As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for an Oncology Nurse in the United States is $88,900 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $43.
However, an Oncology Nurse's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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An Oncology Nurse's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location, education, and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of an Oncology Nurse's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Oncology Nurse | $86,372 |
| Intermediate Level Oncology Nurse | $86,601 |
| Senior Level Oncology Nurse | $89,669 |
| Specialist Level Oncology Nurse | $93,973 |
| Expert Level Oncology Nurse | $94,281 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Oncology Nurses. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Accountability | 4.92% |
| Acute Care | 4.19% |
| Pediatric | 1.81% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Collective Bargaining
|
$95,123 |
7%
|
|
Staff Development
|
$94,234 |
6%
|
|
Telecommunications
|
$93,345 |
5%
|
|
Employee Engagement
|
$93,345 |
5%
|
|
Commitment
|
$91,567 |
3%
|
|
Family Education
|
$91,567 |
3%
|
Oncology Nurse salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $94,298. While startup companies pay approximate $80,355.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $80,355 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $84,826 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $91,215 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $94,298 |
For Oncology Nurse roles, the industry you choose can impact your earning potential by as much as 40% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the highest-paying industry, Healthcare, offers compensation 20% above the average. Conversely, Oncology Nurse positions in Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as this sector often view Oncology Nurse as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Healthcare | $106,680 | $51.0 | 20% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Oncology Nurses enter the field with a Associate's Degree degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.
According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for an Oncology Nurse with a Associate's Degree is between $81,625 and $86,755).
Oncology Nurse Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 1.2% |
| High School | 1.2% |
| Associates | 38.0% |
| Bachelors | 54.5% |
| Masters | 6.3% |
| Doctorate | 0.0% |
Understanding how an Oncology Nurse's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
Last Updated on August 01, 2026Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As an Oncology Nurse, you have the following paths for advancement. The table below compares the salary raises for common next-step roles. By comparing these figures, you can choose the career path that best meets your financial goals.
| Next Step Role | Estimate Salary | Projected Raise |
|---|---|---|
| Director Mother and Baby Unit | $162,000 | 82% |
| Director Intensive Care Unit Operations | $154,200 | 73% |
| Entry Registered Nurse - Staff | $73,700 | -17% |
| Organ Transplant Coordinator RN | $110,100 | 24% |
Salaries for an Oncology Nurse can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $209,336 in 2023 to around $203,607 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Oncology Nurse salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $209,336 |
| 2024 | $211,584 |
| 2025 | $203,607 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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The Healthcare industry offers the highest average compensation for Oncology Nurse roles, with salaries approximately 20% above the market median.
The highest paid nurses in the U.S. are nurse anesthetists, with salaries ranging from $77,400 to $96,800, and a median salary of $86,600. These certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs) play a crucial role in administering anesthesia safely to millions of patients each year.
Yes, oncology nurses are in high demand due to the increasing prevalence of cancer and the need for specialized care. Their expertise is crucial in providing support and treatment to patients. In terms of compensation, oncology nurses can expect salaries ranging from a minimum of $77,400 to a mid-level of $86,600, with top earners making up to $96,800 annually.
To become an Oncology Nurse, it typically takes 2 to 4 years, depending on whether you pursue an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). After obtaining your RN license, you can specialize further. Oncology Nurses earn between $77,400 and $96,800 annually, with a median salary of $86,600.
One of the highest paying RN fields is oncology nursing. According to recent salary data, oncology nurses can expect a minimum salary of $77,400, a mid-range salary of $86,600, and a maximum salary of $96,800. This specialization not only offers competitive compensation but also the opportunity to make a significant impact on patients' lives.
The highest paying RN degree is typically that of a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA). Oncology nurses also earn competitive salaries, with a minimum of $77,400, a mid-range of $86,600, and a maximum of $96,800. Other high-paying roles include General Nurse Practitioner, ICU Nurse, and Clinical Nurse Specialist.
Nurse anesthetists are compensated well due to their advanced training and critical role in patient care during surgeries. Their expertise ensures patient safety and effective pain management, which are vital in medical settings. In comparison, oncology nurses earn between $77,400 and $96,800, reflecting the specialized skills and responsibilities required in their field.
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