How much does a Psychiatric Registered Nurse make?
Psychiatric Registered Nurses play a crucial role in helping people with mental health issues. These nurses work in various settings, including hospitals, clinics, and private practices. They earn a good salary for their important work. The average yearly salary for a Psychiatric Registered Nurse is about $98,134. This means that on average, they make a decent living.
Salary ranges for Psychiatric Registered Nurses can vary based on experience and location. New nurses might start around $60,000 per year. As they gain more experience, their salary can go up. Top earners in this field can make over $140,000 a year. Working in major cities or areas with a high demand for mental health services can also lead to higher pay.
What are the highest paying cities for a Psychiatric Registered Nurse?

-
San Francisco, CA
Average Salary: $145,227
In San Francisco, Psychiatric Registered Nurses enjoy working in top-tier healthcare facilities. They find opportunities with renowned institutions like UCSF Health, which provides cutting-edge treatments. The city's vibrant culture and high standard of living add to the appeal of this career path.
Find Psychiatric Registered Nurse jobs in San Francisco, CA
-
Rochester, NY
Average Salary: $117,219
Rochester offers a supportive environment for psychiatric nursing. Nurses can find positions at Strong Memorial Hospital and the University of Rochester Medical Center. These facilities offer comprehensive mental health services, allowing nurses to make a real difference in patients' lives.
Find Psychiatric Registered Nurse jobs in Rochester, NY
-
Austin, TX
Average Salary: $113,154
In Austin, Psychiatric Registered Nurses benefit from a growing demand for mental health services. Local hospitals like St. David's Medical Center and Ascension Seton offer many opportunities. The city's creative atmosphere and outdoor activities make it an attractive place to work and live.
Find Psychiatric Registered Nurse jobs in Austin, TX
-
Syracuse, NY
Average Salary: $111,261
Syracuse provides a range of options for psychiatric nurses in facilities like Crouse Hospital and St. Joseph's Hospital. These institutions are known for their patient-centered care. The city's friendly community and affordable living costs add to the benefits of working here.
Find Psychiatric Registered Nurse jobs in Syracuse, NY
-
Nashville, TN
Average Salary: $110,212
Nashville's healthcare sector is thriving, offering Psychiatric Registered Nurses many opportunities. Places like Vanderbilt Psychiatric Hospital and Nashville General Hospital provide quality care. The city's lively music scene and southern charm make it an appealing place to live and work.
Find Psychiatric Registered Nurse jobs in Nashville, TN
-
Washington, DC
Average Salary: $105,541
In Washington, DC, Psychiatric Registered Nurses find work in prestigious hospitals like MedStar Washington Hospital Center and the District of Columbia Department of Behavioral Health. The city's political and cultural influence adds to the excitement of working in mental health care.
Find Psychiatric Registered Nurse jobs in Washington, DC
-
Richmond, VA
Average Salary: $103,025
Richmond offers a range of mental health services with opportunities at facilities like Chippenham Hospital and Riverside Health System. Nurses can enjoy a balanced lifestyle with the city's historic charm and vibrant arts scene.
Find Psychiatric Registered Nurse jobs in Richmond, VA
-
Detroit, MI
Average Salary: $95,003
Detroit provides Psychiatric Registered Nurses with opportunities at renowned institutions such as Henry Ford Hospital and the Detroit VA Medical Center. The city's rich automotive heritage and cultural offerings enhance the quality of life for healthcare professionals.
Find Psychiatric Registered Nurse jobs in Detroit, MI
-
Louisville, KY
Average Salary: $91,440
In Louisville, Psychiatric Registered Nurses work in esteemed facilities like UofL Health and Norton Healthcare. The city's friendly atmosphere and affordable living make it an excellent place to pursue a career in mental health care.
Find Psychiatric Registered Nurse jobs in Louisville, KY
-
Omaha, NE
Average Salary: $90,881
Omaha offers Psychiatric Registered Nurses opportunities at top facilities like Nebraska Medicine and CHI Health. The city's welcoming community and lower cost of living make it a great place for healthcare professionals.
Find Psychiatric Registered Nurse jobs in Omaha, NE
What are the best companies a Psychiatric Registered Nurse can work for?

-
Genie Healthcare
Average Salary: $124,832
Genie Healthcare offers Psychiatric Registered Nurse jobs with competitive salaries. This company provides healthcare staffing solutions nationwide, including positions in bustling urban areas and serene suburban settings. They focus on placing skilled professionals in diverse environments.
-
State of New York
Average Salary: $119,809
The State of New York offers rewarding Psychiatric Registered Nurse jobs with a strong average salary. They operate in various state-run mental health facilities across the state, providing a range of services in urban and rural areas. Nurses here benefit from comprehensive benefits and job stability.
-
Clover Health Services
Average Salary: $115,822
Clover Health Services provides Psychiatric Registered Nurse positions with a solid salary. They have locations in several states, focusing on outpatient and inpatient mental health care. Nurses work in a supportive environment that values their skills and dedication.
-
New York State Office of Mental Health
Average Salary: $112,149
The New York State Office of Mental Health offers Psychiatric Registered Nurse jobs with competitive pay. They operate numerous facilities across New York, providing critical mental health services. Nurses here work in a structured environment that emphasizes patient care and professional growth.
-
Supplemental Health Care
Average Salary: $106,607
Supplemental Health Care offers Psychiatric Registered Nurse jobs with a good salary. They serve a wide range of healthcare facilities nationwide, ensuring nurses find positions that match their skills and career goals. This company values its employees and offers flexible work options.
-
Cedar Creek Hospital
Average Salary: $104,863
Cedar Creek Hospital provides Psychiatric Registered Nurse jobs with a solid average salary. Located in Michigan, they focus on providing mental health and substance abuse treatment. Nurses here work in a supportive environment, focused on delivering high-quality care.
-
Universal Health Services Inc.
Average Salary: $101,559
Universal Health Services Inc. offers Psychiatric Registered Nurse positions with a competitive salary. They operate in various locations across the country, providing a range of mental health services. Nurses benefit from a supportive work culture and opportunities for professional development.
-
Stonecrest Center
Average Salary: $100,438
Stonecrest Center offers Psychiatric Registered Nurse jobs with a good salary. They focus on providing mental health services in New York, offering a supportive work environment. Nurses here value the opportunity to make a real difference in patients' lives.
-
Smith Arnold Partners
Average Salary: $99,108
Smith Arnold Partners provides Psychiatric Registered Nurse positions with a solid average salary. They have locations across several states, focusing on mental health and addiction treatment. This company values its employees and offers a rewarding work experience.
-
Cumberland Hall Hospital
Average Salary: $94,933
Cumberland Hall Hospital offers Psychiatric Registered Nurse jobs with a respectable salary. Located in Maryland, they provide mental health care services in a supportive environment. Nurses here benefit from a team-oriented culture and the chance to work in a reputable facility.
How to earn more as a Psychiatric Registered Nurse?
Psychiatric Registered Nurses (RNs) can find several ways to increase their earnings. Specializing in areas like trauma care or addiction treatment often leads to higher pay. Gaining advanced certifications also enhances earning potential. Collaborating with employers to negotiate salaries based on experience and education is another effective strategy. Seeking positions in higher-demand areas, such as urban centers or regions with a shortage of mental health professionals, can result in higher wages. Lastly, advancing to managerial or supervisory roles can lead to significant salary increases.
Here are key factors that can help Psychiatric Registered Nurses earn more:
- Specialize in High-Demand Areas: Focus on areas with a high need for psychiatric care. This includes working with trauma victims, substance abuse patients, or in child and adolescent psychiatry.
- Obtain Advanced Certifications: Certifications like Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing (PMH-RN) can lead to higher job opportunities and better pay.
- Negotiate Salary Wisely: Use knowledge of the job market and personal experience to negotiate a higher salary with potential employers.
- Choose High-Demand Locations: Working in areas with fewer Psychiatric RNs can result in higher salaries. Urban centers and underserved rural areas often offer competitive pay.
- Pursue Leadership Roles: Advancing to positions such as Nurse Manager or Clinical Nurse Specialist can significantly increase earning potential.



