---
title: Job Outlook for Nurses in St. Louis
url: "https://arizonacollege.edu/st-louis-nursing-school/nursing-job-outlook-st-louis/"
type: campus-location
date_published: 2025-10-10
date_modified: 2025-12-16
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language: en-US
word_count: 2524
reading_time: 13 min
canonical: "https://arizonacollege.edu/st-louis-nursing-school/nursing-job-outlook-st-louis/"
---

# Job Outlook for Nurses in St. Louis

St. Louis

![](https://arizonacollege.edu/wp-content/themes/arizona-college/assets/svg/hero-bars.svg)

# Job Outlook for Nurses in St. Louis

Nursing remains a cornerstone of healthcare, with demand for skilled
professionals nationwide and the St. Louis 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.
Understanding the job outlook for nurses is essential, as it highlights the
growing need for these roles and the stability they offer in today’s healthcare
environment.

The Job Outlook for Nurses in Missouri contains information compiled from U.S.
Bureau of Labor Statistics and various other data sources to provide you with
solid understanding of the job outlook, RN salary, and nursing opportunities in
the St. Louis metro 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 do you become a nurse in St. Louis?

In Missouri, 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 Missouri, you’ll need to complete a 
[nursing degree program](https://arizonacollege.edu/st-louis-nursing-school/).
Among program choices, the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree is one of
the most popular, providing graduates with a 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)](https://www.nclex.com/index.page).

Passing the NCLEX-RN examination grants individuals eligibility to apply for a
nursing license in the state where they intend to practice as a Registered
Nurse.

## What is the median RN salary in St. Louis, Missouri?

Nurses in Missouri, particularly in the St. Louis metropolitan area, enjoy
competitive salaries. The positive job outlook for nurses means that even those
newly entering the field can often find stable employment, with the St. Louis
region, including cities like Florissant, offering favorable conditions for RNs.

The median RN salary in St. Louis, MO, is $79,761 annually, regional
compensation vs. national compensation is highlighted below. \*
[_Source: Lightcast Q1 2025 Data Set_](https://arizonacollege.edu/st-louis-nursing-school/nursing-job-outlook-st-louis/#source)

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 $65.06, which amounts to an annual salary of $135,320. According
to May 2024 data, RNs in the 10th percentile, often those just beginning their
careers or in entry-level roles, earn an hourly wage of $31.75, translating to
an annual salary of $66,030. This range illustrates the potential for salary
growth as RNs gain experience and advance in their careers. (Source: 
[Registered Nurses BLS May 2024 Data](https://www.onetonline.org/link/localwages/29-1141.00?st=MO)
)

![Graphic of Median RN Salary in Missouri](https://arizonacollege.edu/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/St.-Louis-Nurse-Salary-1536x914.png.webp)

## Regional vs. National RN Compensation at a Glance

Registered nurses in the St. Louis, MO region earn a median salary that is 7%
lower than the national average. This chart illustrates this regional
difference.

\*
[_Source: Lightcast Q1 2025 Data Set_](https://arizonacollege.edu/st-louis-nursing-school/nursing-job-outlook-st-louis/#source)

![St. Louis Missouri Nurse Salary Graph](https://arizonacollege.edu/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/St.-Louis-Missouri-Nurse-Salary.png.webp)

## Nursing Careers in St. Louis

The St. Louis, MO metro area, is home to a growing nursing job market.

- **Number of Registered Nurses:** The area is home to approximately 33,484
  Registered Nurses, while the national average for an area this size is 28,338.
- **Employment per 1000 jobs:** For every 1000 jobs, there are about 25
  registered nurses in the area.

These points highlight the opportunity for nursing professionals in and around
St. Louis. 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 2024 Data_](https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_38060.htm)

## Where do RNs work in St. Louis?

The St. Louis 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.

St. Louis offers job opportunities in both acute care and ambulatory settings,
with growth projected for both 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 Missouri.

## What are the top Missouri cities by RN job postings?

The top Missouri cities for total and unique registered nurse job postings are
highlighted 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: May 2024 – April 2025. \*[Source: Lightcast Q1 2025 Data Set.](https://arizonacollege.edu/st-louis-nursing-school/nursing-job-outlook-st-louis/#source)_

| City | Total Posting | Unique Postings |
| --- | --- | --- |
| St. Louis, MO | 20,163 | 3,449 |
| Belleville, IL | 2,453 | 374 |
| St. Peters, MO | 1,245 | 219 |
| Alton, IL | 837 | 198 |
| Chesterfield, MO | 723 | 170 |
| O’Fallon, IL | 309 | 163 |
| Valley Park, MO | 415 | 145 |
| O’Fallon, MO | 436 | 134 |
| Twin Oaks, MO | 173 | 134 |
| Sullivan, MO | 373 | 103 |
| Florissant, MO | 334 | 96 |

## What are the top industries hiring nurses in Missouri?

The leading industries in Missouri are expanding rapidly, creating job
opportunities across different fields. These sectors provide diverse career
paths for professionals seeking to advance their careers. \*
[_Source: Lightcast Q1 2025 Data Set._](https://arizonacollege.edu/st-louis-nursing-school/nursing-job-outlook-st-louis/#source)

| Industries | Total (󠀁**May 2024 – April 2025**󠁿) |
| --- | --- |
| Offices of Physicians (except Mental Health Specialists) | 24,678 |
| General Medical and Surgical Hospitals | 1,193 |
| Nursing Care Facilities (Skilled Nursing Facilities) | 862 |
| Offices of All Other Miscellaneous Health Practitioners | 542 |
| Home Health Care Services | 414 |
| Kidney Dialysis Centers | 545 |
| Direct Health and Medical Insurance Carriers | 417 |
| Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools | 213 |
| Speciality (except Psychiatric and Substance Abuse) Hospitals | 151 |

## What kind of job growth is there for Registered Nurses in St. Louis, Missouri?

O\*NET OnLine projects positive job growth for nurses both nationally and within
the St. Louis metro area over the next decade.

From 2024 to 2034, job growth for registered nurses in the United States is
expected to grow 5%, potentially creating around 189,100 new nursing positions
annually by 2034. 
[_Source O\*NET OnLine_](https://www.onetonline.org/link/localtrends/29-1141.00?st=MO)

In Missouri, the nursing profession is expected to grow by 10%, with nearly
5,100 annual job openings projected between 2022 and 2032. 
[_Source O\*NET OnLine_](https://www.onetonline.org/link/localtrends/29-1141.00?st=MO)

## Job Posting Demand: Regional vs. National Comparison

This section highlights key comparisons between the St. Louis metro area and the
national average in terms of job opportunities, compensation, and demand for
nursing positions. It provides insights into how the St. Louis area aligns with
or differs from national trends across these key factors. \*
[_Source: Lightcast Q1 2025 Data Set._](https://arizonacollege.edu/st-louis-nursing-school/nursing-job-outlook-st-louis/#source)

![St. Louis Missouri Nurse Jobs Near Me](https://arizonacollege.edu/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/St.-Louis-Nurse-Jobs-Near-Me-768x469.png.webp)

### Jobs (2025)

The national average for an area this size is 28,338\* employees, while there
are 33,484 here.

![Graphic of Median RN Salary in Missouri](https://arizonacollege.edu/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/St.-Louis-Nurse-Salary-1536x914.png.webp)

### Compensation

The national median salary for Registered Nurses is $86,070, compared to $79,761
here.

![St. Louis Missouri Job Posting Demand](https://arizonacollege.edu/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/St.-Louis-Job-Posting-Demand-768x488.png.webp)

### Job Posting Demand

The national average for an area this size is 1,705\* job postings/mo, while
there are 2,236 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 St. Louis, MO-IL. 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 St. Louis area, comparing them to
national averages to provide a comprehensive view of job opportunities and
demand. Notably, employment trends in St. Louis are lower than the national
average. \*
[_Source: Lightcast Q1 2025 Data Set._](https://arizonacollege.edu/st-louis-nursing-school/nursing-job-outlook-st-louis/#source)

![St. Louis Missouri Nurse Job Postings](https://arizonacollege.edu/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/St.-Louis-Missouri-Nurse-Job-Postings.png.webp)

## What is the job outlook for other nursing roles in St. Louis and Missouri?

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 Missouri remains promising.

As of May 2024, data from the 
[U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)](https://www.onetonline.org/link/localwages/29-2061.00?st=MO)
 reports that the national average annual wage for LPNs and LVNs is $62,340. \*
[_Source: Lightcast Q1 2025 Data Set._](https://arizonacollege.edu/st-louis-nursing-school/nursing-job-outlook-st-louis/#source)

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._](https://arizonacollege.edu/st-louis-nursing-school/nursing-job-outlook-st-louis/#source)

| Industries | % of Occupation in Industry (2025) |
| --- | --- |
| General Medical and Surgical Hospitals | 66.6% |
| Offices of Physicians | 5.4% |
| Nursing Care Facilities (Skilled Nursing Facilities) | 4.8% |
| Home Health Care Services | 2.5% |
| Employment Services | 2.5% |
| Specialty (except Psychiatric and Substance Abuse) Hospitals | 2.4% |
| Other | 15.7% |

## Who are the top nursing employers hiring in the St. Louis area?

The graphic showcases the top companies in the St. Louis 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 Q1 2025 Data Set._](https://arizonacollege.edu/st-louis-nursing-school/nursing-job-outlook-st-louis/#source)

| Top Companies | Unique Postings May ’24 – April ’25 |
| --- | --- |
| BJC Healthcare | 3,508 |
| Mercy | 482 |
| Nursing Network | 202 |
| Bethesda Health Group | 146 |
| Hospital Sisters Health System | 142 |
| SSM Health Care | 104 |
| Encompass Health | 79 |
| Elevance Health | 73 |
| Life Care Centers of America | 71 |
| DaVita | 67 |

## What are the top nursing job titles in the St. Louis area?

This graphic highlights the range of nursing job titles in demand across the St.
Louis 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 Q1 2025 Data Set._](https://arizonacollege.edu/st-louis-nursing-school/nursing-job-outlook-st-louis/#source)

| 󠀁**Top Job Titles**󠁿 | Unique Postings |
| --- | --- |
| Registered Nurses (RN) | 676 |
| Medical Surgical Registered Nurses | 236 |
| Travel Registered Nurse | 225 |
| Home Health Registered Nurse | 181 |
| Hospice Registered Nurse | 160 |
| Telemetry Travel Registered Nurses | 149 |
| Telemetry Registered Nurses | 146 |
| Step Down Registered Nurses | 138 |
| ICU Registered Nurses | 137 |
| Long Term Acute Care Registered Nurses | 136 |

## What are the 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 Q1 2025 Data Set._](https://arizonacollege.edu/st-louis-nursing-school/nursing-job-outlook-st-louis/#source)

| 󠀁**Skill**󠁿 | Job Postings Requested | Projected Growth |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Registered Nurse (RN) | 7,931 | 18.1% |
| Nursing | 5,828 | 20.1% |
| Nursing Care | 2,755 | 19.1% |
| Basic Life Support (BLS) Certification | 2,289 | 13.9% |
| Medication Administration | 2,000 | 14.3% |
| Home Health Care | 1,950 | 19.0% |
| Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) Certification | 1,115 | 14.8% |
| Intensive Care Unit | 879 | 3.2% |
| Nursing Practices | 865 | 19.6% |
| Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) Certification | 738 | 12.3% |

## 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 Q1 2025 Data Set._](https://arizonacollege.edu/st-louis-nursing-school/nursing-job-outlook-st-louis/#source)

| 󠀁**Top Programs**󠁿 | Completions (2023) |
| --- | --- |
| Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse | 2,006 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing, Other | 381 |
| Psychiatric / Mental Health Nurse / Nursing | 302 |
| Family Practice Nurse / Nursing | 270 |
| Nursing Practice | 229 |
| Critical Care Nursing | 123 |
| Geriatric Nurse / Nursing | 89 |
| Pediatric Nurse / Nursing | 72 |
| Nursing Administration | 42 |
| Adult Health Nurse / Nursing | 18 |

## Do you need a Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing to be a nurse in Missouri?

![Nursing program in Missouri BSN Program vs LPN Program St. Louis](https://arizonacollege.edu/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Nursing-Salary-BSN-Program-vs-LPN-Program-St.-Louis.webp)

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](https://www.aacnnursing.org/news-data/fact-sheets/impact-of-education-on-nursing-practice)_
, 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](https://www.nursingworld.org/organizational-programs/magnet/)
 hospital.

With job growth, stability, and competitive compensation, nursing offers an
excellent career path.

![Nursing Degree School Icon](https://arizonacollege.edu/wp-content/themes/arizona-college/dist/images/azc-iconmark.svg)

## 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.

_\*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._