Registered Nurses – Where the Jobs are How Much You can Expect to be Paid
Registered Nurses are in high demand throughout the United States. Salaries vary from state to state and so do job opportunities. In states with a high percentage of older people, like Florida, there is a shortage of qualified Registered Nurses to fill job opportunities. In these states you can expect to command a higher salary. As a Registered Nurse you will be in charge of a patient’s day to day care, administer medications, supervise other nurses and caregivers, teach, work at a school, hospital, nursing home or doctor’s office. Many nurses go on to earn advanced degrees or specialize. Nurse Practitioners are an upcoming career path. Nurse Practitioners earn an advanced degree and can perform many of the same duties as a physician.
Nursing Pin
If you’re considering entering the nursing field, you may want to know where the jobs are as well as how much you can expect to make. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, nursing jobs are expected to be in demand throughout 2018. The medical field as a whole is expected to grow at a greater than average rate for the same time period. Over 2.6 million nurses work in the United Statesand in May 2010 the median salary was $67,720.
Top Employers for Registered Nurses
- Hospitals
- Doctor’s Offices
- Home Health Care Services
- Nursing Care Facilities
- Outpatient Care Centers
States with the Most Jobs for Registered Nurses
- California
- Texas
- New York
- Florida
- Pennsylvania
Top Paying States for Registered Nurses
- California – $87,480
- Massachusetts – $84,990
- Hawaii – $82,130
- Alaska – $79,350
- Maryland – $76,450
Traveling Nurses
Traveling nurses work all over the country.
Another career option for Registered Nurses is as a traveling nurse. According to the Traveling Nurse Databank, you can expect to make $80,000 to $90,000 annually. This would be a good career choice if you don’t like to be tied down and want to see the country. Most traveling nurse assignments last from three months to a year. As a traveling nurse you would work for an agency and get your assignments from them. Many nurses who choose this career path enjoy free housing, reimbursement for travel expenses, and free healthcare.
As a nurse you will have the chance to care for the ill and elderly. You may even go on to teach and share your knowledge. A career as a Registered Nurse will not only give you a very decent salary, but rewards that money can’t cover. It is an interesting and very rewarding career.