Explore Nursing Salary Earnings

Answer 1

Entering the field of nursing proves to be a smart move for many people. Not only are nursing professionals in high demand, but the salaries offered in this career field are also quite lucrative. Depending on which particular nursing job you select, the salary range will vary a great deal. All nursing positions, however, generally offer better pay and prospects than other career fields with comparable training requirements.

Entry-Level Nursing Salaries

The entry-level position for nursing professionals is a certified nursing assistant. Certified nursing assistants must be properly licensed, which can require passing an exam. However, it is possible to be hired as a CNA right out of high school and with only limited training and experience; some high schools even provide certified nursing assistant training as part of their vocational education programs. CNAs make a median salary of around $26,500 per year. There are few entry-level jobs that offer pay this lucrative or provide such a promising career path for those who wish to move up in the field of nursing.

Licensed Practical Nurse

After a certified nursing assistant, the licensed practical nurse is the next step to progressing in the field of nursing. LPNs generally must complete at least one year of training or attend a program administered by a hospital or community college. It is also necessary to pass an exam to become certified as an LPN. With just a bit more training and expertise than an entry-level CNA, an LPN makes significantly more. The median wage for a licensed practical nurse is just over $41,000. LPNs must always work under the supervision of an RN or doctor and take care of many basic patient-care tasks.

Registered Nurse

The best-paid nursing positions are available to candidates who are registered nurses. To become an RN, it is necessary to have either prior nursing experience or attend one year of general education classes; candidates can then be admitted to what is generally a two-year training program. Most nursing programs are administered at vocational schools, universities or in partnership with a training hospital. Registered nurses make significantly more than either a CNA or an LPN. Beginning salaries start at over $54,000 per year and the best-paid nurses can make as much as $78,000 annually. The median salary for an RN is around $65,000 per year. The highest-paid registered nurses usually work in specialized fields, including maternity, geriatric care or home-health services.