Most people realize that being an RN can mean job stability and great pay, but different aspects can change the registered nurse salary. Do your research before you become a registered nurse to determine where you might fall in the range of RN salaries.
Although the registered nurse salary is quite attractive regardless of the level, by knowing the impact of different elements, you can work towards gaining more money as you excel in your career.
What Can Determine The Registered Nurse Salary
The registered nurse salary scale has a wide range since there are so many contributing factors, but it is still good to be aware of what range you can expect to fall into. The lowest level of RNs make about $43,000 a year, although $62,000 is the average. The top 10% make in the $90,000 range, but they are nurses who have achieved the top level of a specialized path.
Factors Affecting The Registered Nurse Salary
Like all careers, the registered nurse salary can vary among nurses in the same field with relatively the same amount of experience.
Education is the first major factor to consider. An associate's degree is the minimum requirement for all RNs, so you know everyone will have at least that, so to boost your earnings, go for your bachelor's degree, or even your master's degree.
Years of experience has a big impact on the registered nurse salary. That's why obtaining the associate degree in nursing, and getting vital experience while you continue on to your bachelor's degree, is sometimes a great way to go.
Achieving your education in this way means you can develop your experience level at the same time, and it has a large impact. Employees with less than a year of experience earn between $19-25 an hour compared to $23-31 an hour for 5-9 years on the job and then compared to about $26-35 an hour for more than 20 years. These are average ranges, but it is clear that simple seniority can play a big role.
The type of facility you work in and area of the country you live play major roles in the registered nurse salary as well. Working in an outpatient clinic will earn you less due to fewer responsibilities, while working in a hospital could mean more than a $5000 a year increase to a nurse.
For those who specialize in a certain area, such as a nurse researcher or a certified registered nurse anesthetist, the financial rewards can be enormous.
You can always further your education with an online advanced nursing degree after you get the minimum requirements to become an RN. This way you start getting valuable experience while your advancing your education. And lastly, specialize to increase your registered nurse salary.
![[Valid RSS feed]](http://www.articledirectorycentral.com/images/icon_Rss.png "XML Feed For RSS"){kind=icon}
Category Rss Feed
Print This Article
Add To Favorites