RN Salaries & Career Outlook
Learn why registered nurses enjoy some of the most thriving career opportunities and salaries in today's job market.
Registered nurses comprise the largest percentage of available health care occupations, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)—and they also enjoy some of the most thriving career opportunities available in today's tight job market. In fact, the BLS reports that registered nursing jobs will grow at a rate of 22 percent between now and 2018.
The high demand for the skills and expertise that RNs bring to a health care setting translates into exceptional earning potential and RN salaries for qualified nursing candidates.
Average RN Salary
By Industry
| Industry | Annual Mean Wage |
|---|---|
| Hospitals | $68,610 |
| Physician's Office | $70,530 |
| Home Health Care Services | $63,850 |
| Nursing Home Facilities | $59,990 |
| Outpatient Care Centers | $67,550 |
By Geographic Location
| State with Highest Employment Level | Annual Mean Wage |
|---|---|
| California | $87,480 |
| Texas | $66,180 |
| New York | $74,000 |
| Florida | $63,010 |
| Pennsylvania | $65,070 |
Factors that Affect RN Salaries
RN salaries vary based on a number of factors, including those listed below:
Employer Type
According to the BLS, the highest RN salaries are available in the employment services arena, with general medical and surgical hospitals and physicians' offices rounding out the top three.
Nursing Education
Although RNs can enter the field with an associate's degree, those with a bachelor's qualify for supervisory and other leadership roles, which often lead to higher RN salaries.
Work Experience
Clinical experience lends well to a nurse's earning potential. In fact, PayScale.com indicates that within the first four years of practice, median RN salaries increase by over $10,000.
Specialty Area
Registered nurses can choose from a wide range of specialties. According to PayScale.com, intensive care nursing pays the highest median RN salary, followed closely by acute care, surgery, and labor and delivery nursing.
Career Outlook for RNs
The nursing shortage continues to create job opportunities for RN's across the country. Overall, the BLS finds that RNs will find the best job opportunities in physicians' offices and outpatient care centers, but candidates can anticipate strong competition for these jobs, because they typically offer a regular work schedule and a more comfortable work setting. Hospitals will also experience a high employment rate for RNs and may offer signing bonuses, tuition reimbursement and other perks to attract top candidates.
Sources:
Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2010
Medical Career Info, 2009
BecomeRN.com, 2009
Registered Nurse (RN) Education Resources
RN Career & Degree Information
- Registered Nurse (RN)
Degree and Career Overview - RN Schools
and Training Programs - Registered Nurse Career Paths
- RN Salaries and Career Outlook
- RN Jobs: Everyday Tasks
- Registered Nursing Career Q&A
- Registered Nurse Opportunities
- State Boards of Nursing
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"Constant attention by a good nurse may be just as important as a major operation by a surgeon."
~Dag Hammarskjold