Nurses represent the largest single group of medical professionals. They are always on the frontline of patient care, which naturally gives this segment of the medical community a tremendous impact on patient experience as well as health outcomes. It is impossible to understate the important role that nurses play in healthcare.
Not surprisingly, nurses are in high demand not only for the vital role they play in patient care but there’s not enough of them. Employment as registered nurses are forecasted to rise by 12% from 2018 to 2028, much faster than the overall average for all jobs.
A recent study by HR consulting firm Mercer found that the U.S. needs to hire 2.3 million new health care workers by 2025 to aid the country’s aging population. In addition to Baby Boomers’ higher demand for health care services as they live longer, the Bureau of Labor Statistics cites an increased emphasis on preventive care and growing rates of chronic conditions like diabetes and obesity as core reasons that are fueling the nursing industry’s growth.
The Top Paying States
Using occupational data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, we’ve analyzed and compiled a round-up of the average salary of a registered nurse in each U.S. state for 2019.
- California: $106, 950
- Hawaii: $98, 080
- Massachusetts: $92, 140
- Oregon: $91, 080
- Alaska: $89,310
- Nevada: $85,620
- New York: $85,610
- New Jersey: $82,750
- Washington: $82,670
- Connecticut: $81,220
New York City reports the highest wages for RNs ($79,463), according to PayScale. According to the BLS, California holds all 10 of the top-paying metropolitan areas. Still, RNs can find lucrative positions across the country, with Hawaii, Massachusetts, and Oregon among the top-paying states for RNs.
Nursing salaries grow with experience, as well. PayScale reports an almost $20,000 gain in pay from entry-level jobs to late-career nurses. Some of the skills employers seek include telemetry, critical care, intensive care unit, and labor and delivery. Acute care and emergency room skills may also boost registered nurse salaries.
Contact INNOVA People today for our healthcare opportunities in these top-paying states.
