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How much does a Registered Nurse make?

The average salary for a Registered Nurse is $91,918 per year in the US.

Registered Nurses (RNs) are essential in the healthcare industry. They provide care to patients and help doctors with medical procedures. RNs work in many places, such as hospitals, clinics, and schools. Their work is vital and rewarding. The average yearly salary for an RN is $91,918. This means that most RNs earn between $53,000 and $145,945 each year.

The salary of an RN can vary based on several factors. These include experience, location, and the type of healthcare facility. RNs with more experience usually earn more. Those who work in big cities or specialized hospitals often have higher salaries. RNs with advanced degrees or certifications can also earn more. The job market and demand for healthcare services can affect salaries too. RNs can expect to see a good salary and opportunities for growth in their careers.

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What are the highest paying cities for a Registered Nurse?

Registered Nurses in San Francisco, CA, enjoy some of the highest salaries in the nation. With an average salary of $142,692, this city offers excellent opportunities for those in the field. Other top-paying cities include Modesto, CA, and Santa Rosa, CA, where nurses can also expect competitive compensation.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Registered Nurse jobs, highlighting San Francisco, CA with the highest at $142,692 and Los Angeles, CA with the lowest at $124,274.
  1. San Francisco, CA
    Average Salary: $142,692
    San Francisco offers a vibrant environment for healthcare professionals. With top-tier hospitals like UCSF Health and Kaiser Permanente, nurses find ample opportunities for growth. The city's diverse population enriches the nursing experience.
    Find Registered Nurse jobs in San Francisco, CA


  2. Modesto, CA
    Average Salary: $131,581
    Modesto provides a welcoming atmosphere for nurses. At Memorial Medical Center, professionals enjoy a supportive community. The city's growing population creates a steady demand for healthcare services.
    Find Registered Nurse jobs in Modesto, CA


  3. Santa Rosa, CA
    Average Salary: $131,113
    Santa Rosa is known for its excellent healthcare facilities. Sutter Santa Rosa Regional Hospital offers a dynamic work environment. Nurses here benefit from a strong sense of community and professional support.
    Find Registered Nurse jobs in Santa Rosa, CA


  4. Salinas, CA
    Average Salary: $131,095
    Salinas offers a close-knit community for healthcare workers. At Salinas Valley Memorial Hospital, nurses find a supportive environment. The city's agricultural roots provide unique healthcare challenges and opportunities.
    Find Registered Nurse jobs in Salinas, CA


  5. San Jose, CA
    Average Salary: $129,391
    San Jose is a hub for healthcare innovation. Stanford Health Care and Kaiser Permanente offer cutting-edge opportunities. The city's tech-savvy environment brings new challenges and learning experiences for nurses.
    Find Registered Nurse jobs in San Jose, CA


  6. Stockton, CA
    Average Salary: $127,482
    Stockton provides a nurturing environment for nursing professionals. At St. Joseph's Medical Center, nurses work in a supportive setting. The city's growing population ensures a steady need for healthcare services.
    Find Registered Nurse jobs in Stockton, CA


  7. Minneapolis, MN
    Average Salary: $127,003
    Minneapolis offers a vibrant healthcare scene. At Mayo Clinic and Hennepin Healthcare, nurses find excellent opportunities. The city's diverse population enriches the nursing experience with varied healthcare needs.
    Find Registered Nurse jobs in Minneapolis, MN


  8. Sacramento, CA
    Average Salary: $126,884
    Sacramento provides a dynamic environment for nursing professionals. At UC Davis Medical Center, nurses enjoy a supportive community. The city's growing population creates a steady demand for healthcare services.
    Find Registered Nurse jobs in Sacramento, CA


  9. San Diego, CA
    Average Salary: $125,305
    San Diego offers a vibrant environment for healthcare professionals. With top-tier hospitals like Scripps Health and UC San Diego Health, nurses find ample opportunities. The city's diverse population enriches the nursing experience.
    Find Registered Nurse jobs in San Diego, CA


  10. Los Angeles, CA
    Average Salary: $124,274
    Los Angeles provides a diverse and dynamic environment for nurses. At Cedars-Sinai and UCLA Health, professionals find excellent opportunities. The city's large and varied population offers unique healthcare challenges and experiences.
    Find Registered Nurse jobs in Los Angeles, CA

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

Guadalupe Regional Medical Center offers the highest average salary for Registered Nurses, making it a top choice for job seekers. Best Home Health Providers and University of California - San Francisco also provide competitive salaries, with both exceeding $200,000 annually. These companies value their nursing staff and offer attractive compensation packages.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Registered Nurse jobs, highlighting Guadalupe Regional Medical Center with the highest at $417,048 and John Muir Health with the lowest at $189,090.
  1. Guadalupe Regional Medical Center
    Average Salary: $417,048
    Guadalupe Regional Medical Center offers competitive salaries for Registered Nurses. They provide quality care in Seguin, Texas. The center has a strong focus on patient care and professional development.


  2. Best Home Health Providers
    Average Salary: $234,259
    Best Home Health Providers is known for its excellent compensation for Registered Nurses. They serve clients in various locations, offering flexible work schedules and a supportive work environment.


  3. University of California - San Francisco
    Average Salary: $225,321
    The University of California - San Francisco provides a rewarding experience for Registered Nurses. They operate in San Francisco, offering opportunities for research and teaching alongside clinical practice.


  4. Alleviation Healthcare Services, Inc.
    Average Salary: $212,636
    Alleviation Healthcare Services, Inc. offers attractive salaries for Registered Nurses. They provide home health care services in multiple locations, focusing on patient-centered care.


  5. Premier Home Health Providers, Inc.
    Average Salary: $208,023
    Premier Home Health Providers, Inc. pays well for Registered Nurses. They offer home health care services in various locations, emphasizing quality care and patient satisfaction.


  6. San Francisco Department of Public Health
    Average Salary: $205,338
    The San Francisco Department of Public Health provides competitive salaries for Registered Nurses. They serve the public health needs of San Francisco, offering diverse opportunities in public health nursing.


  7. ACT-IT Consulting
    Average Salary: $205,000
    ACT-IT Consulting offers attractive compensation for Registered Nurses. They provide consulting services in various locations, focusing on healthcare management and patient care.


  8. Asereth Medical Services
    Average Salary: $199,215
    Asereth Medical Services offers good salaries for Registered Nurses. They provide medical services in multiple locations, emphasizing quality care and patient outcomes.


  9. Nurturing Home Health Care
    Average Salary: $190,382
    Nurturing Home Health Care provides fair compensation for Registered Nurses. They offer home health care services in various locations, focusing on compassionate care and patient well-being.


  10. John Muir Health
    Average Salary: $189,090
    John Muir Health offers competitive salaries for Registered Nurses. They operate in multiple locations, providing a supportive environment for professional growth and patient care.

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 career advancement and specialization can lead to higher pay. RNs can also earn more by gaining certifications in specific areas of nursing. Working in high-demand locations or industries can offer better salaries. Taking on additional responsibilities, such as leadership roles, can also boost income. Continuing education and staying updated with the latest nursing practices can open up more lucrative opportunities.

RNs can explore different work environments to find higher-paying positions. Hospitals often offer competitive salaries. However, specialized clinics, private practices, and academic institutions may provide even better pay. Travel nursing positions can be particularly lucrative. These roles often come with higher wages and additional benefits. RNs can also consider working in areas with a shortage of healthcare professionals. These regions often offer sign-on bonuses and other incentives to attract nurses.

Investing in professional development can significantly impact an RN's earnings. Here are some key factors to consider:

  1. Specialization: Focus on areas like pediatrics, oncology, or critical care.
  2. Certifications: Obtain certifications in advanced practice, such as nurse practitioner or nurse anesthetist.
  3. Leadership Roles: Take on positions like nurse manager or clinical nurse specialist.
  4. Geographic Location: Work in states or cities with higher demand for nurses.
  5. Continuing Education: Pursue advanced degrees or additional training programs.

Currently 82,100 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
82,100 Job Openings