Salary Guides/Registered Nurse

Registered Nurse Salary Guide

Real salary ranges for Registered Nurses in the US market — what you should expect, and what you can negotiate.

Salary Ranges

25TH PERCENTILE

$62,000

Entry-level or lower cost-of-living markets

50TH PERCENTILE

$77,000

Median — most roles fall here

75TH PERCENTILE

$95,000

Experienced, larger market or company

90TH PERCENTILE

$120,000

Top earners, premium markets

RN compensation has grown 4-6% annually, with ICU and ER specializations commanding 15-25% premiums over med-surg roles. Travel nursing offers 20-40% higher hourly rates plus housing stipends, making it increasingly attractive in high-demand markets. Geographic variation remains significant, with coastal and high cost-of-living areas paying 30-50% above rural markets.

Top-Paying Cities

San Francisco, CA$130,000

San Jose, CA$128,000

New York, NY$115,000

Boston, MA$112,000

Seattle, WA$108,000

Top-Paying Industries

Travel Nursing$105,000

Specialty Hospital (ICU/Trauma)$92,000

Emergency Department$88,000

Acute Care Hospital$78,000

Clinic/Outpatient$68,000

Negotiation Tip for Registered Nurses

Document your specialty certifications (CCRN, CEN, PCCN) and years in high-acuity settings—these command concrete premiums of $3,000-$8,000 annually that employers budget separately and are easier to negotiate than base salary alone.

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