The healthcare industry in the United States has been one of the biggest employers of labor in the Country for many years, and there’s no sign of it slowing down.
In recent years, the technological age has expanded the industry into different frontiers, such as telemedicine, electronic health records, robotic surgery, etc.
These frontiers have created more opportunities and have made the health sector more attractive for technologically driven individuals.
Despite the new opportunities that are available to many individuals in the healthcare sector, The nursing profession, particularly the registered nursing profession, remains one of the most popular and sought-after in the healthcare industry.
In this article, we will explore the opportunities in the registered nursing profession in the United States for professionals looking for better opportunities, a way to scale their careers to a higher level, and for those seeking attractive pay.
High Growth Careers in the Health Sector
Some health careers in the United States are not advised to start a career in, today’s fast-paced healthcare industry because they are experiencing low growths, while others are at risk of extinction such as pharmacy assistants, medical laboratory assistants, medical billing and coding specialists.
One of the areas in the health sector that is experiencing significant growth is the registered nursing profession.
Registered Nurses (RN)
This is one of the most prominent and popular roles in the healthcare sector especially in the United States.
It is also one of the fastest-growing sectors in the health sector by over 6% more than the average occupation.
They work directly with patient’s care, families, and other healthcare professionals to deliver healthcare services.
They work in different areas in the health sector such as outpatient clinics, hospitals, pediatrics, geriatrics care, nursing homes, etc.
Average Salary of Registered Nurses
The average salary of a registered nurse in the United States varies and is based on salary, qualifications, the area in which the registered nurse works, location, and place of work.
Salary range by experience
- Entry-level Nurse: This category is for individuals who are new in the profession. The salary range is between $55,000 to $65,000 and it depends on the location and area where the registered nurse works.
- Mid-level Nurse: This category is for individuals who have at least 5 to 10 years, They can earn between $70,000 to $85,000 annually depending on their location and the area where the registered nurse works
- Experience Nurse: These are registered nurses with over 10 years experience, they earn between $85,000 to $100,00.
Salary by Educational Qualifications
1. Associate Degree in Nursing: This is a two-year program offered in nursing schools or colleges to become a Registered Nurse. They earn less than others who have higher degrees from universities.
Salary range: The salary range of a registered nurse with an associate degree is $60,000 to $80,000.
2. Bachelor of Science in Nursing: This is a four-year program offered in universities and other higher learning institutions.
Registered nurses with a bachelor’s degree earn more than their counterparts with an associate degree in nursing.
Salary range: The salary range of a registered nurse with a bachelor’s degree is $70,000 to $90,000.
Salary By Healthcare Areas
1. OutCare patients: Registered nurses working in these areas earn around $70,000 to $85,000, the same salary range as midwife nurses.
2. Hospitals: Registered nurses working in hospitals, particularly in emergency care or surgery units, earn around $70,000 to $100,000.
3. Public Health: Registered nurses working in government facilities, regardless of the units earn between $75,000 to $90,000.
Salary By Location in the US
Salaries can also vary by different states in the United States due to the cost of living, demand, and specialization of registered nurses, and local laws and policies that affect healthcare.
Here is a list of the highest and lowest-paying states for registered nurses in the United States.
Highest Paying States:
- California, $142,000 annually
- Oregon, $97,000 annually
- Hawaii, $93,000 annually
- Massachusetts, $91,000 annually
- Alaska, $90,000 annually
- New Jersey, $89,000 annually
- Washington, $89,000 annually
- Nevada, $88,000 annually
- Colorado, $85,000 annually
- Connecticut, $85,000 annually
Lowest Paying States
- West Virginia, $63,000 annually
- Mississippi, $61,000 annually
- Alabama, $64000 annually
- Arkansas, $65,000 annually
- South Dakota, $66,000 annually
- Missouri, $67,000 annually
- Louisiana, $66,000 annually
- Tennesse, $69,000 annually
- Kentucky, $69,000 annually
- Wyoming, $69,500 annually
Salary By Specialty
Some registered nurses in the same location, with the same educational qualifications and areas can command more salary than their counterparts if they are more specialized and the complexity of care and work they render in an organization.
This includes
- Nurse practitioners (NP) with advanced degrees and specialization in areas such as geriatrics care or psychiatry. This nurse can earn as high as $100,000 to $120,000
- Certified nurse anesthetics (CNAS) are one of the highest-paying nurses in the world. They earn as high as $170,000 to $200,000.
- ICU and emergency room nurses are nurses who render critical care to patients. They earn as high as $80,000 to $100,000
- Clinical nurse specialists (CNS) earn as high as $80=5,000 to $100,000
What are the Benefits for Registered Nurses in the USA
While registered nurses enjoy competitive salaries, there are also other pecks they enjoy such as
- Flexible working hours
- Health insurance
- 401(K) plans
- Continuing education
- Sign-on bonuses
- Loan repayment plans especially for student loans