Last updated: July 2026 | Data sources: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 (released May 15, 2026); BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook; NCSBN 2026 Candidate Bulletin
How Much Do Registered Nurses Make in 2026?
Registered nursing remains one of the largest, most in-demand, and best-paying healthcare professions in the United States. The most recent U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data — the Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) release for May 2025, published May 15, 2026 — reports a median annual wage of $97,550 for registered nurses (SOC 29-1141), with a mean (average) annual wage of $101,420.
This guide breaks down registered nurse salary by state, specialty, experience level, and workplace setting using the newest federal data, then walks through the career path — from CNA to RN to advanced practice — and the licensure exams required at each step.
National RN Salary Overview (BLS OEWS, May 2025)
| Metric | Amount |
|---|---|
| Median Annual Wage | $97,550 |
| Mean (Average) Annual Wage | $101,420 |
| Median Hourly Wage | $46.90 |
| Mean Hourly Wage | $48.76 |
| 10th Percentile (Entry Level) | $68,940 |
| 25th Percentile | $80,330 |
| 75th Percentile | $112,350 |
| 90th Percentile (Top Earners) | $137,470 |
| Total RNs Employed | 3,379,720 |
| Projected Job Growth (2024-2034) | 5% (faster than average) |
| Annual Job Openings (Growth + Replacement) | ~189,100 |
The median of $97,550 means half of registered nurses earn more and half earn less. The mean of $101,420 is pulled higher by top earners in high-wage states and advanced specialties. Entry-level RNs (10th percentile) start around $68,940, while the top 10% earn $137,470 or more.
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Top 10 Highest-Paying States for Registered Nurses
Location is the single biggest driver of RN pay. Below are the top 10 highest-paying states by mean annual wage, per BLS OEWS May 2025 data:
| Rank | State | Mean Annual Wage | Mean Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | California | $150,280 | $72.25 |
| 2 | Hawaii | $124,340 | $59.78 |
| 3 | Oregon | $123,140 | $59.20 |
| 4 | Washington | $121,540 | $58.43 |
| 5 | Massachusetts | $117,960 | $56.71 |
| 6 | Alaska | $114,870 | $55.23 |
| 7 | New York | $113,440 | $54.54 |
| 8 | New Jersey | $110,100 | $52.93 |
| 9 | Nevada | $105,710 | $50.82 |
| 10 | Connecticut | $105,250 | $50.60 |
Lowest-Paying States for RNs
| State | Mean Annual Wage |
|---|---|
| Alabama | $77,020 |
| South Dakota | $77,140 |
| Mississippi | $78,950 |
| Iowa | $80,540 |
| Arkansas | $81,520 |
Important: High gross pay does not always mean more purchasing power. California's $150,280 mean goes further in Sacramento than in San Francisco. States with no income tax — Washington, Nevada, Alaska, Texas, Florida — can deliver higher take-home pay than their gross ranking suggests. When comparing states, always factor in cost of living and state income tax.
RN Salary by Workplace Setting (BLS OEWS May 2025)
Where you work matters as much as where you live. BLS industry-level data shows meaningful pay differences across settings:
| Workplace Setting | Mean Annual Wage |
|---|---|
| Outpatient care centers | $112,690 |
| Specialty hospitals (except psychiatric) | $107,050 |
| General medical and surgical hospitals | $104,360 |
| Home health care services | $93,580 |
| Skilled nursing facilities | $89,330 |
About 56% of RNs work in general medical and surgical hospitals, the largest single setting. Outpatient care centers actually pay the highest mean wage — $112,690 — reflecting the growing shift of nursing services to ambulatory and same-day settings.
RN Salary by Experience Level
BLS does not publish official salary breakdowns by years of experience. The ranges below are compiled from nursing salary surveys (Medscape, DirectShifts, Incredible Health) and reflect typical U.S. market patterns, anchored to the BLS percentile data above:
| Experience Level | Years | Typical Annual Salary | Typical Roles |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-Level | 0-2 years | $68,940 - $80,000 | Staff Nurse, New Graduate RN |
| Early Career | 2-5 years | $80,000 - $92,000 | Staff Nurse, Charge Nurse |
| Mid-Career | 5-10 years | $92,000 - $108,000 | Senior Staff Nurse, Unit Lead |
| Experienced | 10-20 years | $108,000 - $125,000 | Clinical Specialist, Nurse Manager |
| Senior/Expert | 20+ years | $115,000 - $137,470+ | Director of Nursing, CNS |
| APRN (MSN/DNP) | Varies | $136,980 - $248,320 | NP, CRNA, CNM, CNS |
Key Takeaways by Experience
- Years 1-3 typically deliver the fastest salary growth as you move from new-graduate to fully independent practice
- Years 5-10 growth slows but accelerates again with specialization or certifications
- Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) with graduate degrees earn $136,980-$248,320 depending on role
RN Salary by Nursing Specialty
Specialty choice is one of the most powerful salary levers. BLS OEWS May 2025 data confirms the advanced practice premium:
| Specialty / Role | Mean Annual Wage | Education Required | Demand |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) | $248,320 | DNP/DNAP (required for new grads since 2025) | Very High |
| Nurse Practitioner (NP) | $137,300 | MSN/DNP | Very High |
| Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM) | $136,980 | MSN/DNP | High |
| Travel Nursing | $105,000 - $150,000+ | ADN/BSN | Very High |
| ICU / Critical Care | $95,000 - $115,000 | BSN preferred | Very High |
| Operating Room (OR) | $90,000 - $110,000 | BSN preferred | High |
| Emergency Room (ER) | $90,000 - $108,000 | BSN preferred | Very High |
| Labor & Delivery | $82,000 - $100,000 | BSN preferred | High |
| Oncology | $80,000 - $98,000 | BSN + OCN cert | High |
| Pediatric | $78,000 - $95,000 | BSN preferred | Moderate |
| Medical-Surgical | $75,000 - $92,000 | ADN/BSN | High |
| Home Health | $93,580 (BLS mean) | ADN/BSN | High |
| School Nursing | $55,000 - $72,000 | BSN | Moderate |
Top Earner: Nurse anesthetists (CRNAs) are the highest-paid nursing occupation at a $248,320 mean annual wage. Since January 1, 2025, all newly accredited CRNA programs require a doctoral degree (DNP or DNAP); already-practicing CRNAs are not required to return for a doctorate.
RN vs. LPN vs. CNA vs. APRN: Salary and Scope Comparison
Understanding where the registered nurse sits in the nursing career ladder helps you plan each step:
| Role | Education | Mean Annual Wage | Licensure Exam | Time to Complete |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CNA | Certificate (75-180 hrs) | $42,700 | State CNA Exam / NNAAP | 4-12 weeks |
| LPN/LVN | Diploma/Certificate (12-18 months) | $67,050 | NCLEX-PN | 1-1.5 years |
| RN (ADN or BSN) | Associate or Bachelor's Degree | $97,550 (median) | NCLEX-RN | 2-4 years |
| Nurse Practitioner | MSN/DNP | $137,300 | ANCC/AANP | 6-8 years |
| Certified Nurse Midwife | MSN/DNP | $136,980 | AMCB | 6-8 years |
| CRNA | DNP/DNAP | $248,320 | NCE | 7-9 years |
Career Path and Salary Progression
The standard nursing career path is:
- CNA (4-12 weeks) -> earn certificate, pass state exam
- LPN/LVN (1-1.5 years) -> pass NCLEX-PN
- RN via ADN (2-3 years) or BSN (4 years) -> pass NCLEX-RN
- Specialty certification (CCRN, CEN, OCN, etc.) after 1-2 years of RN experience
- APRN (NP, CRNA, CNM, CNS) -> earn MSN/DNP, pass specialty board exam
The jump from LPN to RN adds roughly $30,000-$34,000 to annual pay. Going from RN to NP adds another $35,000-$40,000. The leap to CRNA can add $146,000+ beyond the RN mean.
Scope distinction: CNAs assist with daily living activities (bathing, feeding, vital signs). LPNs/LVNs administer medications and perform basic nursing tasks under RN supervision. RNs independently assess patients, develop care plans, and administer medications including IV therapy. APRNs (NP, CRNA, CNM) diagnose, prescribe, and manage treatment — requiring a graduate degree and a separate national board exam.
Factors That Affect Registered Nurse Salary
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 (California) tend to pay more
- Regional demand: Areas with nursing shortages offer higher salaries and signing bonuses
2. Education Level
- ADN (Associate): Minimum for RN licensure; fastest entry (2 years)
- BSN (Bachelor's): Increasingly required by Magnet hospitals; adds ~$5,000-$10,000/year
- MSN (Master's): Opens APRN roles; adds $35,000-$40,000/year
- DNP (Doctorate): Required for new CRNAs since 2025; highest nursing degree
A 2024 National Nursing Workforce Survey found 72.9% of practicing RNs hold a baccalaureate or higher degree.
3. Specialty Certifications
Specialty certifications can boost salary by $5,000-$15,000 annually:
| Certification | Acronym | Typical Salary Boost |
|---|---|---|
| Critical Care | CCRN | $7,000 - $12,000 |
| Emergency Nursing | CEN | $5,000 - $10,000 |
| Oncology | OCN | $5,000 - $10,000 |
| Pediatric | CPN | $4,000 - $8,000 |
| Medical-Surgical | CMSRN | $3,000 - $7,000 |
4. Shift Differentials
| 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. Overtime and Bonuses
- Overtime: Time-and-a-half after 40 hours/week (federal); some states mandate OT after 12 hours/shift
- Signing bonuses: $5,000-$30,000 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 industry standard. If you have an ADN, an RN-to-BSN bridge program (12-18 months, often online) typically adds $5,000-$10,000 to annual pay and is required for Magnet hospital employment, management, and graduate school.
Step 2: Get Specialty Certifications
The CCRN (Critical Care) and CEN (Emergency) certifications are the highest-value credentials, adding $7,000-$12,000 per year.
Step 3: Specialize in High-Paying Areas
ICU, OR, ER, and Cath Lab roles command the highest staff-nurse pay. After 1-2 years of experience, consider advanced practice:
- Nurse Practitioner: $137,300 mean
- CRNA: $248,320 mean — the highest-paid nursing role
Step 4: Consider Travel Nursing
Travel nurses earn 20-40% more than staff nurses, often $105,000-$150,000+ annually, plus:
- Tax-free housing stipends ($2,000-$4,000/month)
- Travel reimbursement
- Health insurance and retirement contributions
- Completion bonuses
Step 5: Negotiate Effectively
- Research market rates using BLS OEWS data and salary surveys
- Highlight certifications, experience, and specialized skills
- Ask about the full compensation package, not just base salary
- Negotiate shift differentials, overtime, and tuition reimbursement
Step 6: Work Smart with Shift Differentials
A nurse earning $46.90/hour base who works three 12-hour night shifts per week with a $6/hour night differential earns an extra $11,232 per year from the differential alone.
Step 7: Pursue Leadership Roles
Nurse managers earn $95,000-$130,000; Directors of Nursing earn $110,000-$160,000+. The Chief Nursing Officer (CNO) role can exceed $180,000-$250,000 at large systems.
Benefits Beyond Salary
Total RN compensation extends well beyond base pay:
| 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 |
Factoring in benefits, total compensation for an experienced RN at a major hospital often reaches $115,000-$150,000+.
Getting Started: Passing the NCLEX-RN
Every registered nurse must pass the NCLEX-RN (National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses) to earn licensure. The 2026 test plan (effective April 1, 2026 through March 31, 2029) details:
| NCLEX-RN Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Question Format | Computer Adaptive Testing (CAT) |
| Number of Questions | 85-150 (minimum 85) |
| Time Limit | 5 hours |
| Passing Standard | 0.00 logits (competency-based) |
| Exam Fee | $200 USD |
| Pass Rate (First Attempt, U.S.-educated) | 86.75% (Q1 2026) |
| Retake Wait Period | 45 days minimum |
Tips for NCLEX Success
- Start studying early — begin 4-8 weeks before your exam date
- Practice with realistic CAT questions — our free practice tests mirror NCLEX format
- Focus on clinical judgment — Next Generation NCLEX emphasizes critical thinking
- Use AI-powered study tools — get instant explanations, 10 free per day
- 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 strong:
- Projected Growth: BLS projects 5% employment growth for RNs from 2024 to 2034 — faster than the average for all occupations. That translates to 166,100 net new jobs over the decade.
- Annual Openings: Including replacement needs (retirements, career changes), approximately 189,100 RN openings are projected each year through 2034.
- Aging Population: As baby boomers age, demand for healthcare services continues to surge, particularly in home health, geriatric, and long-term care settings.
- Education Trend: 72.9% of the RN workforce now holds a baccalaureate or higher degree (2024 National Nursing Workforce Survey).
- Signing Bonuses: Hospitals in shortage areas offer $10,000-$30,000 signing bonuses to attract talent.
Highest-Growth Nursing Roles (2024-2034, BLS projections)
| Role | Projected Growth | Driving Factor |
|---|---|---|
| Nurse Practitioner | 40% | Primary care shortage |
| Nurse Midwife | 11% | Maternal care demand |
| Nurse Anesthetist | 9% | Surgical volume growth |
| Registered Nurse | 5% | Aging population + replacements |
Free Resources to Start Your Nursing Career
- FREE NCLEX-RN Practice Test — AI-powered practice questions with detailed rationales
- FREE NCLEX-PN Practice Test — Comprehensive LPN exam prep
- FREE CNA Practice Test — Start your healthcare career path
- FREE TEAS Practice Test — Nursing school admission exam prep
- AI Study Assistant — Get instant help with any nursing concept, 24/7; 10 free questions per day
Our free exam prep resources include thousands of practice questions covering every exam domain, detailed answer explanations with clinical rationales, AI-powered study assistance, progress tracking, and mobile-friendly access.
With a median wage of $97,550 and roughly 189,100 annual job openings, registered nursing is one of the best-paying and most in-demand professions accessible with a bachelor's degree. Start your journey today with free NCLEX prep resources and take the first step toward a rewarding, well-compensated career.
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