When deciding where to put your training to good use as a practical nurse (PN), there are a lot of factors to take into account, and for many job-hunters, the pay is among the most important. Whether you’re a student or working professional looking for a change of scenery, it’s important to consider salary possibilities when determining your next step. Here at Prism Career Institute, the Career Services department will discuss what kind of PN salary you can expect throughout your career and how different factors may affect your pay.
Hiring and Salary Trends for PNs
Overall, salary trends for PNs suggest positive growth. Data shows that the average PN salary has grown 7.81% over the past five years, accounting for an average pay increase of $3,310. In addition to this trend, prospective PNs can take comfort in reports published by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics that claim to see a steady rise in hiring practices, projecting an expected 11% growth of PNs through 2028. Though your exact salary as a PN may be subject to a variety of factors, like experience and location, data suggests favorable growth for overall salary and hiring projections.
Experience as a Factor
As with any career, an individual’s salary may be subject to their experience – meaning an entry-level PN should not expect the same rate of pay as a PN with decades of nursing under their belt. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average annual salary for PNs is $47,480 per year, broken down to $22.83 per hour. Data compiled from the same source reports that for entry-level PNs, a starting salary closer to $35,490 may be expected. Depending on where you are practicing and your experience level, entry-level PNs typically see salary increases within their first five years of employment.
Your Salary and Your Setting
Regardless of whether you’re an entry-level PN or have years of experience, where you practice also factors into your salary. As a PN, you may have the opportunity to work in a variety of medical settings. However, depending on where you live and work, the pay may not always be equal, as we describe below:
Work Setting
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, these following healthcare facilities offer the respective average salaries:
- Nursing and resident: $48,840
- Government: $48,400
- Home healthcare services: $48,130
- Hospitals; state, local, and private: $45,550
- Offices of physicians: $43,620
Salaries by State
Depending on where you live, your rate of pay may, again, be subject to change. This 2019 Bureau of Labor Statistics data compiled by Herzing University shows fluctuations in local areas’ average annual salaries for PNs:
- New Jersey: $57,510
- Pennsylvania: $49,200
- New York: $49,860
Prepare for Your Career as a PN
Many factors come into play when gauging your potential PN salary, but the fact remains that overall, nurses are in demand, which tends to drive up the salaries offered. Furthermore, data from the Bureau of Labor and Statistics shows promising trends in both the hiring and overall salaries of PNs. Prism Career Institute, with locations in Philadelphia, PA, Cherry Hill, NJ, and West Atlantic City, NJ, can help focus your career path. Contact us today to enroll or learn more about our Practical Nursing program.