An oncology nurse cares for patients with cancer and administers medication, chemotherapy, and other treatments prescribed by a physician. Oncology nurses in the US earn more than $80,000 per year compared to more than $82,000 ($64,255 USD) in Canada and just over £45,000 ($53,319 USD) in the UK. Oncology nurses in Australia receive well over AU$119,000 ($93,436 USD) while those in New Zealand earn over NZ$100,000 ($69,834 USD).
Among the countries reviewed in this guide, oncology nurses in South Africa and India receive the lowest annual salaries at R320,000 ($23,462 USD) and Rs620,000 ($9,526 USD), respectively. Earning potential for oncology nurses varies by geographic region, professional experience, and work setting. Details on these influencing factors are provided in this guide.
How Much Does an Oncology Nurse Make per Year?
The chart below outlines annual salaries and hourly wages for oncology nurses in select countries worldwide.
| Oncology Nurse Salary | US | Canada | UK | Australia | New Zealand | India | South Africa |
| Hourly Wage | $39 | C$40 | £22 | AU$57 | NZ$48 | Rs298 | R154 |
| Annual Wage | $80,417 | C$82,395 ($65,255 USD) |
£45,242 ($53,319 USD) |
AU$119,525 ($93,436 USD) |
NZ$100,375 ($69,834 USD) |
Rs620,022 ($9,526 (USD) |
R320,044 ($23,462 USD) |
Factors that Influence the Oncology Nurse Salary
Oncology nurses worldwide see a variance in earning potential based on geographic region, professional experience, and work setting. Additional information on the impact of these factors are provided in this guide, as well as working in the nursing profession as an oncology nurse.
1. Geographic Area
Oncology Nurse Salary in US
The average annual salary for oncology nurses in the US is well over $80,000, and an additional $1,300 or more can be earned through bonus pay. Those paid an hourly wage can expect to earn about $39 per hour. Newly trained oncology nurses beginning their careers see an average annual salary of nearly $65,000 per year, while those with more experience working at the senior level receive close to $95,000 per year, on average.
Oncology Nurse Salary in Canada
In Canada, oncology nurses earn more than C$82,000 annually, equating to about $40 per hour. The average annual bonus can reach nearly C$1,500 in additional income. While the average starting salary for entry level oncology nurses is more than C$66,000 per year, those in senior level positions see annual earnings that exceed C$97,000.
Oncology Nurse Salary in UK
Oncology nurses in the UK receive more than £45,000 per year, plus an additional £800 in potential bonus income earnings. Those who receive an hourly wage receive about £22 per hour. Entry level oncology nurses earn more than £36,000 per year, increasing to more than £53,000 annually for those in senior level positions.
Oncology Nurse Salary in Australia
In Australia, oncology nurses receive an average annual salary of nearly AU$120,000, while those receiving an hourly wage receive about AU$57 per hour. The average bonus pay is more than AU$2,000. Starting salaries for entry level oncology nurses surpass AU$96,000 per year while senior level earnings can exceed AU$141,000 annually for those with the most experience.
Oncology Nurse Salary in New Zealand
The average annual salary for oncology nurses in New Zealand is more than NZ$100,000 per year, and additional bonus pay can add nearly NZ$2,000 to total earnings. Those paid an hourly wage receive, on average, NZ$48 per hour. The average annual salary for entry level oncology nurses is about NZ$81,000, while those in senior level positions receive more than NZ$118,000 per year.
Oncology Nurse Salary in India
Oncology nurses in India earn more than Rs620,000 annually, on average, or Rs298 per hour. Bonus income averages more than Rs10,000 in additional income. Newly trained oncology nurses earn an average starting salary of more than Rs507,000 per year, and earnings increase with experience to an average of R742,000 for senior level professionals.
Oncology Nurse Salary in South Africa
In South Africa, the average annual salary for oncology nurses is more than R320,000, and more than R5,000 possible through additional bonus pay incentives. Hourly wage earners receive R154 per hour, on average. The average starting salary for entry level oncology nurses exceeds R260,000 per year while senior level pay can exceed R380,000 annually.
2. Experience
Experience potentially increases overall earnings for oncology nurses as senior level professionals receive about 47% more compared to those in entry level positions. In the US, the difference between entry level and senior level pay is about $30,000 per year. With bonus pay often associated with earnings, those who receive bonus incentives may see higher pay in senior level positions compared to entry level positions.
3. Industry
Oncology nurses most often work in hospitals due to the nature of treatment they provide; however, some work in clinics and physician offices. With little variance in work setting for oncology nurses, this is not a strong influencer of earning potential. However, hospitals that are nonprofit or affiliated with public educational systems may offer slightly lower salaries and/or fewer opportunities for bonus income.
Working Hours
While chemotherapy treatments are often administered during the day time hours, oncology nurses provide care to patients 24-hours a day in hospital settings. Their work hours may include evenings, weekends, and holidays. Oncology nurses working in physician offices or clinics more often work schedules during normal business hours between Monday and Friday; however, some extended hours may be necessary at times. While most oncology nurses work full-time schedules, there are opportunities for part-time employment. For hours worked in excess of a full-time schedule, typically defined as 36 to 40 hours per week, overtime pay may be offered and can be as much as double the regular earning rate.
Bonuses and Benefit Packages
It is common for oncology nurses to receive a benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision coverage. Some employers offer health savings accounts, retirement plans, and paid training. Paid time off for major holidays, vacation time, and sick days is typically part of a benefits package. Bonus pay is offered by some employers, though these payments do not make up a large portion of overall earnings and may be more common in for-profit settings rather than nonprofit institutions.
Job Outlook
It is estimated by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics that registered nurse, including oncology nurse, job growth will be at 16% between 2014 and 2024. This growth is due to improved access to healthcare and advancements in cancer diagnosis and treatment. Working as an oncology nurse requires a nursing degree and additional training on the job specific to the position. Those with advanced master’s degrees may be more competitive for some positions and have higher earning potential.
Conclusion
Oncology nurses receive solid salaries with comprehensive benefits packages that include healthcare coverage and generous paid time off. Most oncology nurses are employed in hospital settings, which can lead to work hours that span any day of week of time of day. Future job growth for oncology nurses is expected to remain strong in the coming years, indicating salary levels should remain stable with ample opportunity for job placement among newly trained oncology nurses.
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