Education
The required education for an RN is a diploma in nursing from an accredited nursing program. Some RNs also complete a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) degree. RNs with a BSN may have more opportunities for advancement and higher salaries.
Experience
RNs with more experience typically earn higher salaries. The BLS reports that the median annual salary for RNs with less than one year of experience is $63,480, while the median annual salary for RNs with 20 years or more of experience is $86,420.
Location
Salaries for RNs can also vary depending on location. The BLS reports that the highest-paying states for RNs are California ($115,170), Hawaii ($111,670), and Massachusetts ($109,940). Nebraska ranks 22nd in the nation for RN salaries.
Specialty
RNs can specialize in various fields, such as critical care, oncology, pediatrics, or surgery. RNs who work in specialty areas may earn higher salaries. For example, the BLS reports that the median annual salary for RNs in critical care is $86,490, while the median annual salary for RNs in pediatrics is $78,910.
Overall, RNs in Nebraska earn a competitive salary, with the potential for higher earnings based on education, experience, location, and specialty.