Lana Oconnell
Nursing students can earn money through work-study programs, internships, and externships, with the average salary for a student nurse in the United States being $19.11 to $19.56 per hour. However, these programs are often not enough to cover the cost of nursing school, which can range from $6,000 to over $200,000 depending on the type of program and the school. The average salary for a registered nurse (RN) is around $81,000 to $86,000 per year, but RNs must also pay for licensing and the NCLEX-RN exam. While nursing can be a lucrative career, prospective students should carefully consider the financial burden of nursing school and the potential debt they may incur.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Average hourly salary for a student nurse in the US | $19.11 to $19.56 |
| Average hourly pay in work-study programs | Lower than the pay for a registered nurse |
| Average hourly pay for nursing internships and externships | $10 to $23 |
| Average annual salary for a registered nurse (RN) | $81,220 to $86,000 |
| Average cost of a two-year ADN program at a public college | $6,000 to $40,000 |
| Average cost of a two-year ADN program at a private school | $30,000 to $100,000 |
| Average cost of a four-year BSN program at a low-cost, in-state public college | $40,000 |
| Average cost of a four-year BSN program at a private or out-of-state school | $200,000 or more |
| Average cost of RN-BSN pathways | $17,000 to $90,000 |
| Number of current RNs projected to leave the workforce by 2030 | 1 million |
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What You'll Learn
- Student nurse salaries: $19.11-$19.56 per hour
- Work-study programs: Lower pay than RNs, but a means of gaining experience
- Internships and externships: Paid opportunities ranging from $10-$23 per hour
- Loan payback programs: Agree to work in high-need areas to get loans paid off
- RN salaries: Around $81,000-$86,000 per year
Student nurse salaries: $19.11-$19.56 per hour
The average salary for a student nurse in the United States is between $19.11 and $19.56 per hour, according to data from Indeed.com. This data was compiled from 286 salaries listed in job postings over the past 36 months, up to August 31, 2025.
Student nurse salaries typically range from $26,000 to $52,000 yearly, with the average hourly rate varying from $17.92 to $19.56. Student nurses in Hawaii earn the highest average salary, while Louisiana, North Carolina, and Tennessee have the lowest average salaries for student nurses. The highest-paying cities for student nurses are Oxnard, California; Las Vegas, Nevada; and Webster, New York.
Location, education, and experience all impact a student nurse's salary. Even as a student, wages can increase with more experience and qualifications. Obtaining more qualifications can increase marketability and open up prospects with greater salaries.
There are also financial aid programs and scholarships available to nursing students, as well as loan payback programs that will pay off student loans in full or in part if the student agrees to work in a high-need or underserved area after graduation. Additionally, nursing students can gain experience and earn money through work-study programs, internships, and externships, which are often paid opportunities.
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Work-study programs: Lower pay than RNs, but a means of gaining experience
Nursing students can opt for work-study programs, which typically offer lower pay than RNs but provide valuable experience and financial assistance for their education. These programs allow students to work part-time jobs, gaining practical experience while earning money to cover a portion of their schooling. While the hourly pay is generally lower than that of a registered nurse, it still offers a way for nursing students to gain specialised experience and build their resumes.
The Federal Work-Study (FWS) program, for example, enables students with financial needs to earn money for their educational expenses. Students can work at their school or for nonprofit or private for-profit agencies, earning at least the current hourly minimum wage. The federal government pays 75% of the student's wages, while the remaining 25% comes from the academic department or employer's budget. This ensures that students can focus primarily on their coursework while still earning an income.
Additionally, nursing students can explore paid externships and internships, which often take place during academic breaks. These structured programs provide brief assignments that offer insights into specific aspects of healthcare. According to research, the average salary for nursing externships and internships ranges from $10 to $23 per hour, depending on the state and healthcare facility. These opportunities not only provide financial benefits but also give students invaluable hands-on experience in their field.
While the average salary for a student nurse in the United States is $19.11 per hour, work-study programs and internships can offer slightly lower pay. However, the trade-off is the valuable experience gained, which can enhance a student's resume and increase their marketability when applying for nursing positions after graduation. Furthermore, gaining experience and additional qualifications can positively impact a nurse's income prospects, making work-study programs a worthwhile consideration for nursing students.
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Internships and externships: Paid opportunities ranging from $10-$23 per hour
Nursing students often take on internships and externships to gain practical experience in the field. These opportunities can provide financial benefits, with many internships and externships offering paid positions. Paid internships and externships for nursing students typically offer wages ranging from $10 to $23 per hour. These rates vary depending on the state, the healthcare facility, and the specific program.
While most clinical rotations are unpaid educational requirements, certain colleges and medical centers offer competitive rates for nursing students to gain clinical experience. Nursing students can also explore structured programs, such as externships and internships, which often take place during academic breaks. These programs provide specialized experience and financial support, with wages falling within the $10 to $23 per hour range.
It is worth noting that nursing students can increase their potential wages by gaining more experience and focusing on specific fields of healthcare. Additionally, obtaining further qualifications can enhance their marketability and open doors to higher-paying opportunities.
Some nursing students have shared their experiences with paid internships and externships online. One student nurse shared that their externship paid $15 per hour, while another mentioned an offer of $18 to $19 per hour at a different hospital. It is important to consider that wages can vary significantly between states, with some student nurses in New York earning more than their counterparts in Mississippi.
Paid internships and externships in the nursing field offer valuable opportunities for students to gain practical experience and earn an income during their academic breaks. These positions typically fall within the $10 to $23 per hour wage range, providing financial support and professional development for aspiring nurses.
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Loan payback programs: Agree to work in high-need areas to get loans paid off
The average hourly salary for a student nurse in the United States is $19.11. This can be supplemented by work-study programs, internships, and externships, which are usually paid.
Nursing students often graduate with loan debt, and there are several loan repayment programs available that can help with this. These programs are a great way to get your loans paid off in exchange for agreeing to work in high-need or underserved areas.
The Nurse Corps Loan Repayment Program, for example, offers to pay up to 85% of unpaid nursing education debt for those who serve in eligible healthcare facilities in communities in need. This program has a two-year service contract, after which you may be eligible for a third year and an additional 25% of your loans paid off.
The Bureau of Health Workforce also offers eight programs that repay part of your school loan debt in exchange for serving in a health professional shortage area. These programs are available for clinicians in primary care, dental, or behavioral health disciplines, as well as those trained to provide SUD treatment or serve in pediatric subspecialties.
Loan repayment programs through the Office of Healthcare Workforce Development also offer financial support to health professionals who agree to provide direct patient care in medically underserved areas.
These programs provide a great opportunity for nursing graduates to get help with their loan repayment while also serving communities in need and gaining valuable experience in the process.
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RN salaries: Around $81,000-$86,000 per year
The salary of a registered nurse varies depending on several factors, including location, specialty certification, and experience. While sources provide varying ranges for RN salaries, it is clear that RN salaries can often fall within the range of $81,000 to $86,000 per year.
According to BLS data from 2022, the average annual salary for registered nurses was $81,220. This figure represents a substantial salary for RNs, who play a crucial role in providing patient care across various healthcare settings.
It is worth noting that RN salaries can vary significantly by workplace setting. For example, RNs working in hospitals, government settings, and ambulatory healthcare services tend to report higher earnings. Additionally, factors such as degree type and specialization can impact an RN's salary. RNs with higher degrees, such as a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) or a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), often earn higher salaries than those with entry-level degrees due to increased responsibilities and more complex decision-making.
While the focus is on RN salaries, it is worth mentioning that nursing students can explore various options to earn an income during their studies. Paid internships, externships, and work-study programs can provide nursing students with valuable experience and a source of income. These opportunities allow students to gain specialized knowledge, build their resumes, and offset a portion of their schooling expenses.
In summary, RN salaries in the range of $81,000 to $86,000 per year are attainable, and factors such as location, specialization, and experience can influence the final salary. Nursing students have options to earn an income during their studies, gaining valuable experience and financial support before entering the rewarding and often lucrative field of registered nursing.
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Frequently asked questions
The average salary for a nursing student is $19.11 per hour in the United States, though some sources state it could be as high as $19.56 per hour.
Clinical rotations are usually unpaid educational requirements. However, some colleges and medical centers offer paid clinical rotation programs, which are usually competitive.
The average salary for a registered nurse is around $86,000 per year, though some sources state it could be as low as $81,220.
