Data from the Occupation Employment Statistics report published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics for May 2007 shows that there were 52,690 registered nurses working in Minnesota as of that month. The average annual wage for registered nurses in Minnesota at that time was $67,510, which is $32.46 per hour. When compared to the national average annual wage of $62,480 ($30.04 per hour) for registered nurses across all states, it is easy to see that completing Minnesota nursing programs and entering Minnesota nursing careers is a great option that pays above the national average. On top of that, Minnesota nursing jobs also pay considerably more than the average annual wage of $42,820 ($20.59 per hour) earned by workers across industries in Minnesota at that time.
Registered nurses are poised to experience one of the greatest growth rates in employment opportunities over the next decade. In the 2008-2009 Edition of the Occupational Outlook Handbook, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the field of nursing is expected to experience a 23% increase by 2016, which would mean an additional 587,000 nursing jobs across the country, and is significantly higher than expected growth for most other industries. This massive increase will result from the demand for qualified registered nurses increasing due to population growth, retiring registered nurses, an aging population that is living longer and requires more health and wellness services, and the move towards nurses, rather than doctors, providing more services as a cost-saving measure. Naturally, Michigan nursing jobs are expected to increase at a parallel rate.
This same report states that registered nurses who hold at least a bachelor’s degree will experience a higher growth rate in employment prospects than nurses holding less than a bachelor’s degree, and that registered nurses with a master’s degree or higher will experience the greatest jump in employment opportunities and opportunities to advance their career. This should be factored in to the decision making process for any students considering Minnesota nursing programs.