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Nursing careers and salary

Nursing professionals have several areas they can specialize in to help fill critical positions on a modern integrative health care team. Facilities of all types demand the knowledge and compassion of qualified nurses to address the individual needs of each patient, provide quality services, and encourage healthier outcomes.

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110,700

new nurse practitioner openings expected from 2019-2029*

Envelope with money indicating higher salary.

Job growth is due to increased emphasis on preventive and elder care

*U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

  • Nursing industry overview
  • Nursing careers & salary
  • Nursing programs

Why work in nursing?

Nursing can be a lucrative and personally rewarding profession. If you’re interested in pursuing a career in this field, consider the following benefits:

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PERSONAL SATISFACTION AND COMMUNITY IMPACT

Nurses are known for their ability to help others. If you’re someone who enjoys connecting with people, you’ll likely find a great deal of satisfaction in supporting your patients. Helping a child recover from an illness, supporting an adult as they adapt to living with a disability, or putting a patient’s mind at ease by explaining their symptoms are all examples of the kind of impact you can have as a nurse.

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JOB SECURITY

As one of the oldest professions in the world, nursing isn’t going away anytime soon. But there’s always room for emerging professionals with more advanced skills and technological competencies. If you’re looking for job stability and security, nursing can be a smart choice to consider.

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Job types and salaries

The typical nurse salary is above the national average, even at the entry level. Once you earn an advanced degree, you’ll increase your earning potential and eligibility for more challenging and rewarding job opportunities in health care. 

Here are some common types of nursing jobs and their median salaries based on data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics:

Entry-level nursing jobs

Typical requirements: certificate, associate or bachelor’s degree

Nursing assistant

Nursing assistant typically work under the supervision of a more experienced medical professional such as a registered nurse. Nursing assistants will typically provide patient support by checking and recording vital signs, changing wound dressings, documenting food intake, helping patients with personal grooming, and other responsibilities. A certified nursing assistant (CNA) designation is usually required for this position. This can be good entry-level option that can lead to a more advanced position in nursing.

Median salary

$29,640

Licensed practical nurse

Licensed practical nurses (LPNs) provide basic medical care under the guidance of registered nurses, mid-level practitioners, and doctors. They may check vital signs, change bandages, insert catheters, and assist with bathing or dressing, among other tasks. If you decide to pursue a career as an LPN, you must complete a state-approved educational program, which typically takes about a year. You must also obtain licensure. In some states, experienced LPNs may supervise other LPNs and unlicensed medical staff.

Median salary

$47,480

Registered nurse

To become a registered nurse, you will need at least an associate degree in nursing or a bachelor’s degree in nursing. In addition, you’ll need to pass your state’s licensing examination. In this role, you’ll have more responsibilities than a nursing assistant or LPN and may even supervise junior nursing professionals who hold that title. As a registered nurse, you’ll be more involved in patient care and may take part in developing treatment plans, administering medication, and consulting with patients and their families.

Median salary

$73,300

Advanced nursing jobs

Typical requirements: master’s degree or higher

Nursing educator

Nursing educators demonstrate and teach patient care to nursing students in classroom and clinical settings. This role includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research. Your work may deal with general nursing concepts or focus on a specialized area such as pediatrics, psychiatric health, or oncology. If you’re interested in becoming a nursing educator, you’ll need at least a master’s degree as well as licensure as a registered nurse.

Career profile

Median salary

$83,160

Advanced practice registered nurse

Becoming an advanced practice registered nurse typically requires a master’s degree. This role is highly specialized and offers a higher salary because of that. As an advanced practice registered nurse, you’ll have much more independence and a greater range of responsibilities. For instance, you may perform exams, order lab tests, and manage other members of the nursing staff. With the right certification, you may also be able to write prescriptions.

Median salary

$95,696

Nurse practitioner

A nurse practitioner is an advanced practice registered nurse with a wide scope of practice and a higher level of professional autonomy. Generally, a master’s degree in nursing is required. In this role, you can diagnose and treat diseases, prescribe medications, and even serve as a primary care provider for your patients. You may also refer patients to specialists as needed. One thing to keep in mind about this role is that you will need to gain and maintain the appropriate certification to practice, which involves participating in continuing education programs.

Median salary

$115,800 

Chief medical officer 

As a C-suite position, the chief nursing officer (CNO) role is the most advanced in the nursing industry. In this role, you will be responsible for directing nursing activities in accordance with hospital guidelines. CNOs may also manage staff levels, develop and implement emergency plans, oversee budgets, and plan for supplies and equipment purchases. You also might participate in or direct nursing training exercises, orientations, and educational programs. CNOs are expected to have at least a master’s in nursing, although a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) can help to give you a competitive advantage.

Median salary

$129,017

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Sources

  1. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics 
  2. PayScale 

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