The number of licensed registered nurses (RNs) in the United States grew to a new high of 3.1 million between 2004 and 2008 according to a report released by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA). This increase of more than 5 percent also reflects growing diversity in the backgrounds of nurses in the United States.  Some of the findings include:

• Half (50 percent) of RNs have achieved a baccalaureate or higher degree in nursing or a nursing-related field in 2008, this is compared to 27.5 percent in 1980.
• The average age of all licensed RNs increased to 47.0 years in 2008 from 46.8 in 2004; this represents a stabilization after many years of continuing large increases in average age.
• Average annual earnings for RNs in 2008 were $66,973. RNs’ salaries rose almost 15.9 percent since 2004, which slightly outpaced inflation.
• An estimated 444,668 RNs received their first U.S. license over the period from 2004 to 2008.

For more information and to read the complete report, visit the HRSA website.