How Much Do Registered Nurses Make?
Registered nurses (RNs) can have one of the most stable and rewarding jobs in the healthcare field. They receive a relatively high average salary and are in high demand due to an aging population. 
Aspiring nurses can become RNs in 2-4 years and can earn salaries that exceed the national average income. According to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), RNs make an average annual salary of $89,010. Factors such as location, specialized certifications, and experience can lead to RNs earning more than $120,000. This guide about registered nurse salaries will provide information about how much RNs typically earn. Use this guide to find out which states, cities, specialties, and workplaces offer the highest pay.
How to Become a Registered Nurse
Key Information About Registered Nurse Salaries
– The average annual RN salary is $89,010, which translates to $42.80 per hour.
– RN salaries have increased by 15% over the last three years, from 2019 to 2022.
– The top-paying states for RNs are California, Hawaii, and Oregon.
– About 45% of nurses feel that their compensation is fair.
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Sources: Data from the BLS in 2022 | Medscape RN/LPN Compensation Report in 2022
How Much do Registered Nurses Make?
With an average salary of $89,010, registered nurses (RNs) earn 44% more compared to the average income for all professions in the United States. RNs receive competitive salaries, which can lead to stable and financially rewarding careers. The nature of the nursing profession, along with the extensive education and training required, contributes to the high earning potential of RNs. Moreover, nurses play a critical role in healthcare.
Here are the salary details:
– Average Annual RN Salary: $89,010
– Average Hourly RN Salary: $42.80
The salary range for RNs is quite broad, offering opportunities for growth and advancement based on education, certifications, and experience. Most nurses earn between $61,250 and $129,400 annually, with the median annual salary for RNs being $81,220 or $39.05 per hour.
Registered Nurse Salary, Based on Percentile
– 10% earn $61,250 annually or $29.45 per hour.
– 25% earn $66,680 annually or $32.06 per hour.
– 50% (median) earn $81,220 annually or $39.05 per hour.
– 75% earn $101,100 annually or $48.60 per hour.
– 90% earn $129,400 annually or $62.21 per hour.
Source: Data from the BLS in 2022
Registered Nurse Salary Based on Education
To enter the field, RNs can either complete a nursing diploma or a two-year associate degree in nursing (ADN). However, the standard has become earning a four-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). BSN-prepared nurses start with a higher salary and have access to more job opportunities.
Generally, the higher the degree, the greater the compensation. RNs with a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) can earn an average of $23,000 more than those with BSNs.
Registered Nurse Salary by Specialization
RNs can choose specialized training to gain in-depth knowledge and advanced skills. As a result, RN salary levels differ based on board certification and specialization. Here are the average salaries for some common specializations:
Some of the highest-paying registered nurse specializations include family health, acute/critical care, and emergency/trauma nursing.
Registered Nurse Salary, by Specialty
Popular Online RN-to-BSN Programs
Discover information about start dates, credit transfer options, financial aid availability, and more by contacting the universities below.
Registered Nurse Salary by State
While RNs receive relatively high salaries compared to other professions, some areas in the country offer much higher compensation than others. In general, the western states provide the highest salaries, while certain southern and midwestern states offer lower pay. Factors such as the cost of living, the demand for nurses, and labor conditions contribute to the variations in RN salaries across the nation.
California and Hawaii, despite being among the most expensive states to live in, attract nurses by offering some of the highest salaries. Conversely, lower-paying states typically provide a more affordable lifestyle but might have wages below the national average, often due to the absence of a strong nurses’ union.
The top five states with the highest median annual salaries for registered nurses are California, Hawaii, Oregon, Alaska, and Washington. When adjusted for the cost of living, the top five states are California, Hawaii, Oregon, Nevada, and Alaska.
| State | Median Annual Salary | Salary Adjusted for Cost of Living |
|---|---|---|
| California | $132,660 | $118,658 |
| Hawaii | $120,100 | $106,095 |
| Oregon | $106,680 | $103,573 |
| Alaska | $102,260 | $97,950 |
| Washington | $101,230 | $92,957 |
| New York | $100,370 | $91,662 |
| District of Columbia | $98,970 | $88,922 |
| Massachusetts | $98,520 | $92,420 |
| New Jersey | $98,090 | $89,908 |
| Connecticut | $95,210 | $92,797 |
| Nevada | $94,930 | $99,403 |
| Rhode Island | $85,960 | $84,192 |
| Minnesota | $84,060 | $85,427 |
| Maryland | $83,850 | $78,955 |
| Colorado | $82,430 | $80,029 |
| Arizona | $82,330 | $85,140 |
| Delaware | $82,230 | $84,166 |
| New Mexico | $81,990 | $91,201 |
| New Hampshire | $80,550 | $78,585 |
| Texas | $79,830 | $81,046 |
| Wisconsin | $79,750 | $85,477 |
| Virginia | $79,700 | $77,908 |
| Georgia | $79,440 | $82,923 |
| Michigan | $79,180 | $83,966 |
| Illinois | $78,980 | $77,890 |
| Pennsylvania | $78,740 | $81,680 |
| Idaho | $77,940 | $84,902 |
| Wyoming | $77,730 | $85,044 |
| Florida | $77,710 | $76,637 |
| Maine | $77,340 | $79,568 |
| Utah | $77,240 | $81,649 |
| Vermont | $77,230 | $78,247 |
| Ohio | $76,810 | $83,038 |
| Montana | $76,550 | $83,570 |
| North Carolina | $76,430 | $81,482 |
| Kentucky | $75,800 | $85,073 |
| South Carolina | $75,610 | $80,694 |
| Nebraska | $74,990 | $81,688 |
| Oklahoma | $74,520 | $82,525 |
| West Virginia | $74,160 | $81,674 |
| Indiana | $73,290 | $79,061 |
| Louisiana | $73,180 | $80,153 |
| Missouri | $71,460 | $77,674 |
| North Dakota | $69,640 | $76,443 |
| Kansas | $66,460 | $72,873 |
| Tennessee | $65,800 | $72,387 |
| Iowa | $65,000 | $72,545 |
| Arkansas | $64,130 | $71,734 |
| Mississippi | $63,330 | $73,129 |
| Alabama | $63,090 | $71,612 |
Source: BLS, 2022
Note: The salary adjusted for the cost of living was calculated using the median annual RN salary and regional price parity by state from the Bureau of Economic Analysis.
Highest-Paying Cities for Registered Nurses
RNs working in densely populated cities typically earn higher salaries compared to those in rural areas. California, the most populous state, boasts ten of the highest-paying metropolitan areas for RNs in the country.
In the top five California metropolitan areas listed below, RNs earn well above six figures. Employers in these areas often offer salaries higher than the average due to factors such as nursing shortages among underrepresented groups, the high cost of living, and the strong nurses’ union movement in the state.
| Metropolitan Area | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA | $164,760 |
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $160,020 |
| Vallejo-Fairfield, CA | $158,340 |
| Santa Rosa, CA | $151,150 |
| Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA | $149,750 |
Source: BLS, 2022
Registered Nurse Salary by Industry
RN salaries vary significantly depending on the workplace setting. Among the most common industries for RNs, those working at outpatient care centers and general medical and surgical hospitals report the highest earnings.
| Industry | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Outpatient Care Centers | $97,200 |
| General Medical and Surgical Hospitals | $90,600 |
| Home Health Care Services | $82,920 |
| Offices of Physicians | $79,810 |
| Nursing Care Facilities (Skilled Nursing Facilities) | $77,190 |
Source: BLS, 2022
How Do Registered Nurse’s Salaries Compare to Other Nurses?
RNs, while earning less than advanced practice nurses, make significantly more than nurses without college degrees. When compared to other nursing professions, registered nurses earn $53,000 more than certified nursing assistants and $33,000 more than licensed practical nurses. However, they earn $36,000 less than nurse practitioners. Nurse anesthetists are the highest-paid nurses, requiring extensive education and training, including a doctorate in nursing and over seven years of study.
What Kind of Salary Growth Can Registered Nurses Expect?
Similar to most professions, a nurse’s salary tends to increase with more experience and education. The rising demand for specialized nursing roles, increased emphasis on technology and preventive care in nursing training, and the growing availability of advanced graduate nursing degrees have all contributed to higher salaries for RNs. This enables RNs to transition into senior leadership roles with greater compensation.
Four Ways to Increase Pay as a Registered Nurse
Board certifications and specializations in high-demand practice areas can significantly boost RN salaries. Earnings can vary among healthcare employers and locations, with RN salaries ranging from $61,250 for the lowest-paid 10% to $129,400 for the top 10% of earners, according to the BLS. Typically, the highest-paid RNs possess advanced degrees and have worked in the field for ten years or more.
1. Consider Pursuing Certifications
Certifications validate an RN’s expert knowledge and specialized skills, advancing their professional development and salary potential. Board-certified RNs earn an average annual income of $92,000, compared to $81,000 for those without certifications.
2. Earn a More Advanced Nursing Degree
RNs with a nursing diploma or an ADN often return to school to expand their career opportunities. Bridge programs offer a popular option for RNs to earn BSNs or graduate degrees while continuing to work. RNs with MSNs or doctor of nursing practice degrees can earn the highest salaries in many clinical and non-clinical roles.
3. Gain Experience in Administrative Roles
Nursing shortages and senior-level RNs retiring drive the demand for experienced nurses in administrative positions. Many healthcare facilities offer leadership development and mentoring programs to provide managerial training and support for nurses transitioning into these roles. Experienced RNs can pursue nurse executive certification or enroll in online graduate programs in nursing administration while continuing to work.
4. Switch Practice Setting
While hospitals, outpatient care settings, and physicians’ offices hire the most RNs, nurses who switch practice settings may find a high demand for their services and better pay. Among the most common work settings for nurses, those in outpatient care centers, general and surgical hospitals, and home health care services earn the most.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Registered Nursing (RN) Salaries
What kind of nurses get paid the most?
Advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) rank among the highest-paid nurses. APRNs, such as nurse anesthetists, nurse midwives, and nurse practitioners, can earn over six figures depending on their certifications, employment settings, and experience. Nurse anesthetists earn the highest salaries, averaging $205,770 annually, according to the BLS.
How much do RNs make hourly?
RNs earn an average hourly wage of $43. However, hourly pay ranges from $29 to $62. Factors determining RN pay rates include specialization and types of certifications, workplace setting and location, and experience level.
What is the starting pay for an RN?
Entry-level RNs earn an average hourly rate of $31, according to Payscale data from September 2023. RNs who enter the field with BSNs earn higher hourly pay than those with nursing diplomas or ADNs. Midcareer RNs with 5-9 years of experience earn an average of $34 an hour, including bonuses, overtime, and other compensation.
Do nurses make six-figure salaries?
Nurses practicing in high-demand cities, states, or specialties can earn six-figure salaries. RNs working overtime or have travel nursing contracts can also earn upwards of $100,000. RN salary rates have climbed significantly in recent years, with APRNs receiving the highest increases. Nurse practitioners, nurse midwives, and nurse anesthetists all earn six-figure average annual salaries.
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