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���ܲ����� in 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). That number, however, has climbed over the decades. The  reports that approximately just 2.7% of RNs were men in 1970. So, what are the benefits of being a male nurse, what are nurse salaries and why do we need more males in nursing in general? Here, we explore the history and future of men in this profession.

As noted by the , “Men had significant representation in nursing until the 1800s because of the early association between nursing, the military and religious orders.” 

With the outbreak of the Civil War, however, women stepped in to “fill the gap.” This shifted labor demographics away from nursing professions as a mostly male-dominated industry; by the early 1900s, women essentially dominated the nursing profession. In fact, men were not allowed to serve as nurses in certain groups like the Army Nurse Corps until after the Korean War. 

Men who want a career in nursing have plenty of opportunities to join the field, both through various levels of nursing degrees and among different types of nurses. For men who have an interest in healthcare, nursing offers plenty of educational and career pathways.

1. Steady job market. Job growth for registered nurses is projected to continue at a between 2025 and 2035, according to BLS.

BLS Occupational Employment Projections, 2025-2035 is published by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. This data reflects BLS’ projections of national (not local) conditions. These data points are not specific to �鶹��ý students or graduates.

2. A variety of career paths. Whether an aspiring nurse is easily bored or a lifelong learner or looking for a career, nursing fits the bill for men as well.

3.�������澱���������ٲ�. For men looking to balance other interests or even child care with work, nursing offers a tantalizing level of flexibility with the ability to schedule shifts home and family schedules.

4. Standing out for all the right reasons. Men in nursing also bring diversity and fresh perspectives to the table. Their unique presence can foster a more inclusive and collaborative work environment, which could enhance patient care and satisfaction.

5. Men make nursing more accessible. Patients sometimes prefer nurses of one gender or another, which means male nurses answer an important desire from the patient population. By increasing the representation of men in nursing, healthcare facilities can better accommodate patients' diverse preferences, promoting greater comfort and trust in the care they receive.

6. Nursing is a rewarding field. Male or female, nurses get perhaps one of the biggest payoffs out there: being able to heal other human beings. Whether it’s comforting a distressed patient, assisting in lifesaving procedures or advocating for better healthcare policies, nurses play a vital role in improving the lives of individuals and communities.

While nursing offers some compelling advantages for men, it doesn’t come without a few challenges. Chief among these are the misconceptions that need to be dispelled. 

Men are often characterized as less empathetic, compassionate and caring individuals. A common myth that men in nursing also encounter is the idea that they couldn’t “hack medical school.” This couldn’t be further from the truth. RNs have access to more research opportunities and education.  

That said, men in nursing must learn how to navigate the complexities of being a man in a healthcare field dominated by women.

Male nurses also have protocols to follow with female patients. Routine procedures like checking incisions or bathing female patients often require a chaperone. Additionally, female patients may prefer female nurses in obstetrics and gynecology (OB-GYN). 

Like any salary range, that of nursing is subject to experience, geography, area and type of practice. But there are other caveats to consider as well, such as career paths and opportunities for advancement. The level of education can also impact salary. 

• Annual salary: As of May 2025, registered nurses made , with a median wage of $97,550, according to BLS.
• Education requirements: A bachelor’s degree is typically required.
• Job outlook: between 2025 and 2035, according to BLS.

The salary ranges are reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and are not specific to �鶹��ý graduates. Further, these national averages may include earners at all stages of their career and may not accurately reflect entry-level wages or variations by region. Your earning outcome may vary. �鶹��ý does not guarantee salary level.

BLS Occupational Employment Projections, 2025-2035 is published by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. This data reflects BLS’ projections of national (not local) conditions. These data points are not specific to �鶹��ý students or graduates.

If the previous 50 years are anything to go by, nursing could continue to attract more and more men in the coming years. And this, pretty much everyone agrees, is a good thing. Having strong male figures in education and males in the field creates a mutually beneficial situation. Nursing itself would gain a more equitable balance between genders, while men could tap into the flexibility and earning potential that nursing affords. 

The most in-demand skills for a career in healthcare aren’t necessarily what one might think. Technological aptitude, big-picture thinking and empathy are just a few examples of what healthcare careers require these days. And those are all qualities men and women alike bring to the table.

Ready to make your next move in nursing?  �鶹��ý offers nursing programs that include:

• Master of Science in Nursing
• Master of Science in Nursing/Family Nurse Practitioner
• Master of Science in Nursing/Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
• Nurse bridge program
• Doctor of Nursing Practice

Need more information? Contact �鶹��ý.