How Much Do Geriatric Nurses Make?

The demand for geriatric nurses is on the rise as the population ages. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the 65-and-over population has grown by more than one-third over the last decade. The baby boomer generation, combined with improved healthcare, plays a significant role in this growth, creating greater job opportunities in gerontology.

Other benefits to a geriatric nursing career include developing extensive knowledge of complex medical conditions, comorbidities, and polypharmacy; building a strong relationship with the patients in long-term care facilities; serving as an advocate; and choosing from a variety of healthcare settings.

According to Payscale, the average annual salary for a registered nurse (RN) with geriatric skills is $69,212, with an average hourly wage of $30.11. However, there are many factors that affect RN compensation, including education level, certifications, practice setting, years of experience, and additional proficiencies.

Geriatric nursing is a healthcare specialty concentrating on caring for elderly patients. The geriatric nurse salary is higher than the standard RN average salary of $67,440.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) does not detail salary information for specialized nursing, such as geriatric nurses. However, top states for the highest-ranking salaries for nurses with this area of expertise may be similar to those of general RNs. The highest paying state for a general RN is California. Hawaii, Massachusetts, Oregon, and Alaska are the other states ranking in the top five.

California’s statewide nursing shortage has triggered additional job options and opportunities for professional growth. It has also compelled the state to offer the most lucrative salaries and a strict nurse-patient ratio regulation that offers a more favorable work environment.

Geriatric nurses earn higher salaries than nurses in the psychiatric, home health, and pediatric fields. Yet, intravenous (IV) infusion nurses and acute care nurses earn higher incomes than the focused field of geriatric nursing.

There are many ways for geriatric nurses to increase their salary. Three specific ways to enhance income include:

Geriatric nurses are in great demand due to the growing elderly population. These numbers are projected to increase. Seniors comprise most of the hospitalizations, ambulatory care appointments, and home care visits in the healthcare industry. This rise in older patients and evolving healthcare offers many job opportunities for geriatric nursing.

While some nurses may find this specialty both mentally and physically challenging, there are also many great benefits to becoming a geriatric nurse. It is a rewarding career that offers a competitive salary, stability, the opportunity for advancement, and plentiful job prospects.

Geriatric nurses with a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) earn more than those who hold an associate degree in nursing (ADN). According to Payscale, nurses with an ADN earn an average of $72,000 a year. Nurses who hold a BSN earn an average of $88,000 annually.

With our developing education system, a geriatric nurse has the option to complete their degree on campus or online. Online schools offer accredited undergraduate programs and graduate courses.