Salary survey

Nursing, Oct 2003 by Robinson, Eileen S, Mee, Cheryl L

Are you earning what your colleagues earn in comparable nursing positions? Check out the results of our fourth annual national salary survey and see how your income stacks up.

IN 2003, MORE THAN 2,600 participants responded to our annual salary survey, and they brought good news: Overall, annual salaries and hourly rates have increased.

Across all position titles, the annual salary gains reported in 2003 were significant compared with salaries reported in 2002. What's more, a significantly higher proportion of respondents to this year's survey made $65,000/year or more-15% in 2003, compared with 8% and 4%, respeclively, in the previous 2 survey years.*

The average salary reported by respondents to this survey is $49,634, which is $4,000 more than what we reported in 2002 ($45,498) and almost $8,000 more than we reported in 2001 ($41,995).

Average hourly starting rates for RNs, LPN/LVNs, and unlicensed assistive personnel (UAPs) are also rising. (See 2003 Averages at a Glance.)

Most 2003 survey participants (64%) say their facility doesn't offer a bonus for new hires. Most of those answering yes to new hire bonuses indicate bonus amounts of $2,000 or less.

The percentage of survey participants working part-time in 2003 (13%) has decreased significantly since the 2001 survey (17%). The trend toward full-time employment by respondents may reflect nationwide economic pressures beyond the nursing profession.

Continuing-education reimbursement, which was offered to 75% of participants, ranked number one among special benefits. The retention bonus ranked last, with only 11% of participants indicating it was offered by their facility. (See Drawing a Bead on Benefits.)

Differences in compensation are still evident when we look at such variables as geographic location, sex, education, and work setting. For example, those working in a university hospital, facilities with more beds, and facilities in urban areas report the highest average full-time annual salary. The salary differences can be as much as $11,000.

Let's take a closer look at some of the changes and trends revealed in this survey.

Staff RNs are gaining

Among position titles, the staff RN had the highest percentage increase in salary (14%), followed by the charge nurse/assistant nurse-manager (12%). In dollars, this is an increase of almost $6,000. (See Comparing Average Full-Time Salary by Position.)

Many 2003 survey participants (46%) have more than 15 years' experience, a significant increase in the proportion of survey participants in this range compared with 2001 (41%). The average full-time annual salary for this group is $54,239.

Education counts too. Consider this: An LPN/LVN who acquires an associate RN degree has the potential to move into a position that could increase his income 47%, and an RN with a BSN who earns a masters degree in nursing could raise his salary by 17%.

Only 17% of respondents report that their facility pays a differential for a BSN degree, and only 7% report a differential for other degrees. However, nurses with higher degrees have the potential to earn more as they move into positions that prefer or require more education. For more on how education affects your earning power, see Comparing Average Salary and Education Level.

(Some) specialty areas fare better

Average full-time annual salaries vary widely across clinical areas, ranging from $56,433 in perianesthesia/operating room (OR) to $44,089 in outpatient areas. High salaries paid for perianesthesia/OR nursing may reflect the "on-call" services that these units require.

Higher percentages of nurses earning $60,000 or more work in perianesthesia/OR, oncology, emergency, obstetrics/gynecology, and intensive care unit/critical care unit (ICU/CCU). For information on what regions pay best by unit, see Where to Go for Top Salaries.

Sex differences persist

The percentage of men responding to the 2003 salary survey was 9.4%. Both male and female respondents' salaries increased significantly, but the average annual salary for males exceeded the average salary for females by more than $3,300.

Factors besides sex may account for some of these differences. For example, among men participating in the survey, a higher percentage worked in ICU/CCU, emergency, and psychiatric areas; also, a greater percentage of men than women worked in urban settings. These areas and settings generally pay above-average salaries. Over half of the men worked in higher-paying urban areas, compared with 40% of women. For more information, see Women and Men: How Average Full-Time Salaries Stack Up.

What you had to say

Overwhelmingly, participants spoke about their dissatisfaction and frustration with the compensation offered by the facilities where they worked. Nurses want salaries that reflect the differences in qualifications and experience among nurses, as well as the additional responsibilities they assume when they work as charge nurse, preceptor, or committee member. Here are a few common criticisms:

* Experienced nurses reported only minimal differences in their salaries, compared with those of less experienced nurses.