Registered Nurse Salary in the United States
Based on 3.4M+ data points from BLS and H-1B filings
Median Annual Salary
$94,098
$45.24/hr
▲ 4.0% vs 2024Salary Range
$72K – $123K
10th – 90th percentile
Total Employed
3.4M
workers nationwide
The Registered Nurse salary in the United States shows a median annual income of $94,098, which breaks down to approximately $45 per hour. With a substantial workforce of over 3.3 million employed nurses, this figure represents a key benchmark for compensation in this vital healthcare profession.
Several factors significantly influence how much a Registered Nurse earns. These include geographic location, with California offering the highest salaries, as well as the nurse's years of experience, specialty, and the type of healthcare facility they work for. The salary range for Registered Nurses typically falls between $72,082 and $123,341 annually.
Salary Distribution — Registered Nurse
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $72,082 |
| 25th percentile | $81,810 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $94,098 |
| 75th percentile | $107,731 |
| 90th percentile | $123,341 |
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 |
Registered Nurse Salary by Industry
How much Registered Nurses earn across industries nationwide — Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) pays the most ($110,780 median). Ranked by median annual salary (2025 BLS OEWS data).
| # | Industry | Median Salary | vs National | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $110,780 | +17.7% | 170K |
| 2 | Management of Companies and Enterprises | $100,010 | +6.3% | 23K |
| 3 | Health Care and Social Assistance | $97,660 | +3.8% | 2.9M |
| 4 | Information | $97,430 | +3.5% | 590 |
| 5 | Utilities | $95,280 | +1.3% | 70 |
| 6 | Retail Trade | $94,190 | +0.1% | 4K |
| 7 | Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services | $93,960 | -0.1% | 13K |
| 8 | Finance and Insurance | $92,120 | -2.1% | 55K |
| 9 | Wholesale Trade | $91,640 | -2.6% | 2K |
| 10 | Manufacturing | $91,560 | -2.7% | 2K |
| 11 | Administrative and Support Services | $91,470 | -2.8% | 112K |
| 12 | Transportation and Warehousing | $87,760 | -6.7% | 310 |
| 13 | Accommodation and Food Services | $86,720 | -7.8% | 170 |
| 14 | Educational Services | $78,620 | -16.4% | 95K |
| 15 | Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation | $76,890 | -18.3% | 330 |
| 16 | Other Services (except Public Administration) | $76,550 | -18.6% | 6K |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures.
Top H-1B Employers for Registered Nurse
Companies that filed the most H-1B applications for Registered Nurse roles, with their median base salary.
| # | Company | Median Salary | Filings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Louisiana Children'S Medical Center | $68,432 | 70 |
| 2 | Insight Global | $85,821 | 17 |
| 3 | Management Health Systems | $72,800 | 9 |
| 4 | University Of Rochester | $93,018 | 8 |
| 5 | Cincinnati Children'S Hospital Medical Center | $70,720 | 7 |
Historical Salary Trend — Registered Nurse
| Year | Median Salary (United States) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $81,890 |
| 2023 | $86,652 |
| 2024 | $90,458 |
| 2025 | $94,098 |
| 2026 (projected) | $97,884 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
Registered Nurse Salary by Experience Level
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $81,810 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $94,098 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $107,731 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $123,341 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for a Registered Nurse in the US?
- The median Registered Nurse salary in the United States is $94,098 per year, or about $45 per hour. This figure is a central point in the broader salary range for the profession.
What is the salary range for Registered Nurses in the US?
- The typical salary range for a Registered Nurse in the United States is between $72,082 and $123,341 annually. This indicates a wide spectrum of earning potential based on various factors.
Which state pays Registered Nurses the most?
- California stands out as the top-paying state for Registered Nurses, with an average annual salary of $140,270. This significantly exceeds the national median of $94,098.
How many Registered Nurses are employed in the United States?
- There are approximately 3,379,680 Registered Nurses employed across the United States. This large number reflects the high demand and importance of this profession in the healthcare system.