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Year![]() ![]() | # Of Jobs![]() ![]() | % Of Population![]() ![]() |
---|---|---|
2021 | 2,386 | 0.00% |
2020 | 2,338 | 0.00% |
2019 | 2,335 | 0.00% |
2018 | 2,311 | 0.00% |
2017 | 2,276 | 0.00% |
Year![]() ![]() | Avg. Salary![]() ![]() | Hourly Rate![]() ![]() | % Change![]() ![]() |
---|---|---|---|
2025 | $84,626 | $40.69 | +2.8% |
2024 | $82,346 | $39.59 | +2.2% |
2023 | $80,582 | $38.74 | +2.5% |
2022 | $78,639 | $37.81 | +2.3% |
2021 | $76,897 | $36.97 | +1.4% |
Rank![]() ![]() | State![]() ![]() | Population![]() ![]() | # of Jobs![]() ![]() | Employment/ 1000ppl ![]() ![]() |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | South Dakota | 869,666 | 141 | 16% |
2 | Montana | 1,050,493 | 147 | 14% |
3 | Maine | 1,335,907 | 163 | 12% |
4 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 75 | 11% |
5 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 720 | 10% |
6 | New Mexico | 2,088,070 | 203 | 10% |
7 | Pennsylvania | 12,805,537 | 1,079 | 8% |
8 | Missouri | 6,113,532 | 497 | 8% |
9 | Illinois | 12,802,023 | 884 | 7% |
10 | Michigan | 9,962,311 | 672 | 7% |
11 | Washington | 7,405,743 | 507 | 7% |
12 | Nebraska | 1,920,076 | 137 | 7% |
13 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 88 | 7% |
14 | Wyoming | 579,315 | 39 | 7% |
15 | Tennessee | 6,715,984 | 410 | 6% |
16 | Nevada | 2,998,039 | 189 | 6% |
17 | Alaska | 739,795 | 43 | 6% |
18 | Vermont | 623,657 | 40 | 6% |
19 | Louisiana | 4,684,333 | 243 | 5% |
20 | Oregon | 4,142,776 | 200 | 5% |
Rank![]() ![]() | City![]() ![]() | # of Jobs![]() ![]() | Employment/ 1000ppl ![]() ![]() | Avg. Salary![]() ![]() |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Banning | 1 | 3% | $108,859 |
2 | Dracut | 1 | 3% | $90,310 |
3 | Worcester | 3 | 2% | $92,597 |
4 | La Mesa | 1 | 2% | $107,236 |
5 | Chula Vista | 2 | 1% | $107,123 |
6 | Columbia | 2 | 1% | $64,579 |
7 | Oakland | 2 | 0% | $117,419 |
8 | Philadelphia | 2 | 0% | $102,970 |
9 | Atlanta | 1 | 0% | $87,964 |
10 | Birmingham | 1 | 0% | $73,619 |
11 | Chicago | 1 | 0% | $79,084 |
Molloy College
University of St. Francis
Hartwick College
Shepherd University
George Fox University
Troy University
University of Wyoming
New York University
University of Maine
Francis Marion University
University of Southern Maine
Metropolitan State University of Denver
California State University - Dominguez Hills
Northwestern State University of Louisiana
University of Detroit Mercy
Stephen F Austin State University
Huertas College
Dr. Cynthia Aurentz DNP, MSN, RN, CNE: Nurses are highly skilled and technology is growing at a rapid rate so comfort with a changing environment is important. Change is inevitable, so develop a mindset to be ready for it, otherwise you will suffer from frustration. Remote patient monitoring, telehealth, data analytics, and robotic systems are expected to grow so remote communication and assessment skills will be valuable. Interprofessional collaboration will also increase in importance as we coordinate care more effectively across different specialties and disciplines.
Molloy College
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research And Clinical Nursing
Normadeane Armstrong PhD, RN, ANP-BC: Specialize, Further Education, Negotiate, Explore Alternative Settings, Stay Updated.
University of St. Francis
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research And Clinical Nursing
Dr. Maria Martinez DNP RN: Bedside clinical experience is important, getting certifications, soft skills to enhance your EI quotient, develop your leadership skills, going back for your MSN.
Lorena Marra MS, FNP-C: The new nurse can maximize their salary potential by looking for facilities with a sign-on bonus. Many facilities offer a financial reward for a promise of employment for a short time. This serves not only the new nurse but also the facility. By providing a lucrative sign-on bonus, the facility can ensure that they will have a good nurse for a few years and this means their investment in training will not go by the wayside. The new nurse gets a large amount up-front to help with education costs or whatever they choose, and a guarantee of employment for that short time frame. It is a win-win.
Lorena Marra MS, FNP-C: For any graduate novice nurse, I would say to start your career in a facility that is comfortable for you. Perhaps it is somewhere that you were able to have good clinical experiences in, or perhaps a facility that you have been working in while you were in school. That familiarity is always helpful when you are getting started and taking on the new role of graduate nurse. It is also good to start in a facility with a nurse residency program. These programs will help the new nurse with skills that they have not been able to do in school. For example-starting intravenous lines or doing blood draws. Another tip would be to hold off on doing travel nurse experiences until you have more clinical work under your belt. When traveling, you need to be at the top of your skills, so take time to reach that pinnacle before heading off. The same can be said of starting graduate school. Some real-world clinical experience before starting NP school is incredibly helpful. Be patient with yourself as you get started in your new and exciting career.
Shepherd University
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research And Clinical Nursing
Lisa Zerull PhD, RN-BC: Excellent clinical judgment, Flexibility and resiliency, Positive attitudes, Positive change agents—don't be part of the problem—be part of the team to effect positive change
Kari Sandau MSN, RN, PCCN, CNE: Having good customer service and people skills will never go out of style. You can have all the knowledge and technical skills required to be a nurse, but if you don't know how to connect with people and care, you will be missing what we call the 'art' of nursing. I believe that technology will continue to become more integrated into healthcare systems, so it is important to have comfort with how we can use technology to improve care and patient outcomes. Healthcare is constantly changing, and nurses need to be innovative and adaptable.
Kari Sandau MSN, RN, PCCN, CNE: Don't be afraid to ask questions. Your nursing preceptors will not expect you to know everything. Give yourself grace and know that it may take several months to a year to feel comfortable and confident in your new role. Look for new positions with RN new grad residency programs to help support you in this transition from student to nurse. Take time to reflect on the care you give and how you want to improve. Care for yourself. Make sure you take time each week to do something that brings you joy. Spending time with friends, playing games, hiking, crafting, or exercising are important self-care activities.
Troy University
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research And Clinical Nursing
Kayla Jackson RN BSN: Salary potential varies depending on location, specialty and experience but a few ways to maximize your salary potential are: Consider pursuing further education which can include certifications in your field or area of expertise, an advanced degree, or specialized training. Gain experience. Seek out unique opportunities for professional growth so you can build an exceptional resume. This can position you for higher paying roles. Negotiate strategically-just as we advocate for our patients, we must be an advocate for ourselves. Do your research and know the standards where you are located, but also highlight the skill set you are bringing to the table and articulate how valuable you will be to their organization. Explore different employment settings. Nurses have so many opportunities in different fields, so explore what is out there and base your decision on who offers the best salary and benefits.
Kayla Jackson RN BSN: The advice I would give to new graduates entering the field would be to cultivate resilience, as nursing is an emotionally and physically demanding profession. Develop coping skills, seek out help and support early, and prioritize self-care to help prevent burnout. I would also encourage you to stay adaptable and embrace life-long learning. Healthcare is a constantly evolving field with continuous advancements and changes in protocol. As nurses, we must stay flexible and adapt to these constant changes and keep an open mind for learning as well as new opportunities. Lastly, nursing is a collaborative field. Therefore, we must foster strong relationships with our colleagues and patients in order to be the best advocate we can be for the patients and provide the highest quality of care.
University of Wyoming
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research And Clinical Nursing
Karen Gorton PhD, RN, FNP, MS: Continue to learn and grow. When opportunities for professional development arise, ask your managers to support you in gaining further knowledge and certifications. When you start in your first job, salary is important, but not as important as having an environment that will support you in your growth and development as a RN. If you have completed any micro-credentials, be sure to highlight those in the application process. For example, if you have completed the IHI Open School Basic Certificate in Quality and Safety, note that in your certifications on your resume. The increased knowledge and certifications may lead to some pay increases.
Karen Gorton PhD, RN, FNP, MS: In nursing, the ability to think critically within the clinical context, communication, and assessment skills will continue to be very important. You, as the nurse, are with the patient for more hours than any other provider. Your ability to look at the patient combined with your assessment, their current issues, their lab values, and clinical presentation will be the difference in their outcome. Once you put your pieces together, your ability to clearly communicate your findings with the providers will advocate for the patient and their care.
Karen Gorton PhD, RN, FNP, MS: As a recently graduated nurse who has passed NCLEX-RN, I would encourage you to be sure to learn all that you can from your mentors and preceptors who are helping you orient to your new role/position. They have so much knowledge that can be very helpful to your continued growth as a RN. Be sure to demonstrate informed inquiry – ask them questions that demonstrate your understanding of the context, but also your desire to learn more. Find a new graduate residency program to start your employment as a RN in. This program will provide you support for your first 9-12 months of working as a nurse.
New York University
Health Professions And Related Clinical Sciences
Dr. Kelseanne Breder PhD, PMHNP, GERO-BC: Trauma-informed care, narrative interview/qualitative assessment skills, informatics.
Dr. Kelseanne Breder PhD, PMHNP, GERO-BC: Obtain certifications through the American Nurse Credentialing Center (ANCC), specialize in underserved populations, know your value.
Dr. Kelseanne Breder PhD, PMHNP, GERO-BC: Seek job opportunities that offer you ample supervision. Supervision is critical to furthering your education and refining on-the-job expertise in the specific practice setting where you have chosen to work.
Jordan Porter DNP, APRN, FNP-BC: In this field, where the environment is constantly changing and the stakes are always high, it's critical for new nurses to prioritize emotional agility. What I mean by that is having the courage to face tough emotions, being curious about them rather than fearful, and treating yourself with compassion as you work through them. This isn't just about handling stress; it's about aligning these experiences with your core values and purpose. For example, Adam Grant in his book 'Hidden Potential' really hits the nail on the head. He talks about becoming a discomfort seeker, a relentless learner, and embracing imperfections along the way. These aren't just tips; they're necessary traits to navigate the complexities of healthcare with resilience and adaptability. I believe mastering this kind of emotional agility is as crucial as any clinical skill a nurse learns.
Jordan Porter DNP, APRN, FNP-BC: Looking ahead in the field of nursing, one significant trend I foresee is the ever-increasing integration of artificial intelligence into healthcare. Nurses have long been recognized as among the most trusted and ethical professionals nationwide, with our code of ethics considered one of the most rigorous globally. This ethical foundation positions us uniquely to lead in the ethical application of generative AI in healthcare. We shouldn't view AI as a replacement for nursing intelligence but as a tool to augment it. It’s crucial that we maintain a human-centered approach in deploying AI technologies, ensuring they don’t perpetuate health inequities but rather promote health equity. We need to have a seat at the table to ensure that these technologies are used ethically and responsibly. This means being involved in creating AI systems that are not only effective but also accountable and aligned with our commitment to caring and fairness. So, in the next three to five years, I believe developing expertise in AI and ethics will be essential for nurses. We'll need to be vigilant and proactive in shaping how these technologies are implemented to truly support and enhance patient care without compromising our ethical standards.
Francis Marion University
Communication Disorders Sciences And Services
Deborah Hopla DNP, APRN-BC, FAANP, FAAN: You can maximize your salary potential by negotiating. Bring your skills, experience, and never sell yourself short. This is the time to ensure the job is a right fit and that you are considering all the potential benefits and opportunities.
Deborah Hopla DNP, APRN-BC, FAANP, FAAN: The general advice I would give to a nursing graduate student as they begin their career in nursing is to understand every patient you treat is someone’s Mom, Dad, Aunt, Uncle, Brother, Sister, Child. Treat patients like they are your family member. Always keep up with the latest evidence and treatment options.
University of Southern Maine
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research And Clinical Nursing
Dr. Debra Gillespie PhD, RN, CNE: Skills needed in the future will more than likely involve the use of technology. AI and other technologies are rapidly being developed and implemented into the healthcare system.
Dr. Debra Gillespie PhD, RN, CNE: Salary depends upon experience and location. As a new grade you may have the opportunity to ask if there is a set salary or a range. Location is also important as many rural organizations do not have the resources as larger facilities have. Working in large urban areas organizations try to stay competitive with other organizations including salaries.
Dr. Debra Gillespie PhD, RN, CNE: ask questions and don't put too much pressure upon yourself. Be eager to learn new things, and stay on top of new initiatives in nursing and healthcare. Become a lifelong learner.
Dr. Cindy Krentz DNP, RN, ACUE: Nursing is undoubtedly a challenging profession. The emotional toll of caring for patients, especially when outcomes aren't favorable, can be heavy. The physical demands, from lifting patients to long shifts on nurses’ feet, add another layer of difficulty. Workplace violence and dealing with rude or demanding patients further compound these challenges. Moreover, the feeling of being under-appreciated can wear on nurses, especially considering the critical role they play in healthcare. Improving nurse-to-patient ratios and addressing the root causes of workplace stress are essential steps toward ensuring both nurses and patients receive the care they deserve.
Dr. Cindy Krentz DNP, RN, ACUE: Entering the nursing profession at present offers numerous advantages. Firstly, there's a widespread shortage of nurses nationwide, making nursing a highly sought-after career. With the aging population and retiring nurses, there's a pressing need for new nurses to fill these vacancies. Additionally, nursing offers diverse career paths, allowing individuals to transition between different specialties if desired. Moreover, the field boasts high earning potential, job stability, and flexibility in scheduling.
Dr. Cindy Krentz DNP, RN, ACUE: Nursing encompasses a wide range of specialties, from forensic and flight nursing to hospice care, hospital nursing, research, and public health nursing, among others. Regardless of the specific role, the fundamental task common to all nurses is assessment. This involves evaluating patients' physical, mental, and overall well-being. Physically, nurses conduct examinations, monitor vital signs, assess pain levels, and consider the broader context to provide comprehensive reports to healthcare providers. Given that nurses are present round-the-clock in hospitals, they play a crucial role in relaying their assessments to providers, who typically visit once or twice a day.
California State University - Dominguez Hills
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research And Clinical Nursing
Cathy Andrade DNP, MSN, RN: It seems we are in a phase in healthcare where the use of technology is growing at a rapid pace. Having an open mind to accept and continue to build skills using new technologies will continue to be important factors for the future of nursing practice.
Cathy Andrade DNP, MSN, RN: My advice to Registered Nurses entering the workforce is to be open to opportunities that may not be their first choice. This can mean a nursing position in a department or a shift they may not have considered but may lead to future opportunities for a more desirable shift, or an opportunity in their preferred specialty.
Becky Farmer MSRS, RT (R)(M): Soft skills, our new grads sometimes forget we are in the patient care business. Someone's mom, aunt, dad, grandpa are the ones we are caring for and we must listen well and take the best care of them possible. That's what they will remember.
Becky Farmer MSRS, RT (R)(M): Best advice for new graduates is to never stop learning, gain all the certifications you can and keep a positive attitude. Remember networking is key to a successful career!
Becky Farmer MSRS, RT (R)(M): Education, Education, Education! That is the key to earning potential. Experience is great as well and being the kind of person everyone wants to hire. Being kind, generous, caring and having a great work ethic, that will get you far in life and in your career field.
Wendy Bowles PhD, APRN-CNP, CNE: To maximize your salary potential you should consider going back to school and pursuing your doctorate degree from a high quality, reputable institution. There are many programs that offer BSN to doctorate pathways and that will enhance earnings potential.
Wendy Bowles PhD, APRN-CNP, CNE: Nursing offers many opportunities for a career and you never know what door will open for you in your calling to care. You should explore many possibilities and not limit yourself to any one particular area. It is also important to explore your future career and educational doors in the future.
University of Detroit Mercy
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research And Clinical Nursing
Dr. Ashlee Barnes DNP, APRN, FNP-C: People like the career paths that are offered in nursing. People also like the flexibility, ever-evolving shifts, job security and the opportunity to make a difference on a daily basis. People dislike the long hours at times, constant pressure, emotional involvement, and physical demands.
Stephen F Austin State University
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research And Clinical Nursing
Dr. Erin Bailey DNP, APRN, FNP-C: Empathy and grit. Nurses definitely need empathy to care for patients but COVID and the changes in the world have taught us that new nurses need grit and self-care. Burn-out is a real thing. Nurses need to think about and advocate for their own safety and health-mental and physical. Take a self-defense class and learn de-escalation tips. Be aware of your surroundings. Do not get trapped in a room by yourself with an aggressive agitate patient. Also, do not work seven 12 hour shifts in a row as a new nurse. It is not healthy for you. Find a nurse that you can decompress and debrief with. Most new nurses burn-out in less than 10 years. This is the key to longevity in this field and will allow you to increase your earning potential.
Dr. Erin Bailey DNP, APRN, FNP-C: Be patient. You may not get the exact job you want right out of nursing school but I bet it is available within 2 years of graduation. You do not have to take one you hate but experience is key to advancing.
Huertas College
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research And Clinical Nursing
Folake Adelakun DNP, MBA, HCA, MSN, BSN, RN, PHN,CNE: There is a huge demand for nurses and it is projected that there will even be more shortage of nurses in the future. There are so many specialties to choose from. The reward of caring for people at the most vulnerable state in life. Good pay comparable to some professions even though not yet where it should be. Opportunity to be an autonomous practitioner.
Folake Adelakun DNP, MBA, HCA, MSN, BSN, RN, PHN,CNE: People love nursing because it has been rated the most trusted profession in the United States continually. The reward of appreciation for caring for others. Good pay comparable to some professions. Numerous specialties to choose from. You will always have a job. Lifelong learning. Some dislike nursing because it demands a lot physically, emotionally, and mentally. Stress and job burnout. Work overload. Not enough renumeration. Constant change. Not being appreciated sometimes.