OK, so you think you may have found your passion in life – becoming a hospice and palliative nurse.

However, the million-dollar question is…

How much will I earn per year as a hospice and palliative nurse?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for registered nurses (RNs), as of May 2017, was $70,000. RNs with specializations and longer work experience earn higher salaries, so the median hospice and palliative nurses’ salaries can be expected to be higher than the median RN salaries.

Moreover, according to salary.com, the average salary for hospice nurses is $71,338, with the range falling between $65,391 and $81,098. Salary ranges can vary widely depending on factors like education, certifications, additional skills, and the number of years in the profession.

What is the job outlook for hospice and palliative nurses?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the typical job growth in a sector is 7%. The job growth for registered nurses (RNs) is expected to be 15% between 2016 and 2026, which is much faster than average.

This growth is driven by the increasing demand for healthcare services especially because of the aging population. The bureau also predicts better job prospects for RNs with a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing (BSN) and/or with certifications in specialty areas. Since hospice and palliative nurses generally fulfill both these criteria, the demand for their services is expected to be even higher than for RNs.

The bottom line: Becoming a hospice and palliative nurse is not just a rewarding career; it is a growing and lucrative one, too.