Registered Nurse Salary
Median annual salary: $89,010 · Median hourly: $42.79 · Latest · 2026
About Registered Nurse pay
Registered nurses anchor the healthcare system in hospitals, clinics, nursing homes and home care. An aging population keeps demand high and unemployment near zero, with shift differentials, overtime and travel contracts lifting earnings well above base pay. Nursing offers one of the most reliable paths to a middle-class income without a graduate degree, though the work is physically and emotionally demanding.
In weekly terms that is roughly $1,712 per week before taxes (annual ÷ 52).
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Frequently asked questions
What data does this page show?
Average and median salary for Registered Nurse in the United States by state. Official BLS Occupational Employment Statistics.
What does a Registered Nurse earn?
State-by-state pay bands, hourly and annual, are listed on this page.
How to raise pay in this field?
Compare top-paying states here, then weigh them against living costs.
How current are the figures?
All figures reflect 2026 and update automatically from official sources.
Where do the numbers come from?
All figures are compiled from official U.S. government public data and refreshed automatically. LifeIndexData is 100% free to use and fully independent: we are not affiliated with, sponsored by, or compensated by any bank, lender or financial institution, and advertising never influences our data or rankings.
How do I cite this page?
LifeIndexData. "Registered Nurse Salary in the United States (2026)" (2026). https://lifeindexdata.com/usa/salary/registered-nurse/
Is this financial advice?
No. All data is informational only — see our Disclaimer before making decisions.