Choosing to become a nurse is a wise and noble career path for individuals who are compassionate and well suited for the profession. Nursing can be a financially rewarding occupation as well. There are, however, a number of factors that may influence a nurse’s salary, and it is pertinent that you research this information before choosing nursing as a profession.
Factors that influence nursing salaries in the United States are as follows:
-Geographical locations
-Gender
-Education
-Specialized training
-Experience
As with most occupations, nursing salaries will vary with geographical locations. The local economy of an area will determine the cost of living and wages. This will influence how much the healthcare industry is willing to pay.
Rural areas typically pay lower salaries than do larger metropolitan areas, although the salaries of nurses in various cities across the United States can also vary greatly.
Los Angeles boasts the highest median salary for registered nurses, while Chicago still pays mid range. In fact, the top five cities known to pay the highest hourly wage for registered nurses are all in California, followed by Honolulu, Portland, and New York.
Studies also reveal some rather surprising statistics. Male nurses typically earn a slightly higher hourly wage than do their female counterparts. Nurses working in Northern States are paid more than nurses, who have the same level of training and experience, are paid in Southern states.
Education also plays a role when it comes to a nurse’s salary. By furthering his or her education and becoming more specialized, a nurse will increase his or her earning power. For instance, a nursing manager can earn more than $15,000 dollars more than a staff nurse in the same facility.
Shift premiums are another dynamic when calculating nurse’s salaries. While all shifts can be long and hard, the midnight shift pays the highest salaries. Overtime, weekends, and holiday pay are also factors to be taken into consideration.
Experience in the nursing field will also make a difference when it comes to a nurse’s salary. The longer a nurse has been working, especially in the same facility, the higher the pay. An LPN who has been working in the same private nursing home in Pennsylvania for 25 years may make $24 dollars and hour, whereas a new hire LPN will start out at far under that number.
Medical benefits must also be accounted for when considering a nurses salary. As with any other profession, benefits can be a major player when calculating income versus outgo. Most health care facilities offer fair medical benefits to their employees.
Different health care facilities will also pay different salaries, whether it be a hospital, clinic, or as a private care nurse to an individual.
While salary may be a motivating factor in your decision to enter the field of nursing, it cannot be the driving factor. For every dollar a nurse is paid, he or she probably deserves to earn three. It’s a tough job and requires dedication, selflessness, and hard work.