How to Become a Registered Nurse
Assess patient health, create treatment plans, and provide direct patient care. It typically requires a bachelor's degree, with a median salary of $97,550 per year and faster than average projected job growth.
Median pay
$97,550/yr
Job growth
5%
Openings / yr
189,100
Majors that lead here
Key skills
- Patient Care
- Clinical Assessment
- Medical Terminology
- Critical Thinking
- Communication
Helpful certifications
- NCLEX-RN
- BLS Certification
- ACLS Certification
Is this career a fit?
Remote-friendly
12/100
Work-life balance
38/100
Stress level
75/100
Satisfaction
68/100
Related careers
- Psychiatrist$281,870 median
- Physician (Family Medicine)$244,180 median
- Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA)$236,590 median
- Dentist$170,950 median
- Pharmacist$140,910 median
- Optometrist$136,570 median
Frequently asked questions
How much does a Registered Nurse make?
The median pay for a Registered Nurse is $97,550 a year (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2025). Actual pay varies with experience, location, and employer.
What degree do you need to become a Registered Nurse?
The usual entry point is a bachelor's degree. Common majors are Nursing, Pre-Nursing, and Health Sciences.
Is Registered Nurse a growing field?
The BLS projects faster than average demand for this role, about 5% over the decade, with roughly 189,100 U.S. openings a year.
What skills does a Registered Nurse use most?
Common skills for this role are Patient Care, Clinical Assessment, Medical Terminology, Critical Thinking, and Communication.
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Take the major quizSalary and job-growth figures: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and O*NET OnLine (median annual wages May 2025; employment projections 2024-2034). National figures; actual pay varies by location, employer, and experience.