Position
Salary

How much does a Registered Nurse make?

The average salary for a Registered Nurse is $91,562 per year in the US.

Registered Nurses (RNs) play a vital role in healthcare. They care for patients and help doctors with medical procedures. RNs can find jobs in many places, such as hospitals, clinics, and schools. The average yearly salary for an RN is $91,562. This salary can change based on the RN's experience and location.

RNs can earn different amounts depending on where they work and how much experience they have. For example, those with the least experience earn around $52,500 a year. As RNs gain more experience, their salaries can increase. The highest earners make around $155,000 a year. This range shows that there are many opportunities for RNs to grow in their careers and earn more over time.

View Registered Nurse jobs nearby

What are the highest paying cities for a Registered Nurse?

Job seekers looking for top-paying Registered Nurse positions should consider cities like San Francisco, Modesto, and Santa Rosa. These California cities offer some of the highest average salaries for nurses. San Francisco leads with an average salary of $141,880, followed closely by Modesto and Santa Rosa. Exploring other cities such as Salinas, San Jose, and Stockton also provides excellent opportunities. These cities offer competitive salaries, with Salinas at $129,386 and San Jose at $128,839. Minneapolis, MN, and Sacramento, CA, also rank high, making them attractive options for nurses seeking better pay.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Registered Nurse jobs, highlighting San Francisco, CA with the highest at $141,880 and Los Angeles, CA with the lowest at $123,752.
  1. San Francisco, CA
    Average Salary: $141,880
    San Francisco offers a vibrant environment for healthcare professionals. With top-tier hospitals like UCSF Health and Kaiser Permanente, nurses find rewarding opportunities. The city's diverse population adds to the rich experience.
    Find Registered Nurse jobs in San Francisco, CA


  2. Modesto, CA
    Average Salary: $130,940
    Modesto provides a welcoming atmosphere for nurses. The city's healthcare facilities, such as Memorial Medical Center, are known for their supportive environment. Nurses here enjoy a strong sense of community.
    Find Registered Nurse jobs in Modesto, CA


  3. Santa Rosa, CA
    Average Salary: $130,394
    Santa Rosa is a great place for nursing careers. Sutter Medical Center and other local hospitals offer excellent opportunities. The city's focus on quality healthcare makes it an ideal location for nurses.
    Find Registered Nurse jobs in Santa Rosa, CA


  4. Salinas, CA
    Average Salary: $129,386
    Salinas offers a balanced lifestyle for nurses. Hospitals like Salinas Valley Memorial provide quality care. The city's smaller size means a close-knit community, enhancing the nursing experience.
    Find Registered Nurse jobs in Salinas, CA


  5. San Jose, CA
    Average Salary: $128,839
    San Jose is a hub for healthcare innovation. Nurses work in cutting-edge facilities like Stanford Health Care. The city's tech-driven environment offers unique challenges and growth opportunities.
    Find Registered Nurse jobs in San Jose, CA


  6. Stockton, CA
    Average Salary: $127,468
    Stockton provides a supportive environment for nurses. Local hospitals like St. Joseph's Medical Center offer excellent care. The city's dedication to healthcare makes it a great place for nursing careers.
    Find Registered Nurse jobs in Stockton, CA


  7. Minneapolis, MN
    Average Salary: $126,947
    Minneapolis offers a dynamic healthcare scene. Hospitals like Mayo Clinic and Hennepin Healthcare provide top-notch opportunities. The city's commitment to health and wellness benefits nurses greatly.
    Find Registered Nurse jobs in Minneapolis, MN


  8. Sacramento, CA
    Average Salary: $126,810
    Sacramento is a thriving city for nurses. Facilities like UC Davis Medical Center offer diverse experiences. The city's growing healthcare sector provides many career advancement opportunities.
    Find Registered Nurse jobs in Sacramento, CA


  9. San Diego, CA
    Average Salary: $124,589
    San Diego offers a vibrant environment for nursing. Hospitals like Scripps Health and UC San Diego Health provide excellent care. The city's beautiful setting adds to the rewarding experience.
    Find Registered Nurse jobs in San Diego, CA


  10. Los Angeles, CA
    Average Salary: $123,752
    Los Angeles provides a bustling environment for nurses. Major hospitals like Cedars-Sinai and UCLA Health offer diverse opportunities. The city's large population ensures a constant need for skilled healthcare professionals.
    Find Registered Nurse jobs in Los Angeles, CA

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

Guadalupe Regional Medical Center offers one of the highest salaries for registered nurses, with an average of $373,161. This competitive pay makes it an attractive option for those in the field. Other top-paying companies include County of Santa Clara and University of California - San Francisco, both known for their excellent compensation packages.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Registered Nurse jobs, highlighting Guadalupe Regional Medical Center with the highest at $373,161 and excellent home care with the lowest at $187,000.
  1. Guadalupe Regional Medical Center
    Average Salary: $373,161
    Guadalupe Regional Medical Center offers competitive salaries for Registered Nurses. They provide quality care in Victoria, Texas. Nurses work in various departments, including emergency, surgery, and maternity.


  2. County of Santa Clara
    Average Salary: $256,726
    The County of Santa Clara offers attractive salaries for Registered Nurses. They operate in Santa Clara County, California. Nurses work in public health, community clinics, and hospitals.


  3. University of California - San Francisco
    Average Salary: $231,310
    The University of California - San Francisco offers good salaries for Registered Nurses. They are located in San Francisco, California. Nurses work in teaching hospitals and research facilities.


  4. Best Home Health Providers
    Average Salary: $226,111
    Best Home Health Providers offers competitive pay for Registered Nurses. They serve clients in California. Nurses provide in-home care to patients.


  5. Alleviation Healthcare Services, Inc.
    Average Salary: $209,692
    Alleviation Healthcare Services, Inc. offers good salaries for Registered Nurses. They operate in California. Nurses work in home health care and hospice settings.


  6. Premier Home Health Providers, Inc.
    Average Salary: $208,023
    Premier Home Health Providers, Inc. offers competitive pay for Registered Nurses. They serve clients in California. Nurses provide in-home care to patients.


  7. ACT-IT Consulting
    Average Salary: $205,000
    ACT-IT Consulting offers good salaries for Registered Nurses. They operate in California. Nurses work in various healthcare settings, including hospitals and clinics.


  8. San Francisco Department of Public Health
    Average Salary: $204,427
    The San Francisco Department of Public Health offers competitive pay for Registered Nurses. They operate in San Francisco, California. Nurses work in public health, community health, and clinics.


  9. Asereth Medical Services
    Average Salary: $195,497
    Asereth Medical Services offers good salaries for Registered Nurses. They operate in California. Nurses work in home health care and hospice settings.


  10. excellent home care
    Average Salary: $187,000
    excellent home care offers competitive pay for Registered Nurses. They serve clients in California. Nurses provide in-home care to patients.

How to earn more as a Registered Nurse?

Registered nurses (RNs) play a vital role in healthcare. They can increase their earnings through various strategies. Focusing on these areas can lead to higher pay and better job satisfaction. Consider these key factors to boost your income as an RN.

First, gaining more experience can lead to higher pay. Hospitals often offer higher salaries to nurses with more years of service. Experience brings confidence and skill, which can make you more valuable. Second, obtaining advanced certifications can increase your earning potential. Certifications in areas like critical care or pediatrics can open up higher-paying job opportunities. Third, pursuing a higher degree can also lead to higher pay. Many RNs choose to earn a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP). These degrees can qualify you for leadership roles that pay more. Fourth, working in a high-demand specialty can lead to higher wages. Specialties like oncology, emergency care, and anesthesia often offer higher salaries. Finally, relocating to an area with a higher cost of living can increase your pay. Some regions offer higher wages to attract nurses.

By focusing on these factors, RNs can improve their earnings and career prospects. Each step offers a path to greater financial stability and professional growth.

  1. Gain more experience
  2. Obtain advanced certifications
  3. Pursue a higher degree
  4. Work in a high-demand specialty
  5. Relocate to a higher-paying area

Currently 78,291 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.
Position
Overview
Registered Nurse
78,291 Job Openings