A long-term care (LTC RN) is a licensed nurse who provides care for residents in settings such as nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and other long-term care environments. These residents typically have chronic illnesses, disabilities, or age-related conditions requiring ongoing medical attention and support with daily living activities

LTC RNs provide not only medical care but also emotional support and advocacy for residents. They work closely with residents and their families, ensuring dignity, quality of life, and comfort in a long-term care setting.

The demand for LTC RNs is expected to remain high and continue to grow in the coming years, driven by an aging population, a rise in chronic conditions, and a shift towards home & community-based care. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the overall employment of registered nurses is projected to grow by 9% from 2020 to 2030, which is faster than the average for other occupations.

Top 5 Highest and Lowest Paying States for LTC RN Jobs in the US

Specific salary data varies by state and over time. The salary for a LTC nurse depends on several factors, including location, level of experience, and the type of healthcare setting. However, in general, LTC RNs do not tend to earn significantly more than RNs working in other settings like hospitals, outpatient clinics, or private practices. According to Zippia, the highest and lowest-paying states for RNs are as follows:

Top 5 Highest Paying States for RNs:

1. Alaska

2. Massachusetts

3. New Mexico

4. Connecticut

5. Pennsylvania

Top 5 Lowest Paying States for RNs:

1. Iowa

2. Nebraska

3. Missouri

4. South Dakota

5. Alabama

The state data varies between resources.

Historical Data (Salary Outlook) For Salary Median

** Chart from https://www.zippia.com/salaries/registered-nurse/

Median salary, Entry-level salary, Average-salary

The median salary for a LTC nurse in the U.S. is influenced by their experience, location, and specialization. An entry-level salary for those just starting their career is around $60,000-$65,000. The average salary of a LTC RN is $75,000-85,000 annually, with a median salary of $77,000. Experienced nurses can earn up to $90,000.

A traveling LTC nurse may receive a higher hourly rate ($90,000-$150,000) because of their temporary job status. Traveling LTC nurses can earn between $40 and $70 per hour, with some assignments offering bonuses or higher pay rates for more difficult-to-fill positions.

Average RN Salary by State (for non-traveling nurses)

StateAnnual SalaryWeekly SalaryHourly Wage
Alabama$67,186$1,292$32.30
Alaska$97,253$1,870$46.76
Arizona$77,800$1,496$37.40
Arkansas$64,143$1,233$30.84
California$104,725$2,013$50.35
Colorado$71,881$1,382$34.56
Connecticut$89,275$1,716$42.92
Delaware$83,554$1,606$40.17
Florida$67,649$1,300$32.52
Georgia$72,144$1,387$34.68
Hawaii$100,541$1,933$48.34
Idaho$70,898$1,363$34.09
Illinois$72,168$1,387$34.70
Indiana$68,459$1,316$32.91
Iowa$58,751$1,129$28.25
Kansas$66,092$1,271$31.77
Kentucky$66,415$1,277$31.93
Louisiana$70,665$1,358$33.97
Maine$73,820$1,419$35.49
Maryland$85,067$1,635$40.90
Massachusetts$89,434$1,719$43.00
Michigan$76,403$1,469$36.73
Minnesota$73,785$1,418$35.47
Mississippi$67,541$1,298$32.47
Missouri$66,392$1,276$31.92
Montana$67,062$1,289$32.24
Nebraska$63,703$1,225$30.63
Nevada$84,132$1,617$40.45
New Hampshire$81,019$1,558$38.95
New Jersey$89,733$1,725$43.14
New Mexico$79,593$1,530$38.27
New York$91,110$1,752$43.80
North Carolina$68,899$1,324$33.12
North Dakota$63,132$1,214$30.35
Ohio$69,670$1,339$33.50
Oklahoma$69,137$1,329$33.24
Oregon$92,453$1,778$44.45
Pennsylvania$78,851$1,516$37.91
Rhode Island$93,942$1,806$45.16
South Carolina$66,313$1,275$31.88
South Dakota$59,818$1,150$28.76
Tennessee$68,356$1,314$32.86
Texas$75,612$1,454$36.35
Utah$69,540$1,337$33.43
Vermont$74,249$1,427$35.70
Virginia$77,217$1,484$37.12
Washington$86,379$1,661$41.53
West Virginia$74,799$1,438$35.96
Wisconsin$72,241$1,389$34.73
Wyoming$66,097$1,4271$31.78
**Data from Zippia

Average RN Job Salary by State (for traveling nurses)

StateAnnual SalaryWeekly SalaryHourly Wage
Alabama$77,588$1,492$37.30
Alaska$74,299$1,428$35.72
Arizona$87,190$1,676$41.92
Arkansas$80,194$1,542$38.55
California$97,974$1,884$47.10
Colorado$98,220$1,888$47.22
Connecticut$111,005$2,134$53.37
Delaware$91,711$1,763$44.09
Florida$74,846$1,439$35.98
Georgia$86,852$1,670$41.76
Hawaii$124,372$2,391$59.79
Idaho$83,166$1,599$39.98
Illinois$90,763$1,745$43.64
Indiana$93,092$1,790$44.76
Iowa$64,402$1,238$30.96
Kansas$74,871$1,439$36.00
Kentucky$87,679$1,686$42.15
Louisiana$77,520$1,490$37.27
Maine$90,520$1,740$43.52
Maryland$93,994$1,807$45.19
Massachusetts$105,266$2,024$50.61
Michigan$108,277$2,082$52.06
Minnesota$89,793$1,726$43.17
Mississippi$78,188$1,503$37.59
Missouri$85,683$1,647$41.19
Montana$80,009$1,538$38.47
Nebraska$74,217$1,427$35.68
Nevada$91,862$1,766$44.16
New Hampshire$95,063$1,828$45.70
New Jersey$96,940$1,864$46.61
New Mexico$80,739$1,552$38.82
New York$112,944$2,172$54.30
North Carolina$86,413$1,661$41.54
North Dakota$81,504$1,567$39.18
Ohio$76,751$1,475$36.90
Oklahoma$81,370$1,564$39.12
Oregon$85,917$1,652$41.31
Pennsylvania$91,807$1,765$44.14
Rhode Island$109,043$2,096$52.42
South Carolina$78,431$1,508$37.71
South Dakota$73,846$1,420$35.50
Tennessee$83,550$1,606$40.17
Texas$80,436$1,546$38.67
Utah$71,628$1,377$34.44
Vermont$86,240$1,658$41.46
Virginia$87,999$1,692$42.31
Washington$107,658$2,070$51.76
West Virginia$73,407$1,411$35.29
Wisconsin$98,435$1,892$47.32
Wyoming$79,907  $1,535$38.42
Note: From Zippia “Travel Nurse”

What is the average incentive bonus for a LTC RN Job?

The average bonus for a LTC RN is between $1,000 and $5,000. Many nurses earn bonuses based on performance metrics, such as patient satisfaction, efficiency, and patient outcomes. Some employers offer sign-on bonuses to attract LTC RNs. These can range from $2,000 to $10,000 depending on demand in the area, employer size, and the level of experience required. Lastly, they may also be offered a retention bonus after staying with their employer for a specific number of years which can range from $1,000 to $7,000.

Employed vs. self-employed LTC RN Job

Salaries vary between an employed and self-employed LTC RN. Employed RNs have a fixed, stable salary, health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off. They usually work for a system and have less financial risk and less flexibility in scheduling.

 A self-employed LTC RN will contract their services and has a higher earning potential, increased flexibility, must find their own jobs, and may/may not be provided with healthcare, liability coverage or a retirement plan.

How to do an effective LTC RN job search

We make it easy to find a LTC RN position with PRN Healthcare. Use the position job search bar by searching “I am a RN” and select LTC as your specialty. Finally, use the location bar to select your state and city of choice.

Most-common benefits for a LTC RN

Being a LTC RN comes with many professional and personal benefits including:

  • High Demand/Job Security- LTC RNs earn a competitive wage relative to their experience and region.
  • Specialized Skill Development- LTC RNs can obtain certificates in areas like gerontological nursing or wound care.
  • 3. Opportunities for Advancement- Hospice RNs can advance into leadership roles.
  • 4. Work-Life Balance- Nurses can choose between full-time, part-time, and per diem positions, and those who work in nursing homes may have more control over their daily schedules.
  • 5.Meaningful Patient Relationships- LTC nurses form deep, personal connections with patients and their families. This makes the work highly rewarding, as nurses make a significant difference during a difficult time in a person’s life.
  • 6.Emotional Fulfillment- Providing comfort and dignity to patients to long-term care patients gives a nurse a sense of purpose. Many nurses find personal satisfaction in helping patients and families navigate the difficulties of chronic conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average salary of a LTC RN in the U.S.?

Data suggests the average annual salary for a LTC RN in the United States is $75,000-$85,000 per year, which is like other RNs. The figure can vary depending on location, years of experience, employment situation, specialization, demand, and the type of healthcare facility.

Do LTC RN salaries vary by geographical location?

Yes, Salaries vary significantly by geographical location. Generally, nurses living in urban areas or regions with a high cost of living tend to earn higher salaries. For example, LTC RNs in states like California, Hawaii, and New York often earn more than those in rural or less populated states due to demand and differences in the cost of living.

How does experience affect an LTC RN’s salary?

Just like many other professions, experience plays a significant role in determining a LTC nurse’s salary. Entry-level nurses typically start with a lower salary, which can increase substantially with experience. Mid-career and experienced nurses can earn significantly more, especially with a specialization. Those with years of experience can make $100,000.

Are there opportunities for LTC RNs to earn additional income?

Yes, there are many opportunities for LTC RNs to earn additional income including working additional hours, taking leadership roles, and retention or referral bonuses.

What benefits typically accompany an employed LTC RN’s salary?

LTC RNs often receive a comprehensive benefits package which may include health insurance, retirement plans (such as a 401(k) or pension), and paid time off (PTO). Benefits significantly enhance the overall compensation package and provide long-term financial stability for a non-traveling RN.