How Much Do Data Abstraction Nurses Make?
Several factors can influence data abstraction nurse salaries, including experience, workplace, education level, and geographic location. Data abstraction nurses generally earn a little more than other registered nurses (RNs), which is more than the average U.S. salary, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). This guide will walk any prospective data abstraction nurse through the details of pay across all variables and offer advice on how to maximize earning potential in this field.
Just the Highlights: Data Abstraction Nurse Salaries
Data abstraction nurses can earn the highest average annual salaries in these roles and locations:
Washington, D.C.
$112,916
Berkeley, CA
$122,047
General Medical and Surgical Hospitals
$119,030
How Much Do Data Abstraction Nurses Make?
In the U.S., data abstraction nurses make an average of $47.93 per hour, according to ZipRecruiter. This rate equals approximately $99,696 per year, which puts data abstraction nurse salaries well above average.
Data abstraction nurse compensation depends on several variables, which will be detailed below.
Data abstraction nurse average annual salary
$99,696
Data abstraction nurse average hourly wage
$47.93
According to ZipRecruiter, data abstraction nurses can make an average of$74,000 in the lower salary range, while the higher-end averages are closer to $136,000.
Source: ZipRecruiter
How Education Affects Data Abstraction Nurse Salaries
All data abstraction nurses must first become registered nurses (RNs) by earning a two-year Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), which takes four years. Some nursing programs can be completed in as little as 12 months through an accelerated option, which requires previously earned prerequisites. With either education path, nurses must pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX), after which they become RNs.
When nurses graduate with an ADN and pass the NCLEX, they receive an RN designation, similar to a nurse who achieves a BSN. However, data abstraction nurses with a BSN will receive higher pay than those with an ADN, and many employers require their nurses to have a BSN degree.
| Degree | Annual Average Salary |
| ADN | $75,000 |
| BSN | $92,000 |
Source: Nursing World
How Specialty Certification Affects Data Abstraction Nurse Salaries
Data abstraction nurses can earn specialty certifications through the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA), like the Certified Health Data Analyst (CHDA). Any nursing certification proves expertise in that specialty and can lead to higher compensation.
Location and Data Abstraction Nurse Salaries
As with most professional salaries, cost-of-living differences can make employment location a major factor in pay expectations.
Top-Paying Data Abstraction Nurse Salaries by State
In general, the coasts offer the highest pay for data abstraction nurses, while the Southeastern states offer the lowest.
| Washington, D.C. | $112,916 |
| Alaska | $110,286 |
| Massachusetts | $109,466 |
| New York | $109,071 |
| Washington | $107,329 |
| Vermont | $106,002 |
| North Dakota | $105,487 |
| Oregon | $105,407 |
| Colorado | $104,832 |
| Nevada | $104,277 |
| South Dakota | $103,895 |
| Hawaii | $103,580 |
| New Jersey | $101,215 |
| Delaware | $99,782 |
| California | $98,391 |
| Rhode Island | $97,634 |
| New Hampshire | $96,955 |
| Virginia | $96,438 |
| Illinois | $96,007 |
| Wyoming | $95,830 |
| Maryland | $94,700 |
| Connecticut | $94,480 |
| Mississippi | $94,419 |
| Idaho | $93,804 |
| Iowa | $93,641 |
| Missouri | $93,515 |
| Arizona | $92,906 |
| Nebraska | $92,745 |
| Pennsylvania | $91,924 |
| Montana | $91,506 |
| Wisconsin | $91,188 |
| South Carolina | $91,167 |
| Utah | $90,760 |
| Maine | $90,593 |
| Tennessee | $90,486 |
| Alabama | $90,363 |
| Oklahoma | $89,816 |
| North Carolina | $89,286 |
| Kansas | $88,914 |
| Minnesota | $88,158 |
| Texas | $87,950 |
| New Mexico | $87,573 |
| Indiana | $86,901 |
| Kentucky | $86,573 |
| Michigan | $85,915 |
| Ohio | $85,667 |
| Arkansas | $82,439 |
| Georgia | $77,112 |
| Louisiana | $76,970 |
| West Virginia | $70,994 |
| Florida | $68,245 |
Source: ZipRecruiter
Top-Paying Data Abstraction Nurse Salaries by City
The cost of living differs by state and population density. More people populate cities than rural areas, and their cost of living and salaries are typically higher. For example, if data abstraction nurses work for a large insurance company in a city of millions, they will probably earn more than those who work with a small health technology company in a rural area.
| Metropolitan area | Hourly mean wage | Annual mean wage |
| Berkeley, CA | $58.68 | $122,047 |
| New York City, NY | $56.77 | $118,079 |
| Renton, WA | $56.46 | $117,429 |
| Santa Monica, CA | $56.06 | $116,611 |
| Daly City, CA | $55.53 | $115,500 |
| Baileys Crossroads, VA | $55.36 | $115,159 |
| Auburn, WA | $54.83 | $114,055 |
| Boston, MA | $54.53 | $113,417 |
| Wausau, WI | $54.34 | $113,035 |
| San Mateo, CA | $54.03 | $112,389 |
Source: ZipRecruiter
Workplace Type and Data Abstraction Nurse Salaries
Data abstraction nurse compensation can also vary based on the work environment. For many data abstraction nurses, insurance companies and hospital positions pay the highest.
| Industry | Hourly mean wage | Annual mean wage |
| General Medical and Surgical Hospitals | $57.23 | $119,030 |
| Insurance Companies | $57.17 | $118,909 |
| Remote (work from home) | $47.93 | $99,696 |
Source: ZipRecruiter
How Fast Can a Data Abstraction Nurse’s Salary Grow?
A data abstraction nurse’s salary can grow fast, depending on professional development. In certain workplaces, management offers incentives to get certifications, lead or take part in committees, and get on a management track.
Pay also rises with each year of experience. Most medical facilities offer new hires an hourly rate based on years of experience. So, even if a nurse changes positions or facilities, their pay should remain the same if the facilities are comparable.
How to Increase Your Earnings as a Data Abstraction Nurse
Data abstraction nurses can increase their salary in many ways. As discussed above, compensation directly correlates to location, workplace type, and level of education, and these factors can lead to a higher salary.
1. Earn a Higher Degree
For data abstraction nurses with an ADN, many universities offer bridge programs to obtain a BSN, which typically increases earning potential.
2. Try a New Location
Compensation for data abstraction nurses often depends on location, and a move to a new city can come with a higher salary. Keep in mind, though, that with a higher salary may also come a higher cost of living.
3. Earn Certification
By earning a specialty certification, data abstraction nurses can prove their worth and become even more valuable to their employers, allowing them to leverage their expertise for higher pay.
4. Transfer to a New Work Setting
If a current work setting cannot increase a data abstraction nurse’s salary to their satisfaction, a new workplace might offer higher pay.
Data Abstraction Nurse Salaries FAQs
1. What role offers the highest pay for data abstraction nurses?
The highest-paid data abstraction nurses are those working in General Medical and Surgical Hospitals, who make an average of $119,030 a year, or $57.23 per hour.
2. What do data abstraction nurses make per hour?
Data abstraction nurses make an average of $47.93 an hour. This can increase or decrease based on experience, location, role, and education.
3. Which state and city pay data abstraction nurses the best?
According to ZipRecruiter, Washington, D.C. offers the highest pay for all RNs at $54.29 per hour, or $112,916 a year. Berkeley, CA, boasts the highest salaries at $58.68 per hour ($122,047 per year).
4. How can data abstraction nurses get paid more?
Data abstraction nurses can earn higher degrees, try a new location, earn specialty certification, or transfer to a new work environment, all of which could potentially increase pay.
5. Which degree gives data abstraction nurses the highest pay?
To become a data abstraction nurse, candidates must earn a two-year Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a four-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree. Of the two, a BSN typically offers the highest pay for data abstraction nurses.