Earnings

Median annual wages nationally of registered nurses were $64,690 in May 2010. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $44,190, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $95,130. Median annual wages in the industries employing the largest numbers of registered nurses in May 2010 were: 

General medical and surgical hospitals; private    $66,650

Offices of physicians                                         $62,880

General medical and surgical hospitals; local      $62,690

Home health care services                                 $60,690

Nursing care facilities                                        $58,180

Source: U.S. Department of Labor Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2012-2013 Edition (http://www.bls.gov/oco/)