Sep 19, 2023

Nursing Salary Insights for RNs, LPNs and CNAs

Nursing is a noble profession that plays a vital role in healthcare. Whether you’re a Registered Nurse (RN), a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), or a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), you provide essential care to patients and contribute significantly to the healthcare system. However, salaries in the field of nursing can vary widely. Here are valuable salary insights for RNs, LPNs, and CNAs to help you make informed decisions about your career and financial goals.

How Much Do Registered Nurses Make?

Registered nurses, often referred to as RNs, are the backbone of healthcare, providing and coordinating patient care and emotional support. They undergo extensive education and training and can specialize in various fields, such as pediatrics, surgery, or critical care. Here are some nursing salary insights for RNs:

	Average Salary: The average RN salary in the United States is around $81,000 per year according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Occupational Outlook Handbook for Registered Nurses. *
	Factors Affecting Salary: RN salaries can vary based on factors like location, experience, education, and the healthcare facility. Nurses in urban areas and those with specialized roles often earn higher salaries. Travel nurses are compensated with higher salaries than their full-time counterparts.
	Career Advancement: RNs can increase their earning potential by pursuing advanced degrees, additional certifications, and gaining experience in specialized fields.

How Much Do Licensed Practical Nurses Make?

Licensed Practical Nurses, or LPNs, are an important part of the healthcare team, providing basic nursing care under the supervision of RNs, doctors or other providers. Here’s what you need to know about nursing salaries for LPNs:

	Average Salary: LPN salaries can vary greatly, but the average is around $54,000 in the United States according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Occupational Outlook Handbook for Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses. *
	Factors Affecting Salary: LPN salaries are influenced by the geographic region, type of healthcare facility (hospitals, nursing homes, clinics), and years of experience. Generally, LPNs in hospitals tend to earn more than those in long-term care settings. Travel LPNs see higher earnings than those in staff clinical or hospital settings.
	Career Advancement: LPNs can increase their earning potential by gaining experience, pursuing additional certifications, and potentially advancing to roles like RN or Nurse Supervisor through additional education.

How Much Do Certified Nursing Assistants Make?

Certified Nursing Assistants, or CNAs, provide essential support to nurses and patients with activities of daily living. They often work in long-term care facilities, hospitals, or home care settings. Here’s a look at CNA nursing salary insights:

	Average Salary: The average CNA salary in the United States is around $35,000 per year. The variation is primarily due to location and experience according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Occupational Outlook Handbook for Nursing Assistants and Orderlies. *
	Factors Affecting Salary: Similar to LPNs, CNA salaries are affected by location, experience, and the type of healthcare facility. CNAs in urban areas generally earn more than those in rural settings. Travel CNAs will also see higher salaries compared to staff CNAs.
	Career Advancement: CNAs can pursue further education and training to become LPNs or RNs, which can significantly increase their earning potential.

Nursing Salary Insights

Understanding the salary landscape for nurses, LPNs, and CNAs is necessary for making informed career decisions. While these figures provide a general overview, it’s important to research salary trends in the location you are looking to work. Regardless of your nursing role, the patient care you provide is appreciated and invaluable!

Our family of Aequor recruiters are ready to assist you and guide you in finding the perfect travel RN, LPN or CNA placement. Visit work.aequor.com to browse our open positions and get connected with one of our recruiters today!

* NOTE: US Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook data last modified 09/06/2023.

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