Average Salary Ranges for Registered Nurses

Registered nurses make up the largest occupation in the healthcare industry, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Nurses in this profession work with patients to help treat them, educate them about medical conditions or assist with emotional support. If you're considering becoming a registered nurse, the average salary for this role may help you make your decision.

Average Median Annual Salary

Some registered nurses are paid an annual salary. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average median salary for registered nurses was $63,750 as of May 2009. This applies to registered nurses in all industries and locales.

Average Median Hourly Wage

Though salaried wages are standard, some registered nurses are paid an hourly wage instead. As of May 2009, registered nurses receiving this type of wage made an average median wage of $30.65 per hour. This statistic covers all of those paid hourly of the 2,583,770 registered nurses in employment during that time period.

Top- and Bottom-Tier Wages

Although there are median averages for employment, wages vary greatly depending on factors such as industry, locale, years in the field and promotions. Registered nurses in the lower end of the spectrum were paid $21.14 per hour or $43,970 per year on average in May 2009, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Alternatively, the highest paid registered nurses made $45.05 per hour or $93,700 per year.

Mean Wage by Industry

There are small variances in wages for registered nurses depending on the industry. Those working in nursing care facilities make the lowest mean wage at $28.52 per hour or $59,320 per year as of May 2009. Registered nurses working in hospitals, physicians' offices and outpatient care centers make about the same mean wage at around $32 per hour or $67,000 per year.

Projected Growth

Registered nursing careers are projected to grow 22 percent by 2018 according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, although the percentage varies by industry. Positions in hospitals are projected to grow only by 17 percent while positions at physicians' offices are expected to grow 48 percent. Consider this when looking for a position as a registered nurse.

Advancement

Registered nurses can increase their wages with advancement. Earn more money by showing initiative and good performance. Qualified registered nurses can move on to management position with a staff of other nurses to direct. A head nurse will make more than a standard position for a registered nurse.

Sources:

"Registered Nurses Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-2011 Edition," U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
"Registered Nurses Occupational Employment Statistics, May 2009," U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics