Last Updated: May 2026
Oncology Nurse Salary 2026: What Cancer RNs Really Earn
Quick Answer
Oncology RNs earn $82,000–$92,000/year ($39.42–$44.23/hr) based on the latest BLS data nationally. NCI-designated cancer centers pay $90,000–$118,000 for experienced oncology nurses. OCN certification adds a $2,000–$6,000/year differential at most systems; BMTCN commands the highest premium at transplant-capable centers. Oncology nurses earn $8,000–$18,000/year more than comparable med-surg RNs.
Oncology nursing sits at the intersection of high clinical complexity, strong patient relationships, and meaningful pay premiums over general nursing. The specialty requires chemotherapy administration certification, comfort with complex protocols, and the emotional stamina to care for patients through long-term cancer treatment. In return, most health systems — and virtually all major cancer centers — pay oncology nurses a documented premium over general med-surg rates. For nurses considering a specialty move, oncology offers both a compensation step-up and a career path with deep clinical subspecialties.
Oncology Nurse Salary by Experience Level (2026)
Oncology RN Salary by Years of Experience
| Experience Level | Annual Salary Range | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Entry-Level (0–2 yrs) | $64,000 – $76,000 | $30.77 – $36.54/hr |
| Mid-Career (3–7 yrs) | $78,000 – $94,000 | $37.50 – $45.19/hr |
| Senior (8+ yrs) | $90,000 – $110,000 | $43.27 – $52.88/hr |
| OCN Certified | $84,000 – $106,000 | +$2,000–$6,000 cert differential |
| BMTCN Certified | $92,000 – $116,000 | Transplant centers only |
Source: NurseSalaryIntel 2026 estimates based on BLS OEWS May 2024 data
Oncology Nurse Salary by Practice Setting (2026)
Oncology Nurse Salary by Practice Setting
| Setting | Annual Salary Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| NCI-designated cancer center | $90,000 – $118,000 | Highest pay; complex protocol care |
| Inpatient academic oncology unit | $82,000 – $100,000 | Chemo + shift diffs; OCN required |
| Community hospital oncology unit | $74,000 – $90,000 | Standard market rates |
| Outpatient infusion center | $70,000 – $86,000 | M–F schedule; lower acuity |
| Bone marrow transplant (BMT) unit | $88,000 – $112,000 | BMTCN preferred; high complexity |
| Home infusion / oncology home care | $72,000 – $88,000 | Travel pay added; flexible schedule |
| Clinical research / oncology trials | $80,000 – $98,000 | Protocol coordination; weekday schedule |
Source: NurseSalaryIntel 2026 data
NCI Cancer Centers: What Major Institutions Pay (2026)
Oncology RN Salary at Major Cancer Centers
| Cancer Center | RN Salary Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| MD Anderson (Houston, TX) | $88,000 – $108,000 | NCI; largest cancer center in US |
| Moffitt Cancer Center (Tampa, FL) | $80,000 – $98,000 | NCI; Florida market premium |
| UCSF Medical Center (CA) | $105,000 – $120,000 | NCI; CNA union; CA rates |
| Memorial Sloan Kettering (NY) | $96,000 – $114,000 | NCI; NYC premium; NYSNA |
| Dana-Farber / Brigham (Boston, MA) | $90,000 – $108,000 | NCI affiliate; MNA union |
| Penn Medicine (Philadelphia, PA) | $86,000 – $104,000 | NCI; strong benefits package |
Source: NurseSalaryIntel 2026 hospital data
OCN vs. BMTCN: Which Certification Pays More?
The OCN (Oncology Certified Nurse) is the entry credential for most oncology nursing roles and is recognized at virtually every system that employs oncology nurses. It requires 1 year of RN experience, 1,000 hours of oncology nursing practice, and passing the ONCC exam ($275 for ONCC members). The pay differential is consistent: most systems offer $1.00–$3.00/hr, translating to $1,872–$5,616/year at 36 hours/week.
The BMTCN (Blood and Marrow Transplant Certified Nurse) is more specialized and available only to nurses working in BMT settings. The certification premium is higher — $2.00–$4.00/hr at most transplant-capable centers — because the candidate pool is smaller and the clinical demands are greater. If you work in a BMT unit and are not yet BMTCN-certified, this is the single highest-ROI certification investment in oncology nursing.
Inpatient vs. Outpatient Oncology: The Pay and Schedule Trade-Off
Inpatient oncology nurses typically earn $8,000–$15,000/year more than their outpatient infusion counterparts. The gap reflects shift work requirements (nights, weekends, holidays), higher acuity, and the complexity of managing patients through active treatment in a hospital setting. Inpatient nurses also qualify for night and weekend shift differentials that outpatient nurses don't typically access.
Outpatient infusion nursing offers a schedule that many experienced oncology nurses deliberately choose: Monday–Friday hours, no nights or weekends, and patient relationships that extend over months or years of treatment. Some outpatient nurses supplement base pay through per-diem shifts at inpatient centers. The financial and lifestyle math is worth modeling explicitly before choosing a setting.
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📊 Data Methodology
Salary figures on this page are 2026 estimates derived from the most recent available U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) data, based on the May 2024 survey and published in March 2025. Estimated ranges may also incorporate publicly available 2025 job postings, hospital pay schedules, regional market conditions, and reported compensation trends.
Official 2026 OEWS wage data has not yet been released. All salary figures on this page should be treated as informational estimates rather than official government statistics or guaranteed compensation rates.
Frequently Asked Questions
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