Median annual earnings of registered nurses were $48,090 in 2002. The middle 50 percent earned between $40,140 and $57,490. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $33,970, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $69,670. Median annual earnings in the industries employing the largest numbers of registered nurses in 2002 were as follows:


Employment services $55,980
General medical and surgical hospitals 49,190
Home health care services 45,890
Offices of physicians 44,870
Nursing care facilities 43,850


Many employers offer flexible work schedules, childcare, educational benefits, and bonuses.