As a registered nurse, your main duties include identifying and responding to patient needs, implementing patient treatment plans, and monitoring vitals. This career path involves considerable responsibility but also a good salary and many added benefits. So, how much do registered nurses make?
If you are interested in becoming a registered nurse, you may want to look at how much registered nurses make hourly at traditional healthcare facilities. If you value independence, you may be curious about how much freelance registered nurses make. Whatever the case, this article will teach you how much you stand to earn in this line of work.
Registered Nurse’s Salary: An Overview of How Much Registered Nurses Make
- Average Salary: $75,330
- 10th Percentile Salary: $53,410
- 90th Percentile Salary: $116,230
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) has noted that the average annual wage of a registered nurse is $75,330. The median annual salary of the 10th percentile is $53,410, while the 90th percentile earns an average wage of $116,230. A nurse’s salary can vary depending on your nursing specialty, healthcare facility, education level, and cost of living in your area.
How Much Do Registered Nurses Make Per Hour?
The average salary per hour for a registered nurse is $38.47, as stated by the BLS. The hourly wage for the 10th percentile is $25.68, while the average hourly wage salary for registered nurses in the 90th percentile is $55.88. Hourly wages will also vary depending on your location, level of experience, level of education, and the organization you work for.
Do Registered Nurses Make Good Money?
Yes, registered nurses earn good salaries at an average of $75,330. According to BLS, the national average salary for all occupations in the US is $53,310. This is significantly lower than the average yearly salary of a registered nurse. Other added benefits, including paid family leave and access to childcare, help make this role even more enticing.
How Much Do Registered Nurses Make? A Salary Breakdown by Location, Experience, and Skills
Registered nurses play an essential part in the healthcare industry and are needed worldwide. They earn competitive salaries that can change based on several factors. This section will look at how much registered nurses make depending on their location, experience, and skills.
Registered Nurse Salaries by Location
The table below will show you the five highest-paying states ranked by their average salary. The highest-paying state for registered nurses in the US is New York, according to information found on ZipRecruiter. Practical nurses and nurse educators have differing salaries, but these numbers are a good estimate of different salaries by location.
| Location | 25th Percentile Salary | Median Salary | 75th Percentile Salary |
| Maryland | $56,890 | $77,304 | $79,043 |
| Nebraska | $56,032 | $75,691 | $77,850 |
| Virginia | $55,298 | $74,698 | $76,830 |
| New York | $61,972 | $74,610 | $86,103 |
| Washington | $60,958 | $72,373 | $84,694 |
Registered Nurse Salaries by Level of Experience
Your salary will depend on your level of experience. The more experience you have gained, the higher your annual wages will be. The table below shows the average nursing salary from entry-level to late-career roles according to PayScale. Education paths can affect your salary, and BSN-educated nurses and graduate nurses will usually earn more.
| Experience Level | 10th Percentile Salary | Median Salary | 90th Percentile Salary |
| Entry-Level | $41,000 | $59,393 | $82,000 |
| Early-Career | $44,000 | $62,852 | $87,000 |
| Mid-Career | $48,000 | $69,012 | $93,000 |
| Experienced | $51,000 | $72,256 | $99,000 |
| Late-Career | $51,000 | $73,936 | $102,000 |
Registered Nurse Salaries by Skill
The nursing profession has many different career options. Salaries vary depending on which specialty you choose to pursue. Each specialty requires a range of vital skills. In the table below, you will see PayScale’s top-paying nursing skills. Critical care is the highest-paying skill in this field.
| Skill | 10th Percentile Salary | Median Salary | 90th Percentile Salary |
| Critical Care | $49,000 | $70,832 | $99,000 |
| Telemetry | $52,000 | $70,664 | $96,000 |
| Medicine/Surgery | $49,000 | $69,486 | $96,000 |
| Acute Care | $49,000 | $69,292 | $95,000 |
| Geriatrics | $49,000 | $69,119 | $92,000 |
How Much Do Freelance Registered Nurses Make?
According to ZipRecruiter, the average base salary of a freelance nurse is $69,898. The annual salary of the 25th percentile is $42,000, and the 75th percentile is $87,000. Freelance nursing, also known as travel nursing, is when nurses help private clients or healthcare facilities with a shortage of nursing staff.
They work under contracts depending on the needs of the client or facility. Travel nursing has ranked as one of the best jobs for travel lovers. Unfortunately, freelance nurses do not have access to the same benefits, but they have the same qualifications. The average RN nurse salary can be higher on a freelance level due to additional cash compensation.
Registered Nurse Job Outlook
The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates this field will grow by nine percent from 2020 to 2030. This job growth is average compared to the development of all other occupations. The BLS predicts that there will be 194,500 job openings each year. Advanced practice nurses and other experienced nurses are also in high demand.
Many different industries need registered nurses in their workforce. The three highest-paying industries for nurses include business support services, the federal executive branch, and pharmaceutical and medicine manufacturing. You’ll need additional certifications to work at advanced medical centers and in specialized industries.
Is Registered Nursing a Good Career?
Yes, registered nursing is a great healthcare profession with a competitive average base salary. Although the job growth is moderate, the number of nursing jobs is estimated to continue to grow. The field of nursing offers endless opportunities for career growth, additional training, and gaining experience.
If you are a compassionate person with critical thinking skills, a thirst for knowledge, and a passion for patient care, then this is the career choice for you. Many reputable facilities can guide you on your path to becoming a registered nurse. You can even find online nursing programs that will allow you to pursue your passion and offer the flexibility you need.
How Much Do Registered Nurses Make? FAQ
Maryland is one of the highest-paying states for registered nurses. According to ZipRecruiter, registered nurses earn about $77,304 on average in this state. West Virginia and Rhode Island are also high-paying states, and high-paying cities include San Francisco and New York.
You must complete an Associate or Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing to become a registered nurse. Once you finish nursing school, you need to gain hands-on clinical experience and pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) for registered nurses. Registered nurses with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing often have more opportunities than nurses with an Associate Degree in Nursing.
Registered nurse anesthetists earn an annual wage of $202,804 according to ZipRecruiter, making this the highest-paid specialization in the nursing field. A nurse practitioner can earn more in an advanced practice.
The average registered nurse salary per month is estimated to be $6,278. You can calculate this using a registered nurse’s national average yearly wage, which is $75,330 according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, divided by 12 months.
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