The Bureau of Labor Statistics published survey data for May 2007 in an Occupational Employment Statistics report that shows 114,920 registered nurses were working in Ohio nursing jobs at that time. The report further states that the average annual wage for registered nurses in Ohio at that time was $57,320, or $27.56 per hour. When compared to the average annual wage of all workers in all industries across the state, which was $38,640 ($18.58 per hour), it is easy to see that registered nurses in Ohio nursing careers enjoy a significantly higher than average wage and standard of living.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook 2008-2009, the field of registered nursing is expected to experience a 23% increase in growth by the year 2016, which would result in 587,000 additional jobs for registered nurses across the country. The reasons for this increase in demand for registered nurses include the rate or current registered nurses retiring in the years to come, the nation’s growing population, the aging of the population, the fact that people are living longer, and the growing trend towards nurses providing more services to patients as a cost cutting measure. Prospective nurses preparing to enter Ohio nursing programs can expect to enjoy a similar growth rate in Ohio.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics report also points out that registered nurses with at least a bachelor’s degree will enjoy better job prospects in the coming years, and that nurses continuing their education at the graduate level will experience the greatest opportunities for advancement. Prospective nurses may want to keep this in mind as the choose Ohio nursing programs.