Registered Nurses Salary in United States
Registered Nurses pay snapshot in United States
Registered nurses deliver direct patient care, coordinate treatment plans, and educate families across hospitals, clinics, and community settings. The role combines clinical expertise with compassion and constant communication.
Core responsibilities
- Assess patient conditions, administer medications, and monitor vital signs
- Coordinate interdisciplinary care plans with physicians and allied health professionals
- Educate patients and families on treatment, recovery steps, and preventive care
- Maintain accurate medical records and ensure regulatory compliance
Core skills
- Clinical assessment and diagnostic reasoning
- Medication administration and patient monitoring
- Electronic health record (EHR) documentation
- Infection control and patient safety protocols
Median (USD)
$93,600
Annual gross compensation reference point
Median (USD)
$93,600
Converted using the latest available exchange rate
Global benchmark (USD)
$93,600
Published source: U.S. BLS OOH 2024 — Registered Nurses
Salary Breakdown
Annual compensation converted into monthly, weekly, and hourly estimates for quick planning.
USD compensation
- Annual
- $93,600
- Monthly
- $7,800
- Weekly
- $1,800
- Hourly
- $45.00
USD compensation
- Annual
- $93,600
- Monthly
- $7,800
- Weekly
- $1,800
- Hourly
- $45.00
Experience tiers
Estimated salary ranges by career stage using local benchmarks (USD). Align your expectations with responsibilities and progression focus.
Early-Career RN
Newly licensed nurses building confidence across core hospital rotations
Typical experience: 0-3 years
Next focus: Secure preceptor support, pursue specialty rotations, and document patient outcomes
Estimated annual pay (local)
$73,008
Estimated annual pay (USD)
$73,008
Experienced RN
Runs complex patient assignments, mentors new colleagues, and coordinates interdisciplinary care
Typical experience: 4-8 years
Next focus: Choose a specialty, earn advanced certifications, and participate in quality initiatives
Estimated annual pay (local)
$93,600
Estimated annual pay (USD)
$93,600
Senior RN / Clinical Specialist
Leads units, drives evidence-based practice, and supports policy updates
Typical experience: 9+ years
Next focus: Pursue graduate education, advanced practice credentials, or leadership tracks
Estimated annual pay (local)
$119,808
Estimated annual pay (USD)
$119,808
Career Progression Checkpoints
- Staff RN in medical-surgical, pediatric, or critical care units
- Charge nurse or clinical nurse coordinator overseeing shift operations
- Nurse educator, advanced practice nurse, or nurse practitioner
- Nursing leadership roles such as nurse manager, director, or chief nursing officer
Next: Calculate Take-Home Pay
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What Influences Pay?
Employers weigh industry context, location, and proven expertise. Use these levers to position your value when negotiating compensation.
Facility type and funding
Magnet hospitals, research centers, and private clinics offer higher wages and sign-on bonuses.
Shift differentials
Overnight, weekend, and holiday rotations add premium pay to base rates.
Specialty demand
Critical care, oncology, and OR nurses command higher salaries due to advanced skills and staffing shortages.
Regional shortages
Rural or underserved regions may offer relocation perks, tuition assistance, or loan forgiveness.
Credentials That Stand Out
- Registered Nurse (RN) license for the jurisdiction
- Basic Life Support (BLS) and Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS)
- Certified Critical Care Nurse (CCRN) or Certified Emergency Nurse (CEN)
- Specialty credentials such as Oncology Certified Nurse (OCN) or Nurse Practitioner licenses
Skill Upgrades Employers Reward
- Clinical assessment and diagnostic reasoning
- Medication administration and patient monitoring
- Electronic health record (EHR) documentation
- Infection control and patient safety protocols
- Communication and empathy during high-stress situations
Next Steps and Tools
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Open toolRegistered Nurses Salary FAQs in United States
Concise answers to the questions candidates and hiring teams ask most often when benchmarking compensation.
How quickly do RN salaries grow after graduation?
Many nurses see 10–15% increases within the first three years as they complete residency programs and move into specialized units.
What credentials boost RN compensation?
Critical care (CCRN), perioperative (CNOR), or nurse practitioner qualifications can raise salary potential, especially in metropolitan hospitals.
Does travel nursing pay more?
Travel contracts often out-earn permanent roles due to short-term demand, housing stipends, and tax-advantaged reimbursements.
How We Estimate Salaries
Figures blend public labor statistics with market calibration for United States. Median pay for registered nurses professionals anchors the model, while quartiles and experience multipliers show typical ranges rather than exact offers.
- Benchmark year:Data reflects 2024 reporting where available and will be reviewed annually.
- Primary source:U.S. BLS OOH 2024 — Registered Nurses
- Global context:U.S. BLS OOH 2024 — Registered Nurses
- Country adjustment factor:1 (baseline 2024) from U.S. BLS OOH 2024 — Registered Nurses
Use this guide as a starting point. Company size, equity grants, benefits, and negotiation timing can shift compensation. Refresh the numbers yearly or alongside significant market changes.