How Much do Nurses Make?

Earnings for nurses vary depending on their position, experience, skill level and location. Since experience is an important asset for nurses, more experienced nurses are paid significantly more and given more opportunities than less experienced ones. Most providers require over a year of experience before they will pay more significant salaries.

Also factored into nurse salaries are local economies, costs of living and demand for medical services. Healthcare providers in less desireable locations are often willing to pay higher salaries in order to keep nurses on staff, just as providers in attractive areas may sometimes pay lower rates.

For nurse salary info at different levels of nursing, see:

• Registered Nurse Salaries
• Licensed Practical Nurse Salaries
• Certified Nurse Assistant Salaries

Some national salary statistics for nurses:

• Certified Nurse Assistant: $24,98
• Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurse: $40,900
• Registered Nurse: $66,530
  

Median nurse salaries by occupation:

Figures courtesy of the US Labor Bureau, 2007 and 2009.

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