Registered Nurse Salary
Average $93,600/year (Healthcare) · $45.00/hour at 40 hrs/week
On a $93,600 registered nurse salary, expect about $15,400 in total federal deductions (income tax, Social Security, and Medicare), leaving roughly $78,200 before state taxes. Where you work matters: RN wages range from about $66,000 at entry level to over $133,000 in top-paying states like California.
Becoming an RN requires a BSN or ADN degree plus passing the NCLEX-RN exam, with most programs taking 2-4 years. Specializations in critical care, OR, or emergency nursing pay a premium. The sections below break down taxes by filing status, the highest-paying states, and what employers want on your resume.
Filing Status
State
Hourly Rate
Hours per Pay Period
Pay Frequency
Estimates only. Not tax or legal advice. Consult a tax professional for accuracy.
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Registered Nurse Salary Range
ICU, operating room, and emergency department nurses earn more than those in general medical-surgical roles. Board certifications in specialties like oncology or critical care add $5,000-$15,000 to base pay, and per-diem or travel assignments can push hourly rates above salaried equivalents.
California, Hawaii, and Oregon pay the most, driven by cost of living and strong union representation. Rural hospitals often offer signing bonuses or housing stipends to attract nurses to underserved areas.
Education directly affects starting pay. BSN-prepared nurses start higher than those with an ADN, and most hospitals now require a bachelor's degree. An MSN or DNP qualifies you for nurse practitioner, nurse anesthetist, or nurse midwife roles.
| Level | Annual Salary | Hourly | Net (federal) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level | $66,030 | $31.75/hr | $55,235.11 |
| Median | $93,600 | $45.00/hr | $74,677.60 |
| Senior | $135,320 | $65.06/hr | $103,757.22 |
New graduates typically start near $66,000, but nurses with 5-10 years of bedside experience routinely earn $80,000-$100,000. Nurse managers, clinical educators, and advanced practice nurses can exceed $135,000.
Even at entry level, RN pay compares favorably to the national median household income of about $75,000. The median RN salary of $93,600 goes a long way in most markets, and senior nurses in California earn $133,000+ without moving into management.
Many nurses follow a path from staff nurse to charge nurse to nurse manager, with each step bringing a raise. Others specialize clinically or transition into nurse practitioner, nurse anesthetist, or nurse midwife roles, which rank among the highest-paid nursing careers.
Top-Paying States for Registered Nurses
| State | Avg Salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| California | $133,340 | $64.11/hr |
| Hawaii | $113,220 | $54.43/hr |
| Oregon | $106,610 | $51.25/hr |
Education & Requirements
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) or Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN). Must pass the NCLEX-RN exam.
- State nursing license (NCLEX-RN)
- BSN or ADN degree
- Clinical rotation experience
- CPR/BLS certification
Job Outlook
Registered nurses provide and coordinate patient care, educate patients about health conditions, and offer emotional support. They work in hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, and community health settings across all 50 states.
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Registered Nurse Salary FAQ
Common questions about earning a registered nurse salary
What is the average registered nurse salary?
The average registered nurse salary is $93,600 per year, or about $45.00 per hour. Salaries range from around $66,000 for entry-level positions to over $135,000 for experienced nurses in high-paying specialties.
How much do entry-level RNs make?
Entry-level registered nurses typically earn around $66,000 per year ($31.75/hour). Pay increases with experience, certifications, and specialization. Nurses with a BSN generally start higher than those with an ADN.
Which states pay nurses the most?
California pays the highest RN salaries at $133,340, followed by Hawaii ($113,220) and Oregon ($106,610). These states have higher costs of living but also strong union representation that drives wages up.
Is nursing a good career financially?
The numbers work: $93,600 median salary, 5% job growth (above average), and roughly 189,100 openings each year. Overtime, shift differentials, and travel nursing push actual earnings higher.