How Much Do Nurses Make?

Nursing is a satisfying and rewarding career choice. A registered nurse (RN) can expect a high average salary, employee benefits, and job stability. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median salary for a registered nurse in 2018 was $71,730 a year, or an hourly wage of $34.48. (The median salary means that half the nurses earn more than that amount, and half earn less.)

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Nursing is also the most trusted profession. For 17 consecutive years, a Gallup poll has shown that 84% of Americans rate the ethical standards and honesty of nurses higher than any other profession, including medical doctors (67%), pharmacists (66%), high school teachers (60%), and police officers (54%).

What does a RN do?

A registered nurse’s specific responsibilities depend on their area of specialization and their job setting. All RNs are trained to think critically and to work closely with physicians and other professional colleagues. Their job duties include:

• Monitor and document changes in client status
• Communicate with providers, obtain, and record orders
• Administer medication and observe for reactions or side effects
• Assist with examinations and procedures
• Perform assessments and diagnostic tests
• Operate medical equipment
• Obtain and record client medical histories
• Provide education and counseling to clients and their families
• Supervise LPNs, CNAs, and other unlicensed staff

How much does an RN earn?

A nurse’s salary is related to where they live, their work setting, and their specialty. About 60% of nurses work in a hospital and 18% work in an ambulatory healthcare setting.  With a median wage of $71,730, BLS reports a range of $50,800 to $106,530. For specific areas of nursing, go to Salary.com for more information.

Is the job outlook good?

It’s a great time to become a registered nurse! Employment opportunities for registered nurses are growing much faster than average for all occupations. At the end of 2018, there were 3,059,800 jobs. By 2028, 371,500 more nurses will be needed—a 12% job growth! (Compare to elementary school teachers, with a 3% job growth; lawyers, with 6%; or dentists, with 7%.)

The demand for nurses is going to continue, mainly because of America’s aging population. Older people have more medical problems and chronic conditions, such as diabetes, obesity, and dementia.

Nurses will be needed to educate and care for clients in a variety of settings. BLS anticipates job growth in long-term care facilities that provide care for rehabilitation and Alzheimer’s disease. Home health, residential care, and outpatient services will be in demand.

Best Paying States

According to the BLS, the highest average paying states for registered nurses are Hawaii, California, and Oregon, respectively. Unsurprisingly, these are states that have a high cost of living compared to others. But if we adjust it according to the cost of living index (Missouri Economic Research and Information Center, Cost of living for 3Q 2018), the highest paying states are Nevada, Texas, and New Mexico, respectively.

How can they advance their career?

One of the many benefits of becoming a registered nurse is the exciting range of certifications and advanced degrees. 

Certification in a specialty can increase the hourly rate; it also adds to the nurse’s credibility and ability to get hired. Usually certification is obtained after a set amount of clinical time in the specialty. The RN then takes a course or studies to prepare for the examination. After passing the exam, the nurse can add the certification to their credentials. After Mary Jones passes her Critical Care exam, she can sign her name as “Mary Jones, RN, CCRN.” There are certifications for all areas of nursing, and some employers will pay for nurses to take the appropriate course.

Advanced degrees are master’s-degree level or higher, often requiring several years of graduate school and clinical experience. An example is a Nurse Practitioner (NP), who can diagnose and treat conditions in their specialty population, such as family, gerontology, pediatric, or mental health. Salary.com gives an annual PN income range of $100,258 to $117,374, as of November 25, 2019. Another is a Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM), who support women during their adult years. The median CNM salary is $109,040. Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNA) are among the highest-paid nurses, with an average annual salary of $157,000. CRNAs administer anesthesia, monitor patient vital signs, and manage post-op recovery from anesthesia.

No matter which area the nurse practices in, there are options to advance. Besides clinical certifications or degrees, organizations also offer positions in administration, education, risk management, and research. Unlike other healthcare professions, a nurse can choose to work in an acute care setting, like a hospital, or in an outpatient or ambulatory facility. When you’re an RN, you can determine your own career path!