Registered nursing is one of the largest and most important healthcare professions in the United States. Registered nurses work in hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, outpatient centers, physicians’ offices, home healthcare, and many other healthcare settings.
For students and professionals considering nursing as a career, one of the biggest questions is:
How much does a registered nurse make in the USA?
The answer depends on several factors, including state, experience, specialty, education, employer, work setting, shift, and location.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), registered nurses had a median annual wage of $93,600 in May 2024. The lowest 10% earned less than $66,030, while the highest 10% earned more than $135,320.
More recent BLS data show an annual mean wage of $101,420 for registered nurses in May 2025, illustrating how salary statistics can differ depending on whether a source reports mean or median wages.
This guide explains registered nurse salaries across the United States, how experience affects pay, which states tend to pay the most, and how nurses can increase their earning potential.
How Much Does a Registered Nurse Make in the USA?
Registered nurse salaries can vary considerably.
Indeed’s current salary data puts the average RN base pay at approximately $44.85 per hour, equivalent to roughly $93,000 per year at 40 hours per week before considering overtime. Its reported range is approximately $30.13 to $66.76 per hour.
The BLS provides a different measure: the May 2024 median annual wage was $93,600, while the May 2025 mean annual wage was $101,420.
A practical salary range for RNs
Depending on experience and location, registered nurses may earn approximately:
- Entry-level RN: $60,000–$80,000
- Early-career RN: $70,000–$90,000
- Mid-career RN: $80,000–$105,000
- Experienced RN: $95,000–$120,000+
- Specialized or highly experienced RN: $110,000–$140,000+
These are broad ranges rather than guaranteed salaries.
Registered Nurse Salary by Experience
Experience is one of the most important factors affecting nursing compensation.
Entry-Level Registered Nurse Salary
Newly licensed nurses generally start at the lower end of the salary range.
An entry-level RN may earn approximately $60,000 to $80,000 per year, depending on the state, hospital, specialty, and shift.
New nurses commonly begin in positions such as:
- Staff Nurse
- Medical-Surgical RN
- Graduate Nurse
- New Graduate RN
- Clinical Nurse
Large metropolitan hospitals and high-cost states may offer higher starting salaries.
Registered Nurse Salary After 1–3 Years
After gaining a few years of experience, nurses can often move into higher-paying positions.
A nurse with one to three years of experience may earn approximately $70,000–$90,000 or more.
At this stage, nurses may begin developing expertise in areas such as:
- Emergency nursing
- Critical care
- Pediatrics
- Oncology
- Operating rooms
- Cardiology
- Mental health
Registered Nurse Salary After 4–9 Years
Experienced nurses can potentially earn $80,000–$110,000+, depending heavily on location and specialty.
At this level, nurses may also take on additional responsibilities, including:
- Charge nurse duties
- Precepting new nurses
- Clinical coordination
- Specialized patient care
- Quality improvement
- Case management
Registered Nurse Salary With 10+ Years of Experience
Highly experienced registered nurses can earn well above the national median, particularly when they work in high-paying states or specialized areas.
Senior RNs may earn $95,000–$130,000+.
Some nurses earn substantially more through:
- Overtime
- Night-shift differentials
- Weekend differentials
- Travel nursing
- Specialized clinical roles
- Leadership positions
Registered Nurse Salary by State
RN compensation varies significantly across the country.
California is historically one of the highest-paying states for registered nurses, while salaries tend to be lower in many states with lower costs of living.
When comparing salaries, however, it is important to distinguish between mean salary, median salary, and job-posting salary estimates. These measures are not interchangeable.
The BLS is generally the best source for official state-by-state occupational wage data. Its Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program provides wage estimates by state and metropolitan area.
For a current career decision, nurses should compare the latest BLS figures with actual job postings because employer offers can differ substantially.
Highest-Paying States for Registered Nurses
States frequently associated with high RN compensation include:
- California
- Hawaii
- Oregon
- Massachusetts
- Alaska
- Washington
- New York
- New Jersey
- Connecticut
- Nevada
California is particularly notable for RN compensation.
However, high salary does not automatically mean higher disposable income.
For example, housing and other living costs in California and Hawaii can be significantly higher than in many other states.
Registered Nurse Salary in California
California is one of the most attractive states for nurses seeking high nominal salaries.
Registered nurses can find opportunities across:
- Hospitals
- Medical centers
- Outpatient facilities
- Home healthcare
- Specialty clinics
- Long-term care
Large metropolitan areas can offer particularly high hourly compensation.
California also has strong demand for nurses across many specialties.
However, nurses should account for:
- Housing costs
- Taxes
- Transportation
- Licensing requirements
- Union representation
- Employer benefits
A higher hourly wage does not necessarily mean a higher standard of living.
Registered Nurse Salary in New York
New York is another major market for registered nurses.
Indeed’s current data shows New York City among the highest-paying cities listed on its RN salary page, at approximately $56 per hour.
Nurses can find employment in:
- Hospitals
- Academic medical centers
- Community clinics
- Nursing homes
- Home healthcare
- Specialty practices
New York City generally offers higher wages than many smaller markets, but housing costs are also considerably higher.
Registered Nurse Salary in Maryland
Maryland is an important healthcare market, particularly around the Baltimore-Washington metropolitan area.
Indeed’s current data lists Baltimore at approximately $53.98 per hour for registered nurses.
Potential employers include:
- Hospitals
- Academic medical centers
- Healthcare systems
- Rehabilitation facilities
- Government healthcare organizations
Maryland can therefore be an attractive market for experienced RNs.
Registered Nurse Salary in Washington
Washington State is another state worth considering for nurses seeking strong compensation.
Seattle and surrounding areas have significant healthcare employment.
However, nurses should compare salaries against housing costs, particularly in the Seattle metropolitan area.
Registered Nurse Salary in Texas
Texas has a large healthcare workforce and numerous hospitals and medical centers.
Major markets include:
- Houston
- Dallas
- Austin
- San Antonio
- Fort Worth
Indeed’s current salary data shows hourly RN wages in several major Texas cities in the low-$40 range, although actual offers vary by employer and specialty.
One advantage of Texas is that many areas have a lower cost of living than some of the country’s most expensive coastal markets.
Registered Nurse Salary in Florida
Florida has a large healthcare industry supported by its growing population and aging population.
Major nursing markets include:
- Miami
- Orlando
- Tampa
- Jacksonville
- Fort Lauderdale
Florida RN compensation can vary considerably between hospitals, nursing facilities, home-health employers, and specialty practices.
Nurses should compare the total compensation package rather than salary alone.
Registered Nurse Salary by Experience and Career Level
| Experience Level | Approximate Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| New Graduate RN | $60,000–$80,000 |
| 1–3 Years | $70,000–$90,000 |
| 4–9 Years | $80,000–$110,000 |
| 10+ Years | $95,000–$130,000+ |
| Specialized/High-Paying RN Roles | $110,000–$140,000+ |
These ranges are broad market estimates and can vary substantially by state, employer, specialty, and shift.
What Factors Affect RN Salary?
A registered nurse’s salary isn’t determined by experience alone.
1. Location
Location can have a major impact on compensation.
Nurses in major metropolitan areas and states with higher wage levels may earn more.
2. Experience
Experienced nurses generally command higher compensation than newly licensed nurses.
3. Nursing Specialty
Some specialties pay more because they require additional expertise or involve more complex patient care.
4. Shift
Night and weekend shifts may include additional pay.
5. Overtime
Overtime can significantly increase annual earnings.
6. Employer
Large hospital systems, specialty facilities, government employers, and private organizations can have very different pay structures.
7. Education
Advanced education can open doors to higher-level nursing positions.
Highest-Paying Nursing Specialties
Registered nurses can increase their earning potential by developing specialized expertise.
Potentially higher-paying areas include:
ICU Nursing
Intensive care nurses care for critically ill patients.
Emergency Room Nursing
ER nurses work in fast-paced emergency departments.
Operating Room Nursing
Operating room nurses support surgical procedures.
Neonatal Nursing
Neonatal nurses care for newborns, including premature or critically ill infants.
Oncology Nursing
Oncology nurses care for patients undergoing cancer treatment.
Travel Nursing
Travel nurses accept temporary assignments, sometimes receiving higher compensation packages than permanent staff positions.
Case Management
Experienced nurses can move into case management and care coordination.
Can Registered Nurses Make $100,000 a Year?
Yes.
Six-figure RN salaries are possible in the United States.
However, earning $100,000 does not necessarily require becoming a nurse practitioner.
An RN may reach or exceed $100,000 through a combination of:
- High-paying location
- Experience
- Specialty
- Overtime
- Night shifts
- Weekend shifts
- Travel nursing
- Differential pay
The BLS’s May 2024 data shows that the top 10% of registered nurses earned more than $135,320 annually.
Can Registered Nurses Make $150,000?
It is possible in certain circumstances, but it is not typical base pay for the average staff RN.
An RN may reach very high total compensation through combinations of:
- Overtime
- Multiple shifts
- Travel contracts
- High-paying locations
- Specialized roles
- Bonuses
- Differentials
Nurses should be cautious about online salary claims that present unusually high compensation as normal.
RN Salary vs Nurse Practitioner Salary
A registered nurse and nurse practitioner are different professional roles.
Registered Nurse
RNs provide direct patient care and work under the scope of practice established by state law.
Nurse Practitioner
Nurse practitioners have advanced education and clinical training and can perform additional functions depending on state regulations.
Because nurse practitioners require advanced education, their earning potential is generally higher.
For an RN interested in career progression, becoming an NP can be one potential pathway.
RN Salary vs LPN Salary
Licensed practical nurses (LPNs) or licensed vocational nurses (LVNs) generally have a different scope of practice and education pathway from registered nurses.
RNs generally have:
- More extensive education
- Broader clinical responsibilities
- Higher average compensation
- More specialization opportunities
For students deciding between nursing programs, understanding the difference between LPN/LVN and RN careers is important.
Do Travel Nurses Make More Money?
Travel nursing can sometimes provide higher total compensation than traditional staff nursing.
Travel assignments may include:
- Higher hourly rates
- Housing stipends
- Travel reimbursements
- Completion bonuses
- Flexible assignment lengths
However, travel nursing income varies considerably.
Factors include:
- Location
- Assignment
- Specialty
- Staffing demand
- Contract length
- Housing arrangements
Travel nursing also involves moving between facilities and locations, so the higher compensation may come with additional lifestyle considerations.
How to Increase Your RN Salary
If you are already a registered nurse, there are several ways to increase your earning potential.
Gain Experience
Experience can help you qualify for specialized and senior roles.
Develop a Specialty
Specialization can make you more competitive for certain positions.
Work Nights or Weekends
Shift differentials can increase hourly pay.
Consider Overtime
Overtime can substantially increase total annual earnings.
Consider Travel Nursing
Temporary assignments can sometimes provide higher compensation.
Pursue Advanced Education
An RN can potentially progress into advanced practice nursing or nursing leadership.
Move to a Higher-Paying Market
Relocating may increase your salary, although cost of living must also be considered.
Registered Nurse Salary for International Nurses
The United States is an attractive destination for many internationally educated nurses.
However, an international nursing degree does not automatically authorize someone to practice as an RN in the United States.
Internationally educated nurses may need to complete requirements involving:
- Credential evaluation
- English-language proficiency
- NCLEX-RN
- State nursing board requirements
- Licensure
- Immigration authorization
Requirements can vary by state.
Therefore, international nurses should research the nursing board requirements for the specific state where they intend to work.
Is Nursing a Good Career for International Students?
Nursing can be an attractive career for international students because healthcare organizations employ large numbers of nurses.
The profession can provide:
- Strong employment opportunities
- Multiple specialties
- Career advancement
- Geographic flexibility
- Potentially strong compensation
However, international students should consider licensing and immigration requirements before choosing a nursing program.
A nursing degree is not itself a guarantee of employment authorization or permanent residency.
RN Salary and Cost of Living
Salary should never be evaluated in isolation.
Consider this example:
Nurse A
- Salary: $110,000
- High housing costs
- High transportation costs
- Higher taxes
Nurse B
- Salary: $90,000
- Lower housing costs
- Lower overall living expenses
Nurse B could potentially have more disposable income despite earning less.
When comparing nursing jobs, calculate:
Gross salary − taxes − housing − transportation − insurance − other living costs = approximate disposable income
Registered Nurse Job Outlook
The healthcare sector continues to need qualified nursing professionals.
The BLS projects employment of registered nurses to grow over the coming decade, with opportunities driven in part by population aging, chronic disease management, and healthcare needs.
Nursing also provides a broad range of work environments.
RNs can work in:
- Hospitals
- Clinics
- Outpatient centers
- Nursing homes
- Home healthcare
- Schools
- Government agencies
- Rehabilitation centers
- Specialty practices
This diversity can make nursing a relatively flexible healthcare career.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average RN salary in the USA?
The BLS reported a median annual wage of $93,600 in May 2024, while its May 2025 data lists a mean annual wage of $101,420.
What is the hourly salary for a registered nurse?
Indeed’s current U.S. estimate is approximately $44.85 per hour, although actual pay varies by location, experience, specialty, and employer.
What state pays registered nurses the most?
California is consistently among the highest-paying states for registered nurses. Other high-paying markets include Hawaii, Oregon, Massachusetts, Alaska, Washington, and several Northeastern states.
Can an RN make $100,000?
Yes. Experienced RNs, nurses in high-paying markets, specialized nurses, and nurses who work overtime or premium shifts can potentially earn $100,000 or more.
How much does a new RN make?
A new graduate RN may earn approximately $60,000–$80,000 annually, although starting salaries vary substantially by state and employer.
Do nurses get paid more for night shifts?
Many employers offer shift differentials for nights, weekends, or holidays. The amount depends on the employer and collective bargaining or compensation structure.
Is nursing a good career in the USA?
For many people, yes. Nursing offers strong employment opportunities, multiple specialties, career advancement, and competitive compensation.
Final Thoughts
Registered nursing remains one of the most important healthcare careers in the United States, and compensation can be highly competitive.
The national figures show that experienced nurses can earn well above the national median, while the highest-paid 10% of RNs earned more than $135,320 in May 2024, according to the BLS.
However, your actual salary will depend heavily on where you work, how much experience you have, your specialty, your employer, and the shifts you work.
If your goal is to maximize your nursing income, consider combining:
Experience + specialization + high-demand location + premium shifts + continued education.
For international students and internationally educated nurses, add one more consideration:
Licensing + immigration eligibility.
Ultimately, the best nursing job isn’t necessarily the one with the highest advertised salary. Look at the complete package—including benefits, overtime opportunities, working conditions, cost of living, career advancement, and long-term professional opportunities—before making a decision.