In a report published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics regarding occupational survey data for May 2007, data shows that there were 12,730 registered nurses making an average annual wage of $58,900 ($28.32 per hour) in New Hampshire nursing careers at that time. When compared to the average annual wage of $40,780, or $19.60 per hour, earned by worker in all industries in New Hampshire at that time, it is easy to see that registered nurses in New Hampshire enjoy a higher than average wage and a higher standard of living when compared to other workers in that state.
Aside from an above average standard of living, nurses in New Hampshire nursing careers are also set to enjoy being part of an industry that is expected to experience a 23% growth rate by 2016, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. In its Occupational Outlook Handbook 2008-2009 Edition, projections show an anticipated 587,000 additional nursing jobs coming available over the next few years as our growing and aging population increases the demand for qualified health care professionals and registered nurses currently working in the field begin to retire. New Hampshire’s population is also growing, which means New Hampshire nursing jobs are expected to increase at a similar rate.
The Occupational Outlook Handbook 2008-2009 Edition also notes that registered nurses who have completed bachelor-level nursing programs will enjoy better job prospects than nurses who do not hold a bachelor’s degree. Because of this, prospective nurses considering New Hampshire nursing programs may want to take this into consideration as they choose the nursing school that is right for them.
Overall, this is an exciting time for nurses to enter New Hampshire nursing careers and enjoy this expected growth, while working directly with patients to help them live longer, better lives.