Introduction
Registered nurses (RNs) are a crucial part of the healthcare system, providing patient care and monitoring vital signs. They play an important role in helping people stay healthy and getting them back on their feet when they’re ill. But how much do RNs make per hour?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median pay for RNs was $35.24 per hour in 2019. The lowest 10 percent of RNs earned less than $25.29 per hour, while the highest 10 percent earned more than $50.17 per hour. The average hourly wage for RNs varies depending on a number of factors, including education level, experience level, location, specialty, and employer.
Analyzing the Average Hourly Wages of Registered Nurses
The average hourly wage for RNs can vary significantly depending on the factors mentioned above. Education level is one of the most important factors influencing the salary of an RN. According to a 2019 survey by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing, those with a bachelor’s degree in nursing earned an average of $47.58 per hour, while those with an associate’s degree earned an average of $38.07 per hour. Those with a master’s degree or higher earned an average of $53.88 per hour.
Experience level is another factor that can influence an RN’s salary. According to a 2017 survey by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing, those with 1-3 years of experience earned an average of $33.70 per hour, while those with 4-6 years of experience earned an average of $39.03 per hour. Those with 7-10 years of experience earned an average of $45.18 per hour, and those with 11 or more years of experience earned an average of $52.20 per hour.
Location is another factor that affects the salary of RNs. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the highest paying states for RNs in 2019 were California ($51.42 per hour), Alaska ($47.45 per hour), Massachusetts ($46.13 per hour), Hawaii ($43.86 per hour), and Nevada ($43.48 per hour). On the other hand, the lowest paying states for RNs were South Dakota ($31.31 per hour), Mississippi ($31.32 per hour), Arkansas ($31.80 per hour), West Virginia ($32.19 per hour), and Alabama ($32.65 per hour).
Specialty is also a key factor influencing the salary of RNs. According to a 2018 survey by the American Association of Critical Care Nurses, those who specialize in neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) nursing earned an average of $49.26 per hour, while those who specialize in medical-surgical nursing earned an average of $45.37 per hour. Those who specialize in emergency room nursing earned an average of $44.82 per hour, while those who specialize in dialysis nursing earned an average of $44.72 per hour.
Finally, the employer can influence an RN’s salary. According to a 2018 survey by the American Nurses Association, those who work in hospitals earned an average of $36.59 per hour, while those who work in nursing homes earned an average of $30.91 per hour. Those who work in doctor’s offices earned an average of $36.22 per hour, while those who work in home health settings earned an average of $34.12 per hour.
In addition to offering competitive salaries, becoming an RN can offer many other benefits. RNs have the opportunity to make a real difference in people’s lives, as well as the opportunity to work flexible hours and gain valuable experience. Becoming an RN can also open the door to many career advancement opportunities.
Examining the Variations in Pay Across Different Nursing Specialties
Nursing specialties can also affect the salary of RNs. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, those who specialize in gerontology earned an average of $41.93 per hour in 2019, while those who specialize in orthopedics earned an average of $41.34 per hour. Those who specialize in obstetrics/gynecology earned an average of $40.89 per hour, while those who specialize in cardiology earned an average of $40.35 per hour.
On the other hand, those who specialize in pediatrics earned an average of $37.97 per hour, while those who specialize in mental health earned an average of $36.78 per hour. Those who specialize in oncology earned an average of $36.32 per hour, while those who specialize in family practice earned an average of $35.90 per hour.
Comparing the Hourly Rates of RNs to Other Healthcare Professionals
It’s also important to compare the hourly wages of RNs to other healthcare professionals. According to a 2018 survey by the American Medical Association, physicians earned an average of $94.77 per hour in 2018. This means that physicians earn more than double the amount that RNs earn per hour.
When comparing RNs to other healthcare professionals, it’s important to note that RNs typically receive fewer benefits than physicians. For example, RNs may not receive the same level of health insurance or retirement benefits that physicians receive. However, RNs may receive other types of benefits, such as tuition reimbursement or professional development opportunities.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the average hourly wage for RNs varies depending on a number of factors, including education level, experience level, location, specialty, and employer. RNs who specialize in certain areas, such as NICU nursing or gerontology, tend to earn higher wages than those who specialize in other areas, such as pediatrics or mental health. RNs also earn significantly less than physicians, but they may receive other benefits, such as tuition reimbursement or professional development opportunities.
For those interested in becoming an RN, it’s important to research the various factors that influence salary and consider what type of nursing specialty you would be interested in pursuing. With the right education and experience, RNs can make a significant impact on the lives of patients and enjoy a rewarding career.
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