US nurses can enjoy some of the best nursing salaries in the world.

While it should never be the main reason to pursue a career in nursing, we’re highlighting how much nurses in the US can earn based on state, qualifications, and specialisms. This guide can help you decide on the type of nursing you’d like to follow or even help with negotiating a salary with your current employer.

The average salary for registered nurses

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average salary for a registered nurse in the US is around $77,460 a year – with an hourly rate of $37.24. The top nurses in the country can benefit from an average salary of over $100,000, while the lowest wages for newly qualified RNs were around $52,000 in 2020.

Nursing salaries based on a specialism

As you’ll likely already know, there are a huge number of different progression routes available to nurses. And with each specialism comes a different average salary.

On the lower end of the spectrum, nursing assistants and vocational nurses (LVN) can expect an average salary of $48,500 a year, while at the opposite end, specialist nurse practitioners can enjoy a salary of $110,840 – with the top NPs earning $152,160. But, of course, with the additional income comes bigger responsibilities. If you’re interested in knowing a little more about what nurse practitioners actually do, check out this guide.

The past year has highlighted a huge shortage of nurses across the globe. But one reason that the US struggles to get enough nurses onto the workforce is the lack of nurse instructors available to train them. If you want to help bring more people into the industry, you can teach nursing science to students both on-campus and via online courses. Instructors tend to be paid a salary of $83,160 a year.

Midwifery is another popular specialism for nurses, often requiring a completely different set of qualifications. Midwives can earn around $108,810 a year – making them slightly less affluent than their advanced practice registered nurse counterparts.

The highest paying profession in nursing is anesthesia. Certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNA) have an average salary of $181,040, with the top nurses earning $208,000.

Which nursing qualifications lead to higher pay?

While there’s no set rule on which qualifications lead to bigger wages, it’s common knowledge that those with more qualifications and experience can enjoy a pay increase. DNP leadership programs online, for example, allow nurses to take on senior roles like nurse executive. These roles are middle management careers which can offer an average salary of $102,000 while those that study for a master’s can achieve the same.

Which states pay the most for nurses?

According to the same BLS statistics, nurses in California, Hawaii, and Massachusetts are paid the best. However, while these states might seem like the perfect place to pursue a career, just going off salary, it’s important to consider the increased cost of living as a whole. Generally, wages have to be higher in popular states as the rates for accommodation, food, and other amenities are significantly higher too.

While this is just a brief outline of the types of salaries nurses are paid in the US, it is still important to take into account what your strengths are and where your priorities lie in terms of the work-life balance before diving into a career merely for the paycheque.

With this in mind, we’ve highlighted what steps you’ll need to take to become a registered nurse, as well as the pros and cons of the role.

How to become a registered nurse

After high school, those that are interested in becoming a nurse will need to graduate college with a bachelor in science of nursing (BSN) or an associate’s degree in nursing (ADN). These are the two main options, but there are also some vocational courses that are accredited and eligible for licensure. (We recommend checking before you apply!)

Whichever degree you choose to take, you’ll have a variety of assignments that cover physiology, anatomy, nutrition, chemistry, and biology, as well as your nursing practices.

If you already have a degree and are choosing nursing as a secondary career, there is the option to dive into an accelerated BSN instead. These courses are suitable for those who have already graduated with an undergraduate degree – even if it isn’t in a healthcare subject.

After you graduate, you will be able to then take the Licensure exam to become a registered nurse (NCLEX-RN). The test is nationally recognized, so no matter where you intend to work, you’ll need it. That said, there are different requirements in different states – so it’s worth checking with your local nursing school.

The pros and cons of becoming a nurse

There are some significant pros to choosing nursing as your future career. But for some, there are several cons that need to be taken into consideration beforehand.

The pros

So, as you already know, nurses get the chance to help people – maybe even save lives – every day. They’re an integral part of the healthcare system and are hugely respected on the global stage.

As a nurse, you’ll be working in a high-demand environment where every day is different; no two days will be the same. And, while there is a lot of pressure, there’s much less pressure than there is for those who go on to become doctors – and much less time in school!

Every day, nurses get to feel a sense of purpose during their work and are free from the chains of a 9-5 office job. And, of course, the salary is great.

The cons

On the flip side, the pressure and demand for the job could easily become too much for some people. You’ll have a lot of responsibility, and there’s very little room for error. Shift patterns can be during unsociable hours, with unpleasant work being a part of the job.

So, while you might be ready to dive into a nursing career due to the great salary, it is important to consider how well you do under stress. That said, the work can be incredibly rewarding with nurses having a high satisfaction rate.