How Much Does an RN Make a Month?

Registered nurses are the largest healthcare occupation in the country.

A quote on the Kyle Designs website states that "being a nurse is not just a job, it's an adventure." The members of the registered nurse community, the largest healthcare occupation in the country according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, set out on that adventure daily, caring for patients in physicians' offices, clinics, pharmacies, hospitals and rehabilitation centers.

Facts

In 2009, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported the registered nurse's salary across the country to be an average of approximately $66,530, or $5,544 per month. The BLS also reported several industries paying higher-than-average registered nurse salaries. The medical equipment and supplies industry topped the BLS list with an annual registered nurse salary of $77,870 or $6,489 per month, followed by both the federal executive branch of the government and civil organizations, tying at $77,830 or $6,486 per month.

Location

Registered nurses on the country's two coasts earned higher salaries than their mid-country colleagues. The state of California paid the highest salary for the field, at $85,080 annually and $7,090 monthly. In second place was Massachusetts, at $81,780 or $6,815 monthly. Massachusetts was also the second-highest per-capita employer of registered nurses, behind South Dakota. Hawaii earned the country's third highest-paying state salary for registered nurses, with annual wages of $80,020 or $6,668 per month. Maryland placed fourth, with salaries of $76,330 per year and $6,361 per month.

Considerations

Persons seeking salaries as registered nurses have a couple of ways to enter the field. Community colleges and technical schools offer two- to three-year associate degree programs in nursing. Another option is to pursue a four-year bachelor's degree in nursing. The National League for Nursing Accreditation Commission, Inc., accredits hundreds of community college and traditional bachelor's programs in nursing, as well as master's degrees. All registered nurses must take the National Council Licensure Examination, NCLEX-RN, to receive their licenses prior to obtaining employment.

Outlook

The BLS projects employment in registered nursing to grow much faster than employment for other occupations, expanding by 22 percent and adding 581,500 jobs through 2018. The bureau suggests candidates seek employment in elder care facilities, rehabilitation centers and home health care settings for the best opportunities to securing salaries. The BLS also notes that prospective RNs with bachelor's degrees will have an advantage over those with an associate's degree or diploma.

References

• Kyle Designs: RN Nurse Quotes
• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Registered Nurses
• State University: Registered Nurse Job Description
• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Employment Statistics
• National League for Nursing Accreditation Commission, Inc.: Search for NLNAC Accredited Nursing Programs