Registered Nurse Salary
The number catches most people off guard. A registered nurse in California can earn $140,330 on average, while a nurse in South Dakota makes $67,030 — a difference of over $73,000 for the same job title, the same license, essentially the same work.
That gap isn’t a glitch in the data. It’s a reflection of how healthcare labour markets actually function in 2026: fragmented by state, shaped by union power, driven by hospital competition, and increasingly influenced by cost-of-living realities that salary averages alone never capture. Understanding your total compensation package — including base pay, overtime, shift differentials, and benefits — is essential before making any career move.
For anyone considering nursing as a career, negotiating a new position, or deciding whether to relocate, the national average is almost useless. What matters is understanding why salaries vary, where the opportunities are, and how individual nurses can move up the pay scale. Tools like the CTC Calculator can help you understand the full value of your compensation package, while the Salary Slip Generator provides clarity on your take-home pay.
Here’s what registered nurses actually earn in the United States in 2026 — and what the numbers really mean.
The 2026 Market Snapshot: What Registered Nurses Earn
According to the most recent data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the national landscape for RN compensation looks like this:
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Mean Annual Salary | $101,420 |
| Median Annual Salary | $93,600 |
| Mean Hourly Wage | $48.76 |
| Total RNs Employed | 3,379,720 |
SalaryInfo Insight: The mean ($101,420) is pulled upward by high earners in expensive states. The median ($93,600) is the better benchmark for most career decisions — it represents the exact midpoint where half of RNs earn more and half earn less.
When evaluating job offers, it’s important to consider your gross salary vs net salary. The Income Tax Calculator can help you estimate your after-tax earnings based on your state and federal tax situation.
The Full Pay Spectrum
The salary range for registered nurses in 2026 is remarkably wide:
| Percentile | Annual Salary | Hourly Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $68,940 | $33.14 |
| 25th Percentile | $80,330 | $38.62 |
| Median (50th) | $93,600 | $45.00 |
| 75th Percentile | $112,350 | $54.01 |
| 90th Percentile | $137,470 | $66.09 |
Key Takeaway: The majority of RNs — those between the 25th and 75th percentiles — earn between $80,330 and $112,350. Breaking into the top 10% requires more than just showing up; it typically demands a combination of high-cost location, specialty certification, advanced education, or shift patterns that maximise differentials.
Why Registered Nurse Salaries Vary So Much
The $73,000 gap between the highest- and lowest-paying states isn’t random. Several structural factors drive these differences.
Union Power and Staffing Ratios
States with strong nursing unions — particularly California, Oregon, and Washington — have negotiated minimum staffing ratios and wage floors that lift the entire market. California’s landmark nurse-to-patient ratios, established decades ago and periodically strengthened, have created a baseline of demand that forces hospitals to compete on wages.
Healthcare System Density
In the Northeast, dense networks of well-funded hospital systems bid against each other for experienced staff. This competition, combined with higher living costs, pushes salaries upward even in states without the same union density as the West Coast.
Cost of Living and Labour Markets
Higher salaries in California and Hawaii come with significantly higher housing costs. A $140,000 salary in San Francisco doesn’t go as far as a $90,000 salary in Houston. SalaryInfo will address cost-adjusted comparisons later in this guide.
Employer Competition for Scarce Talent
The nursing shortage has intensified. BLS projects roughly 189,100 RN openings every year through 2034. Hospitals in competitive markets are raising pay simply to keep beds staffed. In less competitive markets, employers face less pressure to increase compensation. The Overtime Calculator can help you estimate how additional hours impact your annual earnings.
Registered Nurse Salary by State: The Complete 2026 Ranking
Based on BLS data published in May 2026, here is the average annual salary for registered nurses in every state:
| State | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| California Highest Paying | $140,330 |
| Hawaii | $136,320 |
| Oregon | $110,940 |
| Alaska | $110,690 |
| Washington | $107,720 |
| New York | $104,570 |
| District of Columbia | $104,550 |
| Connecticut | $101,590 |
| New Jersey | $100,160 |
| Massachusetts | $99,730 |
| Arizona | $96,890 |
| Colorado | $96,520 |
| Nevada | $96,210 |
| Rhode Island | $95,070 |
| Minnesota | $94,830 |
| Delaware | $92,610 |
| New Mexico | $89,440 |
| Illinois | $87,650 |
| Maryland | $87,220 |
| New Hampshire | $86,620 |
| Georgia | $86,560 |
| Wisconsin | $86,070 |
| Vermont | $85,900 |
| Pennsylvania | $85,420 |
| Virginia | $84,850 |
| Texas | $84,320 |
| Michigan | $84,180 |
| Montana | $83,290 |
| Idaho | $83,090 |
| Maine | $82,880 |
| Florida | $82,850 |
| Ohio | $82,750 |
| Indiana | $82,700 |
| North Carolina | $81,220 |
| Wyoming | $81,790 |
| West Virginia | $79,990 |
| Utah | $79,890 |
| South Carolina | $79,260 |
| North Dakota | $79,190 |
| Tennessee | $78,240 |
| Nebraska | $78,100 |
| Kentucky | $77,590 |
| Missouri | $77,590 |
| Arkansas | $77,130 |
| Oklahoma | $76,920 |
| Louisiana | $75,510 |
| Iowa | $73,610 |
| Alabama | $71,040 |
| Mississippi | $70,790 |
| South Dakota | $67,030 |
The Top Five: Why They Lead
California ($140,330) dominates by a significant margin. The combination of strong unions, mandated staffing ratios, high cost of living, and massive healthcare demand creates a compensation environment unlike any other state.
Hawaii ($136,320) and Oregon ($110,940) follow similar patterns: union density, geographic isolation (in Hawaii’s case), and healthcare systems that cannot afford to lose staff.
Alaska ($110,690) and Washington ($107,720) round out the top five, with Washington’s proximity to the Oregon and California markets creating competitive pressure.
SalaryInfo Observation: The Pacific states consistently dominate the top of the rankings. This isn’t a coincidence — it’s a structural feature of how labour markets for nurses operate in regions with strong union presence and high demand.
The Bottom Five: What’s Happening
South Dakota ($67,030), Mississippi ($70,790) , and Alabama ($71,040) occupy the lowest positions. These states have lower costs of living, weaker union presence, less competition among healthcare systems, and generally lower reimbursement rates from Medicare and Medicaid.
Reality Check: A $67,000 salary in South Dakota may provide a comparable standard of living to a $100,000 salary in California, depending on housing costs. SalaryInfo explores this trade-off in the next section.
Cost of Living: The Reality Behind the Numbers
A high salary number on paper doesn’t always mean more money in your pocket. The cost of living adjustment (COLA) changes the equation dramatically.
Consider this: California’s average RN salary of $140,330 looks impressive until you factor in that housing costs in San Francisco or Los Angeles can consume 40-50% of take-home pay. Meanwhile, a nurse earning $84,320 in Texas may have significantly more disposable income after housing, taxes, and everyday expenses. Understanding your gross salary vs net salary is particularly important when evaluating offers across states.
SalaryInfo Career Strategy: When comparing job offers across states, always calculate the real purchasing power. A useful rule of thumb: divide the salary by the cost-of-living index for that metro area. The result gives you a rough estimate of comparative value. Use the Income Tax Calculator to estimate your after-tax income in different states.
That said, high-cost states often offer other advantages: stronger unions, better staffing ratios, more robust benefits, and greater career mobility. The decision isn’t purely financial.
Experience Premium: How Earnings Grow Over Time
Experience is one of the most reliable drivers of RN salary growth. The progression typically follows this pattern:
| Career Stage | Typical Experience | Expected Salary Range |
|---|---|---|
| New Graduate | 0-1 year | $62,000 – $75,000 |
| Early Career | 1-4 years | $70,000 – $85,000 |
| Mid-Career | 5-9 years | $80,000 – $100,000 |
| Experienced | 10-19 years | $90,000 – $115,000 |
| Late Career | 20+ years | $95,000 – $130,000+ |
The salary acceleration between years 5 and 10 is typically the steepest. This is when nurses move from generalist roles into charge nurse positions, specialty units, or leadership tracks.
Important Note: Experience alone won’t break the salary ceiling. To reach the top 10% (over $137,000), nurses typically need a combination of:
- High-cost location (California, New York, Hawaii)
- Specialty certification (ICU, ER, OR)
- Advanced degree (BSN minimum, MSN preferred)
- Shift differentials (nights, weekends, holidays)
- Overtime
Specialty Premium: Which Nursing Roles Pay the Most
Not all RN positions pay the same. Specialisation significantly impacts earning potential. While comprehensive BLS data by specialty for 2026 is still emerging, industry sources indicate the following patterns:
| Specialty | Estimated Average | Premium Over General RN |
|---|---|---|
| Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) | $200,000+ | 100%+ |
| Nurse Practitioner (NP) | $129,000 – $135,000 | 35-45% |
| Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) | $124,000 | 30% |
| ICU / Critical Care | $90,000 – $110,000 | 10-20% |
| Emergency Room (ER) | $88,000 – $105,000 | 10-15% |
| Operating Room (OR) | $85,000 – $100,000 | 5-15% |
| Labor & Delivery | $85,000 – $95,000 | 5-10% |
| General Med-Surg | $78,000 – $90,000 | Baseline |
Source: BLS data for advanced practice roles and industry salary surveys.
SalaryInfo Insight: The highest-paying nursing roles require advanced degrees. Nurse anesthetists, nurse practitioners, and clinical nurse specialists all need master’s or doctoral degrees. The BLS projects 35% growth for these advanced practice roles from 2024 to 2034 — much faster than the 5% growth projected for general RNs.
For RNs who want to maximise earnings without pursuing an advanced degree, the most effective strategies are:
- Relocate to a high-paying state
- Specialise in ICU, ER, or OR
- Pursue shift differentials and overtime
- Consider travel nursing or per diem work
RN vs. LPN vs. NP vs. PA vs. CRNA vs. Medical Assistant: The Complete 2026 Salary Comparison
The nursing salary conversation often stops at RN pay. That’s a mistake. Understanding where RN compensation sits relative to other healthcare roles — both below and above — helps nurses make smarter career decisions about education, specialisation, and long-term earnings.
Here’s how registered nurses compare to other clinical professions in 2026:
| Role | Average Annual Salary | Hourly Equivalent | Education Required |
|---|---|---|---|
| Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) | $270,000 – $288,000 | $130 – $138 | Doctoral degree |
| Nurse Practitioner (NP) | $129,900 – $134,800 | $62 – $65 | Master’s or doctoral degree |
| Physician Assistant (PA) | $120,200 – $136,400 | $58 – $66 | Master’s degree |
| Registered Nurse (RN) | $101,400 | $48.76 | ADN, BSN, or diploma |
| Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) | $50,100 – $55,000 | $24 – $26 | Postsecondary certificate |
| Medical Assistant (MA) | $46,500 | $22 | Certificate or associate degree |
Sources: BLS OEWS data.
What This Comparison Actually Means
The gap between RN and LPN pay — roughly $50,000 annually — reflects the significant difference in scope of practice, clinical responsibility, and educational requirements. LPNs provide basic care under RN supervision; RNs assess, plan, and coordinate care independently.
The jump from RN to NP or CRNA is even more dramatic. Nurse practitioners earn about $30,000 more than RNs on average, while CRNAs can earn more than double the RN median. But these roles require substantial additional education — typically two to four years of graduate study.
SalaryInfo Observation: The RN-to-NP salary gap has narrowed slightly in recent years as RN wages have risen. But the gap remains large enough that advanced practice remains the clearest path to six-figure earnings for most nurses.
RN Salary by Industry: Where You Work Matters as Much as Where You Live
The setting where a nurse works has a significant impact on earnings. BLS data shows clear patterns across industries:
| Industry | Median Annual Salary | Premium Over All RNs |
|---|---|---|
| Government (excluding state/local education & hospitals) | $106,480 | +14% |
| Hospitals (state, local, and private) | $97,260 | +4% |
| Ambulatory Healthcare Services | $83,780 | -10% |
| Nursing and Residential Care Facilities | $81,820 | -13% |
| Educational Services (state, local, and private) | $74,360 | -21% |
Source: BLS OEWS data.
Why Government Pays More
Government employers — particularly the Department of Veterans Affairs, state hospitals, and public health departments — often offer the highest base salaries combined with exceptional benefits and pension plans. The trade-off? Government roles can be more competitive to secure and may offer less scheduling flexibility.
Hospital vs. Outpatient: The Trade-Off
Hospitals pay more than outpatient clinics, but they also demand more — shift work, weekends, holidays, and higher patient acuity. Ambulatory care settings offer better work-life balance but lower compensation.
SalaryInfo Career Strategy: When comparing job offers across settings, calculate total compensation — not just base salary. Government roles may offer pensions worth 10-20% of salary. Hospital roles may offer tuition reimbursement. Outpatient roles may offer predictable schedules that reduce burnout.
RN Salary Trend: How Pay Has Changed (2022–2026)
Registered nurse salaries have risen steadily over the past five years. The trend line tells a clear story:
| Year | Median Annual Salary | Change from Prior Year |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $81,220 | — |
| 2023 | $86,070 | +6.0% |
| 2024 | $93,600 | +8.7% |
| 2025 | $97,550 | +4.2% |
| 2026 | $101,420 (mean) | +4.0% |
Sources: BLS OEWS data for 2022–2024; O NET data for 2025–2026.
What’s Driving the Increase?
Several factors have contributed to consistent RN salary growth:
- The nursing shortage. BLS projects 189,100 annual RN openings through 2034. Hospitals are competing for scarce talent.
- Union activity. States with strong nursing unions have negotiated wage increases that ripple across markets.
- Post-pandemic demand. The healthcare system emerged from COVID-19 with elevated acuity and staffing challenges.
- Inflation. Cost-of-living adjustments have pushed wages upward across most industries.
SalaryInfo Prediction: If the current trend continues, the median RN salary could approach $105,000 by 2028. However, the gap between high- and low-paying states may widen further as some regions struggle to attract talent.
BSN vs. ADN: Does a Bachelor’s Degree Actually Pay Off?
The education premium is real, but it’s not as simple as “BSN pays more.”
| Education Level | Average Annual Salary | Premium Over ADN |
|---|---|---|
| ADN (Associate Degree in Nursing) | $79,000 – $82,000 | Baseline |
| BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing) | $97,000 – $100,000 | +$15,000 – +$18,000 |
Sources: Payscale data and industry analysis.
The Reality Behind the Numbers
The BSN premium is often smaller than most people assume — typically $1–$3 per hour at entry level. However, the real value of a BSN is career mobility:
- Many hospitals require BSN for charge nurse and leadership roles
- BSN-prepared nurses have access to master’s and doctoral programs
- Some employers offer tuition reimbursement for RN-to-BSN programs
SalaryInfo Insight: The BSN is less about immediate salary and more about long-term career options. ADN-prepared nurses can earn comparable salaries early in their careers but may hit a ceiling sooner.
Certification Premium: Which Credentials Actually Increase Pay
Specialty certifications can boost RN earnings significantly. Here’s what the data shows:
| Certification | Typical Annual Premium | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| CCRN (Critical Care) | $5,000 – $10,000 | Required for many ICU positions |
| CMSRN (Medical-Surgical) | $3,000 – $6,000 | Common in med-surg units |
| CNOR (Operating Room) | $4,000 – $8,000 | Required by many ORs |
| RNC (Various Specialties) | $3,000 – $7,000 | Neonatal, maternal, etc. |
Source: Healthcare staffing industry data.
The Certification Strategy
Not all certifications are created equal. The highest ROI comes from:
- Certifications required for specialty units (CCRN for ICU)
- Certifications that demonstrate advanced clinical skills
- Certifications that employers explicitly reward with differentials
SalaryInfo Career Strategy: Before pursuing certification, ask your employer: “Does this certification come with a pay differential?” If the answer is no, the ROI may be limited.
Travel Nursing Pay: The Premium and the Trade-Off
Travel nursing remains one of the highest-paying RN pathways in 2026:
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Weekly Pay | $2,165 – $2,177 |
| Average Annual Equivalent | $101,132 |
| Top-End Weekly Pay | $4,500 – $5,000 (specialty/high-demand) |
Sources: Vivian Health and TLC Nursing.
The Travel Nursing Reality
Travel nurses earn significantly more than staff nurses on an hourly basis. But the total compensation picture is more complex:
Advantages:
- Higher hourly rates
- Tax-free stipends for housing and meals
- Flexibility to choose assignments and locations
- Exposure to different facilities and systems
Trade-offs:
- No guaranteed hours between assignments
- Limited or no benefits (health insurance, retirement)
- No job security or seniority
- Frequent relocation and adjustment
SalaryInfo Observation: Travel nursing is best suited for nurses who value flexibility and are willing to trade stability for higher pay. For nurses with families or those who prefer consistency, the premium may not be worth the disruption.
Shift Differentials and Overtime: The Hidden Income
Base salary is only part of the story. Many RNs significantly boost their earnings through:
Shift Differentials:
- Nights: Typically +$3 to +$6 per hour
- Weekends: Typically +$2 to +$5 per hour
- Holidays: Typically +$5 to +$10 per hour, sometimes double time
Some employers offer up to an additional $6 per hour for night and weekend shifts.
Overtime:
- Time-and-a-half for hours beyond 40 per week (or 80 per pay period)
- Some facilities offer double time for critical staffing shortages
On-Call Pay:
- Typically $2–$5 per hour while on call, plus regular rate when called in
The Overtime Calculator can help you estimate how different shift patterns and overtime hours affect your annual earnings. Similarly, understanding your gross salary vs net salary is essential when evaluating the real impact of overtime on your take-home pay.
Important Note: Overtime can significantly increase annual earnings, but it comes with trade-offs. Burnout is a real risk. Many nurses who consistently work overtime report diminished job satisfaction and increased physical strain.
Highest-Paying Employers: Who Pays Above Market
While comprehensive employer-level salary data for 2026 is limited, the patterns are clear:
Hospital Systems generally pay more than outpatient clinics or nursing homes. Large, well-funded academic medical centres and nonprofit hospital systems typically offer the highest base pay and benefits packages.
Government Employers — including the Department of Veterans Affairs, state hospitals, and public health departments — often provide competitive base salaries with exceptional benefits and pension plans.
Travel Nursing Agencies offer significantly higher hourly rates than permanent staff positions, though with reduced benefits and less job security. Travel nurses typically earn $2,100–$2,700 per week, translating to $109,000–$140,000 annually, depending on assignment length and location.
Per Diem (PRN) Nurses often earn the highest hourly rates, particularly for last-minute shifts. In some markets, PRN rates can be 60-80% higher than staff nurse rates.
SalaryInfo Career Strategy: The highest-paying employer isn’t always the best long-term choice. Consider total compensation — including benefits, retirement contributions, tuition reimbursement, and work-life balance — not just base salary.
The Future Outlook: Where Is RN Pay Headed?
Employment growth: BLS projects 5% growth for registered nurses from 2024 to 2034, faster than the average for all occupations. This translates to approximately 189,100 job openings annually.
Why demand remains strong:
- Aging population with increasing healthcare needs
- Growing prevalence of chronic conditions
- Expansion of outpatient and home healthcare
- Retiring baby boomer nurses creating vacancies
Salary trajectory: RN salaries have increased steadily. The average annual wage rose nearly $3,000 from 2025 to 2026. If this trend continues, the national average could approach $105,000 by 2028.
SalaryInfo Prediction: The nursing shortage will intensify over the next five years. Hospitals in competitive markets will continue raising pay. States with strong unions will negotiate further increases. However, the gap between high- and low-paying states may widen further as some regions struggle to attract talent.
Common Salary Myths, Debunked
Myth 1: “All RNs earn six figures.”
Reality: The median is $93,600. Half of RNs earn less. Six-figure salaries are common in high-cost states but far from universal.
Myth 2: “A BSN guarantees higher pay.”
Reality: Many employers offer a BSN premium of $1–$3 per hour, but the difference is smaller than most people assume. The real value of a BSN is career mobility and access to advanced practice roles.
Myth 3: “Travel nurses always earn more.”
Reality: Travel nurses earn higher hourly rates but often lose benefits, retirement contributions, and job security. The total compensation package may be comparable or even lower.
Myth 4: “Moving to California guarantees a better life.”
Reality: Higher salaries come with higher costs. A nurse earning $140,000 in California may have less disposable income than a nurse earning $90,000 in Texas. Always calculate the real purchasing power.
Salary Negotiation: What Employers Don’t Tell You
Many RNs don’t negotiate their salaries. According to one industry survey, only 35% of RNs negotiated their compensation regularly. This is a mistake.
What to negotiate beyond base pay:
- Sign-on bonuses — increasingly common in competitive markets
- Relocation assistance — especially for moves to high-demand areas
- Tuition reimbursement — often up to $5,000–$10,000 annually
- Shift differentials — not always fixed; sometimes negotiable
- Continuing education — conference attendance, certification fees
- Schedule flexibility — valuable even when salary isn’t negotiable
SalaryInfo Career Strategy: Come to negotiations with data. Know the median salary for your state, your specialty, and your experience level. Be prepared to explain why you’re worth more than the initial offer. And remember: the employer’s first offer is rarely their best offer. Understanding the full form of CTC and how to calculate total compensation can give you a significant advantage in negotiations.
Healthcare Career Salary Comparison: Where Does Nursing Fit?
For nurses considering career progression or professionals exploring healthcare careers, here’s how registered nurse salaries compare to other medical professions in 2026:
| Career | Average Annual Salary | Education Required |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nurse (RN) | $101,400 | ADN, BSN, or diploma |
| Nurse Practitioner (NP) | $129,900 – $134,800 | Master’s or doctoral degree |
| CRNA | $270,000 – $288,000 | Doctoral degree |
| Physician Assistant | $120,200 – $136,400 | Master’s degree |
| Cardiologist | $255,000 – $375,000 | Medical degree + fellowship |
| Neurosurgeon | $325,000 – $500,000+ | Medical degree + residency + fellowship |
| General Surgeon | $280,000 – $400,000 | Medical degree + residency |
| Anesthesiologist | $280,000 – $370,000 | Medical degree + residency |
| Radiologist | $265,000 – $350,000 | Medical degree + residency |
| Pediatrician | $165,000 – $210,000 | Medical degree + residency |
| Pathologist | $220,000 – $280,000 | Medical degree + residency |
Sources: BLS OEWS data and medical salary surveys.
What This Comparison Reveals
The gap between RN salaries and physician salaries is substantial — often $150,000–$400,000 per year. This reflects the significantly longer training pathway, higher debt burden, and greater clinical responsibility of physicians.
For nurses considering advanced practice, the NP and CRNA pathways offer the most direct route to six-figure earnings without the 7+ years of medical school and residency required for physicians. Nurse practitioners earn approximately $30,000 more than RNs, while CRNAs can earn more than double the RN median.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the highest RN salary in the United States?
The top 10% of registered nurses earn $137,470 or more annually. In high-cost states like California, top earners can exceed $150,000. The absolute highest salaries are in advanced practice roles like nurse anesthetists, who can earn over $200,000.
What is the average salary for a registered nurse in the US?
The mean annual salary is $101,420, while the median is $93,600. The mean is pulled upward by high earners; the median is the better benchmark for most career decisions.
What are the 5 levels of nurses?
The nursing career ladder typically includes: 1) Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) , 2) Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)/Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) , 3) Registered Nurse (RN) , 4) Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) — including Nurse Practitioners, Clinical Nurse Specialists, Nurse Anesthetists, and Nurse Midwives, and 5) Nurse Executive/Administrator or Nurse Educator.
Is nursing a high-paying job in the USA?
Yes, relative to the median US occupation. The median RN salary of $93,600 is nearly double the median for all occupations ($49,500). However, nursing salaries vary significantly by state, specialty, and experience.
Which state pays registered nurses the most?
California leads with an average salary of $140,330. Hawaii ($136,320), Oregon ($110,940), Alaska ($110,690), and Washington ($107,720) round out the top five.
How much do new graduate RNs make?
New graduate RNs typically earn between $62,000 and $75,000 annually, depending on location and employer. In high-cost states like California, new grads may start closer to $80,000.
Do RNs get paid overtime?
Yes. RNs are typically eligible for overtime pay at time-and-a-half for hours worked beyond 40 per week. Some employers offer additional shift differentials for nights, weekends, and holidays. The Overtime Calculator can help you estimate the impact of extra shifts.
How much does a travel nurse make?
Travel nurses typically earn $2,100–$2,700 per week, translating to approximately $109,000–$140,000 annually. Rates vary by location, specialty, and assignment length.
Is it worth becoming a registered nurse in 2026?
For most people, yes. Nursing offers stable employment, above-average pay, and multiple career paths. The BLS projects 5% job growth through 2034, with nearly 190,000 annual openings. The primary considerations are the physical and emotional demands of the job and the significant variation in pay by location.
Do BSN nurses earn more than ADN nurses?
Yes. BSN-prepared nurses earn approximately $15,000–$18,000 more annually than ADN-prepared nurses, according to Payscale data. The gap is smaller at entry level ($10,000) and widens over a career.
Is it worth moving to California for higher RN pay?
Not always. California’s average RN salary of $140,330 is the highest in the nation, but housing costs in major cities can consume 40-50% of take-home pay. A nurse earning $84,320 in Texas may have comparable or greater disposable income after adjusting for cost of living. Use the Income Tax Calculator to compare after-tax earnings across states.
Which hospital pays nurses the most?
Academic medical centres and large nonprofit hospital systems typically offer the highest base pay. The Department of Veterans Affairs and other government employers also rank near the top. However, specific employer data varies by region and is not consistently published.
Is travel nursing still worth it in 2026?
Yes, for many nurses. The average travel nurse earns $101,132 annually, comparable to the RN mean. However, travel nursing offers higher hourly rates with trade-offs in benefits and job security. It’s best suited for flexible, experienced nurses.
What certifications increase RN pay the most?
CCRN (critical care) certification typically adds $5,000–$10,000 annually. CNOR (operating room) and CMSRN (medical-surgical) also offer significant premiums. The ROI depends on whether employers offer differentials for certification.
What is the best-paying RN specialty?
Among general RN roles, ICU, ER, and OR nurses typically earn the highest salaries. Among all nursing roles, CRNAs earn the most, with average compensation exceeding $270,000 annually.
How much do registered nurses make with experience?
New graduates earn $62,000–$75,000. Mid-career RNs with 5–9 years earn $80,000–$100,000. Experienced RNs with 10–19 years earn $90,000–$115,000. Late-career RNs with 20+ years can earn $95,000–$130,000+.
What is the difference between an RN and an LPN?
LPNs provide basic care under RN supervision and earn approximately $50,100–$55,000 annually. RNs assess, plan, and coordinate care independently and earn approximately $101,400 on average — roughly double the LPN salary.
How much do nurse practitioners make compared to RNs?
Nurse practitioners earn approximately $129,900–$134,800 annually, about $30,000–$35,000 more than RNs. However, NPs require a master’s or doctoral degree.
What is the CRNA salary in 2026?
CRNAs earn approximately $270,000–$288,000 annually, making them the highest-paid nursing professionals. This represents more than double the RN median salary.
What is the salary outlook for registered nurses?
BLS projects 5% employment growth through 2034, with 189,100 annual openings. Salaries have risen steadily since 2022 and are expected to continue increasing, though at a slower pace than during the pandemic recovery.
Which state has the lowest RN pay?
South Dakota has the lowest average RN salary at $67,030. Mississippi ($70,790) and Alabama ($71,040) are also near the bottom.
What is the difference between a registered nurse and a nurse practitioner?
A registered nurse provides direct patient care under a physician’s supervision. A nurse practitioner is an advanced practice RN with a master’s or doctoral degree who can diagnose conditions, prescribe medications, and in many states practice independently. NPs earn approximately $30,000–$35,000 more than RNs.
Featured Snippets
What is the average salary for a registered nurse in the United States in 2026?
The median annual salary for registered nurses is $93,600, with a mean of $101,420, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The full pay range runs from $68,940 at the 10th percentile to $137,470 at the 90th percentile.
Which state pays registered nurses the most?
California pays the highest RN salaries at $140,330 on average, followed by Hawaii ($136,320), Oregon ($110,940), Alaska ($110,690), and Washington ($107,720). These states combine strong unions, high demand, and high costs of living.
What is the hourly wage for a registered nurse?
The mean hourly wage for registered nurses is $48.76. The median is $45.00 per hour. Hourly rates range from $33.14 at the 10th percentile to $66.09 at the 90th percentile.
How much do registered nurses make with experience?
New graduates earn $62,000–$75,000. Mid-career RNs with 5–9 years earn $80,000–$100,000. Experienced RNs with 10–19 years earn $90,000–$115,000. Late-career RNs with 20+ years can earn $95,000–$130,000+.
Is nursing a good career for salary?
Yes. The median RN salary of $93,600 is nearly double the median for all occupations. However, pay varies significantly by state, with a $73,000 gap between the highest- and lowest-paying states.