Indianapolis, the capital of Indiana, is a thriving metropolitan city. The 2010 Census reported a population of 829,718. Indianapolis is home to several major hospitals and other health-care facilities, including St. Francis, St. Vincent, Community Hospital, Indiana University Hospital and Riley's Childrens Hospital. Due to a shortage of nursing staff, Indianapolis health-care facilities are continuously seeking qualified applicants. Entry-level nurses are welcome. Salaries in Indianapolis are dependent on experience, academic achievements and the level of responsibility the position has.

Indiana Needs Nurses

In 2005, in a report titled "Nursing Education in Five States: 2005," the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services advised that there was a critical shortage of nursing education capacity in Indiana. Limited by a lack of qualified instructors, Indiana nursing schools were turning away thousands of applicants each year. Registered nurses and nursing instructors are in high demand in Indiana.

The U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor statistics reports that by 2020 there will be an estimated shortage of over a million nurses nationwide. The Labor Bureau further reports that between 2000 and 2010, the demand for nurses will exceed, by almost twice, the need for employees in all other occupations and professions. (Ref. 4)

National Salaries

2011 calculations from MySalary.com reflect that the national annual median income for a registered nurse is $65,460. Newly licensed, entry-level registered nurses, in the lowest 10 percent of wage earners, receive $54,125. The top 10 percent of wage earners receive an annual median income of $78,028.

RN Salaries-Indianapolis, Ind.

Salaries in Indianapolis compare favorably with the national average. MySalary.com reports that as of 2011, the annual median salary of an RN in Indianapolis is $64,097. The lowest 10 percent (presumed to include entry-level nurses) receive an annual average income of $52,998. The top 10 percent of Indianapolis registered nurses receive an annual average salary of $76,403. Indianapolis registered nurses work in hospitals, outpatient clinics, doctor's offices, laboratories and for the public school system.

Secondary Education Increases Income

Registered nurses who pursue secondary educational opportunities receive preference in hiring and advancement. Many registered nurses seek specialty training as a clinical nurse specialist by obtaining a master's or doctorate in their chosen field. MySalary.com reports that the average annual income for a clinical nurse specialist in Indianapolis is $85,973. Wage earners in the lowest 10 percent of clinical nurse specialists receive an annual average median income of $71,871. Those in the top 10 percent earn an average median income of $100,417.