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Job outlook for nurse recruiters in the United States
Are nurse recruiter jobs in demand?
Nurse recruiter job and salary trends over time
Nurse recruiter jobs over time
Nurse recruiter job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 1,586 | 0.00% |
| 2020 | 1,387 | 0.00% |
| 2019 | 1,355 | 0.00% |
| 2018 | 1,271 | 0.00% |
| 2017 | 1,186 | 0.00% |
Average nurse recruiter salary over time
Nurse recruiter salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $53,189 | $25.57 | +2.5% |
| 2024 | $51,874 | $24.94 | +1.7% |
| 2023 | $51,003 | $24.52 | +0.9% |
| 2022 | $50,559 | $24.31 | +2.0% |
| 2021 | $49,578 | $23.84 | +1.4% |
Nurse recruiter jobs by state
Most common states for nurse recruiters
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 129 | 19% |
| 2 | Montana | 1,050,493 | 170 | 16% |
| 3 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 944 | 14% |
| 4 | South Dakota | 869,666 | 124 | 14% |
| 5 | New Mexico | 2,088,070 | 220 | 11% |
| 6 | Maine | 1,335,907 | 153 | 11% |
| 7 | Nebraska | 1,920,076 | 195 | 10% |
| 8 | Wyoming | 579,315 | 58 | 10% |
| 9 | Pennsylvania | 12,805,537 | 1,168 | 9% |
| 10 | Illinois | 12,802,023 | 1,147 | 9% |
| 11 | Missouri | 6,113,532 | 544 | 9% |
| 12 | Oregon | 4,142,776 | 361 | 9% |
| 13 | Vermont | 623,657 | 55 | 9% |
| 14 | Michigan | 9,962,311 | 805 | 8% |
| 15 | Washington | 7,405,743 | 606 | 8% |
| 16 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 114 | 8% |
| 17 | Rhode Island | 1,059,639 | 81 | 8% |
| 18 | Alaska | 739,795 | 62 | 8% |
| 19 | North Dakota | 755,393 | 61 | 8% |
| 20 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 369 | 7% |
Most common cities for nurse recruiters
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Brookfield | 2 | 5% | $44,109 |
| 2 | Fort Myers | 2 | 3% | $42,863 |
| 3 | Hattiesburg | 1 | 2% | $46,264 |
| 4 | Baltimore | 4 | 1% | $58,810 |
| 5 | Bakersfield | 2 | 1% | $65,716 |
| 6 | New Orleans | 2 | 1% | $46,733 |
| 7 | Appleton | 1 | 1% | $44,383 |
| 8 | Fayetteville | 1 | 1% | $47,556 |
| 9 | Frisco | 1 | 1% | $49,880 |
| 10 | Seattle | 3 | 0% | $67,626 |
| 11 | New York | 2 | 0% | $58,010 |
| 12 | Omaha | 2 | 0% | $42,458 |
| 13 | Austin | 1 | 0% | $50,339 |
| 14 | Buffalo | 1 | 0% | $56,997 |
| 15 | Denver | 1 | 0% | $58,659 |
| 16 | Houston | 1 | 0% | $49,715 |
| 17 | Memphis | 1 | 0% | $41,552 |
Nurse Recruiter job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of nurse recruiter experts
Northwestern State University of Louisiana
Molloy College
University of St. Francis
University of Maine
University of Detroit Mercy
Manhattan College
Muhlenberg College
The Pennsylvania State University
Emmaus Homes
East Tennessee State University
Sac City
Krystyna Tabor
Assistant ProfessorNorthwestern State University of Louisiana
Allied Health And Medical Assisting Services
What Nurse Recruiter skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
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.
What will help Nurse Recruiters increase their earning potential?
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.
Normadeane Armstrong PhD, RN, ANP-BC
ProfessorMolloy College
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research And Clinical Nursing
What Nurse Recruiter skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Normadeane Armstrong PhD, RN, ANP-BC: Technological Proficiency, Cultural Competence, Focus on Preventive Care and Health Promotion, Interprofessional Collaboration.
Dr. Maria Martinez DNP RN
Interim Associate Dean for Undergraduate NursingUniversity of St. Francis
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research And Clinical Nursing
What Nurse Recruiter skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
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.
What Nurse Recruiter 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.
Dr. Ashlee Barnes DNP, APRN, FNP-C
Assistant ProfessorUniversity of Detroit Mercy
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research And Clinical Nursing
What Nurse Recruiter skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Ashlee Barnes DNP, APRN, FNP-C: People like the career paths that are offered in nursing. People also like the flexibility, ever-evolving shifts, job security and the opportunity to make a difference on a daily basis. People dislike the long hours at times, constant pressure, emotional involvement, and physical demands.
Pamela Chasek
Professor of Political Science, Manhattan CollegeManhattan College
International Relations And National Security Studies
What general advice would you give to a Nurse Recruiter?
Pamela Chasek: I think it is important to understand economics, speak another major language in addition to English, and have good computer skills. It is also important. But strong interpersonal skills should not be underestimated.
What Nurse Recruiter skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Pamela Chasek: The more skills you have the better off you will be. Negotiate your salary package -- don't just accept what they offer you. However, if they refuse to budge, you may want to negotiate consideration of a raise after a 3-month probationary period.
What will help Nurse Recruiters increase their earning potential?
Pamela Chasek: I think it is important to understand economics, speak another major language in addition to English, and have good computer skills. It is also important. But strong interpersonal skills should not be underestimated.
Ryan Smolko
Associate Director, Career CenterMuhlenberg College
The Career Center at Muhlenberg College
What's a good job out of college for Nurse Recruiters?
Ryan Smolko: A good job out of college is one that integrates a students skillset with their larger value system. Students can see every job available with a click of a button so employers are doing a lot around showing their culture, mission and social responsibility in very genuine ways.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Nurse Recruiter job market given the pandemic?
Ryan Smolko: Overnight, employers have had to innovate the way in which they do their work. Even when it is safe for employees to return to their offices, a level of flexibility will almost certainly be a staple going forward. Productivity is measured by work done- not hours at a desk. Those employers who remain rigid will find retaining top talent challenging. Along those lines employees will have the ability to live almost anywhere while still building a successful career.
What technical skills for a Nurse Recruiter stand out to employers?
Ryan Smolko: Technical skills vary by industry and the technical skills needed today are not those that will be needed five or even one year from now. Adaptability is key to staying relevant in their career both now and in the future. O*Net is a great resource for students to see technical skills commonly used in their jobs of interest.
The technical skills everyone should be continually working on are Excel/Tableau and Canva/PowerPoint. Working with large amounts of data is almost universal in today's economy regardless of industry or position. You can also have the best data in the world but if you can't present it in a dynamic way it won't be seen which is why being well versed in presentation and design tools can be a big advantage.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Nurse Recruiter job market given the pandemic?
Elaine Farndale Ph.D.: As we move into a period of economic recovery following the pandemic, I would expect to see a gradual opening up of positions across the job market, but no major recovery for the next couple of years. As most businesses start to regroup and win back their customers, there will likely be cautious steps forward. STEM jobs are most likely to be in high demand as these are areas in which the future economy will grow, but also areas in which the supply of suitable talent is limited. HR graduates will have an influential role to play if they can demonstrate skills in helping organizations transition through a complex restructuring of jobs and activities.
What skills stand out on Nurse Recruiter resumes?
Elaine Farndale Ph.D.: An ability to be flexible and adaptable has to be a number one priority for most positions, particularly HR. This might be related to geographic flexibility, i.e., being willing to go where skills are needed, or flexibility of working hours or place of work (in an office or working from home). We have learned a lot about the advantages (e.g., reduced office space, meeting, and travel costs) and disadvantages (e.g., losing connections with co-workers, more complex people management, and productivity challenges) of remote working so businesses will be trying to continue to keep the advantages while removing the disadvantages once people can work on-site as well as remotely. HR professionals who can advise businesses through this balancing act will be invaluable.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Nurse Recruiters to find work opportunities?
Elaine Farndale Ph.D.: The answer will lie in which states can recover from the pandemic the quickest, which is still very much unknown.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Nurse Recruiter job market given the pandemic?
Tonya Courtois: Covid 19 has forced many to rethink and reevaluate the status quo. Remote work has always been a topic of consideration for many but the pandemic pushed it into high gear for both employers and potential employees. More employers are going to be looking for individuals who are open to remote work. This brings its own set of new considerations. As an employer you are looking for individuals who are able to manage themselves and their time. Are they tech-savvy, adaptable, innovative, organized and self-aware? How will we manage accountability and production? For potential employees, they want to know how they will learn the role, how personal will it feel, will there be any disconnect, and how to balance work and home life.
Recruiters will have to think outside of the box to hire and onboard individuals. However, it doesn't stop there. Recruiters now have to be more accommodating, educated on the culture of the organization, and find that personal touch that allows the candidate to feel connected to the mission of the organization. They have to paint that picture of the company as a whole. They will have to be the expert, the coach, the teacher, the face of the organization.
What skills stand out on Nurse Recruiter resumes?
Tonya Courtois: To be most attractive to us a resume should be more than just a list of a person's work history and the skills they acquired while they occupied each role. A resume that will stand out to us, is a resume that tells us how a candidate problem-solved during their tenure at each job. We are also looking for candidates who closely align with our core value system. A one size fits all resume is not a best practice. Candidates should do their homework and clearly and specifically identify past behaviors that demonstrate they share our values. Resumes should be full of well-written examples of how they added value.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Nurse Recruiters to find work opportunities?
Tonya Courtois: Our industry provides support staff to adults who have developmental disabilities. Our entry-level employees are called Direct Support Professionals (DSPS). We, like many others in our industry, are experiencing a significant staffing crisis. This crisis has gained national attention. To close the gap we continue to encourage our state legislatures to standardize rates and pay rates that will allow us to outpace minimum wage and be competitive with other high-volume employers. My recommendation to students and recent graduates is to research mission-driven, caregiving roles in their area, specifically those for individuals with disabilities. Learn about disabilities and understand the need. Reach out to a couple of different organizations in your area and connect with them to learn more about their mission. Find a good fit and pick up some part-time hours while finishing school. At Emmaus we are very intentional in creating career paths for individuals who have a mission heart and want to do work that matters. It's not just a job but a defined career path!
What Nurse Recruiter skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. James Lampley: I would encourage a graduate or graduate student to use the gap year experience to learn a new marketable skill or to work with under-served groups. Learn how to do something that not a lot of people can do.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Nurse Recruiter job market given the pandemic?
Dr. James Lampley: Online delivery. Before the pandemic, we were already seeing a trend to more online programs. After we return to "normal" we will see online courses and online programs expand exponentially.
What general advice would you give to a Nurse Recruiter?
Dr. James Lampley: Be willing to go where the jobs are. Many of our graduates are "place-bound". Their family obligations or spouses make it difficult to relocate.
What type of skills will young Nurse Recruiters need?
Jeffery Christian: The more things change, the more they stay the same. With that said, there will always be universal skills that are required for the nursing profession. Skills such as being a great listener. A great listener to me is a nurse who has empathy. A nurse who has empathy can put themselves in the patient's shoes and therefore, will be better at meeting that particular patient's needs. A nurse with empathy will know how to ask the right questions, in a way that is nonjudgmental, and uses open-ended questions that empower the patient to share their true self.
Building relationships with patients is vital for patient education and teaching. So much of nursing is teaching. If the nurse does not have the skill of relationship building, many opportunities to truly create change in the patient's life will be lost. When we (the nursing profession) truly see and understand what our patient's lives look like, then we put ourselves and our patients in the best possible position to create life-long change.
Life-long learning - nursing is based on Evidence-Based Practice. What that means is that the nursing profession is constantly researching and developing best practices. That means, if you are entering the profession, you have to be quick to adapt and open to constant change. Even more so than open, eager to find the best way to deliver world-class patient care.
Maintaining life balance - I have been a nurse for 28 years, and this profession is much more difficult now than it was when I started. In order for bedside nurses to be effective, and to not develop compassion fatigue/burnout... homeostasis has to be achieved. A young nurse just entering the profession has to know how to keep balance. Whether it is yoga, journaling, exercising, eating well, sleeping well,... all of these components have to be in balance so the nurse can come to work refreshed and recharged.
Obviously - one of the key components to being a great nurse and having sustainability in this profession is to be a critical thinker. Nothing is as it seems, and this profession demands nurses to constantly be on their toes and to be thinking critically about why they do what they do. Whether it is passing a specific medication, performing a diagnostic test, ... the ability to constantly think critically is vital for patient safety.
There are so many more, but I have to get back to work, and this is taking longer than I thought...