Nursing is Amongst The Highest-Paid Hourly Jobs in the U.S., Study Finds

Many hourly jobs, especially in healthcare, offer competitive pay that rivals salaried positions. In fact, a study by Homebase found that registered nurses (RNs) are among the highest-paid hourly workers in the country, leading in 16 states with average wages exceeding $47 an hour national-wide.

According to an analysis of more than 5 million hourly jobs from Homebase, coupled with Bureau of Labor Statistics data, registered nurses earn an average of $47.32 per hour.

They top the pay scale in states like,

•  Delaware where RNs earn $57.15 per hour (20.7% above the national average),
• Pennsylvania ($56.38/hr),
• Texas ($51.55/hr), Minnesota ($50.95/hr),
• Michigan ($50.04/hr).
• Med spa nurses also earn impressive wages nearing $50 an hour in states like Colorado and Maryland, reflecting growing demand for cosmetic and post-operative care.

This hourly rate can translate into full-time annual salaries well into the six-figure range without requiring a salaried position.

Other High-Paying Hourly Jobs

Dental hygienists closely follow, commanding the highest hourly wages in 14 states, including high-cost states like,

•  Washington ($58.69/hr)
• California ($57.06/hr)
• Oregon ($56.79/hr)

Other high-earning hourly roles include,

• Sonographers
• Electrical power-line installers
• Aircraft mechanics

Interestingly, skilled trades represent top-paying jobs in 12 states. 

• Electricians
• Machinists
• Welders

Highest Paying Nursing Jobs

For registered nurses, specialized roles often bring the highest pay. Here are the top highest-paying nursing jobs.

• Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) lead nursing salaries with a national average exceeding $223,000 annually.
• Pain Management Nurses ($129,500),
• Neonatal Nurses, Nurse Practitioners (Psychiatric, Family, Geriatric), Nurse Midwives, and Nurse Informatics Specialists can all earn lucrative pay. 

This data highlights that location and specialization greatly influence nursing wages. Nurses in high-demand areas or specialized fields enjoy premium pay, reflecting their vital expertise and responsibility.

John Waldmann, CEO and founder of Homebase, notes, "Every day, millions of hourly workers show up and keep our communities running—from the nurses caring for patients to the mechanics keeping our cars on the road. This data reveals something we've known all along: hourly work can be both essential and well-compensated, especially when businesses understand the value these workers bring."

For nurses evaluating career paths or pay scales, these insights emphasize the growing value and earnings potential in nursing, especially for RNs who pursue high-demand specialties or work in top-paying states.

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