in nursing can be both exciting and intimidating. Some general advice for new nursing graduates embarking on their professional journey may include: Never Stop Learning, Develop Strong Communication Skills, Cultivate Critical Thinking, Prioritize Self-Care, Build a Strong Support System.
Normadeane Armstrong PhD, RN, ANP-BC: Technological Proficiency, Cultural Competence, Focus on Preventive Care and Health Promotion, Interprofessional Collaboration.
Normadeane Armstrong PhD, RN, ANP-BC: Specialize, Further Education, Negotiate, Explore Alternative Settings, Stay Updated.
University of St. Francis
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research And Clinical Nursing
Dr. Maria Martinez DNP RN: Bedside clinical experience is important, getting certifications, soft skills to enhance your EI quotient, develop your leadership skills, going back for your MSN.
Dr. Maria Martinez DNP RN: Stay resilient and gain your experience for 2-3 years as an RN. When interviewing and applying for your first RN career opportunity, look at the mission and vision of the hospital, to see if it matches your work ethic values. Inquire and seek a good preceptor/mentor who will empower you to grow in your career. Stay humble and learn from the experts.
Dr. Maria Martinez DNP RN: Save and invest your earrings. Consider having 401K, 403b, Roth, Traditional IRAs. Look into credit unions, bonds, stocks. Be financially savvy and save your money.
Dr. MaryAnn D'Alesandro DNP, MSN, RN, CNOR, NI-BC, CNE: The most important to skills to have and/or learn are critical thinking, trusting, and strengthening their gut intuition, and being adaptable to unpredictable situations and changing environments. The pandemic taught us that in many ways. Common sense and critical thinking are more important than you can imagine. But the most important skill is being okay being a life-long learner and understanding that no 2 days will be the same.
Dr. MaryAnn D'Alesandro DNP, MSN, RN, CNOR, NI-BC, CNE: The most important advice is to keep in mind is that the first 1 to 2 years is still the learning phase of being an RN. Be kind and patient with yourself and be comfortable with asking questions and for help when you need it. Emulate the nurses that you admire and respect. Be a sponge when you can learn new skills and new concepts from your more experienced teammates. Be humble and be gracious. Enjoy it. Embrace the experiences and learn from them.
Dr. MaryAnn D'Alesandro DNP, MSN, RN, CNOR, NI-BC, CNE: As a graduate and new RN, the salaries are competitive in the general areas. If you choose to specialize such as the OR, ER, ICU etc., or if you choose night shifts and weekends opposed to day shift, you could see the rates increase by several dollars an hour. Keep in mind that if you do not get a position in the area that you most want, for example labor and delivery, getting in the door of the hospital that you want to work at is most important. Getting your foot in the door is the opportunity. Most hospitals hire and promote from within, so that when a position opens in the area you truly want to work, you are in a better position to obtain it than someone who is not already a committed employee.
Harding University
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research And Clinical Nursing
Marcus Binns MSN-NE, RN: With technologies like AI becoming more prominent, nursing is a field that will stand out because it requires human intervention to provide hands-on care, perform skills, and critically think. That being said, I think nurses will become increasingly exposed to AI decision-making tools being utilized in medicine. What I think will be most important is utilizing those tools to streamline your tasks and decision-making, while at the same time being aware that your human interventions are still vital to notice things the algorithm misses while also providing compassionate care.
Marcus Binns MSN-NE, RN: I would recommend they try to find their passion in nursing and get into it as quickly as they are able. You may not be able to start off on a specialty unit, but work on the steps needed to get there within a few years after starting off. If you try to practice nursing without passion, you can quickly experience feelings of burnout. If you work on a unit or with a population that you care deeply about, some days will *still* be hard but you will be encouraged to show up the next day and continue working with people you care about.
Marcus Binns MSN-NE, RN: Research before you interview on what normal pay is for your degree and type of nursing role you are wanting to be in. This varies by state and institution, but it will give you a guideline of what to expect. When they ask during the interview 'what is your expected salary?', you can then answer with a foundation in reality. If you are starting off with no experience, you can expect on the low-end of normal (around 25th percentile). Following that, look for ways to advance yourself in your role. This can include certifications, skills training, committee work at the institution, etc. Your best resources are clinical educators or your nurse manager on what additional training you can do that would benefit the environment you are in. These then stand out when you do your yearly reviews. Also, if you desire to make as much as possible, you need to also look into shift-differentials for your institution. Many hospitals will pay you extra on top of your salary if you come in to work nights, weekends, or extra shifts outside of your contracted shifts. I would caution against doing this excessively, however, because that will also increase your mental/physical fatigue from working in a draining environment. Value your downtime for your physical and mental health!
Lorena Marra MS, FNP-C: The skills that will be more important as the field of nursing continues are those that will prepare the nurse for patients with higher acuity (they are sicker!). Nurses will have to continue to integrate knowledge from other sciences into nursing science-understanding chemistry, biology, psychology, pathophysiology, pharmacology, sociology, and others in order to make the best clinical decisions for the patient. Nurses will need to expand patient-centered care to focus on multiple factors, not just the specific health need, but psychological considerations as well as financial needs. Nursing should also look to continuing care beyond the usual space and incorporate ideas of community health in their care. Nurses will need to use research skills to help advance health care and improve health outcomes for all. Nurses will need to use advanced technology to help support efforts to improve patient safety and quality care outcomes. Nurses also need to continue to uphold the legal and ethical considerations that they have in the past.
Jordan Porter DNP, APRN, FNP-BC: In nursing, maximizing your salary isn't just about climbing the traditional ladder. It’s crucial to broaden your perspective and think innovatively. Advanced certifications and education are key—they don’t just boost your expertise, they open doors to higher-paying opportunities that many might not consider, like roles in healthcare technology or business. Mastering negotiation is also essential. It’s about articulating your unique value compellingly, telling your story in a way that not only highlights your skills but also demonstrates how you can meet the needs of an organization in a mutually beneficial way. But let's not overlook the non-traditional paths. For instance, travel nursing can offer not just adventure but also lucrative contracts, especially in high-demand areas. And stepping into entrepreneurial roles within healthcare can tap into new revenue streams that go beyond hourly wages. Yet, while exploring these avenues, it’s important to remember the bigger picture. A healthy work environment where you feel genuinely supported and valued is priceless. It’s about finding a balance where you are not just well-compensated but where you also belong. Leaders who invest in your growth, a culture that respects your work-life balance, and a role that allows you to maintain your professional integrity—all these factors contribute to long-term satisfaction and well-being. After all, the ultimate goal isn’t just to earn more, but to build a fulfilling career that sustains you physically, emotionally, and mentally over the long haul. In the grand scheme of things, making a bit less in exchange for a life well-lived is not a compromise; it’s a strategic choice for lasting happiness and impact.
University of Detroit Mercy
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research And Clinical Nursing
Dr. Ashlee Barnes DNP, APRN, FNP-C: In the daily routine of a registered nurse, tasks vary widely from managing patient care, making important decisions, individualizing care plans, educating patients and resolving issues. Registered nurses administer medications, communicate empathetically, and advocate for patients ensuring their needs are addressed. Case management is crucial and overseeing seamless care transitions. Advanced practice registered nurses are licensed to diagnose and prescribe treatments, advancing patient care with precision and specialized knowledge.
Metropolitan State University of Denver
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research And Clinical Nursing
Dr. Theresa Buxton PhD, RN, CNE: Nursing students who graduate from their program and then pass their NCLEX licensing exam are beginning their professional career. It takes time to gain experience. After you’re employed make connections with the nursing staff who work with you. Don’t be afraid to ask them questions or double check your math if you are giving a medication different than what’s ordered or available.