Registered Nurse - RN Salary

A registered nurse (RN) can be a patient's lifeline. He or she can offer education and advice and treat people most often during times of illness or injury. Regardless of the field in which they specialize, registered nurses are valued and respected for the contributions they make to their patients and colleagues.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), job opportunities are expected to be excellent for RNs seeking employment. The mean RN salary nationwide was $66,530 in 2009 or $31.99 hourly. RNs do have the potential to earn more than $93,000 annually.

RN Salary: State Overview and Training Requirements

The BLS reports that as of May 2009, five states offer the highest salaries to registered nurses. These states are:

• California: $85,080 annually, $40.90 hourly
• Massachusetts: $81,780 annually, $39.32 hourly
• Hawaii: $80,020 annually, $38.47 hourly
• Maryland: $76,330 annually, $36.70 hourly
• New Jersey: $74,990 annually, $36.05 hourly

The majority of individuals who decided to become an RN take one of three education routes: earning a bachelor's degree, an associate's degree, or a diploma from an approved nursing school or program. During this time, potential RNs may choose to specialize in a certain medical field such as hospice and palliative care, dermatology, critical care, or long-term care. This specialization may lead to employment in various industries, not just a hospital setting. RN salary ranges vary according to the industry, but those employed in medical equipment and supplies manufacturing had a mean annual wage of $77,870 in 2009 or $37.44 per hour, making it the top paying of all RN industries.