Oncological Nurses
Overview
Introduction
Oncological nurses specialize in the treatment and care of cancer patients. While many oncological nurses care directly for cancer patients, some may be involved in patient or community education, cancer prevention, or cancer research. They may work in specific areas of cancer nursing, such as pediatrics, cancer rehabilitation, chemotherapy, biotherapy, hospice, pain management, and others.
Quick Facts
Median Salary
Employment Prospects
Minimum Education Level
Experience
Skills
Personality Traits
Earnings
Salary is determined by many factors, including nursing specialty, education, and place of employment, shift worked, geographical location, and work experience. According to PayScale Inc., in 2025 the median annual salary for Oncology Certified Nurses was $92,000. According to the Department of Labor, registered nurses earned a median salary of $86,070 in 2023. Salaries ranged from less than $6...
Work Environment
Some oncological nurses may work in clean, well-lighted hospitals, clinics, and other health care settings in upscale communities. Others work in home health care services. Some may find themselves working in remote, underdeveloped areas that have poor living conditions. Personal safety may be an issue at times.
Generally, oncological nurses who wish to advance in their careers will find...
Outlook
Nursing specialties will be in great demand in the future. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that through 2033, employment for registered nurses will grow by 6 percent, which is faster than the average for all occupations.
The outlook for oncological nurses is excellent. The U.S. Bureau of the Census estimates that the number of individuals aged 65 or older will more than doub...