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Job outlook for infection control nurses in the United States
Infection control nurse job growth summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
The projected infection control nurse job growth rate is 6% from 2018-2028.
About 195,400 new jobs for infection control nurses are projected over the next decade.
Infection control nurse salaries have increased 10% for infection control nurses in the last 5 years.
There are over 4,534 infection control nurses currently employed in the United States.
There are 279,739 active infection control nurse job openings in the US.
The average infection control nurse salary is $75,171.
Are infection control nurse jobs in demand?
Infection control nurse job and salary trends over time
Infection control nurse jobs over time
Infection control nurse job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 4,534 | 0.00% |
| 2020 | 4,443 | 0.00% |
| 2019 | 4,437 | 0.00% |
| 2018 | 4,392 | 0.00% |
| 2017 | 4,325 | 0.00% |
Average infection control nurse salary over time
Infection control nurse salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | $75,171 | $36.14 | +2.8% |
| 2025 | $73,146 | $35.17 | +2.2% |
| 2024 | $71,579 | $34.41 | +2.5% |
| 2023 | $69,853 | $33.58 | +2.3% |
| 2022 | $68,306 | $32.84 | +1.4% |
Infection control nurse jobs by state
Most common states for infection control nurses
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 1,426 | 106% |
| 2 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 6,627 | 97% |
| 3 | South Dakota | 869,666 | 835 | 96% |
| 4 | North Dakota | 755,393 | 697 | 92% |
| 5 | Vermont | 623,657 | 536 | 86% |
| 6 | Maine | 1,335,907 | 1,125 | 84% |
| 7 | Delaware | 961,939 | 784 | 82% |
| 8 | Montana | 1,050,493 | 797 | 76% |
| 9 | Indiana | 6,666,818 | 4,968 | 75% |
| 10 | Florida | 20,984,400 | 14,518 | 69% |
| 11 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 474 | 68% |
| 12 | Pennsylvania | 12,805,537 | 8,541 | 67% |
| 13 | Iowa | 3,145,711 | 2,100 | 67% |
| 14 | Alaska | 739,795 | 499 | 67% |
| 15 | New Mexico | 2,088,070 | 1,328 | 64% |
| 16 | Nebraska | 1,920,076 | 1,213 | 63% |
| 17 | Maryland | 6,052,177 | 3,731 | 62% |
| 18 | Kansas | 2,913,123 | 1,811 | 62% |
| 19 | Ohio | 11,658,609 | 7,151 | 61% |
| 20 | Georgia | 10,429,379 | 6,157 | 59% |
Most common cities for infection control nurses
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Norwood | 2 | 7% | $88,543 |
| 2 | Aberdeen | 1 | 4% | $63,950 |
| 3 | Hamden | 2 | 3% | $82,783 |
| 4 | Agawam Town | 1 | 3% | $89,258 |
| 5 | Andover | 1 | 3% | $87,251 |
| 6 | Fall River | 2 | 2% | $89,608 |
| 7 | Bedford | 1 | 2% | $74,154 |
| 8 | Bradenton | 1 | 2% | $63,804 |
| 9 | Baltimore | 4 | 1% | $83,059 |
| 10 | Springfield | 2 | 1% | $89,137 |
| 11 | Alexandria | 1 | 1% | $82,098 |
| 12 | Bismarck | 1 | 1% | $60,358 |
| 13 | Boston | 2 | 0% | $88,108 |
| 14 | Los Angeles | 2 | 0% | $113,610 |
| 15 | Sacramento | 2 | 0% | $120,645 |
| 16 | Atlanta | 1 | 0% | $85,323 |
Infection Control Nurse job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of infection control nurse experts
University of Maine
Prairie View A & M University
George Fox University
New York University
Loyola University New Orleans
Elmhurst University
Penn State Erie, The Behrend College
Cedar Crest College
Southern Adventist University
American Association of Nurse Practitioners
American Association of Nurse Anesthetists
The University of Texas at El Paso
Marshall University
Lincoln University
Anderson University
Morton College
What Infection Control Nurse skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
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.
Wendy Bowles PhD, APRN-CNP, CNE
Associate Clinical Professor, Associate Dean for Baccalaureate ProgramsWhat general advice would you give to an Infection Control Nurse?
Wendy Bowles PhD, APRN-CNP, CNE: To maximize your salary potential you should consider going back to school and pursuing your doctorate degree from a high quality, reputable institution. There are many programs that offer BSN to doctorate pathways and that will enhance earnings potential.
What general advice would you give to an Infection Control Nurse?
Allyssa Harris RN, PhD, WHNP-BC: Daily, nurses with the health care team to manage and coordinate patient care which include physical assessments-assessing, observing, and evaluating the patient's response to care, administering medication and treatments, assisting with procedures, and providing health education to patients and their families. Additionally, nurses often supervise other unlicensed health care team members including licensed vocational nurses, patient care technicians (PCTs) and nursing students.
What will help Infection Control Nurses increase their earning potential?
Allyssa Harris RN, PhD, WHNP-BC: I can't speak for everyone but what I like about being a nurse is the ability to connect one on one with the patient and their family. Patients allow us the privilege of providing care and comfort during one of the most vulnerable times in their lives. It is the connection that we share that is the most rewarding. I believe that is this care and education that provides patients with the opportunity to make knowledgeable decisions about their health and well-being. What is most challenging about nursing is the increasing complexity of the patient care provide. Often patients enter the health care system later, having delayed care variety or reasons including lack of access, socio-economic challenges, unawareness, etc. This often increases the complexity of the care needed and nurses are required to have a broad knowledge of many things. I wouldn't say that they dislike the nursing profession, but the work is challenging.
What will help Infection Control Nurses increase their earning potential?
Natalie Heywood DNP, RN, CNE: I think one of the most important and prevalent skills that will be prevalent in the next 3-5 years in nursing is the ability to communicate with patients in a therapeutic manner that supports trust and mutual respect. Additionally, a skill that will be vital to current and future nurses is the ability to provide individualized care. Our patient populations are increasingly complex and unique, and it will be important for health providers to care for all individuals based on their needs and where they are at the moment. Lastly, as we see the increase of technology and AI use in healthcare, we need to be technology proficient and confident, as well as flexible in the use of these tools to improve patient care.
Kara Sump MSN, CNE
Assistant Professor of NursingGeorge Fox University
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research And Clinical Nursing
What Infection Control Nurse skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Kara Sump MSN, CNE: Communication will never go away, but is moving to a highly virtual format. You need to be able to articulate well in writing and orally. You also need to be relatable and personable. Working interprofessionally and collaboratively is going to be the expectation. Managing high volumes of information in shorter time periods. This is usually seen through the electronic health records and electronic communication.
What skills will help Infection Control Nurses earn the most?
Beth Latimer: Critical thinking, prioritization, carefully assessing any situation at the appropriate time, not normalizing the abnormal, and escalating necessary crucial information to the team at that right moment in time will save lives. Great nurses notice, and when in doubt, will take the right actions to get the right type of intervention for their patients and their families with patient advocacy at the forefront.
Cherie Burke Ph.D.
Director of the School of Nursing, Associate ProfessorLoyola University New Orleans
College of Nursing and Health
What skills will help Infection Control Nurses earn the most?
Cherie Burke Ph.D.: -Advanced education (i.e., Clinical nurse specialist, Clinical nurse educator)
-Experience with data management
-Proven leadership
Diane Salvador Ph.D.
Executive Director and ProfessorElmhurst University
Department of Nursing and Health Sciences
What hard/technical skills are most important for Infection Control Nurses?
Diane Salvador Ph.D.: New nurses should be prepared to demonstrate proficiency in basic nursing care and procedures. It is important to realize that each hospital has its own policy and procedure to follow, so taking advantage of your nurse preceptor and orientation program will ensure you are familiar with these basic procedures.
What soft skills should all Infection Control Nurses possess?
Kim Raines: Graduates have been confronted with harsh realities. They have had considerable remote learning which may have made them wiser to the value of being in person compared to a recording or reading and learning independently. Of course, there is a place for both. Some graduates have been even more personally affected by the pandemic. They may have suffered through the grim and enduring loss of hospitalized loved ones, many of whom were completely isolated. Graduates need to understand fully; the power of human touch, and the how and why superb communication - however limited it may be - is a lifeline for patients and families. Teamwork, flexibility and interpersonal skills take on a new meaning in the pandemic healthcare world. New graduates will need to focus on deliberate practices for staying well themselves (physically and emotionally) but also be extraordinarily conscious of ways to support their co-workers in real time and perhaps off the job as well.
Wendy Robb Ph.D.
Dean & Professor, School of Nursing, Hazel and Walter May Nursing Endowed Chair for Excellence in NursingCedar Crest College
School of Nursing
What will help Infection Control Nurses increase their earning potential?
Wendy Robb Ph.D.: To maximize your earning potential as a nurse entering the field, pursue certifications in specialty areas that increase marketability. Large hospital networks in urban areas often have higher pay scales and working nights, holidays, and weekends will often result in differential pay that will boost earnings. Negotiating your salary based on qualifications and market research can also maximize earnings. Never stop learning! Continually seek the next opportunity for growth. Don't be stagnant, advance your education with a new degree and seek niche positions that fulfill you.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Infection Control Nurses?
Sylvia Mayer: -COVID-19 will be a regular patient diagnosis, and we will continue to care for these patients even in years to come
-It will take a few years to stabilize the nursing workforce again. Expect to see a higher level contingent (agency/travelers) workers in heavy Covid-19 areas. On the other hand, some facilities see a more stable nursing workforce, as many nurses are choosing NOT to do travel nursing at this time
-COVID-19 restrictions continue to modify how we deliver care to our patients. This will slowly create a 'new way' of doing things. Look at this as a new normal versus a barrier
Karla Nygren MSN, MBA, RN, CCRN, CEN, CFRN, CPEN, CPN, TCRN
CPN-at-Large Representative, Pediatric Nursing Certification BoardPNCB
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Infection Control Nurses to find work opportunities?
Karla Nygren MSN, MBA, RN, CCRN, CEN, CFRN, CPEN, CPN, TCRN: Opportunities will exist everywhere, from rural to frontier to urban. If they aren't visible when they graduate, wait a bit, and the pendulum will swing.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Infection Control Nurses?
Karla Nygren MSN, MBA, RN, CCRN, CEN, CFRN, CPEN, CPN, TCRN: Absolutely will. This isn't our last pandemic. This pandemic is simply testing us; preparing us for the future.
Susan Burke Ph.D., RN, CPNP-PC
CPNP Faculty-at-Large Representative, Pediatric Nursing Certification BoardPNCB
What type of skills will young Infection Control Nurses need?
Susan Burke Ph.D., RN, CPNP-PC: PNP graduates, when they enter the workforce, will need to be resilient to adapt to changes in patient populations, clinical acuity, and changing levels of responsibility. As healthcare changes, a greater number of more complex patients will be seeking care in primary care settings.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Infection Control Nurses?
Susan Burke Ph.D., RN, CPNP-PC: Absolutely! Covid-19 is the first virus to result in a global pandemic, certainly not the last. The development of new pathogens and the increase in antimicrobial resistance, coupled with the increasing number of vulnerable individuals, creates a significant impact on healthcare delivery and the role of the PNP.
How would you rate the starting salaries for Infection Control Nurses, as well as the prospects for salary advancement?
Sophia Thomas: AANP does a sample survey of salaries. See below for information from our 2019 survey. It is important to note that salaries range widely, based on clinical and geographical areas as well as the number of years' experience. See below for the information: Source: 2019 AANP National Sample Survey of Nurse Practitioners
-Starting salaries for NPs are exceptional, and usually hover between $80,000-100,000, but that can vary significantly based on geographic location, work setting, and certification/specialty. Some salaries are higher.
-The bureau of labor statistics (BLS) offers an excellent breakdown of salaries by region and state as well: link
-(Note: some stats on the BLS website are reflective of the Mean or Average salary and others represent the Median or midpoint. AANP data are all reported in Median)
-As NPs advance in their careers, there is a clear and positive relationship between number of years' experience and salary growth.
What type of skills will young Infection Control Nurses need?
Angela Mund: To meet the needs of our current volatile and complex healthcare landscape, all healthcare providers will need to understand the business of healthcare, in addition to providing expert patient care. Starting in 2025, all graduates from nurse anesthesia programs will be awarded a doctoral degree, a doctorate in nursing practice (DNP), or a doctorate in nurse anesthesia practice (DNAP). These degree programs include additional anesthesia experience as well as an understanding of effective leadership, healthcare economics and reimbursement, the use of big data for improving patient outcomes, and evidence-based practice.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Infection Control Nurses?
Leslie Robbins Ph.D.: The novel coronavirus has impacted the way we teach and practice nursing. Health care is a continually changing environment. However, as we did with the H1N1 flu pandemic and other past health crises, nursing will rise to meet this new challenge to ensure that patients continue to receive safe and effective nursing care. The epidemic has prompted nursing schools across the country to transition from classroom instruction to remote learning. At the UTEP School of Nursing, we have adopted new strategies such as online simulation-based education and virtual clinical experiences to ensure that our graduates are well prepared to enter the nursing field.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Infection Control Nurses?
Dr. Annette Ferguson: I believe the biggest impact the pandemic will have on graduates is the ever-changing and evolving environment in healthcare. Since there is so little known about the virus, information is constantly being changed and updated.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Infection Control Nurses?
Vilma Davis: The coronavirus pandemic has caused many industries, including the healthcare industry, to re-evaluate their focus and how they have been and will do things moving forward. This will no doubt have some enduring impact on nursing graduates. However, let me quickly add that the coronavirus pandemic has highlighted the need for nurses throughout the United States. The opportunities that will be available to graduates will certainly look different from what they did before the coronavirus pandemic. Graduates will need to recreate in their minds what the ideal job placement may look like and recognize that the length of time for orientation to their position may be decreased.
It appears that many healthcare systems have been forced to re-evaluate their budget, and this has created less request for nurses to work overtime, for hiring per-diem nurses, and salary increases may be negligible. The coronavirus pandemic has created an increase in telehealth and remote work-from-home positions. In addition, there is more focus on community health or public health nursing on the whole versus a more individualized patient approach. A fact that may be overlooked is that there are a number of nurses who have chosen to retire due to concerns of getting infected by the coronavirus, which in itself has created shortages in the industry. Some of these vacant positions will be filled, but unfortunately, others will be terminated.
Earlene Masi
Assistant Professor of Exercise ScienceAnderson University
Nursing and Kinesiology
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Infection Control Nurses?
Earlene Masi: I do not think that there will be an 'enduring' impact on our graduates. However, I think there's a lot of unknowns as a result of Covid-19 and what the future holds. The job market may be impacted due to Covid-19. As a result, our upcoming graduates, along with those from other institutions, may experience difficulty finding a position in their desired field. I encourage our graduates to stay positive and trust in God's plan.
Alicia Cardona
Nursing instructorMorton College
Nursing
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Infection Control Nurses?
Alicia Cardona: The coronavirus has changed nursing and healthcare, and its effects will change the way we operate in the future. It has shown us our strengths and our weaknesses. The pandemic has shown us the staff, supplies, procedures, and protocols that were needed and what was wasteful.