Average Salary for a Registered Nurse in the USA 2025: Pay by Experience, Top States & How to Earn More
In 2025, the salary for a Registered Nurse matters a lot for career choices.
Registered nurses are the backbone of America's healthcare system. They care for patients, help doctors, and save lives every day. If you want to become a nurse, you need to know how much money you can make.
The salary of a registered nurse can change based on where you work and how much experience you have.
This blog will answer all your nurse questions about pay in 2025. We will look at average salaries, pay by state, and how much nurses make at different levels. We will also share tips to help you earn more money as a nurse.
You will also learn about entry-level nurse salaries, senior nurse pay, and which states pay nurses the most.
By the end of this article, you will know exactly what to expect as a registered nurse in America. This guide will help you make smart choices for your future, whether you're starting nursing school or considering a career change.
Average Salary for a Registered Nurse in the USA?
$94,480 per year (Average)
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and global salary surveys show that the average registered nurse salary in the USA is $94,480 per year in 2025. This figure is based on data from government statistics, Indeed, Glassdoor, and other major job sites.
The hourly rate for nurses ranges from $42.24 to $43.93 per hour across different sources.
This year's salary has a small rise from last year's. It shows how much we value nursing skills, especially after the healthcare crisis. The increase happened because hospitals need more nurses and are willing to pay higher wages to attract and keep skilled nurses.
Salary for a Registered Nurse Key Metrics 2025
Average salary: $94,480 to $99,191 per year, according to government statistics and global salary surveys.
Salary range: Most registered nurses earn between $66,030 and $135,320 annually. The salary ranges from $45,000 a year at the 10th percentile to $117,000 at the 90th percentile. The lowest-paid nurses work in rural areas or long-term care facilities. The highest-paid nurses work in hospitals, surgery centers, and specialty units.
Salary by experience:
- Even the lowest-paid 10 percent of registered nurses earn up to $63,720 annually.
- Junior nurses with 0-2 years of experience typically earn $66,000-$75,000 per year, according to multiple U.S. salary surveys.
- Mid-level nurses with 3-7 years earn $80,000-$95,000 annually.
- Senior nurses with 8+ years of experience can earn $100,000-$135,000+ per year based on government data sources.
75th percentile: Nurses in the 75th percentile earn up to $50.00 per hour, which equals about $104,000 per year.
Salary for a Registered Nurse: Regional Comparison
Location makes a big difference in nurse pay. States with a higher cost of living usually pay nurses more money. Urban areas also tend to pay better than rural areas. Some states have nurse shortages, so they offer higher wages to attract nurses.
Here's how salaries compare across major U.S. regions:
Data collected from multiple regional salary surveys and government statistics, 2025
California has the highest salary for nurses at $124,000 per year on average, even with the cost of living factored in. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that the difference between the highest and lowest RN salaries is over $100,000 across U.S. states.
Based on salary versus cost of living, Texas and North Carolina offer the best value for nurses. These states have good nurse pay with lower housing and living costs compared to California and New York.
7 Tips to Grow Your Registered Nurse Salary
1. Get Specialty Certifications: Specialized nursing roles, such as certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs), earn an average annual salary of $231,700. Certifications in critical care, emergency nursing, or oncology can boost your pay by 10-20%, according to nursing workforce surveys.
2. Gain Experience in High-Paying Units: RNs working in family health, acute/critical care, and emergency/trauma report the highest earnings according to the National Nursing Workforce Survey. ICU, OR, and ER nurses typically earn $5,000-$15,000 more per year than floor nurses.
3. Move to Higher-Paying States: The highest-paying cities for registered nurses are San Francisco, CA, Portland, OR, and New York, NY. Moving to these areas can increase your salary by $20,000-$40,000 per year, though the cost of living will also be higher.
4. Pursue Advanced Degrees: The more you advance your education, the higher your income potential will be. Getting a BSN can add $5,000-$8,000 to your salary. A Master's degree in nursing can increase pay by $15,000-$25,000 annually.
5. Consider Travel Nursing: Travel nurses often earn 20-50% more than staff nurses because they fill urgent staffing needs. Many travel nurses make $100,000-$130,000 per year, including housing stipends and bonuses.
6. Negotiate Your Starting Salary: Many new nurses accept the first offer without negotiating. Research local pay rates and ask for 5-10% more than the initial offer. Hospitals often have room to increase their starting wages.
7. Take Leadership Roles: Charge nurses, nurse managers, and clinical leaders earn higher salaries. These positions can add $10,000-$20,000 to your annual pay, according to multiple salary data sources.
FAQs | Registered Nurse's Salary
Is the average salary of a registered nurse before or after tax?
All salary numbers we discuss are gross annual salaries before taxes. You will need to subtract federal, state, and local taxes from these amounts to get your take-home pay.
Does the salary of a registered nurse include bonuses?
No, the base salary numbers do not include bonuses. Many hospitals offer sign-on bonuses, retention bonuses, and performance bonuses separately. These can add $2,000-$10,000 to your yearly income.
What is the starting salary for a new registered nurse?
New registered nurses typically start at around $66,030 per year, according to government statistics. This can vary significantly by state and hospital system.
How much does a registered nurse make per hour?
The average hourly rate for registered nurses is $42.24 to $43.93 per hour in the United States. This equals about $88,000-$91,000 per year for full-time work.
Which states pay registered nurses the highest salary?
California has the highest salary for nurses at $124,000 per year on average. Hawaii, Oregon, Alaska, and New York also pay nurses above the national average.
Do registered nurses with experience earn a higher salary?
Yes, experience significantly affects nurses' salaries. Registered nurse salary ranges from $45,000 a year at the 10th percentile to $117,000 at the 90th percentile. Senior nurses with 10+ years of experience often earn 40-60% more than new graduates.
What specialty has the highest registered nurse salary?
A certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA) holds the highest-paying nursing job with an average annual salary of $231,700. Nurse practitioners and nurse midwives also earn significantly above average RN salaries.
How does a registered nurse's salary compare to other healthcare jobs?
Registered nurses earned $94,480 in 2023, compared to physician assistants at $130,490, nurse practitioners at $128,490, and physical therapists at $100,440. RNs earn more than licensed practical nurses, who made $60,790.
Is the demand affecting registered nurse salary increases?
As long as nurses are in demand, and there is no end to the nurse staffing shortage in sight, RN salaries continue to rise. The ongoing nursing shortage is driving salary increases across the country.
What benefits do registered nurses get besides salary?
Most hospitals offer health insurance, retirement plans, paid time off, and tuition reimbursement. These benefits can add $15,000-$25,000 in value to your total compensation package beyond your base salary.
All pay information is current as of 2025. Data comes from several global salary surveys and government statistics, 2025.
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