Average Age of Nurses in the U.S.: A Detailed Breakdown

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median age of registered nurses (RNs) in the United States was 45 years in May 2022. The age distribution of RNs is as follows:

18-29 years old: 10.6%

30-39 years old: 17.3%

40-49 years old: 28.9%

50-59 years old: 28.2%

60 years and older: 15.1%

Overall, the nursing workforce is aging, and the number of RNs aged 50 and older is projected to increase in the coming years due to the large number of baby boomers entering retirement age. This aging trend could impact nurse recruitment, retention, and the delivery of nursing care, as older nurses may have different career preferences, health needs, and work-life expectations.