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Job outlook for telephone triage nurses in the United States
Telephone triage nurse job growth summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
The projected telephone triage nurse job growth rate is 6% from 2018-2028.
About 195,400 new jobs for telephone triage nurses are projected over the next decade.
Telephone triage nurse salaries have increased 10% for telephone triage nurses in the last 5 years.
There are over 7,178 telephone triage nurses currently employed in the United States.
There are 39,985 active telephone triage nurse job openings in the US.
The average telephone triage nurse salary is $67,500.
Are telephone triage nurse jobs in demand?
Telephone triage nurse job and salary trends over time
Telephone triage nurse jobs over time
Telephone triage nurse job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 7,178 | 0.00% |
| 2020 | 7,034 | 0.00% |
| 2019 | 7,024 | 0.00% |
| 2018 | 6,952 | 0.00% |
| 2017 | 6,846 | 0.00% |
Average telephone triage nurse salary over time
Telephone triage nurse salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $67,500 | $32.45 | +2.8% |
| 2024 | $65,681 | $31.58 | +2.2% |
| 2023 | $64,274 | $30.90 | +2.5% |
| 2022 | $62,724 | $30.16 | +2.3% |
| 2021 | $61,335 | $29.49 | +1.4% |
Telephone triage nurse jobs by state
Most common states for telephone triage nurses
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | South Dakota | 869,666 | 150 | 17% |
| 2 | Montana | 1,050,493 | 137 | 13% |
| 3 | Washington | 7,405,743 | 704 | 10% |
| 4 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 632 | 9% |
| 5 | New Mexico | 2,088,070 | 180 | 9% |
| 6 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 65 | 9% |
| 7 | Maine | 1,335,907 | 111 | 8% |
| 8 | Delaware | 961,939 | 74 | 8% |
| 9 | Alaska | 739,795 | 59 | 8% |
| 10 | North Dakota | 755,393 | 59 | 8% |
| 11 | Illinois | 12,802,023 | 866 | 7% |
| 12 | Arizona | 7,016,270 | 477 | 7% |
| 13 | Wyoming | 579,315 | 41 | 7% |
| 14 | Pennsylvania | 12,805,537 | 781 | 6% |
| 15 | Wisconsin | 5,795,483 | 330 | 6% |
| 16 | Iowa | 3,145,711 | 182 | 6% |
| 17 | Kansas | 2,913,123 | 166 | 6% |
| 18 | Nebraska | 1,920,076 | 111 | 6% |
| 19 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 85 | 6% |
| 20 | Vermont | 623,657 | 38 | 6% |
Most common cities for telephone triage nurses
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Battle Creek | 2 | 4% | $79,424 |
| 2 | Monterey | 1 | 4% | $96,453 |
| 3 | Bettendorf | 1 | 3% | $52,945 |
| 4 | Commack | 1 | 3% | $92,824 |
| 5 | Fitchburg | 1 | 2% | $91,355 |
| 6 | Niagara Falls | 1 | 2% | $89,004 |
| 7 | South Jordan | 1 | 1% | $60,789 |
| 8 | Birmingham | 1 | 0% | $62,936 |
| 9 | Cleveland | 1 | 0% | $88,505 |
| 10 | Indianapolis | 1 | 0% | $60,378 |
| 11 | Philadelphia | 1 | 0% | $97,614 |
| 12 | San Diego | 1 | 0% | $84,544 |
Telephone Triage Nurse job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of telephone triage nurse experts
University of Wyoming
University of Maine
Prairie View A & M University
New York University
Western Carolina University
New Jersey City University
Elms College
American Association of Nurse Practitioners
National League for Nursing
The University of Texas at El Paso
Lincoln University
Karen Gorton PhD, RN, FNP, MS
Associate Dean, Associate ProfessorUniversity of Wyoming
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research And Clinical Nursing
What Telephone Triage 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.
What Telephone Triage 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 a Telephone Triage 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 a Telephone Triage 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 Telephone Triage 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 Telephone Triage 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.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Telephone Triage Nurses?
Beth Latimer: Technical skills are important to master. However, this happens more so "on the job" rather than at graduation. Only practice makes perfect when mastering a skill, and having daily interactions with patients will develop those hard technical skills necessary for success.
Terrica Durbin Ph.D.
Associate Professor, Director, School of NursingWestern Carolina University
College of Health and Human Sciences
What hard/technical skills are most important for Telephone Triage Nurses?
Terrica Durbin Ph.D.: Clinical skills specific to the nurse's setting, electronic recordkeeping, patient assessment, and prioritizing appropriate interventions.
What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for Telephone Triage Nurses in the next 3-5 years?
Gloria Boseman Ph.D.: Telehealth is here to stay, fast-tracked because of the pandemic. It was already an emerging trend. I believe nurses will play a more direct role in assessing and interpreting client information and making critical care decisions. As one of the most trusted health care professionals, and as the focus shifts from individual to population health due to the pandemic, consumers have come to rely on technology as a way of communicating and connecting to health care providers, nursing competencies will have to expand to include these skulls.
In addition, real-time data entry could change care at the bedside as well as communication in time vis a vis smart watches or small computers that can synchronize (or recognize) conversation and transcribe to record, stethoscopes that can capture and analyze heart and lung sounds via Bluetooth technology will evolve and 3D printers will change the world of patient care by recreating medication, skin, and even organs.
What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for Telephone Triage Nurses in the next 3-5 years?
Cynthia L. Dakin: I believe telemedicine will see a sustained increase in the coming years, well after the pandemic has passed. Nurses in primary care will be asked to screen more patients using this technology to ascertain whether a face-to-face visit is necessary, if a telemedicine visit is appropriate, or if a patient needs to be referred to the acute care hospital emergency department. Nurses in-home care have used this sporadically through the years to monitor patients with heart failure, but more nurses will need to become familiar with this technology to be applied to a more broad base of patients with a variety of medical comorbidities.
How would you rate the starting salaries for Telephone Triage 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 technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for Telephone Triage Nurses in the next 3-5 years?
Dr. Beverly Malone Ph.D.: With educational institutions forced into at-home learning this year, we have seen a similar rise in virtual nursing simulation as an effective way to simulate real nursing scenarios. Regardless of how soon we get a vaccine, this technology is here to stay, and demand will only grow further. Communication strategies will be dependent on the Zoom industry, and artificial intelligence will begin to dominate the work as well as the play industry.
Virtual learning may also benefit students in the area of telehealth. An increase in virtual learning will help students prepare to support their future patients through telehealth visits and help them be more comfortable during the virtual interview process and diagnosis. It may keep older adults at home or in nursing home care settings, rather than the frequently difficult transition to hospitals.
Virtual learning widens the pool for preceptors in remote locations across the nation and around the world. Without the limitations of geography, compatible matching of students and preceptors is more easily facilitated. Telehealth and mobile apps can also help close the gaps in care that have been documented throughout underserved communities.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Telephone Triage Nurses to find work opportunities?
Leslie Robbins Ph.D.: A growing baby boomer population, improved access to health care, and a rapidly retiring nursing workforce have led to nursing shortages across the nation. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects the need for more than 1 million nurses by 2022. This substantial demand for nurses has created more significant employment opportunities for recent graduates, especially in the Western and Southern United States.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Telephone Triage 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.