Registered Nurse Salary Guide: Miami, FL

The average RN salary in Miami only tells part of the story. How much nurses make in this city varies based on many factors, including education, certification and employer type. The following Miami nurse career tips can help you increase your pay as an RN.

If you completed an associate degree program to obtain your RN license, pursuing a bachelor’s degree could boost your pay. RNs who already hold bachelor’s degrees can seek post-graduate certificates, master’s degrees and doctoral degrees to enter advanced practice specialties or take on leadership roles.

Colleges and universities that offer bachelor’s bridge programs and/or graduate-level nursing programs in the Miami area include but aren’t limited to:

• The University of Miami School of Nursing and Health Studies

• Benjamín León School of Nursing at Miami Dade College

• Barry University School of Nursing

• Nicole Wertheim College of Nursing & Health Sciences at Florida International University

Professional organizations allow you to network with other nurses and healthcare professionals. Building your network by attending events and meetings may one day open the doors to receiving high-paying job offers. Some state and local organizations include: 

• American Association of Critical-Care Nurses Greater Miami Area Chapter

• American Psychiatric Nurses Association Florida Chapter

• Black Nurses Association Miami Chapter

• Dermatology Nurses’ Association Florida

• Florida Nurses Association

• Florida Organization of Nurse Executives

• National Association of Hispanic Nurses Florida Broward County Chapter

• Philippine Nurses Association of Miami and Southeast Florida

Earning professional certifications in an advanced practice area may qualify you for a pay raise and give you a chance to focus on an area of nursing that you feel passionate about. There are dozens of advanced practice RN certifications you can pursue. Costs and requirements vary, but most involve holding an active RN license, receiving minimum education or training and working a minimum number of hours in a certain specialty. You also typically need to pass an examination.

An RN’s salary in Miami may differ for specific shifts at hospitals and other facilities that deliver round-the-clock care. Generally, third shifts earn more than first and second because fewer people want to work overnight. Volunteering to work on weekends and holidays may also give you a considerable boost in pay.

Another strategy is to agree to rotating shifts. With this type of schedule, you may work some days, afternoons, evenings and nights. A variable schedule can make it difficult to maintain a daily routine. However, healthcare employers often reward this flexibility with higher wages.