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.