2006 Nursing Salary Survey Says...

The seventh annual nationwide survey from Nursing2006 shows that nurses who have attained higher education and specialty certifications are making more money. Over 1,100 nurses responded to the salary survey that was initially published in January 2006. Among all nurses, those who reported being certified in a specialty made $9,200 more annually than nurses who weren't certified. Compensation also increased with advances in education, as indicated by these annual average salaries:

* LPNs, $36,700
* RNs with a diploma, $57,400
* RNs with an associate degree, $50,100
* RNs with a BSN, $55,300
* RNs with an MSN, $60,500

In addition, nurses who are pursuing advanced education are frequently finding that their employers are picking up the tab. Tuition reimbursement was reported as a benefit by 64% of all respondents and by 80% of hospital nurses. Sign on bonuses were reported by 26% of respondents while 36% of hospital nurses were most likely to report this benefit.

Here are a few other select salary findings:
* Managers reported an average salary of $62,800
* Advanced practice nurses reported an average annual salary of $69,600
* Nurses in salaried positions made an average of $10,000 more per year than those paid by the hour.

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