What Is the Average Age of Retirement of Nurses? Overview and FAQ

The average age of retirement of nurses may surprise you — some may step away as early as their late 50s, while others continue well into their 70s. While the physical demands of the profession are real, for many, nursing is more than just a job — it’s also a calling that brings a deep sense of purpose and connection to others that only deepens with age. Financial factors also play a role, with some nurses choosing to work longer to maintain health benefits or build a stronger retirement fund for the years ahead.

If you’re wondering when most nurses hang up their scrubs, you’re in the right place. In this article, we’ll explore how the average age of retirement for nurses compares to other jobs and what retirement options look like in today’s healthcare landscape.

Average Age of Retirement of Nurses Explained

With roughly 3.1 million registered nurses (RNs) currently working in the U.S., you might think the workforce is strong — but that’s shifting. According to the National Nursing Workforce Survey, nearly 40% of RNs are planning to leave in the next several years, and retirement is a big part of why.

The average age of retirement for nurses is around 58, notably younger than the average retirement age of 65–67. That’s not too surprising when you consider how physically and emotionally demanding the job can be. Long shifts, chronic stress, and burnout tend to take a bigger toll as nurses get older.

What’s more, the nursing workforce is aging fast. The median age of RNs jumped from 46 in 2022 to 50 in 2024. Over 25% of nurses say they plan to retire or leave the profession within five years, and by 2030, more than 1 million nurses are expected to retire.

Factors Affecting the Average Age of Retirement of Nurses

According to the Social Security Administration (SSA), the normal retirement age varies by birth year, but for those born in 1960 or later, it’s set at 67. In reality, many factors can influence when someone actually decides to retire.

Here are some common reasons nurses might choose to retire before or after reaching that age:

1. Physical Demands of the Job

While nursing can be incredibly rewarding, it also takes a toll on the body — especially as nurses age. The physical nature of the role, including lifting patients, standing for long shifts, and working overnight can impact long-term health and is a contributing reason why the average age of retirement for nurses tends to be lower than in some other professions.

Here are some factors contributing to this trend:

• Higher rates of chronic conditions: Nurses tend to face higher rates of obesity, sleep problems, chronic pain, depression, and anxiety compared to other jobs. Studies show that the physical demands of nursing can raise heart rate, blood pressure, and stress hormones, which may lead to conditions such as hypertension and cardiovascular disease (CVD).
• Weakened immune response: Aging can diminish immune function, making older nurses more vulnerable to illness — especially critical during events like the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Sensory and cognitive challenges: Changes in vision, hearing, and thinking can get worse due to poor lighting, noisy workspaces, and irregular sleep. This can impact both the nurse’s health and patient safety. Lengthy and inconsistent work schedules can also contribute to developing gastrointestinal disorders, cancer, diabetes, and other conditions.
• Increased risk of medical errors: In a study of 1,800 nurses before the pandemic, nearly 60% said their physical and mental health wasn’t great — and these nurses were up to three times more likely to commit medical errors.

2. Psychological Demands of the Job

The average age of retirement of nurses is often lower than in some other professions because of the physically and emotionally exhausting nature of the work. Many nurses deal with what’s known as moral injury — the emotional weight that comes from feeling they can’t provide the level of care they believe is ethically right — whether due to staffing shortages, heavy workload, lack of resources, or institutional policies.

Other contributing psychological factors that may influence a nurse’s decision to retire early include:

• Caregiver overload: Nurses tend to be naturally empathetic and often find themselves caring not just for patients, but also for family members like spouses, children, grandchildren, and aging parents.
• Chronic stress: Balancing the demands of patient care with hospital productivity goals often means sacrificing sleep, time off, and even personal health.
• Neglecting self-care: Skipping breaks, avoiding vacations, and missing out on hobbies or spiritual practices due to heavy workloads can take a serious toll on the body and mind.
• Compassion fatigue: Years of facing trauma, loss, and suffering can leave nurses feeling emotionally drained and numb, especially those working in high-stress areas like critical care or oncology.

3. Financial Constraints

While the physical and emotional toll of nursing can lead some to retire early, money matters often keep nurses working beyond retirement age. Some nurses may choose to stay at work longer to build a stronger nest egg, pay off debts, or secure benefits like healthcare coverage.

Some common financial reasons affecting nurses’ retirement timing include:

• Healthcare costs: The U.S. has the highest healthcare costs in the world, making employer-sponsored insurance especially valuable. For nurses with chronic conditions — or those supporting aging family members — staying employed can mean continued access to more affordable coverage.
• Retirement benefits: Some nurses depend on pension benefits or want to maximize their Social Security payments, which increase if they delay claiming benefits until after full retirement age.

Average Age of Retirement of Nurses: FAQ

Can nurses retire at 55?

Yes, some nurses can and do retire at 55, even though the average age of retirement for nurses tends to be slightly higher. However, Social Security benefits don’t start until age 62 — and claiming them early can reduce payments by up to 30%. That’s why retiring at 55 takes solid financial planning, including building savings and prioritizing expenses.

How much can a retired nurse expect to receive each month?

For those relying on Social Security alone, the estimated average monthly retirement benefit is around $2,000. Nurses with additional pensions or retirement savings may receive more, but the total varies widely from person to person.

How much pension does a retired nurse get?

The amount a retired nurse receives from a pension varies widely depending on factors like location, employer, and years of service. Generally, about 42% of RNs receive pension benefits after retirement.

Here’s a quick breakdown of which nurses typically qualify for pensions:

• Government nurses: Those working for federal, state, or local government agencies, such as military nurses, public health workers, and school nurses, usually earn pension benefits.
• Union nurses: Nurses who belong to unions often have negotiated pension plans, with some unions offering retiree health benefits starting as early as age 55.
• Nurses employed by large companies: Many large hospitals and healthcare systems offer pension plans as part of their employee benefits.

Pension calculations can vary by state, but they generally follow a similar basic formula:

• Years of Service × Benefit Multiplier × Final Average Salary

The final average salary is usually based on your earnings during the last three to five years of work. The benefit multiplier is set by the employer and typically ranges from 1% to 2.5%.

What’s the difference between a pension and a 401(k)?

A pension and a 401(k) are both retirement savings plans, but they work quite differently:

• Pension: This is a defined benefit plan, meaning your retirement pay is based on a formula. The employer mainly funds the pension, and you typically receive a guaranteed monthly income after you retire.
• 401(k): This is a defined contribution plan, where you (and sometimes your employer) contribute money into an individual account. You often have more control over the investments, and some 401(k)s allow early withdrawals.

Do nurses have good retirement benefits?

Nursing retirement benefits can vary widely depending on where a nurse works and their specific role. Generally, many nurses do have access to solid benefits, especially those working for government agencies, large healthcare organizations, or who are part of a union.

How many years do you have to work as a nurse to retire?

To qualify for Social Security retirement benefits, you generally need 40 credits, which usually takes about 10 years since you can earn up to four credits each year. For nurses working part-time or taking time off, it may take longer to reach the 40-credit requirement — which can impact the average age of retirement for nurses. Finally, keep in mind that you can access Social Security retirement benefits only after you turn 62 years old.

As for pensions, the years you need to qualify depend on your specific plan, with some employers requiring a commitment of five to seven years to become fully vested.

When does Medicare coverage start?

Medicare coverage generally starts when you turn 65. However, some people can qualify for Medicare earlier if they have a qualifying disability, end-stage renal disease (ESRD), or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease.

What strategies can help increase the average age of nurse retirement?

According to our report on the trends in nursing, 62% of nurses report experiencing burnout, with 44% considering leaving the profession due to stress. These pressures contribute directly to early retirements and, ultimately, bring down the average age of retirement for nurses — a challenge the industry can’t afford to ignore.

To address these issues, healthcare organizations can implement several strategies:

• Improve staffing so nurses aren’t as overwhelmed.
• Offer mental health support and counseling.
• Provide flexible schedules to help nurses balance work and life.

Looking for Quality Nursing Jobs?

Now that you know the average age of retirement of nurses, are you ready to start building the experience that will set you up for success? IntelyCare is here to connect you with the best-fitting nursing jobs tailored to your needs. Don’t wait — uncover new opportunities today.