Registered Nurses (RN’s) have fast-paced and challenging careers with new experiences everyday. Some RN’s are paid very attractive salaries, due to the fact that there is a strong demand for both experienced RN’s, and those coming directly out of their educational program. Hospitals, physicians’ offices, nursing homes and outpatient surgery facilities can offer competitive salaries in order to attract the best nurses.
National Averages for Nursing Salaries
Nationally a registered Nurses’s average annual salary was $66,530 as reported by Bureau of Labor statistics in 2009. While fifty percent of RN’s earned between $ 52,250 and 77,970 annually, the lowest ten percent of RN’s earned an average annual salary of $43,970.The top ten percent of nurses received $93,700 annually.
The variance in salaries depends on the education and training or experience level of each candidate. For example, the nurses with the minimum required education start out at the lower end of the scale but towards the top end the nurses with advanced education and training are paid very well.
RN Salary Averages Based on Location
Another factor in the range of salaries for RN’s is location. While the high demand for nurses stretches across the country, salaries can vary from state to state. Even states with high demand, may offer lower salaries than some states with a lower demand, depending on many other factors that are calculated into Nurses pay.
The following states offer the highest average salaries for RN’s
- Massachusetts: The May 2009 BLS report states that an RN in Massachusetts earns an average hourly rate of $39.32 or an annual salary $81.890. Above average annual salaries were earned by RN’s in Boston-Cambridge metropolitan area. In 2009, approximately 83,000 nurses were employed in Massachusetts.
- California: In California, RN’s earn salaries that are much higher than the national average. According to the BLS report, RN’s in California earn an average hourly rate of $40.90, which is even higher than in Massachusetts. Annually RN’s in California can make $85,080. The report also states that in some metropolitan areas, the average is even higher.
- Hawaii: RN’s here get to enjoy beautiful beaches, high pay, and warm weather year-round. An average hourly wage earned by an RN in Hawaii is $38.47, or an annual average salary of $80.020. In the Honolulu metropolitan area, an RN can earn even higher salaries, averaging $82,150.
- Maryland: RN’s in Maryland can expect to earn an average hourly wage of $36.70 which annually is $76.330 based on the 2009 BLS report. About 51,600 nurses are employed in this state.
- New Jersey: This state has approximately 74,730 RN’s earning salaries above the national average. RN’s here earn an hourly wage of $36.05 or $74,990 annually.
If you are considering advancing your career from a CNA to RN, there are many educational opportunities available. Visit the homepage to learn more.
