As turnover continues to be a challenge in nurse staffing, it’s not surprising that our recent salary survey shows that the average years of experience for nurses is decreasing while median salaries are increasing.
In our 2024 Nursing Salary Study, the average length of service for registered nurses (RNs) is 22.5 years, down from 26 years in 2023. The length of service for advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) drops from 28 years in 2023 to 23.5 years. The length of service for licensed practical nurses (LPNs) and licensed vocational nurses (LVNs) remains around 19 years in both reports.
Another interesting finding in our report relates to gender differences. Survey results show that more male nurses than females are choosing travel nursing, but fewer male nurses have started working in this field since the pandemic began.
More than 2,500 RNs, APRNs, and LPN/LVNs from across the United States participated in our survey between mid-November and mid-December 2024. Because the COVID-19 pandemic has greatly impacted healthcare operations, new questions were included to measure its impact on the nursing industry.
The feedback showed various changes in average salary, job satisfaction and gender pay gap compared to the results in 2023. The report showed that nurse salaries increased in most areas of the country, but there were also downward trends, such as an increase in the number of nurses considering leaving the industry during the epidemic.
Salary level:
Although American nurses have more holidays, their salary is equally attractive. According to 2023 data, the median annual salary of registered nurses (RN) in the United States is about $82,000, while the median annual salary of RNs in New York State is as high as $94,000, and the average annual salary is between $100,000 and $110,000. Such salary levels are quite high across the United States. The report shows that the median salary of registered nurses in 2024 is $78,000, APRNs are $120,000, and LPN/LVNs are $48,000. Compared with our 2023 survey results ($73,000 for registered nurses, $107,000 for aprns, and $45,000 for lpn/lvn), this year's survey shows a significant increase in wages. However, this year's findings show the gender pay gap for registered nurses is widening, with male registered nurses earning $14,000 more.
Differentiation of nurses
1. Nurse Practitioner (NP)
Responsibilities: can perform a considerable part of the work of doctors, and perform the duties of consulting before or on behalf of doctors, such as collecting medical history, etc.
2. Registered Nurse-RN
RN is the controller of the entire nursing process implemented by nursing staff. Starting from accepting the patient, various nursing methods must be used to collect the patient's subjective and objective information and make a preliminary nursing assessment (Assessment). At the same time, the collected information is analyzed for nursing (Analysis), and the correct nursing diagnosis (Nursing Diagnosis) and appropriate nursing plan (Planning) are proposed. Then lead the professional nurse LPN and assistant nurse CAN to implement nursing work (Implementation). Finally, based on the results of the implementation, each stage of the nursing process is evaluated (Evaluation) and revised to ensure that the patient's nursing problems are solved. Therefore, RN must be very familiar with the entire nursing process. At the same time, most of the American people prefer to adopt the open hospital system, which means that in addition to the initial medical treatment performed by the resident doctors, most of the patients are brought into the hospital by the attending doctors who are seeing patients outside. After the patients are admitted to the hospital, the doctors are not in the hospital most of the time. All the patients' problems must be immediately judged and improved by the RN or solved after discussion with the patient's attending doctor. Therefore, RN must have independent judgment and be able to make safe and correct decisions in different clinical situations. They must also have fluent English communication skills to communicate with doctors, patients and other staff without difficulty to achieve the purpose of nursing patients. RN is a professional. No matter which state in the United States, they must pass the license examination and obtain the license of the state before they can work in the state. If they work in other states, they do not need to take the exam again, but they must change to the license of the state.
3. Licensed Practical Nurse - LPNLPN is called LVN in California.
The responsibility is to provide basic safe and effective nursing knowledge and technology under the supervision and guidance of RN to implement and complete the nursing plan set by RN. Therefore, their duties are more focused on nursing technology, such as wound care, aseptic techniques, medication and injections. Within the scope of the law, LPNs cannot do assessments and analyses, nor can they give intravenous medications.
- Like RNs, LPNs must pass the nursing license exam and obtain a state license before they can work in that state.
Holiday arrangements
The working hours of nurses in the United States vary, including (8 hours) work five days and rest two days, (10 hours) work four days and rest three days, (12 hours) work three days and rest four days, etc. Many people tend to choose the mode of work three days and rest four days, because this allows them to get more rest time. Americans attach great importance to work-life balance, and hospitals usually do not disturb employees during their holidays. Therefore, a four-day week off is undoubtedly a very pleasant thing for nurses.
In addition, nurses also enjoy paid annual leave and paid sick leave. The number of days of paid annual leave ranges from 10 to 20 days, and some institutions even provide longer vacations. For nurses who work on holidays, hospitals usually give additional compensation. This perfect holiday arrangement and welfare system allows nurses going to the United States to fully enjoy their leisure time after work.
