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Job outlook for research nurses in the United States
Research nurse job growth summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
The projected research nurse job growth rate is 6% from 2018-2028.
About 4,600 new jobs for research nurses are projected over the next decade.
Research nurse salaries have increased 15% for research nurses in the last 5 years.
There are over 27,035 research nurses currently employed in the United States.
There are 46,665 active research nurse job openings in the US.
The average research nurse salary is $53,463.
Are research nurse jobs in demand?
Research nurse job and salary trends over time
Research nurse jobs over time
Research nurse job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 27,035 | 0.01% |
| 2020 | 27,437 | 0.01% |
| 2019 | 24,489 | 0.01% |
| 2018 | 21,791 | 0.01% |
| 2017 | 20,327 | 0.01% |
Average research nurse salary over time
Research nurse salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $53,463 | $25.70 | +6.8% |
| 2024 | $50,037 | $24.06 | +4.2% |
| 2023 | $48,006 | $23.08 | +4.1% |
| 2022 | $46,110 | $22.17 | --0.7% |
| 2021 | $46,452 | $22.33 | --0.3% |
Research nurse jobs by state
Most common states for research nurses
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | South Dakota | 869,666 | 241 | 28% |
| 2 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 163 | 23% |
| 3 | Montana | 1,050,493 | 208 | 20% |
| 4 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 250 | 19% |
| 5 | Rhode Island | 1,059,639 | 189 | 18% |
| 6 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 1,170 | 17% |
| 7 | New Mexico | 2,088,070 | 364 | 17% |
| 8 | Nebraska | 1,920,076 | 325 | 17% |
| 9 | Vermont | 623,657 | 109 | 17% |
| 10 | Oregon | 4,142,776 | 616 | 15% |
| 11 | Wyoming | 579,315 | 86 | 15% |
| 12 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 762 | 14% |
| 13 | Maine | 1,335,907 | 188 | 14% |
| 14 | Delaware | 961,939 | 137 | 14% |
| 15 | Pennsylvania | 12,805,537 | 1,618 | 13% |
| 16 | Michigan | 9,962,311 | 1,252 | 13% |
| 17 | Missouri | 6,113,532 | 794 | 13% |
| 18 | California | 39,536,653 | 4,730 | 12% |
| 19 | Colorado | 5,607,154 | 694 | 12% |
| 20 | North Dakota | 755,393 | 90 | 12% |
Most common cities for research nurses
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | San Fernando | 4 | 16% | $60,005 |
| 2 | Lawndale | 4 | 12% | $59,261 |
| 3 | Bethesda | 4 | 7% | $57,696 |
| 4 | Alhambra | 4 | 5% | $59,542 |
| 5 | Baltimore | 22 | 4% | $58,400 |
| 6 | Englewood | 1 | 3% | $53,777 |
| 7 | Boston | 11 | 2% | $59,781 |
| 8 | Hartford | 2 | 2% | $59,669 |
| 9 | Madison | 2 | 1% | $49,613 |
| 10 | Scottsdale | 2 | 1% | $53,702 |
| 11 | Fort Myers | 1 | 1% | $53,217 |
| 12 | Los Angeles | 6 | 0% | $59,527 |
| 13 | Detroit | 2 | 0% | $54,981 |
| 14 | Atlanta | 1 | 0% | $50,605 |
| 15 | Chicago | 1 | 0% | $52,656 |
| 16 | Chula Vista | 1 | 0% | $57,162 |
| 17 | Dallas | 1 | 0% | $53,367 |
Research Nurse job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of research nurse experts
Pennsylvania State University - Harrisburg
Molloy College
Hartwick College
Shepherd University
University of Wyoming
New York University
University of Maine
Metropolitan State University of Denver
George Fox University
New York University
New York University
Swarthmore College
Florida Gulf Coast University
Stephen F. Austin State University
Minnesota State University - Mankato
University of Minnesota
Stevens Institute of Technology
Drexel University
University of Charleston
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 Research 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.
Normadeane Armstrong PhD, RN, ANP-BC
ProfessorMolloy College
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research And Clinical Nursing
What general advice would you give to a Research 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 Research Nurse skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Lorena Marra MS, FNP-C: For any graduate novice nurse, I would say to start your career in a facility that is comfortable for you. Perhaps it is somewhere that you were able to have good clinical experiences in, or perhaps a facility that you have been working in while you were in school. That familiarity is always helpful when you are getting started and taking on the new role of graduate nurse. It is also good to start in a facility with a nurse residency program. These programs will help the new nurse with skills that they have not been able to do in school. For example-starting intravenous lines or doing blood draws. Another tip would be to hold off on doing travel nurse experiences until you have more clinical work under your belt. When traveling, you need to be at the top of your skills, so take time to reach that pinnacle before heading off. The same can be said of starting graduate school. Some real-world clinical experience before starting NP school is incredibly helpful. Be patient with yourself as you get started in your new and exciting career.
What will help Research Nurses increase their earning potential?
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.
Lisa Zerull PhD, RN-BC
Assistant Professor of NursingShepherd University
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research And Clinical Nursing
What general advice would you give to a Research Nurse?
Lisa Zerull PhD, RN-BC: Excellent clinical judgment, Flexibility and resiliency, Positive attitudes, Positive change agents—don't be part of the problem—be part of the team to effect positive change
What will help Research Nurses increase their earning potential?
Lisa Zerull PhD, RN-BC: 1. First year RN generally cannot negotiate base salary/hourly rates—these are set. Check out starting salaries and then sign on benefits for first year nurses. 2. I suggest becoming a CNA first (in high school is best) and work summers or PRN during nursing school—adds to your skill set and enhances nursing school learning 3. Explore summer nurse externships to gain experience.
Karen Gorton PhD, RN, FNP, MS
Associate Dean, Associate ProfessorUniversity of Wyoming
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research And Clinical Nursing
What Research Nurse skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Karen Gorton PhD, RN, FNP, MS: In nursing, the ability to think critically within the clinical context, communication, and assessment skills will continue to be very important. You, as the nurse, are with the patient for more hours than any other provider. Your ability to look at the patient combined with your assessment, their current issues, their lab values, and clinical presentation will be the difference in their outcome. Once you put your pieces together, your ability to clearly communicate your findings with the providers will advocate for the patient and their care.
Dr. Kelseanne Breder PhD, PMHNP, GERO-BC
Clinical Assistant ProfessorNew York University
Health Professions And Related Clinical Sciences
What general advice would you give to a Research Nurse?
Dr. Kelseanne Breder PhD, PMHNP, GERO-BC: Trauma-informed care, narrative interview/qualitative assessment skills, informatics.
What Research Nurse skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Kelseanne Breder PhD, PMHNP, GERO-BC: Obtain certifications through the American Nurse Credentialing Center (ANCC), specialize in underserved populations, know your value.
What will help Research 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.
What will help Research Nurses increase their earning potential?
Dr. Cindy Krentz DNP, RN, ACUE: Nursing encompasses a wide range of specialties, from forensic and flight nursing to hospice care, hospital nursing, research, and public health nursing, among others. Regardless of the specific role, the fundamental task common to all nurses is assessment. This involves evaluating patients' physical, mental, and overall well-being. Physically, nurses conduct examinations, monitor vital signs, assess pain levels, and consider the broader context to provide comprehensive reports to healthcare providers. Given that nurses are present round-the-clock in hospitals, they play a crucial role in relaying their assessments to providers, who typically visit once or twice a day.
Wendy Bowles PhD, APRN-CNP, CNE
Associate Clinical Professor, Associate Dean for Baccalaureate ProgramsWhat general advice would you give to a Research 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.
Kara Sump MSN, CNE
Assistant Professor of NursingGeorge Fox University
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research And Clinical Nursing
What general advice would you give to a Research Nurse?
Kara Sump MSN, CNE: Some of this is driven already by practice location, specialty, and unions (if entering a unionized position). I would do your research about what to expect and come with an expectation that you should be able to negotiate a pay rate if you have some background such as previous practice as a CNA, Medication aide, LPN, or another medically related field that is translatable to the nursing practice role. You might consider what relevant job shadows or volunteer work you could do should you not have any of the above. Or perhaps, what previous experience do you have that speaks to teamwork, delegation, managing others, communications, or other essential functions of nursing and being able to articulate how this should afford you a higher wage. Other helpful things- being flexible with shift- nights/weekends, speaking another language and being able to get certified as an interpreter.
What skills will help Research 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.
Natalya Pasklinsky
Executive Director of Simulation LearningNew York University
Rory Meyers College of Nursing
What soft skills should all Research Nurses possess?
Natalya Pasklinsky: Advocacy and leadership skills needed to advance health equity, Skills in collaboration, systems thinking and community building for advancing care excellence and reform, skills in creating healthy work environments, and innovation skills for reimagining new structures and access for improving health for populations and communities.
What will help Research Nurses increase their earning potential?
Michael Brown: I think having a suite of skills is the best strategy. Our graduates learn physics analysis and problem solving skills, but also computer modelling skills, experimental techniques, writing skills, and even how to make an effective presentation.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Research Nurses?
Michael Brown: I don't think so. This has been a challenging year, but 10 years from now, I think graduates will reflect back and see this year as just that: a challenge that we eventually overcame. We developed tools for remote meetings and interviews that I think we will use moving forward.
What's a day at work look like for a Research Nurse?
Michael Brown: Hard to say. I predict that there will be more remote work than we've had in the past. Our physics graduates engaged in experimental or hands-on research will need to be in a physical laboratory. Our graduates are learning how to do computer modelling in the cloud from home.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Research Nurse job market given the pandemic?
Marianela Rivera Ph.D.: The pandemic has had a strong impact on the job market, and it seems that many of those changes are not necessarily going to go away once the situation goes back to normal. The market is highly competitive, even more than before; therefore candidates should be able to demonstrate that they are not limiting themselves to their degrees. Looking for ways to keep up with technology and teaching trends is a must. Flexibility and the willingness and ability to work remotely I think are some of the most important trends in the job market as well. Candidates should be able to demonstrate that they are able to adapt and that they are willing to keep learning. Another significant factor to keep in mind is the importance given to diverse and inclusive environments. The pandemic has also highlighted issues related to sexism, racism, and inequality. Departments of Romance languages, literatures, and linguistics are looking to become more inclusive, therefore, they look for candidates who support an inclusive curriculum, show experience working with diverse populations of students, and demonstrate a commitment to teaching in and about multicultural environments.
What technical skills for a Research Nurse stand out to employers?
Marianela Rivera Ph.D.: In the past, technology was not necessarily one of the main concerns for people interested in romance languages, literatures, and linguistics; however, even before the pandemic, a variety of platforms and resources were made available to facilitate teaching courses related to those fields. The pandemic has highlighted the need to adapt to evolving times, so now technical skills are definitely something employers look for in potential candidates in addition to teaching and research excellence. Knowledge of and experience in online course development, technical writing, social media management, learning management systems, and project management are definitely skills that would stand out to employers.
How have salaries changed over time for Research Nurses?
Marianela Rivera Ph.D.: I think in terms of the salary, there has not been a significant change, especially for those who recently graduate and go into the job market; however, there are many more opportunities in terms of professional development and also to promote and implement interdisciplinary projects. Additional financial support is usually available for those who demonstrate interest and/or experience in developing research and/or service-learning projects, but it all depends on the institution.
Hunter Hampton Ph.D.
Assistant ProfessorStephen F. Austin State University
Department of History
What certifications/licenses/courses can have the biggest impact for Research Nurses?
Hunter Hampton Ph.D.: Historically, the biggest impact on a person's job prospects is an undergraduate degree. As I tell my students, the most important thing you can major in is the one that you finish. But I believe flexibility in an undergraduate degree is beneficial for future employment. Majoring in the humanities provides job seekers cultural awareness, written and oral communication skills, and critical thinking. If the past year has taught us anything about work, cultural awareness, clear communication, critical thinking, and flexibility are essential for successful employers and employees. This skillset also widens job prospects for applicants. As the nature of work continues to change in the wake of the pandemic, I think that employers will seek out employees with a flexible skill set that can adapt quickly to unforeseen of conditions and tasks.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Research Nurse job market given the pandemic?
Hunter Hampton Ph.D.: As someone who graduated from college in 2008 and sought refuge in graduate school, I believe we will see a similar influx in graduate student enrollments over the next two or three years as the economy hopefully recovers. Immediately after I graduated, I applied to about twenty minimum-wage retail jobs. I got two interviews and only one job offer. I saw graduate school as a tool to both buy time in hopes of improved job prospects and increase my qualifications for that future job market. I could see a similar trend now. People that lost their job due to the pandemic may return to finish their undergraduate degree or begin a graduate program for the same reason that I did.
How have salaries changed over time for Research Nurses?
Hunter Hampton Ph.D.: This is difficult to answer because of the variety of fields that someone with a history degree can go into. They range from lawyers, museum curators, writers, business owners, teachers, and a few that get a Ph.D to teach at the college level. For my field as a professor specifically, the salaries are near flat over the past four years. I don't foresee them improving in the near future as state funding continues to decline for higher education. But I do believe that the salary for history majors will increase as employers continue to see the value of hiring humanities graduates.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Research Nurses?
Tao Peng Ph.D.: In the pandemic period, it will become more difficult to find history-related jobs. Some graduates may only find jobs that do not require historical skills.
To make themselves more competitive, students may consider developing new skills: not only historical research and writing skills, but also foreign language skill, programming skill, and/or other interdisciplinary skill(s). They may also consider applying for graduate programs to pursue advanced degrees. Besides, students may find it helpful to find opportunities to practice and teach history: for example, doing interns in local museums or historical societies, or teaching some history courses in local schools.
What soft skills should all Research Nurses possess?
Lee Penn Ph.D.: I hear over and over again from recruiters - they want candidates with strong backgrounds in their majors PLUS two things.
1 - experience with data science, statistics, or some kind of computer science
2 - soft skills (communication, playing well with other, collaboration, etc...)
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Research Nurse job market given the pandemic?
Dr. Ionut Florescu: When the pandemic started in March 2020 the job market drained. I had students with internships blocked and job offers rescinded over night. The fact that we had 87% employment 3 months after graduation for the program I am leading, during pandemic times I think is a testimonial of the strength of our career development team. This changed in December 2020 and I believe this spring we will see a return to normality. We are already doing better than last year and the semester is not even finished.
I am seeing all interviews going online even for companies that are next to us. So, in theory at least, our advantage being right next to Manhattan and Jersey City is not as prominent as before the pandemic. Yet, in the last two months our students are doing as well as before the pandemic. The reason, I think they keep coming back to us is tradition and the fact that our graduates are very technically sound.
Our undergraduate program Quantitative Finance was completely unaffected by the pandemic. The reason is the students typically get offers in their third year. So seniors were unaffected and juniors are now getting offers. This is because the QF program is extremely technical. It probably is the only program in Business Schools in US where students are taking Calc I through IV, and more probability and statistics than any engineering program. I think going forward, those traits are going to become the norm not the exception. I believe every graduate in the future will need to know how to program.
What soft skills should all Research Nurses possess?
Dr. Ionut Florescu: I believe in terms of soft skills, every graduate should be able to explain the results of their complex models to someone who isn't technically sound. So, presentation skills are extremely important. Then the capability of approaching a presenter at a conference or workshop and ask pertinent questions about what they just presented is really important. We require all our students to not only make presentations but also ask questions during other teams' presentations. I believe the most important thing as a teacher in the course is to criticize them when their presentation is not crisp or when the question isn't clear or appropriate.
How have salaries changed over time for Research Nurses?
Dr. Ionut Florescu: Our programs are producing graduates who work in the financial services industry, and our salaries are high compared to other domains. However, in 2019 the year before the pandemic, it was the first time when our graduates were attracted to the technology sector because the compensation was higher. It was also the first time when our Business School data science programs had a higher stating salary than the traditionally finance programs. Thus, I saw a shift in the skills, with statistics now being a required skill and not a "good to have" anymore. I do believe this trend will continue for at least a couple of years. The salaries will go up going forward. They did go down in 2020.
Rogelio Minana Ph.D.
Vice Provost for Global Engagement, Head of Global Studies and Modern LanguagesDrexel University
Office of Global Engagement
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Research Nurses?
Rogelio Minana Ph.D.: It is still unclear the concrete impacts of the pandemic on jobs (working remotely vs on site, and the like), but it is clear that technology, adaptability, and a sense of how the global affects the local and vice versa are indispensable features in today's professional and civic life. Higher education institutions must focus on these skills in order to prepare students beyond disciplinary knowledge, as careers prove more fluid than ever before and the world as a whole becomes even more connected.
What's a good job out of college for Research Nurses?
Rogelio Minana Ph.D.: In today's global world, a good job out of college is one that enables a young graduate to explore a variety of career paths. The jobs of the future will require imagination, creativity, adaptability, and in many cases the ability to move one's career in different directions by means of interdisciplinarity and intercultural competency. Careers are living entities in today's market, and a job that allows a recent graduate to explore and not feel constrained to just one discipline or task will best prepare them to thrive as they become lifelong learners.
What will help Research Nurses increase their earning potential?
Rogelio Minana Ph.D.: In any field, having broad global qualifications, from experience studying and living abroad to language skills and the ability to work as part of international teams, provides a clear edge. Data indicates that international/global experience leads to higher graduation rates and higher GPA in college, as well as to higher earnings and higher change of promotion to decision-making positions after graduation. Developing intercultural competency and proactively seeking and appreciating diversity, both domestic and international, are critical not only for a healthy job market but also for a fairer society.
What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for Research Nurses in the next 3-5 years?
Amy Bruce: In the next 3-5 years, the future of nursing will need innovative ideas from graduate nurses who can bring the benefits of intertwining technology with effective patient care. In the new world of social distancing, we as nurses must find a way to bring back the human connection and caring component that continues to make nursing stand out as an honored profession. Among advances with telemedicine and telecare, interpersonal relationships and caring for our patients has never been more critical, not only with physical care but recognition of mental health disparities.