How much does a nurse earn?

In our fiche métier infirmier, we've seen all the important thématiques of this career as a care professional, but all work comes with a salary… So it's time for us to tackle the question of the nurse's rémunute;ration. In this article, we'll look at how he’s paid for his services, depending on the environments and statuses in which he’volutes.

What is a nurse?

The nurse is a healthcare specialist. Usually working in a hospital environment, they are responsible for the specific care and hygiene required by patients. In the course of their work, they may also provide psychological support or carry out administrative tasks. The nature of their work requires them to be able to work at night or at weekends, as medical emergencies do not lend themselves to schedules. It's a proving job, and one that requires a strong sense of self-discipline. A sense of service and support are essential to overcome the great pressures of the business.

Factors influencing a nurse's salary

The rémunération of the nurse is influenced by: 

• L’expérience : as in most trades, know-how and l’ancienneté are takenés and better rémune;rés.
• La localisation : the nurse's salary is often adapted to the cost of living in the region.
• The type eacute;tablissement : each structure has its own salary grids, with differences in pay and benefits. A nurse working in a hospital will generally be better remunerated than one working in a retirement home.
• The nature of the tasks : this aspect has to do with the nurse's specialization. The more specific his tâches are, the better he will be reémunute;ré.

Average salary for nurses

&Given the above-mentioned influencing factors, the average nurse's salaryvaries according to the type of structure in which he or she works. Here's a non-exhaustive overview, but one that may give you some guidance when applying for a nursing job: 

• Nurse(ère) expérimenté(e) :

• Public sector: between 2500 and 3000€ gross per month.

• Private sector: approximately 2500€ net per month.

• Libéral(e)s : Rétrocession between 70 and 80% of monthly gross sales.

Évolution salariale du métier d'infirmier(ère)

As with most professions, the salary of the nurse(ère) will increase as he/she gains experience and/or competence. In many cases, this will involve obtaining additional diplomas that will enable them to specialize and thus enhance their know-how. The following are some of the ways in which you can improve your financial situation: 

• L’anesthésie : the nurse may specialize in pre-op, périop and post-op care. He then assists the anaesthetist during surgical procedures and ensures patients' pain management.
• The operating suite : the nurse assists the surgeon during operations. He/she is responsible for the preparation and sterilization of equipment, as well as for the safety and hygiene of the operating room.
• The pu´riculture : the nurse focuses on the care of children, from birth to adolescence. They work in maternity wards, paediatric wards or child protection structures.
• Cadre de santé : l’infirmier développe;ses competences afin d’être en mesure de manager une équipe de soins ou d’enseigner en IFSI.
• Infirmier de Pratique Avancée (IPA) : spécialité récente, puisque’elle date de 2018. The IPA nurse can monitor patients referred by a doctor, prescribe additional examinations, request follow-up and preventive procedures or renew prescriptions.

International comparison

Nurses' wagesnormally vary around the world. For example, an Afghan nurse will earn around $4,000 a year, while a Japanese nurse will earn around $40,000 a year. These differences, which can sometimes be quite considerable, need to be analyzed in the light of the economic and social context of each country. The cost of living, the functioning of the health system or simply the level of development are factors that need to put each of these data into perspective.

In conclusion, nursing salaries are influenced by various factors such as experience, specialization, type of employer and geographic location. Salary scales also vary according to employment sector and career level. Finally, benefits and bonuses play a crucial role in overall compensation. A hard-working and ambitious nurse will have many ways to increase his or her income over the years, ensuring a rich and rewarding career.

Did you like this article and want to learn more? Check out our nurse anesthetist salary sheet or our childcare nurse salary sheet!