How To Become a Charge Nurse: Salary & Career Paths for 2025

Co-Founder and Chief Data Scientist

The United States (US) has been experiencing a shortage of nurses over the decades. Thus, registered nurses (RNs), including charge nurses, as well as advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) are projected to have positive job growth rates that are faster than all occupations across the country.

Notably, the role of a charge nurse may not be well-known to those outside the field of healthcare, but these RNs are essential to the daily operations of healthcare facilities. Because of the important role that they play, they have a decent income potential. To help interested individuals start their journey to becoming a charge nurse, I created this in-depth guide that discusses the responsibilities of charge nurses, necessary education and training, salary potential, job outlook, and possible career paths.

What are the benefits of becoming a charge nurse?

Charge nurses are RNs who oversee nursing shifts within a unit or a department in healthcare facilities, such as hospitals and clinics. RNs may choose to advance in their careers and become APRNs, including nurse anesthetists, nurse midwives, and nurse practitioners.
In the US, charge nurses currently have a base pay ranging from $71,000 to $99,000 (Glassdoor, 2025).
Employment for RNs is expected to increase by 6% between 2023 and 2033. Meanwhile, employment for nurse anesthetists, nurse midwives, and nurse practitioners is expected to grow by 40% over the decade, which is significantly faster than the job growth rate of all US occupations [US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), 2024].

What does a charge nurse do on a daily basis?
What degree do you need to become a charge nurse for 2025?
What are the top skills needed to be a successful charge nurse?
What continuing education is recommended for charge nurses?
How much does a charge nurse make?
What is the job outlook for charge nurses?
Where do charge nurses work?
How can charge nurses advance their careers?
How Can Charge Nurses Achieve a Healthy Work-Life Balance?
How can charge nurses transition into advanced practice roles?
How Can Charge Nurses Benefit from Technological and Educational Innovations?
How do accelerated BSN programs benefit charge nurses?
Which states pay charge nurses the most?
What are the biggest challenges that charge nurses face?
What other types of jobs can charge nurses get?
How Can Self-Paced RN to BSN Programs Empower Charge Nurse Careers?
Other Things You Should Know about How to Become a Charge Nurse

What does a charge nurse do on a daily basis?

Charge nurses play a critical role in maintaining the smooth operation of a hospital unit. Apart from their clinical duties, they fulfill administrative responsibilities. They supervise other nurses and healthcare workers to make sure that patients receive quality care and nursing teams are well-supported.

The following are three main responsibilities that a charge nurse may need to fulfill every day:

A charge nurse supervises staff assignments. Charge nurses coordinate shift assignments to ensure that each nurse is matched with appropriate patients based on skill level and workload. They also adjust assignments as necessary throughout the day.
A charge nurse manages patient flow. They oversee admissions, discharges, and transfers for patient safety and operational efficiency. This requires quick decision-making and constant communication with physicians and other departments.
A charge nurse resolves issues. Charge nurses may be considered as the go-to problem solvers on the floor. They must think and respond quickly to keep their units functioning smoothly. These issues include resolving staffing shortages, handling equipment issues, and addressing patient concerns.

What degree do you need to become a charge nurse for 2025?

To become a charge nurse, the minimum educational requirement is usually an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). While some healthcare facilities accept ADN-prepared nurses with significant experience, many prefer or require candidates to hold a BSN due to its emphasis on leadership, critical thinking, and management skills. A BSN also prepares nurses for future advancement into higher-level roles, such as nurse manager or clinical nurse leader. Prospective students often research the best colleges for registered nurses to find programs that offer strong clinical training, leadership development, and flexible learning options.

In some cases, charge nurses may also pursue additional coursework or certifications in leadership or healthcare administration to strengthen their qualifications. For those entering the field from a different background, online RN programs for non nurses offer a flexible pathway to earning the credentials needed to pursue a nursing career.

Regardless of the degree, all charge nurses must pass the NCLEX-RN exam to become licensed registered nurses (RNs). Earning a BSN not only enhances job prospects but also aligns with the growing industry trend toward higher educational standards in nursing leadership roles.

What are the top skills needed to be a successful charge nurse?

Charge nurses need a well-rounded skill set to lead effectively and provide quality patient care. Their role requires both clinical expertise and strong interpersonal abilities. During my research, I found that the following are three essential skills:

Leadership and Decision-Making: Charge nurses must confidently lead a team, delegate tasks, and make fast decisions under pressure. Strong leadership ensures efficient workflows and boosts team morale.
Communication Skills: Clear and compassionate communication with patients, families, and staff is vital. Charge nurses act as liaisons between healthcare teams, so they must convey information accurately and professionally.
Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving: When unexpected issues arise, such as staff shortages or medical emergencies, charge nurses must assess situations quickly and implement effective solutions to maintain patient safety and unit efficiency.

These skills can be developed on the job as well as early on in nursing school. To be able to advance in your nursing career, you may also need to go through additional training and earn certifications. Not all nurses can afford to go to nursing school due to time and financial constraints. Thus, some opt to earn their degrees online.

However, you might also ask, "Is an online nursing degree credible?" Earning your online degree from accredited academic institutions is similar to earning your degree in person, except mainly for the delivery format. Fortunately, many employers across industries have improved their perceptions of online learning as it becomes more ubiquitous.

What continuing education is recommended for charge nurses?

Continuing nursing education helps charge nurses stay current with clinical practices, strengthen leadership skills, and advance their careers. The following are three valuable continuing education options:

Leadership and Management Courses: These courses focus on team coordination, conflict resolution, and healthcare leadership strategies. They equip charge nurses with tools to effectively manage staff and complex unit dynamics. The American Nurses Association (ANA) offers over 40 online courses in nursing leadership and excellence, including the fundamentals of staffing, nurse well-being, and nurse executive certification online review.
Specialized Nursing Certifications: Certifications, such as the Certified Medical-Surgical Registered Nurse (CMSRN) or Critical Care Registered Nurse (CCRN), validate expertise in specific areas of care and enhance credibility within the nursing team.
Advanced Degree Programs: Pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) or a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) can open doors to higher leadership roles and deepen clinical knowledge. For those interested in advanced practice roles, enrolling in a 12-month FNP program online offers a fast, flexible path to becoming a family nurse practitioner while building on existing nursing experience. Many facilities favor or require BSN-prepared nurses for charge nurse positions.

How much does a charge nurse make?

Charge nurses in the US have an average annual salary of $83,658 (Glassdoor, 2025). The following several key factors influence a charge nurse's income potential:

Work Experience: Nurses with more years in clinical practice, particularly in leadership roles, often command higher salaries due to their advanced skills and expertise.
Education and Certifications: Holding advanced degrees, such as a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) or specialized certifications, can enhance earning potential by demonstrating a higher level of competence and commitment to the profession. Nurses aiming to become nurse practitioners may explore the cheapest online nurse practitioner programs to further their education affordably.
Location: Geographic location significantly impacts salary. States with an increased cost of living may offer higher wages to offset expenses and attract qualified healthcare professionals.

Moreover, ZipRecruiter (2025) listed the average yearly wage of a charge nurse to be $85,509, while Zippia (2025) reported $71,342.

The chart below provides a visualization of the 2023 median annual wages of nurses across the US, according to 2024 data from the US BLS.

What is the job outlook for charge nurses?

While not much data specific to charge nurses are available currently, employment for registered nurses (RNs) in the US is expected to increase by 6% between 2023 and 2033. About 3,300,100 RNs were employed across the country in 2023, so the predicted job growth rate is equivalent to an average of about 194,500 job openings for the role annually (US BLS, 2024).

Moreover, the National Center for Health Workforce Analysis (NCHWA) of the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) (2024) reported that 4,349,377 RNs were actively licensed in the US as of December 31, 2021. Despite this number, the US is still experiencing a shortage of nurses. The reasons for the staff shortage include the aging US population needing constant care, insufficient nursing school resources, and the number of retiring nurses (American Association of Colleges of Nursing, 2024). For instance, 15% of licensed RNs in the US are 65 years old or older (NCHWA, 2024).

Considering these data points, nurses are in high demand in the US, and aspiring charge nurses may find themselves with abundant career opportunities. Specialized paths are also growing in popularity—for example, those researching how to become a cardiovascular operating room nurse often pursue advanced certifications and perioperative training to qualify for high-demand surgical roles.

The chart below provides a visualization of the job outlook for nurses in the US between 2023 and 2033, according to 2024 data from the US BLS.

Where do charge nurses work?

In the US, charge nurses are usually employed in hospitals. They manage other nurses in different units, such as surgery, intensive care, as well as labor and delivery. Moreover, the following are the largest employers of registered nurses (RNs) in the country in 2023:

Hospitals (State, Local, and Private): 58%
Ambulatory Healthcare Services: 19%
Government: 6%
Nursing and Residential Care Facilities: 5%
Educational services (State, Local, and Private): 3%

For advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs), such as nurse anesthetists, nurse midwives, and nurse practitioners, the following are their largest employers across the country in 2023:

Offices of Physicians: 49%
Hospitals (State, Local, and Private): 25%
Outpatient Care Centers: 8%
Offices of Other Health Practitioners: 4%
Educational Services (State, Local, and Private): 3%

Nurses working in specialized roles, such as orthopedics, may also be found in similar settings. Those exploring orthopedic nurse education requirements often prepare for these environments by completing focused coursework and clinical training related to musculoskeletal care.

How can charge nurses advance their careers?

Charge nurses seeking to elevate their roles should focus on strategic professional development and targeted skill enhancement. Pursuing specialized certifications, leadership training, and management courses can open pathways to senior administrative or clinical positions. Embracing advanced degree programs is another viable option; for instance, enrolling in programs like ADN to NP facilitates a seamless transition into advanced practice roles. Engaging with mentorship programs, participating in industry seminars, and leveraging professional networks further enable charge nurses to stay abreast of evolving healthcare trends and secure career advancement opportunities.

How Can Charge Nurses Achieve a Healthy Work-Life Balance?

Charge nurses can maintain a healthy work-life balance by integrating structured scheduling, smart delegation, and technology-driven task management into their daily routines. Implementing tools for shift management and communication can reduce administrative burdens, while mindfulness and stress reduction techniques help sustain focus during high-pressure periods. Pursuing further education that emphasizes time-management and leadership best practices is also beneficial; exploring fast track RN to BSN online programs can offer flexible learning options to accommodate demanding work schedules. Furthermore, networking with peers and participating in wellness programs contribute to creating a supportive work environment that fosters both professional growth and personal well-being.

How can charge nurses transition into advanced practice roles?

Charge nurses seeking to broaden their scope of practice can benefit from transitioning into advanced practice roles such as nurse practitioners. Exploring targeted programs tailored to advanced clinical skills and leadership refinement enables a smooth career transition. This path often involves carefully selecting programs that combine flexibility with rigorous training, ensuring that working professionals can balance continuing education with demanding shift schedules. For example, many charge nurses consider enrolling in affordable FNP programs to gain specialized credentials that open doors to roles with expanded clinical authority and decision-making responsibilities.

How Can Charge Nurses Benefit from Technological and Educational Innovations?

Charge nurses can enhance operational efficiency by integrating advanced digital tools and online learning platforms into their practice. Leveraging systems such as electronic health records, mobile communication apps, and telehealth solutions streamlines team coordination and supports real-time decision making during high-pressure shifts. Additionally, embracing innovative education models enables charge nurses to stay abreast of industry best practices without compromising their work schedules. Programs like RN BSN online programs no clinicals provide focused knowledge that reinforces leadership skills and modern clinical approaches, ensuring that charge nurses are well-equipped to navigate evolving healthcare environments.

How do accelerated BSN programs benefit charge nurses?

Accelerated BSN programs offer a streamlined route to obtaining the advanced credentials that underpin leadership roles in healthcare. For charge nurses, completing these programs can lead to faster career progression by providing up-to-date clinical knowledge, enhanced critical thinking skills, and improved leadership techniques—all crucial for managing complex patient care environments. Furthermore, by reducing the time needed to earn a BSN, these programs allow professionals to transition more quickly into higher-responsibility roles. For tailored educational pathways that support both career advancement and work-life balance, consider exploring the best BSN accelerated programs online.

Which states pay charge nurses the most?

While no data is available specific to charge nurses, wage data for registered nurses (RNs) is extensive. RNs in the US can earn varying salaries, depending on several considerations, including their location. During my research for this guide, I found that the following are the top five highest-paying states for RNs in the country (US BLS, 2025):

California: $140,330
Hawaii: $136,320
Oregon: $123,990
Washington: $112,180
Alaska: $110,690

These states offer higher wages due to different factors, such as cost of living, demand for healthcare services, and state-specific healthcare policies. Thus, nurses must consider both salary and living expenses when evaluating job opportunities in different regions.

For those seeking roles in surgical settings, understanding operating room nurse requirements is essential, as specialized qualifications can lead to better compensation and expanded job prospects in high-paying states.

The chart below provides a visualization of the highest-paying states for registered nurses in 2024, according to 2025 data from the US BLS.

What are the biggest challenges that charge nurses face?

Because charge nurses play a pivotal role in healthcare teams, their responsibilities often come with significant challenges. The following are three of the most common:

Staffing Shortages: Charge nurses frequently manage limited staff while maintaining high standards of patient care. This can lead to increased workloads, stress, and the need for quick decision-making.
Conflict Management: Leading a diverse team often requires resolving interpersonal conflicts among staff or addressing disagreements with patients and families. Charge nurses must remain diplomatic while upholding policies and patient safety.
Balancing Clinical and Administrative Duties: Juggling direct patient care with administrative responsibilities, such as shift planning, documentation, and resource management, can be overwhelming. Effective time management is essential to handle both roles successfully.

In light of these challenges, many nurses evaluate alternative specializations that align better with their interests or lifestyle. For example, reviewing data like the infusion nurse salary can help RNs explore less administrative-intensive paths while still offering competitive pay.

What other types of jobs can charge nurses get?

Charge nurses looking to advance their careers have several high-level healthcare roles available. Notably, most roles, including the ones discussed below, require additional education and credentials:

Nurse Anesthetist: Nurse anesthetists are trained to administer anesthesia and monitor patients during procedures. To become a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA), charge nurses must gain intensive care experience, earn a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) with a specialization in nurse anesthesia, and pass a national certification examination.
Nurse Midwife: Nurse midwives provide prenatal care, deliver babies, and support reproductive health. This specialty requires a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or DNP with a focus on midwifery.
Nurse Practitioner (NP): NPs diagnose conditions, prescribe medication, and provide advanced care. Charge nurses can become NPs by completing an MSN or DNP and passing a national certification examination. Some choose accelerated online NP programs to fast-track their education while balancing work and personal responsibilities.
Physician Assistant (PA): This role involves diagnosing illnesses and developing treatment plans under a physician’s supervision. Becoming a PA requires completing a PA master’s program and passing the Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination® (PANCE).

Here’s What Professionals Have to Say About Their Careers as Charge Nurses

“Becoming a charge nurse has been the most rewarding step in my nursing career. Leading a team and ensuring patients receive top-quality care every shift gives me a sense of pride and purpose every day." —Joshua
"The transition to charge nurse challenged me to grow fast, but the leadership skills and confidence I’ve gained are invaluable. It’s fulfilling to mentor new nurses and see the difference I make in both staff morale and patient outcomes." —Samantha
"What I love most is the balance of clinical care and decision-making. As a charge nurse, I’m constantly learning and adapting, and I truly feel like the backbone of our unit, supporting both patients and my colleagues." —Agnes

How Can Self-Paced RN to BSN Programs Empower Charge Nurse Careers?

Charge nurses seeking to advance their leadership and clinical expertise can benefit significantly from self-paced RN to BSN programs. These programs allow busy professionals to integrate further education with demanding work schedules without compromising daily responsibilities. Self-paced learning modules help charge nurses dive deeper into evidence-based practices, improve decision-making skills, and develop modern leadership techniques that are immediately applicable in clinical settings. This flexible educational approach bridges the gap between clinical duties and managerial growth, positioning charge nurses to adapt to evolving healthcare practices and regulatory standards. For an education that aligns with a demanding career, consider exploring RN to BSN at your own pace.

Key Findings

Charge nurses play a critical role in maintaining the smooth operation of a hospital unit. They supervise other nurses and healthcare workers to make sure that patients receive quality care and nursing teams are well-supported.
Charge nurses in the US have an average annual salary of $83,658 (Glassdoor, 2025). Moreover, ZipRecruiter (2025) listed the average yearly wage of a charge nurse to be $85,509, while Zippia (2025) reported $71,342.
While not much data specific to charge nurses are available currently, employment for registered nurses (RNs) in the US is expected to increase by 6% between 2023 and 2033. About 3,300,100 RNs were employed across the country in 2023, so the predicted job growth rate is equivalent to an average of about 194,500 job openings for the role annually (US BLS, 2024).
The US is still experiencing a shortage of nurses due to several factors, including the aging US population needing constant care, insufficient nursing school resources, and the number of retiring nurses (American Association of Colleges of Nursing, 2024). For instance, 15% of licensed RNs in the US are 65 years old or older (NCHWA, 2024).
California is the highest-paying state for registered nurses (RNs) in the US in 2024, with a median annual wage of $140,330 (US BLS, 2025).

Other Things You Should Know about How to Become a Charge Nurse

Who is higher, a charge nurse or a head nurse?

A head nurse is usually higher than a charge nurse. While charge nurses oversee a shift or specific unit operations, head nurses manage entire departments, staff schedules, and administrative duties. Thus, they hold greater leadership and decision-making responsibilities.

What is the objective of a charge nurse?

The objective of a charge nurse is to ensure smooth daily operations within a hospital unit. They coordinate patient care, supervise nursing staff during shifts, manage resources, and address any issues that arise to maintain quality care.

Does a charge nurse take patients?

A charge nurse may take patients, particularly during staff shortages or busy shifts. However, their primary role focuses on overseeing unit operations, supporting staff, and ensuring that patient care runs efficiently throughout their shift.

What is a triage nurse?

A triage nurse assesses incoming patients to determine the severity of their conditions. They prioritize care based on urgency, gather vital information, and direct patients to appropriate medical services, ensuring timely and effective treatment in emergency settings.