Registered Nurse Salary
According to theU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the mean annual wage for a registered nurse was $89,010 in May 2022, equivalent to $42.80 per hour. Registered nurses in the lowest 10 percent earned an annual median wage of $61,250 or less while those in the 90th percentile earned a median annual salary of more than $129,400.
Highest-Paying States for RNs
Registered nurse salaries vary depending on location, level of training, industry, area of specialization, and experience level. Generally, registered nurses’ salaries reflect the local cost of living. So, registered nurses working in areas with above-average living costs typically earn higher salaries.
| State | Hourly Mean Wage | Annual Mean Wage | Annual 90th Percentile Wage |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | $59.62 | $124,000 | $165,620 |
| Hawaii | $51.22 | $106,530 | $129,670 |
| Oregon | $47.72 | $98,630 | $127,680 |
| District of Columbia | $47.38 | $98,540 | $129,670 |
| Alaska | $46.74 | $97,230 | $127,020 |
| Massachusetts | $46.46 | $96,630 | $151,310 |
| Washington | $45.84 | $95,350 | $127,320 |
| New York | $44.86 | $93,320 | $127,080 |
| New Jersey | $43.12 | $89,690 | $117,990 |
| Nevada | $42.69 | $88,800 | $119,530 |
Registered Nurse Job Outlook
Employment opportunities for registered nurses have seen continuous growth, exceeding most occupations for many years, and this trend is projected to continue, with an estimated annual growth rate of 6 percent through 2032. Over the next decade, this equates to around 193,100 job openings annually.
The strong surge in job openings is attributed to several factors. A significant proportion of these opportunities arises from hospitals needing to replace personnel who retire or pursue new careers. The aging population, especially the baby boomer generation, contributes to the escalating demand for healthcare services, given that older individuals generally require more medical attention than their younger counterparts.
Furthermore, nursing specialties specializing in older patient care are expected to experience substantial growth in the next decade. Nursing homes, physicians’ offices, ambulatory care facilities, residential care facilities, and home healthcare services will be among the settings where demand is projected to outpace the average.
Registered Nurse Jobs
The nursing profession offers an array of captivating career opportunities for registered nurses. Registered nurses work in diverse settings, pursue numerous credentials and specializations, engage with unique patient populations, and face daily challenges in an ever-evolving environment. Here are some popular career paths for registered nurses:
ER Nurse
Emergency room nurses work as part of a team to provide care for patients with various forms of illness, trauma, and life-threatening conditions that require immediate, emergency attention. They work with physicians, nurses, and other healthcare professionals to administer medicine, perform medical operations, clean and bandage wounds, manage life support needs, and provide basic bedside care.
ICU Nurse
An ICU Nurse is a registered nurse who performs a range of tasks in delivering care to injured or seriously ill patients in intensive care units (patients who have suffered heart attacks, strokes, or undergone invasive surgery). As specialized critical care nurses, their duties included providing constant support during a patient’s recovery, including administering treatment, and diagnostic tests, identifying subtle or sudden changes in a patient’s medical condition, and responding to medical emergencies.
Medical-Surgical Nurse
Medical-surgical nurses typically oversee 5-7 patients, offering care to adults who are ill, injured, or in recovery. Their responsibilities vary by the healthcare setting. A med-surg nurse administers medication, monitors vital signs, changes dressings, performs wound care, implements nursing care plans, and provides patient education and support. When handling multiple patients, they may delegate basic tasks to certified nurse assistants and LPNs on the staff.
Pediatric Nurse
A pediatric nurse provides medical care for patients from birth through adolescence, including infants, children, and individuals ages 10-19. They perform duties similar to those provided for adult patients but with the added challenge of administering care to children who cannot clearly communicate their problems. Pediatric nurses must also offer emotional support, education, and counseling to children and their parents.
Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) Roles
An advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) is a healthcare professional with advanced clinical expertise in a specialized area of nursing practice, typically holding a master’s degree or doctoral-level degree. APRNs diagnose and treat illnesses, manage chronic health conditions, and educate the public on health matters and preventive care. They often serve as primary care providers, assuming advanced roles in diverse healthcare settings.
Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist
Acertified registered nurse anesthetistcares for patients at all acuity and age levels by administering anesthesia, making adjustments to anesthesia, monitoring vital signs, and providing care before, during, and after procedures. They work autonomously and in collaboration with physicians, nurses, and other members of an interprofessional team. The CRNA works in various settings, including surgical, diagnostic, obstetrical, therapeutic, and pain management.
Certified Nurse-Midwife
A certified nurse midwife (CNM) assists women, focusing on pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum health care. They practice within the healthcare system, working under the indirect supervision of gynecologists and obstetricians to diagnose, and treat reproductive health issues, perform screenings, and consult families through their attempts to conceive. Their duties also include preparing women for labor and delivery, assisting with the birthing process, and care for the newborn.
Clinical Nurse Specialist
A clinical nurse specialist (CNS) delivers specialized care for patients with multiple or complex health needs, alongside their standard nursing duties. Their practice encompasses assessing, diagnosing, and treating patients with distinctive conditions, utilizing advanced clinical skills. Clinical nurse specialists often specialize in areas such as cardiology, pediatrics, diabetes, and respiratory.
Nurse Practitioner
Anurse practitioner can function as a primary healthcare provider, delivering comprehensive care in both inpatient and outpatient settings. Their role encompasses diagnosis, assessment, and treatment for individuals and families. Nurse practitioners collaborate within healthcare teams but can also practice independently in outpatient clinics, offering general consultations and vital patient education on treatments, wellness strategies, and preventive care for chronic illnesses. Furthermore, they have the authority to order lab tests and prescribe medications for both children and adults.
