Nurse anesthetists are some of the most highly paid nurses.
For those considering nursing as a career, two major options are to become a licensed practical nurse (LPN) or registered nurse (RN). The primary difference between these two positions is that an RN typically has more education, with employers looking for bachelor's degrees or higher. Most LPNs have an associate degree. RNs have more responsibility because of their additional education. They also typically receive better pay.
Typical Earnings
According to 2009 information from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, LPNs make $40,900 annually, or about $19.66 per hour. They have a pay range of $28,890 to $55,090.
By comparison, RNs make $66,530 per year, or $25,630 more than LPNs annually. This translates to $31.99 per hour. RNs in entry-level positions make as little as $43,970, but the highest paid RNs make $93,700.
Employer/Industry
Because LPNs don't have bachelor's degrees in most cases, the best employers for LPNs in terms of pay aren't always the same as those for RNs. According to the BLS, as of 2009, LPNs earn the best wages working in employment services ($46,190), activities related to real estate ($45,600), boarding houses ($45,530), offices of dentists ($43,220) and office administration services ($42,730).
RNs fare better working for medical equipment and supplies manufacturers ($77,870), employers within the federal executive branch ($77,830), civic and social organizations ($77,830), newspaper, periodical, book and directory publishers ($74,990) and business, professional, labor, political and similar organizations ($74,630).
Wages by State
Every state has its own rate of pay for both LPNs and RNs. Based on 2009 information from the BLS, LPNs earn the most if they work in Connecticut ($52,300), Rhode Island (50,010) and New Mexico ($49,760).
RNs have the best compensation in Massachusetts ($81,780), Hawaii (80,020) and Maryland ($76,330).
California and New Jersey are among the top five highest-paying states for both LPNs and RNs. LPNs make $49,940 in California and $50,350 in New Jersey. For the same states, RNs make $85,080 and $74,990, respectively.
Considerations
The BLS indicates that the LPN and RN industries will grow by about the same percentage, about 22 percent, through 2018. Between 2008 and 2009, both LPNs and RNs saw wages increase by 0.2 percent. Additionally, although LPNs make less than RNs, many RNs start out as LPNs; becoming an LPN is a good way to get some industry experience before taking on additional nursing duties. Lastly, some RNs are advanced practice nurses, or APNs. APNs have to have at least a master's degree in a specialty area. APNs sometimes make more than regular RNs because of their higher education. In some specialties, an APN may cross six figures in salary.
Tags: both LPNs, LPNs make, 2009 information, 2009 information from, According 2009, bachelor degrees, because their
