Registered Nurse Salary Guide
Registered Nurses (RNs) assess patients, administer treatments and medications, coordinate care plans, monitor patient progress, educate patients and families, and collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to ensure safe, effective clinical care.
What is the average Registered Nurse salary?
Entry Level
$55,000 - $75,000
Mid Level
$75,000 - $95,000
Senior Level
$95,000 - $130,000
How does Registered Nurse salary grow with experience?
Registered Nurse salary by location
What factors affect a Registered Nurse's salary?
- Geographic location and local cost of living
- Clinical specialty and certifications (e.g., ICU, ER, CCRN)
- Shift type and hours (night/weekend differentials, overtime)
- Education level and advanced degrees (BSN, MSN, DNP)
- Facility type and size (teaching hospitals, private clinics, government)
Frequently Asked Questions About Registered Nurse Salaries
What is the average salary for a registered nurse in the U.S.?
The average U.S. registered nurse salary typically ranges from about $70,000 to $95,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and specialty.
How does experience affect RN pay?
RN pay increases with experience: entry-level RNs earn less (roughly $55k–$75k), mid-level RNs earn more ($75k–$95k), and senior or specialized RNs can earn $95k–$130k or higher.
Do specialties or certifications increase RN salaries?
Yes. Specialties (e.g., ICU, ER, OR, oncology) and certifications (e.g., CCRN, OCN, CNOR) commonly lead to higher pay, differential premiums, or shift differentials.
Which locations pay RNs the most?
High-cost metro areas like San Francisco/Bay Area, New York City, and Seattle generally pay higher RN salaries to offset living costs; rural areas and some states typically pay less.
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