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Job outlook for oncology nurses in the United States
Oncology nurse job growth summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
The projected oncology nurse job growth rate is 6% from 2018-2028.
About 195,400 new jobs for oncology nurses are projected over the next decade.
Oncology nurse salaries have increased 10% for oncology nurses in the last 5 years.
There are over 21,652 oncology nurses currently employed in the United States.
There are 584,649 active oncology nurse job openings in the US.
The average oncology nurse salary is $72,372.
Are oncology nurse jobs in demand?
Oncology nurse job and salary trends over time
Oncology nurse jobs over time
Oncology nurse job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 21,652 | 0.01% |
| 2020 | 21,218 | 0.01% |
| 2019 | 21,188 | 0.01% |
| 2018 | 20,973 | 0.01% |
| 2017 | 20,652 | 0.01% |
Average oncology nurse salary over time
Oncology nurse salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $72,372 | $34.79 | +2.8% |
| 2024 | $70,421 | $33.86 | +2.2% |
| 2023 | $68,913 | $33.13 | +2.5% |
| 2022 | $67,251 | $32.33 | +2.3% |
| 2021 | $65,762 | $31.62 | +1.4% |
Oncology nurse jobs by state
Most common states for oncology nurses
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | South Dakota | 869,666 | 594 | 68% |
| 2 | Vermont | 623,657 | 401 | 64% |
| 3 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 4,299 | 63% |
| 4 | North Dakota | 755,393 | 443 | 59% |
| 5 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 763 | 57% |
| 6 | Delaware | 961,939 | 550 | 57% |
| 7 | Maine | 1,335,907 | 734 | 55% |
| 8 | Montana | 1,050,493 | 578 | 55% |
| 9 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 380 | 55% |
| 10 | Indiana | 6,666,818 | 3,468 | 52% |
| 11 | Iowa | 3,145,711 | 1,569 | 50% |
| 12 | Florida | 20,984,400 | 10,310 | 49% |
| 13 | New Mexico | 2,088,070 | 938 | 45% |
| 14 | Alaska | 739,795 | 334 | 45% |
| 15 | Wyoming | 579,315 | 254 | 44% |
| 16 | Washington | 7,405,743 | 3,150 | 43% |
| 17 | Colorado | 5,607,154 | 2,421 | 43% |
| 18 | Kansas | 2,913,123 | 1,241 | 43% |
| 19 | Georgia | 10,429,379 | 4,026 | 39% |
| 20 | Louisiana | 4,684,333 | 1,843 | 39% |
Most common cities for oncology nurses
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Palo Alto | 17 | 25% | $130,026 |
| 2 | Northampton | 4 | 14% | $88,505 |
| 3 | Burlington | 3 | 12% | $86,870 |
| 4 | Hot Springs | 3 | 8% | $61,304 |
| 5 | Idaho Falls | 4 | 7% | $67,943 |
| 6 | Atlanta | 8 | 2% | $70,703 |
| 7 | Philadelphia | 10 | 1% | $72,396 |
| 8 | Baltimore | 5 | 1% | $82,322 |
| 9 | Washington | 4 | 1% | $106,572 |
| 10 | Houston | 9 | 0% | $71,457 |
| 11 | Dallas | 5 | 0% | $71,380 |
| 12 | Los Angeles | 4 | 0% | $118,926 |
| 13 | Boston | 3 | 0% | $87,666 |
| 14 | Chicago | 3 | 0% | $67,875 |
| 15 | Fort Worth | 3 | 0% | $71,645 |
| 16 | Phoenix | 3 | 0% | $76,284 |
Oncology Nurse job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of oncology nurse experts
Pennsylvania State University - Harrisburg
Meharry Medical College
Molloy College
The University of Tampa
Harding University
George Fox University
Troy University
University of Wyoming
New York University
University of Maine
Francis Marion University
Metropolitan State University of Denver
California State University - Dominguez Hills
University of Detroit Mercy
Prairie View A & M University
Loyola University New Orleans
Mars Hill University
What general advice would you give to an Oncology Nurse?
Dr. Cynthia Aurentz DNP, MSN, RN, CNE: Nursing is a dynamic field and there are many options. You can work in an Emergency Room, pediatrics, oncology, or even as a vascular access specialist (and many others). One of the great things about Nursing is that if you find you don't like a particular specialty, making a change is easy. Having your RN license qualifies you to work anywhere that an RN license is required so it may simply be a matter of transferring to a different area. Nurses are lifelong learners and there is much to learn! It is beneficial to have a solid foundation in basic medical-surgical concepts. Nursing needs great med-surg nurses and employers are looking for those who are willing to provide excellent direct patient care at the bedside. I also recommend that you learn about Nurse advocacy and become involved. As soon as you graduate, join your State and National Nurse Associations so that you have a voice in the issues that impact Nursing.
Dr. Robert Doerfler PhD, CRNP
Associate Teaching Professor of Nursing & NLN Certified Nurse EducatorPennsylvania State University - Harrisburg
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research And Clinical Nursing
What will help Oncology Nurses increase their earning potential?
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.
Olugbemiga Ogunkua M.D., Ph.D.
ProfessorMeharry Medical College
Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences
What general advice would you give to an Oncology Nurse?
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.
Normadeane Armstrong PhD, RN, ANP-BC
ProfessorMolloy College
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research And Clinical Nursing
What general advice would you give to an Oncology Nurse?
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.
What Oncology Nurse skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
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.
Marcus Binns MSN-NE, RN
Assistant ProfessorHarding University
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research And Clinical Nursing
What general advice would you give to an Oncology Nurse?
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.
What Oncology Nurse skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
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.
What general advice would you give to an Oncology Nurse?
Kari Sandau MSN, RN, PCCN, CNE: Having good customer service and people skills will never go out of style. You can have all the knowledge and technical skills required to be a nurse, but if you don't know how to connect with people and care, you will be missing what we call the 'art' of nursing. I believe that technology will continue to become more integrated into healthcare systems, so it is important to have comfort with how we can use technology to improve care and patient outcomes. Healthcare is constantly changing, and nurses need to be innovative and adaptable.
Kayla Jackson RN BSN
BSN Success CoachTroy University
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research And Clinical Nursing
What general advice would you give to an Oncology Nurse?
Kayla Jackson RN BSN: Salary potential varies depending on location, specialty and experience but a few ways to maximize your salary potential are: Consider pursuing further education which can include certifications in your field or area of expertise, an advanced degree, or specialized training. Gain experience. Seek out unique opportunities for professional growth so you can build an exceptional resume. This can position you for higher paying roles. Negotiate strategically-just as we advocate for our patients, we must be an advocate for ourselves. Do your research and know the standards where you are located, but also highlight the skill set you are bringing to the table and articulate how valuable you will be to their organization. Explore different employment settings. Nurses have so many opportunities in different fields, so explore what is out there and base your decision on who offers the best salary and benefits.
What will help Oncology Nurses increase their earning potential?
Kayla Jackson RN BSN: The advice I would give to new graduates entering the field would be to cultivate resilience, as nursing is an emotionally and physically demanding profession. Develop coping skills, seek out help and support early, and prioritize self-care to help prevent burnout. I would also encourage you to stay adaptable and embrace life-long learning. Healthcare is a constantly evolving field with continuous advancements and changes in protocol. As nurses, we must stay flexible and adapt to these constant changes and keep an open mind for learning as well as new opportunities. Lastly, nursing is a collaborative field. Therefore, we must foster strong relationships with our colleagues and patients in order to be the best advocate we can be for the patients and provide the highest quality of care.
Karen Gorton PhD, RN, FNP, MS
Associate Dean, Associate ProfessorUniversity of Wyoming
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research And Clinical Nursing
What general advice would you give to an Oncology Nurse?
Karen Gorton PhD, RN, FNP, MS: Continue to learn and grow. When opportunities for professional development arise, ask your managers to support you in gaining further knowledge and certifications. When you start in your first job, salary is important, but not as important as having an environment that will support you in your growth and development as a RN. If you have completed any micro-credentials, be sure to highlight those in the application process. For example, if you have completed the IHI Open School Basic Certificate in Quality and Safety, note that in your certifications on your resume. The increased knowledge and certifications may lead to some pay increases.
Dr. Kelseanne Breder PhD, PMHNP, GERO-BC
Clinical Assistant ProfessorNew York University
Health Professions And Related Clinical Sciences
What will help Oncology Nurses increase their earning potential?
Dr. Kelseanne Breder PhD, PMHNP, GERO-BC: Seek job opportunities that offer you ample supervision. Supervision is critical to furthering your education and refining on-the-job expertise in the specific practice setting where you have chosen to work.
What will help Oncology Nurses increase their earning potential?
Jordan Porter DNP, APRN, FNP-BC: Looking ahead in the field of nursing, one significant trend I foresee is the ever-increasing integration of artificial intelligence into healthcare. Nurses have long been recognized as among the most trusted and ethical professionals nationwide, with our code of ethics considered one of the most rigorous globally. This ethical foundation positions us uniquely to lead in the ethical application of generative AI in healthcare. We shouldn't view AI as a replacement for nursing intelligence but as a tool to augment it. It’s crucial that we maintain a human-centered approach in deploying AI technologies, ensuring they don’t perpetuate health inequities but rather promote health equity. We need to have a seat at the table to ensure that these technologies are used ethically and responsibly. This means being involved in creating AI systems that are not only effective but also accountable and aligned with our commitment to caring and fairness. So, in the next three to five years, I believe developing expertise in AI and ethics will be essential for nurses. We'll need to be vigilant and proactive in shaping how these technologies are implemented to truly support and enhance patient care without compromising our ethical standards.
Deborah Hopla DNP, APRN-BC, FAANP, FAAN
ProfessorFrancis Marion University
Communication Disorders Sciences And Services
What Oncology Nurse skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Deborah Hopla DNP, APRN-BC, FAANP, FAAN: The skills that will be vital in the next 3-5 years will be around technology. Utilization of telehealth will become more prevalent, and the ongoing development of Artificial Intelligence (AI) will allow better algorithms and evidence-based treatment options for patients and providers.
What Oncology Nurse skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Cindy Krentz DNP, RN, ACUE: Entering the nursing profession at present offers numerous advantages. Firstly, there's a widespread shortage of nurses nationwide, making nursing a highly sought-after career. With the aging population and retiring nurses, there's a pressing need for new nurses to fill these vacancies. Additionally, nursing offers diverse career paths, allowing individuals to transition between different specialties if desired. Moreover, the field boasts high earning potential, job stability, and flexibility in scheduling.
Cathy Andrade DNP, MSN, RN
Assistant ProfessorCalifornia State University - Dominguez Hills
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research And Clinical Nursing
What general advice would you give to an Oncology Nurse?
Cathy Andrade DNP, MSN, RN: It seems we are in a phase in healthcare where the use of technology is growing at a rapid pace. Having an open mind to accept and continue to build skills using new technologies will continue to be important factors for the future of nursing practice.
Wendy Bowles PhD, APRN-CNP, CNE
Associate Clinical Professor, Associate Dean for Baccalaureate ProgramsWhat general advice would you give to an Oncology 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 will help Oncology Nurses increase their earning potential?
Wendy Bowles PhD, APRN-CNP, CNE: Nursing offers many opportunities for a career and you never know what door will open for you in your calling to care. You should explore many possibilities and not limit yourself to any one particular area. It is also important to explore your future career and educational doors in the future.
Dr. Ashlee Barnes DNP, APRN, FNP-C
Assistant ProfessorUniversity of Detroit Mercy
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research And Clinical Nursing
What general advice would you give to an Oncology Nurse?
Dr. Ashlee Barnes DNP, APRN, FNP-C: Nursing remains an excellent career path, characterized by its evolving landscape and opportunities, continual growth, and soaring demand in a variety of settings. Nursing guarantees job stability, possibility for both personal and professional advancement, and the satisfaction of positively impacting people's lives.
What Oncology Nurse 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.
What will help Oncology 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 Oncology Nurses increase their earning potential?
Alison Alaimo MSN, RN: I think the biggest thing people like about nursing is the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of others which is highly rewarding. Job stability in the field as well as variety and flexibility are also viewed as favorable. Nurses can also have a high degree of autonomy in their practice allowing them to make clinical decisions. Finally, there are always opportunities for leadership advancement and a large variety of advanced education that can be obtained in the field. Some of the things people dislike about being a nurse are the high workloads and emotional stress that often come with the job. There is also often a lack of recognition and support for nurses. The tasks of nursing can also be physically demanding, and nurses must be careful not to accidentally injury themselves on the job. Administrative burdens such as documenting can reduce the amount of time a nurse can spend on direct patient care and may cause frustration for some nurses. Overall though, I think the positive aspects of being a nurse far outweigh the negative ones.
Michelle Collins Ph.D., CNM, RNC-EFM, FACNM, FAAN, FNAP
Dean and ProfessorLoyola University New Orleans
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research And Clinical Nursing
What will help Oncology Nurses increase their earning potential?
Michelle Collins Ph.D., CNM, RNC-EFM, FACNM, FAAN, FNAP: Currently new nurses will be starting their first jobs making a salary that is much more competitive in the market than was the case in the past. Most health systems have set salary schedules for all nurses based on experience so you may not have the ability to negotiate a salary. But work satisfaction goes beyond pay. Look closely at the healthcare benefits, investment plan participation ability, other perks like gym membership support, tuition support for graduate school, etc. in addition to the work hours. Examining a job proposal should be a comprehensive look at not only salary, but the benefits as well.
Clare Chambers
Assistant Professor of NursingMars Hill University
Nursing Department
What skills stand out on Oncology Nurse resumes?
Clare Chambers: Skills that typically stand out on RN resumes include special certifications such as Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) or Acute/Critical Care Nursing (CCRN). Managers also tend to pay attention to applicants who have volunteer experience or are members of nursing organizations within their educational programs or nationally. Other useful skills include any previous electronic medical record experience or working at the bedside previously as a certified nurse assistant if the nurse is newly licensed.