Nursing Salary

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), there are expected to be more than 3.2 million new jobs in the health care sector the next decade. Nurses are in particularly high demand, making this profession ideal for those who want to combine a passion for helping people with a financially rewarding career and an attractive salary. The average nursing salary is expected to increase with higher demand.

The Average Nursing Salary: Facts and Figures

Registered Nurses (RN). BLS predicts excellent growth of 22 percent for registered nurses in the next decade. In 2009, the median annual wage for RNs was $63,750 or $30.65 per hour. RNs earn the highest salaries in the states of Massachusetts, California and Hawaii. On average, the highest nursing salary is paid to RNs who work in hospitals. All nurses need to pass a national licensing exam before entering the profession.

Certified Nurses' Assistants (CNA). To become a CNA, most states require 75 hours of training and a certification exam (requirements vary by state). The BLS projects 18 percent growth for nursing aides in the next decade. The median annual wage in 2009 was $24,040 or $11.56 per hour. The top-paying states for CNAs are Alaska, Nevada and New York.

Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses (LPN and LVN). These health care professionals, who mainly work under the direction of registered nurses and medical doctors, can expect a 21 percent employment growth in the next decade. The median annual salary was $39,820 per year or $19.14 per hour as of 2009. LPNs are required to comply with their state requirements for certification, which typically includes one-year training programs. Applicants also have to pass a national licensing exam.