Last updated: February 2026 | Data sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), American Nurses Association
How Much Do Registered Nurses Make in 2026?
If you're considering a career in nursing or looking to advance your current nursing career, understanding registered nurse salary trends is essential. Nursing remains one of the most in-demand and financially rewarding healthcare professions in the United States, and 2026 is shaping up to be another strong year for RN compensation.
This comprehensive guide breaks down everything you need to know about how much registered nurses make in 2026, including salaries by state, specialty, experience level, and actionable strategies to maximize your earning potential.
National RN Salary Overview
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the most recent data (May 2024) shows:
| Metric | Amount |
|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $93,600 |
| Mean (Average) Annual Salary | $98,430 |
| Median Hourly Wage | $45.00 |
| Bottom 10% (Entry Level) | $66,030 |
| Top 10% (Highest Earners) | $135,320 |
| Total RNs Employed | ~3.3 million |
| Projected Job Growth (2024-2034) | 5% (faster than average) |
The median salary of $93,600 means that half of all registered nurses earn more than this amount and half earn less. The average (mean) salary is higher at $98,430, pulled up by high-earning specialties and high-cost-of-living states. With the ongoing nursing shortage driving demand, salaries have been trending upward year over year.
Key Insight: RN salaries have increased approximately 15% over the past five years, significantly outpacing inflation.
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Top 10 Highest-Paying States for Registered Nurses
Location is one of the biggest factors affecting RN salary. Here are the top 10 highest-paying states for registered nurses:
| Rank | State | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Wage | Cost of Living Index |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | California | $133,340 | $64.11 | 142.2 |
| 2 | Hawaii | $113,220 | $54.43 | 192.9 |
| 3 | Oregon | $110,680 | $53.21 | 110.2 |
| 4 | Washington | $108,770 | $52.29 | 110.7 |
| 5 | Massachusetts | $104,150 | $50.07 | 135.0 |
| 6 | Alaska | $103,310 | $49.67 | 127.0 |
| 7 | New York | $101,870 | $48.98 | 139.1 |
| 8 | Connecticut | $100,350 | $48.24 | 112.8 |
| 9 | New Jersey | $99,840 | $48.00 | 115.2 |
| 10 | Nevada | $98,960 | $47.58 | 104.2 |
Lowest-Paying States for RNs
For comparison, the five lowest-paying states are:
| State | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| South Dakota | $66,640 |
| Alabama | $67,150 |
| Mississippi | $67,930 |
| Iowa | $68,200 |
| Arkansas | $68,470 |
Important: High salaries don't always mean more purchasing power. California's $133,340 salary goes further in Sacramento than in San Francisco. Always factor in cost of living when comparing state salaries.
RN Salary by Experience Level
Your years of experience significantly impact how much you earn as a registered nurse:
| Experience Level | Years | Average Annual Salary | Typical Roles |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-Level | 0-2 years | $60,000 - $72,000 | Staff Nurse, New Graduate RN |
| Early Career | 2-5 years | $72,000 - $82,000 | Staff Nurse, Charge Nurse |
| Mid-Career | 5-10 years | $82,000 - $98,000 | Senior Staff Nurse, Unit Lead |
| Experienced | 10-20 years | $98,000 - $115,000 | Clinical Specialist, Nurse Manager |
| Senior/Expert | 20+ years | $105,000 - $135,000+ | Director of Nursing, CNS |
| APRN (MSN/DNP) | Varies | $120,000 - $220,000+ | NP, CRNA, CNM, CNS |
Key Takeaways by Experience
- Years 1-3 are when you'll see the fastest salary growth (typically 10-15% per year)
- Years 5-10 salary growth slows but can be accelerated through specialization or certifications
- Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) with graduate degrees can earn $120,000-$220,000+ depending on specialty
RN Salary by Nursing Specialty
Specialty choice is one of the most powerful levers for increasing your nursing salary. Here's how different nursing specialties compare:
| Specialty | Average Annual Salary | Education Required | Demand Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) | $223,210 | DNP/MSN | Very High |
| Nurse Practitioner (NP) | $132,000 | MSN/DNP | Very High |
| Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM) | $125,450 | MSN/DNP | High |
| Travel Nursing | $105,000 - $150,000+ | BSN (typical) | Very High |
| Informatics Nurse | $98,000 - $120,000 | BSN + IT skills | Growing |
| ICU / Critical Care Nurse | $90,000 - $108,000 | BSN preferred | Very High |
| Operating Room (OR) Nurse | $88,000 - $105,000 | BSN preferred | High |
| Emergency Room (ER) Nurse | $85,000 - $100,000 | BSN preferred | Very High |
| Labor & Delivery Nurse | $82,000 - $98,000 | BSN preferred | High |
| Oncology Nurse | $80,000 - $96,000 | BSN + OCN cert | High |
| Pediatric Nurse | $78,000 - $92,000 | BSN preferred | Moderate |
| Medical-Surgical Nurse | $72,000 - $88,000 | ADN/BSN | High |
| Home Health Nurse | $68,000 - $82,000 | ADN/BSN | High |
| School Nurse | $55,000 - $72,000 | BSN | Moderate |
Top Earner: Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) are the highest-paid nursing professionals, earning an average of $223,210 per year. This requires a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) or Master's degree and CRNA certification.
RN vs. LPN vs. NP vs. CRNA: Salary Comparison
Understanding where registered nurses fit in the broader nursing salary landscape helps you plan your career path:
| Role | Education | Avg. Annual Salary | Licensure Exam | Time to Complete |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CNA | Certificate (75-180 hrs) | $39,530 | State CNA Exam | 4-12 weeks |
| LPN/LVN | Certificate/Diploma (12-18 months) | $59,730 | NCLEX-PN | 1-1.5 years |
| ADN-RN | Associate Degree | $86,000 | NCLEX-RN | 2-3 years |
| BSN-RN | Bachelor's Degree | $93,600 | NCLEX-RN | 4 years |
| MSN-RN | Master's Degree | $110,000+ | NCLEX-RN + Specialty | 6 years |
| Nurse Practitioner (NP) | MSN/DNP | $132,000 | ANCC/AANP | 6-8 years |
| Certified Nurse Midwife | MSN/DNP | $125,450 | AMCB | 6-8 years |
| CRNA | DNP (required by 2025) | $223,210 | NCE | 7-9 years |
Salary Progression Path
The jump from LPN to RN represents one of the biggest salary increases in nursing -- approximately a $26,000-$34,000 annual increase. Going from RN to NP adds another $38,000-$50,000 per year, while the leap to CRNA can mean an additional $130,000+ beyond a standard RN salary.
Factors That Affect Registered Nurse Salary
Multiple factors combine to determine your actual RN compensation:
1. Geographic Location
- Urban vs. rural: Cities typically pay 15-30% more, but cost of living is higher
- State regulations: States with mandatory nurse-to-patient ratios (like California) tend to pay more
- Regional demand: Areas with nursing shortages offer higher salaries and signing bonuses
2. Education Level
- ADN (Associate): Starting baseline for RN licensure
- BSN (Bachelor's): Increasingly required; typically adds $5,000-$10,000/year
- MSN (Master's): Opens doors to APRN roles; adds $20,000-$60,000/year
- DNP (Doctorate): Highest nursing degree; required for CRNA; adds $30,000-$100,000+/year
3. Certifications
Specialty certifications can boost your salary by $5,000-$15,000 annually:
| Certification | Acronym | Salary Boost |
|---|---|---|
| Critical Care (CCRN) | CCRN | $7,000 - $12,000 |
| Emergency Nursing (CEN) | CEN | $5,000 - $10,000 |
| Oncology (OCN) | OCN | $5,000 - $10,000 |
| Pediatric (CPN) | CPN | $4,000 - $8,000 |
| Medical-Surgical (CMSRN) | CMSRN | $3,000 - $7,000 |
4. Shift Differentials
Working less desirable shifts comes with pay premiums:
| Shift | Typical Differential |
|---|---|
| Night shift (7pm - 7am) | +$3 - $8/hour |
| Weekend shift | +$2 - $6/hour |
| Holiday shift | +$5 - $15/hour (or 1.5x-2x pay) |
| Night + Weekend combo | +$5 - $12/hour |
5. Workplace Setting
| Setting | Average Salary | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Hospital (inpatient) | $98,000 - $110,000 | Highest base pay |
| Outpatient clinic | $80,000 - $95,000 | Better work-life balance |
| Government/VA | $92,000 - $105,000 | Excellent benefits |
| Travel nursing | $105,000 - $150,000+ | Includes housing stipend |
| Home health | $68,000 - $85,000 | Flexible schedule |
| School nursing | $55,000 - $72,000 | Summers off |
6. Overtime and Bonuses
- Overtime: Time-and-a-half after 40 hours/week (or 12 hours/shift in some states)
- Signing bonuses: $5,000-$30,000 common in shortage areas
- Retention bonuses: $2,000-$10,000 annually
- Critical staffing bonuses: $500-$2,000 per shift during severe shortages
How to Maximize Your Registered Nurse Salary
Step 1: Earn Your BSN
The BSN is becoming the standard in nursing. Many hospitals now require or strongly prefer BSN-prepared nurses. If you currently have an ADN, consider an RN-to-BSN bridge program (typically 12-18 months online). A BSN typically adds $5,000-$10,000 to your annual salary.
Step 2: Get Specialty Certifications
Choose certifications aligned with high-demand specialties. The CCRN (Critical Care) and CEN (Emergency Nursing) certifications are particularly valuable, adding $7,000-$12,000 per year.
Step 3: Specialize in High-Paying Areas
Move into specialties like ICU, OR, or ER nursing. After gaining experience, consider advanced practice roles:
- Nurse Practitioner (NP): $132,000 average
- CRNA: $223,210 average -- the highest-paid nursing role
Step 4: Consider Travel Nursing
Travel nurses earn significantly more than staff nurses, often $105,000-$150,000+ annually. Benefits include:
- Tax-free housing stipends ($2,000-$4,000/month)
- Travel reimbursement
- Health insurance
- Retirement contributions
- Completion bonuses
Step 5: Negotiate Effectively
- Research market rates using BLS data and salary surveys
- Highlight certifications, experience, and specialized skills
- Ask about the full compensation package (not just base salary)
- Negotiate shift differentials, overtime opportunities, and bonuses
- Consider tuition reimbursement for advanced degrees
Step 6: Work Smart with Shift Differentials
A nurse earning $45/hour base pay who works three 12-hour night shifts per week with a $6/hour night differential earns an extra $9,360 per year just from the differential.
Step 7: Pursue Leadership Roles
Nurse managers earn $95,000-$130,000, and Directors of Nursing earn $110,000-$160,000+. Leadership experience combined with clinical expertise opens doors to executive roles like Chief Nursing Officer (CNO), with salaries exceeding $180,000.
Benefits Beyond Salary
RN compensation extends far beyond base pay. Total compensation packages typically include:
| Benefit | Typical Value |
|---|---|
| Health insurance | $6,000 - $15,000/year |
| Retirement (401k/403b match) | 3-6% of salary |
| Paid time off | 15-30 days/year |
| Tuition reimbursement | $3,000 - $10,000/year |
| Continuing education | $500 - $2,000/year |
| Life/disability insurance | $1,000 - $3,000/year |
| Signing bonus | $5,000 - $30,000 |
When factoring in benefits, total RN compensation often reaches $115,000-$145,000 for an experienced nurse at a major hospital.
Getting Started: Passing the NCLEX
Every registered nurse must pass the NCLEX-RN (National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses) to earn their license. Here's what you need to know:
| NCLEX-RN Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Question Format | Computer Adaptive Testing (CAT) |
| Number of Questions | 85-150 (minimum 85) |
| Time Limit | 5 hours |
| Passing Standard | Competency-based (not percentage) |
| Exam Fee | $200 |
| Pass Rate (First Attempt) | ~87% (US-educated) |
| Retest Wait Period | 45 days |
Tips for NCLEX Success
- Start studying early -- begin 4-8 weeks before your exam date
- Practice with realistic questions -- our free practice tests mirror actual NCLEX format
- Focus on clinical judgment -- the Next Generation NCLEX emphasizes critical thinking
- Use AI-powered study tools -- get instant explanations for concepts you find challenging
- Take timed practice exams -- build stamina for the 5-hour test
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Nursing Career Outlook for 2026 and Beyond
The future for registered nurses is exceptionally strong:
- Projected Growth: The BLS projects 5% job growth for RNs from 2024-2034, with about 189,100 openings projected each year
- Nursing Shortage: The American Nurses Association estimates the U.S. will need over 200,000 new RNs per year through 2030
- Aging Population: As baby boomers age, demand for healthcare services continues to surge
- Salary Trajectory: RN salaries have consistently outpaced inflation, and this trend is expected to continue
- Signing Bonuses: Hospitals in shortage areas are offering $10,000-$30,000 signing bonuses to attract talent
Highest-Growth Nursing Specialties (2026)
| Specialty | Projected Growth | Driving Factor |
|---|---|---|
| Home Health Nursing | 22% | Aging population |
| Nurse Practitioner | 40%+ | Primary care shortage |
| Telehealth Nursing | 30%+ | Technology adoption |
| Geriatric Nursing | 20%+ | Aging demographics |
| Mental Health Nursing | 18%+ | Increased awareness |
Free Resources to Start Your Nursing Career
Getting into nursing -- and maximizing your salary from day one -- starts with the right preparation:
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- FREE NCLEX-PN Practice Test -- Comprehensive LPN exam prep
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With a median salary of $93,600 and an average of $98,430, nursing is one of the best-paying professions accessible with a bachelor's degree. Start your journey today with our free NCLEX prep resources and take the first step toward a rewarding, well-compensated career.