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Job outlook for scrub nurses in the United States
Scrub nurse job growth summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
The projected scrub nurse job growth rate is 6% from 2018-2028.
About 195,400 new jobs for scrub nurses are projected over the next decade.
Scrub nurse salaries have increased 10% for scrub nurses in the last 5 years.
There are over 5,395 scrub nurses currently employed in the United States.
There are 635,835 active scrub nurse job openings in the US.
The average scrub nurse salary is $66,672.
Are scrub nurse jobs in demand?
Scrub nurse job and salary trends over time
Scrub nurse jobs over time
Scrub nurse job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 5,395 | 0.00% |
| 2020 | 5,287 | 0.00% |
| 2019 | 5,279 | 0.00% |
| 2018 | 5,226 | 0.00% |
| 2017 | 5,146 | 0.00% |
Average scrub nurse salary over time
Scrub nurse salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | $66,672 | $32.05 | +2.8% |
| 2025 | $64,875 | $31.19 | +2.2% |
| 2024 | $63,486 | $30.52 | +2.5% |
| 2023 | $61,955 | $29.79 | +2.3% |
| 2022 | $60,583 | $29.13 | +1.4% |
Scrub nurse jobs by state
Most common states for scrub nurses
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 1,169 | 87% |
| 2 | South Dakota | 869,666 | 742 | 85% |
| 3 | Vermont | 623,657 | 527 | 85% |
| 4 | North Dakota | 755,393 | 635 | 84% |
| 5 | Maine | 1,335,907 | 1,053 | 79% |
| 6 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 535 | 77% |
| 7 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 4,986 | 73% |
| 8 | Delaware | 961,939 | 699 | 73% |
| 9 | Montana | 1,050,493 | 740 | 70% |
| 10 | Alaska | 739,795 | 508 | 69% |
| 11 | New Mexico | 2,088,070 | 1,399 | 67% |
| 12 | Florida | 20,984,400 | 13,788 | 66% |
| 13 | Indiana | 6,666,818 | 4,119 | 62% |
| 14 | Iowa | 3,145,711 | 1,858 | 59% |
| 15 | Washington | 7,405,743 | 4,252 | 57% |
| 16 | Tennessee | 6,715,984 | 3,861 | 57% |
| 17 | Colorado | 5,607,154 | 3,173 | 57% |
| 18 | Pennsylvania | 12,805,537 | 7,092 | 55% |
| 19 | Kansas | 2,913,123 | 1,603 | 55% |
| 20 | Wyoming | 579,315 | 319 | 55% |
Most common cities for scrub nurses
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Palo Alto | 1 | 1% | $91,266 |
| 2 | San Antonio | 1 | 0% | $59,066 |
Scrub Nurse job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of scrub nurse experts
Pennsylvania State University - Harrisburg
California State University - Chico
Meharry Medical College
Molloy College
University of St. Francis
The University of Tampa
Harding University
University of Wyoming
Prairie View A & M University
Metropolitan State University of Denver
Missouri State University
Elms College
Lincoln University
Anderson University
Quinnipiac University
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 general advice would you give to a Scrub Nurse?
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.
What will help Scrub 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.
What Scrub Nurse skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
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.
Olugbemiga Ogunkua M.D., Ph.D.
ProfessorMeharry Medical College
Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences
What will help Scrub Nurses increase their earning potential?
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.
Normadeane Armstrong PhD, RN, ANP-BC
ProfessorMolloy College
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research And Clinical Nursing
What Scrub Nurse 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.
What will help Scrub Nurses increase their earning potential?
Normadeane Armstrong PhD, RN, ANP-BC: Specialize, Further Education, Negotiate, Explore Alternative Settings, Stay Updated.
Dr. Maria Martinez DNP RN
Interim Associate Dean for Undergraduate NursingUniversity of St. Francis
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research And Clinical Nursing
What general advice would you give to a Scrub Nurse?
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.
What Scrub Nurse 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 will help Scrub Nurses increase their earning potential?
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.
What general advice would you give to a Scrub Nurse?
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.
Marcus Binns MSN-NE, RN
Assistant ProfessorHarding University
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research And Clinical Nursing
What general advice would you give to a Scrub 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.
Karen Gorton PhD, RN, FNP, MS
Associate Dean, Associate ProfessorUniversity of Wyoming
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research And Clinical Nursing
What Scrub 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.
Wendy Bowles PhD, APRN-CNP, CNE
Associate Clinical Professor, Associate Dean for Baccalaureate ProgramsWhat general advice would you give to a Scrub 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 Scrub 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.
What general advice would you give to a Scrub 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.
Dr. Theresa Buxton PhD, RN, CNE
Nursing Department ChairMetropolitan State University of Denver
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research And Clinical Nursing
What will help Scrub Nurses increase their earning potential?
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.
Dr. Monika Feeney
Department Head for the School of Anesthesia and School of NursingMissouri State University
School of Nursing
What skills stand out on Scrub Nurse resumes?
Dr. Monika Feeney: Firstly to be a nurse, you have to pass multiple skills and technical duties to even be allowed to practice - one is not more important than another since all are patient care skills, and our graduates are taught to be safe providers. In addition, you have to pass a challenging board examination, the NCLEX. You need to be well-rounded and have technical skills as well as the mental capacity to assess and make safe decisions. Resilience and the ability to function safely in an ever-changing healthcare system are important. A kind and caring attitude with a hardworking spirit are what makes a great nurse. The ability to empathize and think on your feet is always important - not just during the current COVID situation. Hands that give kind care as well as a heart that cares.
Advanced practice skills/certifications generally increase your income potential.
Will there be an increase or decrease in demand for Scrub Nurses in the next 5 years?
Cynthia L. Dakin: I believe there will continue to be an increase in home care and extended care facilities as the baby boomers continue to age. With the advances in reconstructive orthopedic surgery, more people will be seeking care in rehabilitation centers and home care. Additionally, although telemedicine has been around for several years, the number of people choosing these visits vs. face-to-face has greatly increased due to the current pandemic. As providers become more comfortable with this method of care delivery and with this mode of primary healthcare, it will increasingly be used to stretch a PCPs ability to meet the increasing needs of the population.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Scrub Nurses to find work opportunities?
Vilma Davis: As previously mentioned, there is a need for nurses throughout the United States. Most nursing programs will intermittently have nurse recruiters come on campus, giving students an opportunity to ask questions and get information about the job market. This is one way that graduates can get plugged into where the needs of nurses are. Graduates can also visit the websites of various hospitals and see what openings are available for which they can apply. Doing a simple google search for "nursing jobs" will yield a plethora of available jobs that they can review and make the decision which they would like to pursue.
Earlene Masi
Assistant Professor of Exercise ScienceAnderson University
Nursing and Kinesiology
What general advice would you give to a Scrub Nurse?
Earlene Masi: Always be true to yourself. In any situation, never be afraid to ask for help. As you enter the workforce, remember communication is critical, always be a team player, and always be open to change. Remember to try and find a job that you enjoy, and that gives you a sense of fulfillment.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Scrub Nurses?
Lisa Rebeschi Ph.D.: My hope, in terms of the pandemic's enduring impact on graduates, is the public appreciation and recognition of the RN's vital role. As the largest segment of healthcare providers, nurses will continue to impact the quality and safety of delivered care.