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Lee and Cho: Trends in Salaries for Registered Nurses Compared with Elementary School Teachers and Salary Differences by Workplace Size and Geographic Location
Original Article
Journal of Korean Academy of Nursing Administration

Journal of Korean Academy of Nursing Administration 2013; 19(1): 108-117.

Published online: 31 January 2013

DOI: https://doi.org/10.11111/jkana.2013.19.1.108

Trends in Salaries for Registered Nurses Compared with Elementary School Teachers and Salary Differences by Workplace Size and Geographic Location

Ji Yun Lee1, Sung-Hyun Cho2

1Department of Nursing, Kangwon National University, Korea.

2College of Nursing, Seoul National University, Korea.

Correspondence: Ji Yun, Lee. Department of Nursing, Kangwon National University, 1 Kangwondahak-gil, Chuncheon, Kangwon-do, 200-701, Korea. Tel: 82-33-250-8885, Fax: 82-33-242-8840, leejiyun@kangwon.ac.kr

Received 16 November 2012       Revised 21 December 2012       Accepted 23 December 2012

Copyright © 2013 Korean Academy of Nursing Administration

Abstract

Purpose

To analyze trends in salaries for registered nurses when compared with salaries for elementary school teachers from 2002 to 2009 and identify salary gaps of nurses according to workplace size and geographic location.

Methods

Data were obtained from the Occupational Employment Statistics collected by the Korea Employment Information Services each year from 2002 to 2009. The study sample consisted of 2,281 registered nurses and 2,578 elementary school teachers. Linear multiple regression analyses were conducted to analyze salary trends and differences.

Results

Elementary school teachers had higher monthly salaries than nurses with a baccalaureate degree after adjusting for years of work. Salary differences increased significantly by 40,000 won every year (p<.001). Nurses working in large facilities in Seoul had the highest salaries, whereas those in small/medium, non-Seoul facilities had the lowest salaries consistently over time. Salary differences between the two groups increased by 47,000 won every year (p=.001); salary differences between nurses in large, non-Seoul facilities and those in small/medium, non-Seoul facilities also increased by 40,000 won annually (p=.001).

Conclusion

Geographical imbalances in the nurse workforce and nurse shortages in small/medium, non-capital facilities could be reduced by increasing the salary of nurses working in those facilities.

Keywords: Nurses, Shortage, Salaries and Fringe Benefits, Labor market

Figures and Tables

Figure 1
Least-square means of monthly salaries (unit=10,000 won).
(A) Registered Nurses (RNs) and elementary school teachers after adjusting for years worked (=8 years)
(B) Registered Nurses (RNs) by workplace after adjusting baccalaureate degree and 8 years worked
jkana-19-108-g001
Table 1
Characteristics of Registered Nurses (RNs) and Elementary School Teachers by Education and Workplace (N=4,859)
jkana-19-108-i001
Table 2
Monthly Salary of Registered Nurses (RNs) and Elementary School Teachers by Education and Workplace (N=4,859; Unit=10,000 won)
jkana-19-108-i002
Table 3
Comparison of Changes in Monthly Salary of Registered Nurses (RNs) and Elementary School Teachers (N=4,775; unit=10,000 won)
jkana-19-108-i003

*Interaction Effect of Year*Group F=13.11, p<.001

Table 4
Comparison of Changes in Monthly Salary of Registered Nurses (RNs) by Workplace (N=2,232; unit=10,000 won)
jkana-19-108-i004

*Interaction Effect of Year*Workplace F=5.40, p=.001

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