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Nursing Jobs in USA 2026 – RN Jobs, Salary, Requirements & How to Apply

If you are looking for a stable and rewarding healthcare career in the United States, nursing jobs in USA 2026 are worth considering. Registered nurses work in hospitals, outpatient clinics, nursing facilities, home healthcare, physician offices and many other healthcare settings.

Nursing continues to be an important profession in the American healthcare system. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment of registered nurses is projected to grow by 6% from 2025 to 2035, which is faster than the average for all occupations. The BLS also projects approximately 180,800 openings for registered nurses every year, on average, during this period.

The latest BLS wage data shows that registered nurses had a median annual wage of $97,550 in May 2025. Actual salaries vary depending on location, experience, specialty, employer and education.

For people searching for RN jobs, registered nurse jobs, nursing jobs near me, new graduate nurse jobs and healthcare jobs, there are several different career paths available.

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What Is a Registered Nurse?

A registered nurse, commonly called an RN, provides and coordinates patient care.

Depending on the workplace and specialty, nurses may:

Assess patients
Monitor vital signs
Administer medications
Maintain patient records
Communicate with doctors and healthcare professionals
Educate patients and families
Assist with treatment and procedures
Monitor patients after procedures
Provide emotional support
Help patients understand their care plans

Nurses can work in hospitals, outpatient facilities, nursing homes, home healthcare and other healthcare environments.

Nursing Jobs Available in the USA

There is no single type of nursing job. Applicants can choose from several specialties and work environments.

Common nursing positions include:

Registered Nurse (RN)
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)
Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN)
Nurse Practitioner (NP)
ICU Nurse
Emergency Room Nurse
Operating Room Nurse
Medical-Surgical Nurse
Pediatric Nurse
Labor and Delivery Nurse
Home Health Nurse
Hospice Nurse
Psychiatric Nurse
Travel Nurse
Telehealth Nurse
Nurse Manager
New Graduate Nurse

The education, licensing and experience requirements depend on the specific position.

Registered Nurse Salary in USA 2026

Nursing is also attractive to many job seekers because of its earning potential.

According to the latest BLS data, the median annual wage for registered nurses was $97,550 in May 2025.

That figure represents the national median, not a guaranteed salary for every nurse.

Your actual compensation may depend on:

State
City
Hospital or employer
Nursing specialty
Education
Professional experience
Shift
Overtime
Employment type
Union or non-union workplace
Benefits package

For example, an experienced specialty nurse in a high-cost metropolitan area may have a very different compensation package from a newly licensed nurse working in another state.

Highest-Paying Nursing Careers

Nurses can also progress into advanced practice careers.

According to BLS, nurse anesthetists, nurse midwives and nurse practitioners had a combined median annual wage of $134,920 in May 2025. Employment in this occupational group is projected to grow 36% from 2025 to 2035, with approximately 32,200 openings per year on average.

BLS reports these May 2025 median wages:

Nurse Anesthetists — $236,590
Nurse Practitioners — $132,300
Nurse Midwives — $134,040

These advanced nursing careers have additional education, licensing and certification requirements.

Requirements for Nursing Jobs in USA

Requirements vary according to the nursing position, state and employer.

For a typical Registered Nurse position, applicants generally need appropriate nursing education and a state nursing license.

Common requirements can include:

1. Nursing Education

Prospective RNs usually complete an approved nursing education program.

Programs may lead to an associate degree or bachelor’s degree in nursing, depending on the pathway and employer requirements.

2. RN License

Registered nurses must meet the licensing requirements of the state in which they practice.

Applicants should check the nursing regulatory authority in their state for the latest licensing requirements.

3. NCLEX-RN

Candidates seeking RN licensure generally need to pass the NCLEX-RN examination after completing the applicable education requirements.

4. Clinical Training

Nursing education includes clinical experience where students develop practical healthcare skills.

5. Background and Employment Checks

Individual employers may conduct background checks and verify education, licenses and professional history.

6. Additional Certifications

Certain nursing positions may require additional certifications.

For example, specialty departments may prefer or require certifications related to emergency care, critical care or other areas.

Always check the exact job description before applying.

New Graduate Nursing Jobs in USA

New graduate nurses can search for positions specifically designed for nurses who have recently completed their education.

Useful search terms include:

New Grad RN Jobs
New Graduate Nurse Jobs
Entry Level RN Jobs
Graduate Nurse Residency
Nurse Residency Program
RN Jobs for New Graduates
Hospital New Grad Nursing Jobs

Some healthcare systems provide nurse residency programs to help newly graduated nurses transition from education into professional practice.

For example, HCA Healthcare says it provides support for new nurses transitioning from the classroom to bedside practice and offers nurse residency opportunities.

Travel Nurse Jobs in USA

Travel nursing is another option for qualified nurses who want to work in different locations.

Travel nursing positions can vary in:

Contract length
Location
Specialty
Pay
Housing arrangements
Scheduling
Benefits

Travel nurse opportunities are generally intended for qualified nurses who meet the licensing and experience requirements of the position.

Some employers and staffing organizations also offer local contract, per diem and temporary nursing opportunities.

HCA Healthcare’s nursing careers information notes opportunities including full-time, per diem, local contract, travel, interim leadership and educator roles through its affiliated organizations.

Nursing Jobs With No Experience

People often search for “nursing jobs with no experience.”

If you are newly licensed, you may be able to apply for new graduate or nurse residency programs rather than traditional positions requiring several years of experience.

However, being new to nursing is different from being unlicensed.

You generally cannot work as a Registered Nurse simply because you have no previous experience. You must meet the applicable licensing requirements for the state and position.

Instead, search for:

New Grad RN Jobs
Nurse Residency Programs
Entry-Level RN Jobs
New Graduate Nurse Positions
Graduate Nurse Jobs

LPN and LVN Jobs

Not every nursing career requires becoming an RN.

Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) and Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVNs) also work in healthcare facilities and provide patient care within the scope permitted by their state license.

HCA Healthcare currently maintains a dedicated LPN/LVN nursing career pathway and explains routes including LPN and RN education pathways.

Applicants should check the licensing requirements in their state because terminology and regulations can vary.

Home Health Nursing Jobs

Home health nursing allows qualified healthcare professionals to provide care to patients in their homes.

Potential responsibilities can include:

Monitoring patients
Providing prescribed care
Educating patients and families
Managing medications according to applicable orders
Communicating with healthcare providers
Recording patient information

Home healthcare can be attractive to nurses looking for an alternative to traditional hospital work.

HCA Healthcare also lists home-health nursing as one of its outpatient nursing career paths.

Hospital Nursing Jobs

Hospitals remain one of the most common workplaces for nurses.

Hospital nurses may work in departments such as:

Emergency Room
ICU
Medical-Surgical
Pediatrics
Labor and Delivery
Operating Room
Cardiac Care
Oncology
Orthopedics
Psychiatric Care

Hospital schedules can include day, evening, night, weekend and holiday shifts because many hospitals operate 24 hours a day.

Benefits of Nursing Jobs

Benefits vary from employer to employer, but eligible nursing employees may receive packages that can include:

Health insurance
Dental insurance
Vision coverage
Retirement plans
Paid time off
Tuition assistance
Professional development
Employee discounts
Flexible scheduling
Career advancement opportunities

For example, HCA Healthcare says its nursing compensation and benefits can include health benefits, 401(k), paid time off, tuition reimbursement, employee discounts and an employee stock purchase program.

Always check the official employer’s job posting to confirm which benefits apply to the specific position.

How to Apply for Nursing Jobs in USA 2026

Applying for a nursing job is usually completed online.

Step 1: Prepare Your Nursing Credentials

Before applying, make sure you have the credentials required for the position.

Depending on the role, this may include:

Nursing degree
RN/LPN/LVN license
NCLEX qualification
Professional certifications
Clinical experience
Work history

Step 2: Search for Nursing Jobs

Visit the official career website of a hospital or healthcare company.

Search for terms such as:

Registered Nurse

Staff RN

New Graduate RN

Nurse Residency

LPN

LVN

Nurse Practitioner

Step 3: Select Your Location

Search by city, state or ZIP code.

For example:

RN Jobs in Texas
Nursing Jobs in California
RN Jobs in Florida
Nursing Jobs in New York
RN Jobs in North Carolina
Nursing Jobs in Virginia
RN Jobs in Tennessee

Step 4: Read the Job Description

Before applying, check:

Required license
Education
Experience
Specialty
Shift
Salary information
Benefits
Location
Required certifications

Step 5: Create Your Application

Complete the employer’s online application and provide accurate information about your education, license, employment history and professional experience.

Step 6: Submit Your Application

Review everything before submitting.

After applying, monitor your email and the employer’s career portal for updates.

Official Nursing Jobs Application Website

One major healthcare employer currently recruiting nurses is HCA Healthcare.

HCA Healthcare says it has more than 100,000 nurses across its organization and operates hundreds of hospitals and healthcare sites across the United States. Its official nursing careers page includes opportunities for new nurses, registered nurses, non-bedside nurses and nursing leadership.

HCA Healthcare Nursing Careers

Official application website:
https://careers.hcahealthcare.com/pages/nursing

Applicants can use the official HCA Careers website to search positions by job title, specialty, city, state or ZIP code.

HCA Registered Nurse Jobs

HCA also provides a dedicated search for Registered Nurse positions.

Official website:
https://careers.hcahealthcare.com/

Search for “Registered Nurse” and select your preferred location.

Nursing Jobs in Different USA States

Nursing opportunities are available across many parts of the country.

HCA Healthcare’s current location information includes states such as:

California
Florida
Georgia
North Carolina
South Carolina
Tennessee
Texas
Virginia
Colorado
Nevada
Utah
Alaska
Idaho
Kansas
Kentucky
Louisiana
Missouri
New Hampshire

The exact vacancies change regularly, so applicants should use the official job-search page to find positions available in their preferred area.

Important Warning for Nursing Job Seekers

Be careful when applying for nursing positions online.

A legitimate employer should provide an identifiable job posting and official application process.

Never pay an unknown person who promises to guarantee a nursing job.

Do not send banking information or other sensitive personal information to an unverified recruiter.

Always verify the vacancy on the healthcare employer’s official careers website.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does an RN make in the USA?

The latest BLS data shows a median annual wage of $97,550 for registered nurses in May 2025. Individual salaries vary by location, experience, specialty and employer.

How many RN jobs are expected to be available?

BLS projects approximately 180,800 registered nurse openings per year, on average, between 2025 and 2035.

Can a new graduate become an RN?

Yes, after completing the applicable nursing education and licensing process. New graduates can also search for nurse residency and new-graduate positions.

Can I apply for nursing jobs online?

Yes. Many hospitals and healthcare companies accept applications through their official careers websites.

Do nursing jobs require a license?

Registered nurses must meet state licensing requirements. Exact requirements depend on the state and position.

Are there part-time nursing jobs?

Yes. Some employers offer part-time, per diem and other flexible nursing arrangements. HCA Healthcare, for example, advertises PRN nursing opportunities.

Are travel nursing jobs available?

Travel and contract nursing opportunities exist, but eligibility depends on the position, licensing and employer requirements. HCA Healthcare’s nursing career information includes travel and local contract opportunities.

Final Words

Nursing remains one of the most important healthcare careers in the United States. With a $97,550 national median annual wage for registered nurses and approximately 180,800 projected openings per year, qualified nurses can find opportunities in hospitals, outpatient care, home healthcare and other healthcare settings.

If you are already a licensed nurse, start by searching official hospital and healthcare career websites for positions that match your specialty and location.

If you are a new graduate, look specifically for new graduate RN jobs and nurse residency programs.

Always verify the requirements, salary, schedule, benefits and licensing conditions in the actual job posting before applying.

Official Apply Links

HCA Healthcare Nursing Careers:
https://careers.hcahealthcare.com/pages/nursing

HCA Healthcare Official Careers:
https://careers.hcahealthcare.com/

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics – Registered Nurses:
https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/registered-nurses.htm