Registered Nurse Salary in 2026
Registered nurses provide and coordinate patient care, educate patients about health conditions, and provide emotional support. They work in hospitals, clinics, and various healthcare settings.
Median Salary
$85,000
$7,083/mo
Entry Level
$56,000
starting pay
Senior Level
$110,000
experienced
Job Growth
+6%
10-yr outlook
Registered Nurse Overview
Registered nurses provide and coordinate patient care, educate patients about health conditions, and provide emotional support. They work in hospitals, clinics, and various healthcare settings.
Education
Bachelor's Degree (BSN)
Experience
0-2 years
Industry
Healthcare
Total Jobs (US)
3.1M
5-Year Growth
+16%
Category
Healthcare
Hourly Rate
$40.87/hr
Monthly Pay
$7,083
Registered Nurse Salary Calculator
Adjust your state and experience level to see the estimated Registered Nurse salary in your area.
Mid Career (5-9 yrs)
Estimated Registered Nurse Salary
$92,000
$7,667/month · $3,538/biweekly · $44.23/hr
Registered Nurse Salary Range
Salary distribution from entry-level to top earners in the Registered Nurse field.
Entry-level Registered Nurses earn around $56,000, while the top 10% earn $118,000 or more.
Top Paying States for Registered Nurses
| State | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| California | $100,000 | +$15,000 |
| New York | $98,000 | +$13,000 |
| Pennsylvania | $85,000 | $0 |
| Texas | $83,000 | $-2,000 |
| Florida | $83,000 | $-2,000 |
Top Paying Cities for Registered Nurses
| City | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| New York | $100,000 | +$15,000 |
| Los Angeles | $95,000 | +$10,000 |
| Miami | $87,000 | +$2,000 |
| Philadelphia | $87,000 | +$2,000 |
| Houston | $84,000 | $-1,000 |
Required Skills & Certifications
Key Skills
Certifications
Registered Nurse Career Progression
Typical salary growth path for a Registered Nurse from entry level to expert.
$56,000
0-2 years
$83,000
3-7 years
$110,000
8-14 years
$126,000
15+ years
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Registered Nurse Salary FAQ
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