This guide breaks down average registered nurse salary in the U.S., including state-by-state pay, experience-based earnings, highest-paying RN specialties, and factors that influence total compensation.
Average Registered Nurse Salary in the U.S. (2026)
The average RN salary in the United States in 2026 is estimated to be $89,500 per year, with an average hourly rate of $43.00.
National RN Salary Overview
-
Entry-level RN salary: $63,000 – $70,000
-
Mid-career registered nurse salary: $85,000 – $95,000
-
Experienced RN salary: $105,000 – $125,000
-
Top 10% of RNs: $135,000+
Salaries vary significantly based on state, city, education, certifications, and clinical specialty.
Registered Nurse Salary by State (2026)
Highest-Paying States for Registered Nurses
| State | Average Annual RN Salary |
|---|---|
| California | $137,500 |
| Hawaii | $124,000 |
| Oregon | $118,000 |
| Washington | $115,500 |
| Massachusetts | $113,000 |
| Alaska | $111,000 |
| New York | $110,500 |
| Nevada | $108,000 |
California registered nurse salary remains the highest in the nation, driven by strong union contracts, strict nurse-to-patient ratios, and a high cost of living.
Lowest-Paying States for RNs
| State | Average Annual RN Salary |
|---|---|
| Mississippi | $66,000 |
| Alabama | $68,500 |
| Arkansas | $69,000 |
| West Virginia | $70,000 |
| South Dakota | $71,500 |
While base salaries are lower, these states often offer lower living costs, loan repayment programs, and sign-on bonuses.
Registered Nurse Salary by Experience Level
Entry-Level Registered Nurse Salary
Newly licensed nurses typically earn between $30–$34 per hour, depending on location and employer.
Common roles:
-
Staff RN
-
Med-surg nurse
-
Clinical nurse I
Mid-Level RN Salary (5–10 Years Experience)
After several years, nurses often see a major salary increase.
-
Annual pay: $85,000 – $95,000
-
Hourly rate: $40 – $47
This is when many nurses pursue specialty certifications or leadership roles.
Senior & Highly Experienced RN Salary (10+ Years)
Veteran nurses with advanced certifications can earn six-figure incomes.
-
Annual salary: $105,000 – $125,000+
-
Hourly pay: $50 – $60+
Highest-Paying Registered Nurse Specialties
Some nursing specialties consistently command higher salaries due to advanced skills and risk levels.
Top RN Specialties by Salary
-
Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) – $210,000+
-
Nurse Practitioner (NP) – $128,000
-
ICU Registered Nurse – $112,000
-
Operating Room RN – $109,000
-
Travel Registered Nurse – $120,000+
-
Psychiatric Registered Nurse – $106,000
Travel nurse salary rates remain especially competitive in 2026 due to flexible contracts and staffing shortages.
Factors That Impact Registered Nurse Pay
Education & Certifications
-
BSN vs ADN salary gap: 10–20% higher with BSN
-
Certifications (CCRN, CEN, ACLS) increase earning potential
Location
Urban hospitals and coastal states pay significantly more than rural areas.
Employer Type
-
Private hospitals
-
Government facilities
-
Specialty clinics
-
Telehealth providers
Shift Differentials
-
Night shift RN pay
-
Weekend shift bonuses
-
Overtime pay
Registered Nurse Salary vs Cost of Living
A higher salary does not always mean more purchasing power.
Example:
-
California RN salary: High pay, high housing costs
-
Texas RN salary: Moderate pay, lower living expenses
-
Florida RN salary: Competitive pay, no state income tax
Many nurses maximize income by combining base salary, overtime, and travel assignments.
Future Outlook for Registered Nurse Salaries
RN salaries are projected to continue rising through 2030 due to:
-
Aging population
-
Nurse retirement wave
-
Increased healthcare demand
-
Expansion of outpatient and home healthcare
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects strong job growth, making registered nursing one of the most secure healthcare careers.
Is Becoming a Registered Nurse Worth It in 2026?
For individuals seeking:
-
Stable income
-
High earning potential
-
Flexible work environments
-
Career advancement options
Registered nursing remains a financially and professionally rewarding career in 2026.
The registered nurse salary in the U.S. continues to grow across states, experience levels, and specialties. Nurses who invest in education, specialization, and strategic location choices can significantly increase lifetime earnings.
Whether you’re a new graduate or an experienced RN considering a move, understanding salary trends helps you make smarter career decisions.
No comments:
Post a Comment