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How much does a Registered Nurse make?

The average salary for a Registered Nurse is $93,384 per year in the US.

A career as a Registered Nurse (RN) offers rewarding opportunities and competitive salaries. On average, RNs earn about $93,384 each year. This pay reflects their important role in patient care. As RNs gain experience, they often see their salaries grow.

RNs work in many different settings, which can affect their pay. For example, some top-paying industries for RNs include healthcare and social assistance, hospitals, and outpatient care centers. Here are some average salaries across different experience levels:

  • 10th percentile: $52,000
  • 25th percentile: $61,573
  • 50th percentile (median): $71,145
  • 75th percentile: $90,291
  • 90th percentile: $109,436

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What are the highest paying cities for a Registered Nurse?

Registered Nurses have many job opportunities across the United States, with several cities offering top salaries. San Francisco and Santa Rosa in California lead the way, with average salaries of over $146,000 and $134,000, respectively. Other California cities like Modesto, Salinas, and San Jose also offer competitive pay for nursing positions. These cities provide excellent opportunities for Registered Nurses looking for high-paying jobs. San Jose, Sacramento, and San Diego join the list with average salaries above $126,000. Los Angeles, Stockton, and Vallejo also have strong job markets for nurses, ensuring good earnings and benefits.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Registered Nurse jobs, highlighting San Francisco, CA with the highest at $146,962 and Vallejo, CA with the lowest at $122,233.
  1. San Francisco, CA
    Average Salary: $146,962
    In San Francisco, nurses work in top-ranked hospitals like UCSF Health. They provide care in a fast-paced environment with access to cutting-edge medical technology. The city offers numerous professional development opportunities.
    Find Registered Nurse jobs in San Francisco, CA


  2. Santa Rosa, CA
    Average Salary: $134,722
    Santa Rosa offers a balanced lifestyle with prominent healthcare facilities like Sutter Santa Rosa Regional Hospital. Nurses here enjoy a welcoming community with plenty of outdoor activities. It's a great place to grow your nursing career.
    Find Registered Nurse jobs in Santa Rosa, CA


  3. Modesto, CA
    Average Salary: $133,881
    Modesto provides a family-friendly environment with workplaces such as Memorial Medical Center. Nurses find a supportive community and a slower pace of life compared to larger cities. It's ideal for those seeking work-life balance.
    Find Registered Nurse jobs in Modesto, CA


  4. Salinas, CA
    Average Salary: $133,042
    Salinas is home to community-focused hospitals like Salinas Valley Memorial Healthcare System. Nurses enjoy a tight-knit community and a chance to make a real difference in people's lives. The cost of living is also more affordable.
    Find Registered Nurse jobs in Salinas, CA


  5. San Jose, CA
    Average Salary: $132,776
    San Jose offers diverse healthcare options, including Stanford Health Care. Nurses benefit from a vibrant city life with access to tech industry perks. The area also has excellent public transportation.
    Find Registered Nurse jobs in San Jose, CA


  6. Sacramento, CA
    Average Salary: $129,015
    In Sacramento, nurses can work at facilities like UC Davis Medical Center. The city offers a political and cultural hub with various community events. It’s a great place to build a strong professional network.
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  7. San Diego, CA
    Average Salary: $127,970
    San Diego offers beautiful beaches and top hospitals like Scripps Health. Nurses enjoy a mild climate year-round. The city's diverse population provides a wide range of experiences in patient care.
    Find Registered Nurse jobs in San Diego, CA


  8. Stockton, CA
    Average Salary: $126,879
    Stockton provides a caring community with healthcare options like Adventist Health. Nurses find a supportive environment with plenty of opportunities for growth. It’s a great place for those who value community spirit.
    Find Registered Nurse jobs in Stockton, CA


  9. Los Angeles, CA
    Average Salary: $126,475
    Los Angeles offers endless opportunities with major hospitals like Cedars-Sinai. Nurses work in a dynamic, diverse environment. The city's cultural richness enhances the nursing experience, offering varied patient interactions.
    Find Registered Nurse jobs in Los Angeles, CA


  10. Vallejo, CA
    Average Salary: $122,233
    Vallejo provides a peaceful setting with facilities like Kaiser Permanente. Nurses enjoy a close-knit community with easy access to San Francisco and Napa. It’s a great place for those seeking tranquility and professional growth.
    Find Registered Nurse jobs in Vallejo, CA

What are the best companies a Registered Nurse can work for?

Seeking a Registered Nurse job with a competitive salary? Guadalupe Regional Medical Center offers an average salary of $333,232, one of the highest on the list. This company provides excellent opportunities for professional growth and high compensation. Best Home Health Providers, with an average salary of $225,652, also stands out for rewarding its nurses handsomely.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Registered Nurse jobs, highlighting Guadalupe Regional Medical Center with the highest at $333,232 and Crescent Home Healthcare Inc. with the lowest at $185,000.
  1. Guadalupe Regional Medical Center
    Average Salary: $333,232
    Guadalupe Regional Medical Center offers rewarding Registered Nurse positions with excellent benefits. They operate in Central Texas, providing high-quality care. Nurses work in various departments, ensuring patients receive top-notch care.


  2. Best Home Health Providers
    Average Salary: $225,652
    Best Home Health Providers hire Registered Nurses for home-based care. They serve multiple states, allowing nurses to choose locations that suit them. Their focus is on patient comfort and personalized care.


  3. Nurturing Home Health Care
    Average Salary: $216,056
    Nurturing Home Health Care seeks skilled Registered Nurses for in-home care. They operate in several states and prioritize a supportive work environment. Nurses work closely with families to provide the best care.


  4. San Francisco Department of Public Health
    Average Salary: $210,552
    The San Francisco Department of Public Health offers Registered Nurse positions focusing on community health. They operate in San Francisco, California. Nurses here play a vital role in public health initiatives.


  5. University of California - San Francisco
    Average Salary: $205,108
    University of California - San Francisco provides exciting opportunities for Registered Nurses. They are based in San Francisco, California. Nurses here work in a research-intensive environment.


  6. Asereth Medical Services
    Average Salary: $202,321
    Asereth Medical Services hires Registered Nurses for various settings. They operate in multiple states. Nurses work with a diverse patient population, gaining valuable experience.


  7. John Muir Health
    Average Salary: $192,051
    John Muir Health offers rewarding Registered Nurse positions. They are located in California. Nurses here work in a community-focused environment, making a real difference in patients' lives.


  8. excellent home care
    Average Salary: $187,000
    Excellent Home Care seeks Registered Nurses for home health care. They operate in several states, providing personalized care to patients. Nurses here enjoy a supportive team environment.


  9. Pegasus Home Health Care
    Average Salary: $185,000
    Pegasus Home Health Care hires Registered Nurses for in-home care. They serve multiple states. Nurses work to provide compassionate care to patients in their homes.


  10. Crescent Home Healthcare Inc.
    Average Salary: $185,000
    Crescent Home Healthcare Inc. offers Registered Nurse positions focused on home care. They operate in several states. Nurses here value a supportive and patient-centered approach.

How to earn more as a Registered Nurse?

Becoming a Registered Nurse (RN) opens up many job opportunities. However, some RNs seek ways to earn more. Different paths can lead to higher earnings. This article explores five strategies RNs can use to increase their income.

RNs can gain more experience to increase their pay. Experience often leads to higher positions. They might consider specializing in areas like pediatrics or oncology. Advanced degrees can also open up higher-paying roles. Some RNs choose to work in critical care or anesthesia, where pay tends to be higher. Another option is to pursue a master's degree. RNs can become nurse practitioners, clinical nurse specialists, or nurse anesthetists. These roles often come with higher salaries.

Consider these factors to find the best way to earn more as an RN:

  1. Gain more experience in different areas of nursing
  2. Specialize in high-demand fields like pediatrics or oncology
  3. Pursue advanced degrees such as a master's or doctorate
  4. Consider roles with higher responsibilities like critical care or anesthesia
  5. Look into nurse practitioner, clinical nurse specialist, or nurse anesthetist roles

Currently 81,725 Registered Nurse job openings, nationwide.

How's the job market for a Registered Nurse in the US?

Learn what a Registered Nurse does, how to become one, and understand the job outlook. Get simple steps to start your career as a Registered Nurse today.
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Registered Nurse
81,725 Job Openings