Registered Nurse Salary in the United States
Based on 3.4M+ data points from BLS and H-1B filings
Median Annual Salary
$94,098
$45.239/hr
▲ 4.0% vs 2024Salary Range
$101K – $213K
10th – 90th percentile
Total Employed
3.4M
workers nationwide
Registered Nurse salary in the United States reflects a competitive healthcare market with a median annual earning of $90,458. This figure represents compensation for over 3.2 million registered nurses working across hospitals, clinics, and care facilities nationwide. The profession offers substantial earning potential, with salaries ranging from $100,120 to $208,880 depending on individual circumstances and career progression.
Several factors significantly influence Registered Nurse salary in the United States, including geographic location, years of experience, educational credentials, and specialization. Nurses working in high-cost urban areas typically earn more than their rural counterparts, while advanced certifications and specialty roles such as critical care or anesthesia can substantially boost earning potential. Additionally, employer type, shift differentials, and regional demand for nursing services play important roles in determining compensation levels.
Salary Distribution — Registered Nurse
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $101,260 |
| 25th percentile | $122,440 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $94,098 |
| 75th percentile | $173,170 |
| 90th percentile | $213,320 |
Registered Nurse Salary by State
Top 10 Highest-Paying States for Registered Nurse
| # | State | Median Salary | vs National | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | California | $140,270 | +49.1% | 339K |
| 2 | Hawaii | $136,320 | +44.9% | 13K |
| 3 | Oregon | $129,010 | +37.1% | 40K |
| 4 | Washington | $124,200 | +32.0% | 69K |
| 5 | Alaska | $109,480 | +16.3% | 8K |
| 6 | New York | $109,440 | +16.3% | 206K |
| 7 | New Jersey | $106,500 | +13.2% | 93K |
| 8 | Massachusetts | $104,550 | +11.1% | 88K |
| 9 | Nevada | $103,670 | +10.2% | 27K |
| 10 | Connecticut | $102,740 | +9.2% | 40K |
Historical Salary Trend — Registered Nurse
| Year | Median Salary (United States) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $81,890 |
| 2023 | $86,652 |
| 2024 | $90,458 |
| 2025 | $94,098 |
Registered Nurse Salary by Experience Level
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do registered nurses make per hour in the United States?
- The median hourly wage for registered nurses in the United States is $43/hour. This translates to an annual median salary of $90,458, though hourly rates can vary based on location, experience, and employer.
What is the salary range for registered nurses?
- Registered nurse salaries in the United States range from $100,120 to $208,880 per year. This wide range reflects differences in experience level, geographic location, specialization, and workplace setting.
Which state pays registered nurses the most?
- California is the top paying state for registered nurses, with an average salary of $140,330 per year. This significantly exceeds the national median of $90,458, making it one of the most lucrative locations for nursing professionals.
How many registered nurses are employed in the US?
- There are approximately 3,282,320 registered nurses employed in the United States. This makes nursing one of the largest healthcare professions in the country.