How Much Do Nurses Make?

Those interested in the most popular career option in healthcare may ask: "How much do nurses make?" As there is an understandable set of differences, this figure will vary somewhat. However, here is some information regarding how much nurses make on average.

Earnings. According to the Occupational Outlook Handbook, nurses make $62,450 based on the median annual earnings. The range of how much nurses make, for the middle 50 percent, is found at $51,640 to $76,570. The lowest and highest 10 percent of nurses make less than $43,410 and more than $92,240, respectively. 

Earnings based on industries within nursing. The Occupational Outlook Handbook also gives statistics in regards to earnings for different industries. The two highest performing industries, in terms of how much nurses make, are employment services ($68,160) and general medical and surgical hospitals ($63,880). Other primary industires, in regards to the nursing profession, point to lower earnings figures: offices of physicians ($59,210), home health care services ($58,740), and nursing care facilities ($57,060). As nursing is the most popular career in healthcare, these are just generalizations regarding earnings and industries.

Education. How much nurses make is often linked to their education. For instance, a registered nurse may obtain a bachelor's of science degree in nursing (BSN), associate degree in nursing (ADN), and a diploma. There are also postgraduates degrees available, as well as opportunities to provide their own healthcare services. Obviously, these will greatly affect how much nurses are able to make, as there is a great deal of room based on one's education and opportunities available.