The registered nurse salary USA nurses earn averages around $98,430 per year in 2026 — about $47.32 an hour — according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), with a median of $93,600. That already puts nurses well ahead of the typical worker, but the headline hides a huge spread: RN pay can swing by over $100,000 between states, and jumps again with specialty and advanced degrees. This guide breaks down what nurses really earn — by state, by specialty, and by experience.
Nursing pays far above the average American job
Here’s the context that makes nursing stand out. The national median wage for all US occupations is around $49,500 — so registered nurses earn roughly 89% more than the typical American worker. With about 3.4 million RNs employed nationwide and steady demand, it’s one of the few careers that pays well above average while remaining accessible through several education paths. Even the bottom 10% of RNs earn around $66,000, still above the national median for all jobs.
The California effect: why location is everything
No state shows the power of location like California, where RNs average around $148,000 a year — nearly double the lowest-paying states (roughly $72,000). The drivers are strong nursing unions and a high cost of living. Generally, the West Coast and Northeast pay the most, while many Southern and Midwestern states fall below the national average. But watch the catch: a high California salary is partly eaten by rent, so the cost-of-living-adjusted figure matters as much as the headline — adjusted for living costs, California’s lead shrinks sharply and states like Texas or Tennessee close much of the gap.
Registered nurse salary USA by state
The table below shows average RN salaries by state, based on BLS data. Keep cost of living in mind — a nurse in a lower-paying state with cheap housing can end up with more real purchasing power than one in an expensive coastal state.
| State | Avg. RN Salary |
|---|---|
| California | $148,000 |
| Hawaii | $119,000 |
| Oregon | $113,000 |
| United States (average) | $98,430 |
| Alabama | $74,000 |
| Mississippi | $73,000 |
| South Dakota | $72,000 |
Salary by specialty: from RN to nurse practitioner
Specialty is where nursing pay really climbs. A standard registered nurse averages about $98,000, but moving up the ladder changes everything: nurse practitioners (NPs) earn a median around $129,000 with a master’s degree, and certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs) earn among the highest-paid nurses of all, often exceeding $200,000. At the other end, licensed practical nurses (LPNs) average around $63,500. The path from RN to advanced practice is one of the surest ways to dramatically raise lifetime earnings in healthcare. For a shorter, lower-cost route into the operating room, compare the surgical technologist salary USA.
Salary by experience and degree
RN pay also rises steadily with experience and education. A new graduate nurse typically starts near the lower end of their state’s range, climbs meaningfully after 3–5 years as they gain certifications, and experienced nurses reach the top of the scale. Your degree matters too: nurses with a BSN generally out-earn those with an associate degree (ADN) and unlock more leadership and specialty roles, while an MSN opens the door to advanced practice. The top 10% of RNs nationally earn over $135,000, and far more in California.
Is a nurse salary good in the USA?
For most of the country, yes — comfortably. An RN salary sits well above the median household income in most states, and nursing offers something rarer than pay: job security. With around a million nurses projected to leave the workforce by 2030 and an aging population driving demand, the shortage means hospitals compete hard for staff — which keeps wages rising, especially for specialty and travel nurses. The main variable, as always, is your state and its cost of living.
See our full breakdown of nurse salary USA vs UK.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a registered nurse make an hour in the USA?
The average is about $47.32 an hour in 2026, ranging from roughly $32/hour for new graduates in lower-paying states to over $70/hour for experienced and specialty RNs in California.
Which state pays registered nurses the most?
California leads by a wide margin, averaging around $148,000, followed by Hawaii, Oregon, Washington and Massachusetts. Much of that lead is offset by cost of living, however.
What’s the difference between an RN and a nurse practitioner?
An RN provides direct patient care; a nurse practitioner holds a master’s degree and can diagnose, treat and prescribe. The step up typically raises pay from around $93,600 to a median near $129,000.
With an average registered nurse salary around $98,430 and a median of $93,600 — running from roughly $72,000 to $148,000 by state — nursing is one of America’s strongest combinations of pay, accessibility and security. Before judging an offer, check three things: your state’s average, your specialty, and the local cost of living. For US pay across all jobs, see our guide to the average salary in the USA, or check official figures at the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).