How Much Do RNs Make Per Hour in Alabama?
Registered nurses, also called RNs, bear a number of responsibilities in their day-to-day jobs. They interact with patients to take vital signs, consult with physicians and provide care. RNs also act as teachers to educate the community, schools and doctors' office patients about healthcare, procedures and illness. RNs may also take on the role of a counselor or social worker as they provide support to patients' families. In Alabama, RNs fell short of earning as high of an hourly rate as the country's average.
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Facts
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In its 2009 study on wages, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported the countrywide average hourly rate for registered nurses as $31.99. RNs in Alabama didn't fare as well as their colleagues across the country, earning an hourly median state wage of $26.48.
Ranges
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Some of Alabama's 42,880 registered nurses (in May 2009) earned significantly higher than the country's average rate, taking in $37.62 per hour at the state's 90th percentile of earnings. On the other end of the scale, Alabama's lowest-paid RNs received wages of $19.22 per hour.
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Considerations
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While there are three educational options for Alabama residents seeking salaries as RNs, the BLS recommends prospective candidates enroll in either a two-year associate degree program or a four-year bachelor's program; short-term certificate programs do not offer as much education, training or opportunity. Students seeking RN education enroll in one of the hundreds of colleges accredited by the National League for Nursing Accreditation Commission, including more than 20 in-state options such as the University of West Alabama, University of Mobile, Lawson State Community College, Alabama Southern Community College or Gadsden State Community College. All RNs must pass the National Council Licensure Examination.
Outlook
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Registered nursing is considered the largest health care occupation in the country, according to the BLS. The BLS predicts this trend to continue, with 22 percent growth in employment of RNs through 2018, adding 581,500 jobs across the country. The BLS suggests Alabama RNs with bachelor's degrees will have more opportunities to earn salaries over those without.
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References
- Photo Credit operation nurse image by Andrey Rakhmatullin from Fotolia.com
