The United States is grappling with a national nursing shortage, and one significant contributing factor is inadequate pay. Nurses across the country are feeling the pinch, with some even resorting to strikes for better compensation and working conditions. A recent analysis by Money Geek of over 100 metro areas in the U.S. reveals stark discrepancies in nurses’ salaries, taking into account taxes and living costs.
In many metro areas, nurses’ take-home pay is significantly impacted by the high cost of living and taxes. For instance, in Washington D.C., despite a pre-tax salary of $98,000, the adjusted take-home pay dwindles to $48,000 due to these factors. Honolulu faces a similar scenario, with registered nurses earning almost $134,000 gross pay but only taking home around $50,000 after adjustments.
However, some states like California and Texas offer better prospects for nurses, with several metro areas surpassing the national average salary. Sacramento leads the pack, with registered nurses taking home almost $89,000 annually, setting a benchmark for compensation in the profession.
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Given the substantial variation in nurse salaries across the country, there’s been a notable rise in travel nurses. These professionals can earn up to $102 per hour, more than double the average registered nurse’s salary, depending on their assignment location. With the flexibility of short-term contracts, travel nurses can capitalize on high-paying opportunities, particularly during crises like the COVID-19 pandemic.