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Congratulations on choosing a nursing career. You have picked an occupation that not only is in high demand but one that also makes an excellent salary. Nursing is, in fact, one of the few occupations in which a mere one- to two- years of education will yield a fairly high standard of living. Read on for some interesting facts about nursing salaries—and what YOU can do to earn the higher salaries.
Although all nurses, as a group, make excellent salaries, their individual salaries vary depending upon four factors:
The type of nursing education that you receive will figure prominently in your nursing salary. The typical educational paths for registered nurses, for instance, include either an associate degree in nursing (which takes two-years to complete) or a bachelor’s of science degree in nursing (which takes four-years to complete). In general, the higher your degree level—in this case, a bachelor’s degree—the higher will be your salary.
The educational path needed to become a licensed practical nurse, conversely, is the completion of a one-year practical nursing program. Consequently, the salary of a licensed practical nurse is lower than that of a registered nurse.
As with any job, the more experience you have in nursing, the higher the rate of pay you will command. According to the US Department of Labor, the breakdown of percentile wages for LPN/LVNs are:
Bottom 10%: $29,680/annually
25%: $34,260
Median Salary: $40,380
75%: $47,400
Top 10%: $56,010
The geographical area of your workplace is another significant indicator of pay rate. In general, the higher the cost of living for an area, the higher your pay rate will be—and this pay rate can vary greatly.
For instance, the median hourly pay rate for LPN/LVN nurses in California is $24.27 while the pay rate of LPN/LVN nurses in Louisiana is $18.19. As you can see, location can make a big difference in your pocketbook.
All Figures courtesy of the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Employment & Wages database.
Nurses that specialize in particular areas can expect to earn more than their non-specializing counterparts—a LOT more. Some of the nursing specialties that you can pursue in this occupation include forensic nursing, pediatric nursing, and surgical nursing, but the list of nursing specialties is almost endless.
There are some nursing specialties, however, that pay more than do others. Some of the most popular nursing specialties:
But regardless of specialty, nurses earn excellent salaries and they earn it while helping other people. What could be better?
If you’ve wondered how you can pursue a college education while working or raising a family, you’re not alone. Many University of Phoenix students wondered the same thing, but more than 400,000 alumni are proof that it’s possible.
We’ve empowered students from all walks of life to take control of their educational goals and earn a degree that works for them, personally and professionally.
We’re an accredited university offering on-campus and online college degree programs. Choose from our associate, bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees in business, education, criminal justice, nursing, technology and other in-demand fields.
For over 30 years, Keiser University has provided student-centered, quality career education. Keiser University eCampus Online offers degree programs online to prepare students for high-demand professions. Degrees are offered with a curriculum that is in pace with technology and workforce demand trends in business, criminal justice, healthcare and computer technology. Our “one-class-at-a-time” approach allows busy students to focus on their education and balance the demands of work and family.
If you’re looking to continue your nursing education without giving up your passion for helping others, then Brookline College’s Master of Science in Nursing Education program may be the right path for you. The program is specifically designed to prepare you for a role as a nurse educator in a future academic or health care field, focusing on areas of study that include:
If you are driven to pursue a higher standard of success and require flexibility in your schedule to get there, Grand Canyon University, one of the Top 10 Christian colleges, is the right choice for you! GCU emphasizes individual attention for both traditional undergraduate students, as well as the working professional. With our cutting-edge curriculum, you will gain the real-world experience you need to succeed in today’s global marketplace. Online and campus-based bachelor’s and master’s degree programs are offered through the College of Education, College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Ken Blanchard College of Business, and the College of Liberal Arts.
Indiana Wesleyan University is an evangelical Christian comprehensive university that is committed to liberal arts and professional education. U.S. News & World Report ranks Indiana Wesleyan University as “one of the best Master’s universities in the Midwest.”
Over 3,200 students live and learn in state-of-the-art residence halls and academic facilities on IWU’s residential campus in Marion, Indiana. More than 80 majors are offered, covering everything from Art to Theology and Ministry. An increasing number of honors students on the residential campus has led to the formation of the John Wesley Honors College.