According to the Occupational Employment Statistics survey for May 2007 published by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were 21,920 registered nurses in the State of Arkansas at that time. Also, as of May 2007, registered nurses who chose Arkansas nursing careers made an average annual wage of $52,600, which works out to $25.29 per hour. When compared to the average annual wage in Arkansas across industries, which was $32,450 per year ($15.60 per hour), it is easy to see why so many Arkansas natives and new residents choose to go into Arkansas nursing jobs.
The 2008-2009 Edition of the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook notes that registered nurses are poised to experience one of the largest increases in job opportunities across industries and across the nation. At an expected 23% growth rate, this report states that an additional 587,000 jobs will be available by the year 2016. Registered nurses and nursing students considering Arkansas nursing jobs can expect to experience the same growth rate within Arkansas.
Future registered nurses considering Arkansas nursing programs should keep in mind that the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook 2008-2009 Edition also puts forth that bachelor-level registered nurses will experience greater growth in employment opportunities than registered nurses who do not hold a bachelor-level degree. Also, nurses that continue their education and complete a masters or doctorate degree will experience the greatest improvement in employment opportunities for their Arkansas nursing careers.