[hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”aboveTheFold” /][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/registered-nursing/”]Registered nurses (RN)[/hen-ui-link] can enjoy one of the most stable and rewarding healthcare occupations. They earn a high average salary and have increased demand to serve an aging population.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Nursing students [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/registered-nursing/how-to-become-a-rn/”]can become RNs[/hen-ui-link] in 2-4 years and earn salaries exceeding the U.S. average. According to the federal Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), RNs earn an average annual salary of $98,430. Factors such as location, specialty certification, and experience can lead to salaries of more than $135,000.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-flex gap=”xl” align=”left” direction=”column”][hen-ui-flex gap=”xs” align=”left” direction=”column”][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Popular Online Nursing Programs[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ color=”subtext”]Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-flex][hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”belowTheFold” /][/hen-ui-flex][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]How Much Do Registered Nurses Make?[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]With an average salary of $98,430, RNs earn higher salaries compared to the average for all U.S. occupations. RNs earn competitive salaries that can lead to rewarding and financially stable careers. The demanding nature of the profession can contribute to RNs’ high earning potential, along with the extensive education and training required and nurses’ critical role in healthcare.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-grid columns-md=”2″ gap=”md”] [hen-ui-card variant=”background-gray” border=”stroke” rounded=”lg” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”text-cap font-bold uppercase mb-2″]Average Annual Salary[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”text-3xl text-primary-800 font-heading font-bold mt-0 mb-0″]$98,430[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”text-xs”]Source: May 2024[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card] [hen-ui-card variant=”background-gray” border=”stroke” rounded=”lg” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”text-cap font-bold uppercase mb-2″]Average Hourly Wage[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”text-3xl text-primary-800 font-heading font-bold mt-0 mb-0″]$47[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”text-xs”]Source: [hen-ui-link href=”https://data.bls.gov/oesprofile/” target=”_blank”]BLS[/hen-ui-link] May 2024[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card][/hen-ui-grid][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Most nurses earn $66,030-$135,320 annually for the lowest and highest-paid earners. The median annual salary for RNs is $93,600 or $45 per hour, but salary can vary based on degree, certification, and experience. For example, the [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.journalofnursingregulation.com/article/S2155-8256(25)00047-X/fulltext” target=”_blank”]2024 National Nursing Workforce Survey[/hen-ui-link] reported nurses with over 10 years of experience earned up to $30,000 more per year than nurses with just one year or less.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Registered Nurse Salary by Education Level[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]RNs can enter the field after completing a nursing diploma or two-year [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/degrees/adn/”]associate degree in nursing (ADN)[/hen-ui-link]. However, earning a four-year [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/degrees/bsn/”]bachelor of science in nursing (BSN)[/hen-ui-link] has become the most popular option for RN training. BSN-prepared nurses earn a higher starting salary and have access to more job opportunities.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Generally, the higher the degree, the greater the compensation level. RNs with a [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/degrees/msn/types-of-masters-degrees-in-nursing/”]master of science in nursing (MSN)[/hen-ui-link] can earn an average of $21,000 more than individuals with a BSN.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Registered Nurse Salary by Specialty[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]RNs can receive specialized training to gain in-depth knowledge and advanced skills. As such, RN salary levels vary with board certification and specialization. The following information provides average salaries for some common specializations.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Some of the highest-paying registered nurse specializations include family health, acute/critical care, and emergency/trauma nursing.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]The Highest- and Lowest-Paying States for Registered Nurses[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]While RNs receive relatively high salaries compared to other occupations, some areas of the country [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/resources/nursing-salaries-by-state/”]pay far more than others[/hen-ui-link]. Overall, the Western states offer the highest salaries, while some Southern and Midwestern states pay the least.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Factors such as cost of living, nursing demand, and labor conditions account for RN salary variations across the country. [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/state/california/”]California[/hen-ui-link] and Hawaii, which rank among the most expensive states for cost of living, attract nurses by paying the top salaries in the country. Lower-paying states generally offer a more affordable lifestyle.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]As of May 2024, the states with the highest annual pay for RNs are:[/hen-ui-text]

[hen-ui-table][hen-ui-table-caption]Highest-Paying States for RNs[/hen-ui-table-caption][hen-ui-table-header][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]State[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Average Salary[/hen-ui-table-head][/hen-ui-table-row][/hen-ui-table-header][hen-ui-table-body][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”State”]California[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Average Salary”]$148,330[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”State”]Hawaii[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Average Salary”]$123,720[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”State”]Oregon[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Average Salary”]$120,470[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”State”]Washington[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Average Salary”]$115,740[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”State”]Massachusetts[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Average Salary”]$112,610[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][/hen-ui-table-body][/hen-ui-table]

[hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The states with the lowest annual pay for RNs are:[/hen-ui-text]

[hen-ui-table][hen-ui-table-caption]Lowest-Paying States for RNs[/hen-ui-table-caption][hen-ui-table-header][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]State[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Average Salary[/hen-ui-table-head][/hen-ui-table-row][/hen-ui-table-header][hen-ui-table-body][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”State”]Kansas[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Average Salary”]$79,430[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”State”]Iowa[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Average Salary”]$77,780[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”State”]Arkansas[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Average Salary”]$77,720[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”State”]Alabama[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Average Salary”]$74,970[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”State”]South Dakota[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Average Salary”]$72,210[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][/hen-ui-table-body][/hen-ui-table]

[hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Registered Nurse Salary by Industry[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]RN salaries vary substantially by workplace setting. Among the most common industries for RNs, those working for the government, and in hospitals and ambulatory healthcare services reported the highest earnings as of May 2024.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]How Do Registered Nurse Salaries Compare to Those of Other Nurses?[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]RNs, while earning less than [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/careers/advanced-practice-nursing/”]advanced practice nurses (APRNs[/hen-ui-link][hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/degrees/bsn/”])[/hen-ui-link], make much more than nurses without college degrees.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Compared to other nursing professions, RNs earn about $54,000 more than certified nursing assistants and around $31,000 more than licensed practical nurses as of May 2024. But, RNs earn about $36,000 less per year on average than nurse practitioners.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/nurse-anesthetist/”]Nurse anesthetists[/hen-ui-link] are the highest-paid nurses. These highly trained nurses must earn a [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/degrees/dnp/”]doctor of nursing practice (DNP[/hen-ui-link][hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/degrees/bsn/”])[/hen-ui-link] and spend seven or more years completing education and training.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]What Kind of Salary Growth Can Registered Nurses Expect?[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Like most professions, a nurse’s salary can increase with more experience and education. Higher RN salary levels correspond to recent changes in expectations about RN roles and responsibilities.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Nursing training has become more specialized, with a growing emphasis on technology and preventive care. As advanced graduate nursing degrees become more common, RNs can move into senior leadership roles with higher salaries.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Four Ways to Increase Pay As a Registered Nurse[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]While RNs already earn competitive salaries, they have the potential to earn even more should they desire. By advancing their education, sharpening certain skills, and working in certain settings or specialties, nurses can boost their pay by a considerable amount.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”ordered” bullet-style=”check”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”xxs”] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Consider Pursuing Certifications[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Nursing certification proves a nurse is competent in a particular area of expertise. Many RNs are eligible for certification after just two years of experience in a nursing specialty, such as emergency nursing, perioperative care, or medical-surgical nursing. Some employers offer promotions and higher salaries to nurses who are certified.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-flex][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”xxs”] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Increase Your Education Level OR Earn Your BSN/MSN[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]RNs with higher degrees typically earn higher salaries than those with entry-level degrees as they carry greater responsibilities and make more complex decisions. Nurses with an ADN who return to school and earn a BSN or MSN can increase their annual salaries by $5,000 and $26,000, respectively.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-flex][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”xxs”] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Gain Experience in Administrative Roles[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Nurses who work in administrative roles oversee nursing staff and manage healthcare business affairs. They generally earn higher salaries as they must have certain leadership skills, extensive health care knowledge, and hold a BSN or higher. RNs can gain entry-level administrative experience by serving as [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/articles/what-does-it-take-to-become-an-effective-charge-nurse/”]charge/lead nurses[/hen-ui-link] or [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/resources/nurse-exec-vs-admin-vs-manager/”]nurse managers[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-flex][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”xxs”] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Change Practice Setting OR Become a Travel Nurse[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Some practice settings simply pay more than others. Per the BLS, RNs who work in hospitals and physician offices earn the highest salaries. [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/careers/travel-nurse/how-to-become/”]Becoming a travel nurse[/hen-ui-link] in certain specialties can also increase RN pay. Per June 2025 ZipRecruiter data, the highest-paying travel nursing specialties are international nursing, critical care, and wound care.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-flex][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Frequently Asked Questions About Registered Nurse Salaries[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-accordion variant=”no-background”] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”What is the highest RN salary?” expanded=”true”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]According to the BLS, the highest-earning 10% of RNs make about $135,000 each year on average. RN salaries vary based on degree level, specialty, location, years of experience, and more. Advanced practice RNs often earn higher salaries.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”What is the highest average salary for an RN?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]As of May 2024, the BLS reports the national average RN salary as $98,430, with most RNs earning between $66,030 and $135,320.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”What type of RN gets paid the most?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]As of 2024, RNs working in family health, acute/critical care, and emergency/trauma report the highest earnings, according to the National Nursing Workforce Survey.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”How much do you start off making as an RN?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]As of 2024, RNs with one year of experience or less earn a median annual salary of $63,000, but this figure can vary based on location, specialty, and setting. Salary rises with years of experience, with RNs earning up to $93,000 after 11 years of work.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item][/hen-ui-accordion]