Phoenix Market Overview
Nursing remains a cornerstone of healthcare, with strong demand for skilled professionals nationwide the Phoenix area is no exception. The field encompasses various roles, from licensed practical nurses (LPNs) and vocational nurses (LVNs) to registered nurses (RNs), each contributing to patient care.
The Phoenix Nursing Market Overview contains information compiled from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and various other data sources to provide you with solid understanding of nursing opportunities in your area. Information in this overview will primarily focus on exploring the opportunities and professional landscape for those pursuing an RN career with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree.
What is an RN or Registered Nurse?
A registered nurse (RN) is a licensed healthcare professional responsible for a variety of patient care tasks. These include educating patients and families about health conditions, identifying and addressing potential medical issues, administering medications, and advocating for patient well-being. RNs also design, implement, and assess nursing care plans, making them essential in ensuring coordinated and effective patient care.
How to Become a Nurse in Phoenix
In Arizona, there are several pathways to enter the nursing profession, depending on the type of nurse. For example, Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) can start their careers after completing a state-approved training program and passing a competency exam. Those aiming to become Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs), need to complete a practical nursing program and pass the NCLEX-PN exam.
To become a registered nurse in Arizona, you’ll need to complete a nursing degree program. Among program choices, the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree is one of the most popular, providing graduates with a strong foundation in nursing education, a broad choice in specialties, and increased job growth potential. After earning a degree, graduates must take the National Council Licensure Exam (NCLEX-RN).
Passing the NCLEX-RN board examination grants individuals the title of Registered Nurse and qualifies them to apply for a nursing license in the state where they intend to practice.
Average Nursing Salary in Phoenix, Arizona
Nurses in Arizona, particularly in the Phoenix metropolitan area, enjoy competitive salaries. Even those newly entering the field can expect solid earnings, with the Phoenix region, including cities like Tempe, offering strong financial incentives for RNs.
The average RN salary in Phoenix, AZ, is $89,388 annually, regional compensation vs. national compensation is highlighted below. *Source: Lightcast Q1 2025 Data Set
For those reaching the top percentiles of the profession, the earning potential is even greater. Nationally, registered nurses in the 90th percentile earn an hourly wage of $63.79, which amounts to an annual salary of $132,680. According to May 2023 data, RNs in the 10th percentile, often those just beginning their careers or in entry-level roles, earn an hourly wage of $30.64, translating to an annual salary of $63,720. This range illustrates the potential for salary growth as RNs gain experience and advance in their careers. (Source: Registered Nurses BLS May 2023 Data)
Regional vs. National RN Compensation at a Glance
Registered nurses in the Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler, AZ region earn a median salary that is 4% higher than the national average. This chart illustrates this regional advantage, making Phoenix an attractive location for aspiring and current healthcare professionals.
Nursing Careers in Phoenix
The Phoenix metro area, which includes Tempe, is home to a robust nursing job market.
- Number of Registered Nurses: The area is home to approximately 40,240 Registered Nurses, making it an excellent place for aspiring nurses to start their careers.
- Employment per 1000 jobs: For every 1000 nursing jobs, there are about 18 registered nurses in the area.
These points highlight the promising job market for nursing professionals in and around Phoenix. A career in nursing not only offers a stable and rewarding profession but also the opportunity to work in many different fields and specialties. Source: BLS May 2023 Data
Where do RNs work in Phoenix?
The Phoenix metro area boasts a variety of large hospital networks, specialty clinics, and long-term care facilities. Arizona College of Nursing’s three-year BSN program is designed to prepare graduates for entry-level roles across these sectors.
Phoenix offers abundant job opportunities in both acute care and ambulatory settings, with strong growth projected for these fields.
Nurses also enjoy significant career flexibility. Beyond traditional day shifts, many healthcare institutions offer evening, overnight, weekend, and holiday shifts. Employers often provide shift differentials, offering higher pay for non-day shifts, which can notably boost your RN salary in Arizona.
Top Arizona Cities by RN Job Postings
Arizona cities are seeing significant demand for registered nursing jobs as seen in the table below. These cities are key centers for nursing careers, offering a variety of opportunities for registered nurses across the state.
Date Range for Total & Unique Postings: Oct 2023 – Sept 2024. *Source: Lightcast Q3 2024 Data Set.
| City | Total Postings | Unique Postings |
|---|---|---|
| Phoenix, AZ | 12,856 | 2,639 |
| Mesa, AZ | 3,630 | 755 |
| Glendale, AZ | 3,214 | 571 |
| Scottsdale, AZ | 1,562 | 431 |
| Chandler, AZ | 1,639 | 351 |
| Gilbert, AZ | 1,627 | 330 |
| Sun City, AZ | 1,379 | 232 |
| Goodyear, AZ | 1,209 | 197 |
| Sun City West, AZ | 843 | 169 |
| Tempe, AZ | 448 | 146 |
Top Industries Hiring Nurses in Arizona
The leading industries in Arizona are expanding rapidly, creating a wealth of job opportunities across different fields. These sectors provide diverse career paths for professionals seeking to advance their careers. *Source: Lightcast Q3 2024 Data Set.
| Industries | Total (Oct 2023 – Sep 2024) |
|---|---|
| General Medical and Surgical Hospitals | 21,237 |
| Home Health Care Services | 708 |
| Offices of Physicians (except Mental Health Specialists) | 644 |
| Direct Health and Mental Insurance Carriers | 533 |
| Nursing Care Facilities (Skilled Nursing Facilities) | 420 |
| Kidney Dialysis Centers | 608 |
| Pharmacies and Drug Retailers | 341 |
| Employment Placement Agencies | 353 |
| Elementary and Secondary Schools | 164 |
What kind of job growth is there for Registered Nurses in Phoenix, Arizona?
O*NET OnLine projects positive job growth for nurses both nationally and within the Phoenix metro area over the next decade.
From 2022 to 2032, job growth for registered nurses in the United States is expected to grow 6%, potentially creating around 194,500 new nursing positions by 2032. Source O*NET OnLine
In Arizona, the nursing profession is expected to grow by 39%, with nearly 5,930 annual job openings projected between 2020 and 2030. Source O*NET OnLine
Job Posting Demand: Regional vs. National Comparison
This section highlights key comparisons between the Phoenix metro area and the national average in terms of job opportunities, compensation, and demand for nursing positions. It provides insights into how the Phoenix area aligns with or differs from national trends across these key factors. *Source: Lightcast Q1 2025 Data Set.
Jobs (2025)
Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler, AZ is about average for this kind of job. The national average for an area this size is 50,797* employees, while there are 49,619 here.
Compensation
Earnings are about average in Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler, AZ. The national median salary for Registered Nurses is $86,070, compared to $89,388 here.
Job Posting Demand
Job posting activity is low in Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler, AZ. The national average for an area this size is 3,062* job postings/mo, while there are 2,397 here.
*National average values are derived by taking the national value for Registered Nurses and scaling it down to account for the difference in overall workforce size between the nation and Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler, AZ. In other words, the value represents the national average adjusted for region size.
Employment Trends: Regional vs. National Averages
The data highlights employment trends in the Phoenix area, comparing them to national averages to provide a comprehensive view of job opportunities and demand. Notably, employment trends in Phoenix closely align with the national average. *Source: Lightcast Q1 2025 Data Set.
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Job Outlook for Other Nursing Roles in Phoenix and Arizona
Registered nurses (RNs) are essential to healthcare delivery, but they are not the only nursing professionals involved in patient care. Licensed practical nurses (LPNs) and licensed vocational nurses (LVNs) also contribute significantly to patient care and support healthcare teams. Similar to RN roles, the outlook for LPNs and LVNs in Arizona remains promising.
As of May 2023, data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that the national average annual wage for LPNs and LVNs is $66,720. *Source: Lightcast Q3 2024 Data Set.
On average, LPNs and LVNs earn less than registered nurses across the country. This difference is largely due to the broader scope of responsibilities that RNs take on in patient care compared to LPNs and LVNs.
While LPNs and LVNs are vital to the healthcare system, those considering a nursing career should note that becoming an RN with a BSN offers more extensive career advancement opportunities than pursuing a role as an LPN.
Industry Sectors with the Most Job Opportunities
The graphic highlights the industry sectors where nursing jobs are most commonly found, with the majority of positions located within the general medical and surgical hospitals sector. This sector remains the largest employer of nursing professionals, offering numerous opportunities for career growth. *Source: Lightcast Q1 2025 Data Set.
| Industries | % of Occupation in Industry (2025) |
|---|---|
| General Medical and Surgical Hospitals | 46.9% |
| Offices of Physicians | 9.0% |
| Outpatient Care Centers | 6.8% |
| Employment Services | 6.6% |
| Home Health Care Services | 6.3% |
| Education and Hospitals (Local Goverment) | 4.9% |
| Other | 19.4% |
Top Nursing Employers Hiring in the Phoenix Area
The graphic showcases the top companies in the Phoenix area that are leading the way in nursing job opportunities. These employers represent a diverse range of healthcare providers, offering significant contributions to the region’s healthcare system and attracting skilled nursing professionals. *Source: Lightcast Q3 2024 Data Set.
| Top Companies | Unique Postings |
|---|---|
| Banner Health | 2,642 |
| Abrazo Health | 1,071 |
| Honorhealth | 730 |
| CommonSpirit Health | 460 |
| Medical Solutions | 435 |
| OneStaff Medical | 409 |
| Supplemental Health Care | 327 |
| Valleywise Haelth | 324 |
| Saint Joseph Health | 302 |
| Cross Country Healthcare | 292 |
Top Nursing Job Titles in the Phoenix Area
This graphic highlights the range of nursing job titles in demand across the Phoenix area, offering insight into the roles shaping the local healthcare workforce. The variety of titles reflects the wide range of opportunities available within the nursing community. *Source: Lightcast Q3 2024 Data Set.
| Top Job Titles | Unique Postings |
|---|---|
| Registered Nurses | 2,954 |
| Travel Registered Nurses | 1,108 |
| Progressive Care Unit Registered Nurses | 836 |
| Medical Surgical Registered Nurses | 764 |
| ICU Registered Nurses | 677 |
| Operating Room Registered Nurses | 627 |
| Home Health Registered Nurses | 557 |
| Telemetry Registered Nurses | 528 |
| Telemetry Travel Registered Nurses | 430 |
| Emergency Room Registered Nurses | 395 |
Top Skills in Demand for Nursing Professionals
The graphic below showcases the top skills most in demand across nursing job postings, along with the projected growth for each skill. These competencies are key to staying competitive in the nursing field and are expected to influence future job opportunities. *Source: Lightcast Q3 2024 Data Set.
| Skill | Job Postings Requested | Projected Growth |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nurse (RN) | 25,352 | 18.1% |
| Nursing | 16,254 | 20.1% |
| Basic Life Support (BLS) Certification | 9,551 | 13.9% |
| Nursing Care | 7,296 | 19.1% |
| Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) Certification | 4,616 | 12.3% |
| Nursing Practices | 4,479 | 19.6% |
| Intensive Care Unit | 4,106 | 3.2% |
| Home Health Care | 4,029 | 19.0% |
| Acute Care | 3.859 | 12.8% |
| Medication Administration | 3,637 | 14.3% |
Leading Nursing Programs
The chart below presents the nursing programs with the highest number of completions, underscoring the prominence of Registered Nursing as the primary choice for many nursing students. Other specialized fields, such as Nursing Administration and Family Practice Nursing, also demonstrate notable completion figures, highlighting growing interest in advanced nursing roles. *Source: Lightcast Q3 2024 Data Set.
| Top Programs | Completions (2023) |
|---|---|
| Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse | 7,824 |
| Public Health/Community Nurse/Nursing | 1,657 |
| Nursing Administration | 955 |
| Adult Health Nurse/Nursing | 477 |
| Family Practice Nurse/Nursing/td> | 383 |
| Health/Medical Preparatory Programs, Other | 369 |
| Nursing Practice | 287 |
| Critical Care Nursing | 91 |
| Nursing Science | 5 |
| Emergency Room/Trauma Nursing | 4 |
Do you need a Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing to be a nurse in Arizona?
While some entry-level nursing positions may not require a bachelor’s degree, several nursing associations, government bodies, and healthcare organizations acknowledge the value of the skills that BSN-prepared nurses bring to their roles and encourage employers to adopt the BSN as the standard for new hires in nursing.
According to The American Association of Colleges of Nursing, nurses with a BSN are more adept at handling complex patient cases and are linked to better patient outcomes due to their advanced training. Though there are other entry points into nursing, pursuing a BSN opens up broader career prospects such as employment at a Magnet-designated hospital.
With strong job growth, stability, and competitive compensation, nursing offers an excellent career path.
Arizona College of Nursing is Here To Help
If you’re considering a career as a registered nurse (RN), Arizona College of Nursing is here to help you pursue your dream. Learn more about our BSN program here.
Learn More*The included job listing data is sourced from proprietary job outlook reports developed by Lightcast. The information on this page is derived from data provided by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and consolidated reports from Lightcast, except for indicated external links.