Position
Salary

How much does a Registered Nurse make?

The average salary for a Registered Nurse is $94,349 per year in the US.

Registered Nurses (RNs) enjoy a rewarding career with a solid salary. On average, RNs earn about $94,349 per year. This income can change based on many factors, like experience and location. For instance, those with more years in the field often see higher pay.

The range of salaries for RNs varies. At the lower end, some new graduates might earn around $54,000. As experience grows, so do earnings. The top earners, typically those with more than 20 years in the profession, can make up to $159,000 or more. RNs working in major cities or specialized fields often fall into the higher salary brackets.

In summary, becoming a Registered Nurse offers a competitive salary with good growth potential. This career path not only provides financial stability but also the chance to make a real difference in people's lives.

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What are the highest paying cities for a Registered Nurse?

Job seekers seeking high-paying roles as registered nurses should consider California's top cities. San Francisco leads the way with the highest average salary of $148,540. Other cities like Santa Rosa and Modesto also offer strong salaries, making them attractive options for nurses. Exploring these cities could lead to rewarding career opportunities with competitive pay. Santa Rosa provides an average salary of $136,906, while Modesto offers $136,162. These numbers show that California has many places where registered nurses can find excellent compensation.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Registered Nurse jobs, highlighting San Francisco, CA with the highest at $148,540 and Vallejo, CA with the lowest at $126,031.
  1. San Francisco, CA
    Average Salary: $148,540
    Working in San Francisco offers competitive pay and the chance to join top hospitals like UCSF Health. This vibrant city allows nurses to grow professionally while enjoying a dynamic urban environment.
    Find Registered Nurse jobs in San Francisco, CA


  2. Santa Rosa, CA
    Average Salary: $136,906
    Santa Rosa provides a quieter lifestyle with excellent healthcare facilities such as Sutter Santa Rosa Regional Hospital. Nurses here enjoy a supportive work environment and beautiful surroundings.
    Find Registered Nurse jobs in Santa Rosa, CA


  3. Modesto, CA
    Average Salary: $136,162
    In Modesto, nurses find rewarding work at Memorial Medical Center. The city offers a family-friendly atmosphere and a slower pace of life, perfect for balancing work and personal life.
    Find Registered Nurse jobs in Modesto, CA


  4. Salinas, CA
    Average Salary: $134,696
    Salinas features a strong healthcare system with top facilities like Salinas Valley Memorial Hospital. The city’s agricultural setting offers unique experiences and a close-knit community.
    Find Registered Nurse jobs in Salinas, CA


  5. San Jose, CA
    Average Salary: $134,352
    San Jose is home to renowned hospitals like Stanford Health Care. Nurses here benefit from advanced medical technology and a vibrant tech-driven economy.
    Find Registered Nurse jobs in San Jose, CA


  6. Sacramento, CA
    Average Salary: $130,760
    Sacramento offers a balanced work environment with top employers such as Kaiser Permanente. The city’s central location provides easy access to nature and outdoor activities.
    Find Registered Nurse jobs in Sacramento, CA


  7. San Diego, CA
    Average Salary: $129,575
    San Diego presents a great opportunity with hospitals like UC San Diego Health. Nurses enjoy a mild climate and numerous recreational opportunities along the coast.
    Find Registered Nurse jobs in San Diego, CA


  8. Los Angeles, CA
    Average Salary: $128,591
    Los Angeles offers diverse job opportunities at major hospitals like Cedars-Sinai. The city’s vibrant culture and entertainment options make it an exciting place to work and live.
    Find Registered Nurse jobs in Los Angeles, CA


  9. Stockton, CA
    Average Salary: $127,508
    Stockton provides a nurturing environment with quality healthcare at St. Joseph’s Medical Center. The city’s rich history and affordable living make it an attractive place for nurses.
    Find Registered Nurse jobs in Stockton, CA


  10. Vallejo, CA
    Average Salary: $126,031
    Vallejo offers a peaceful environment with excellent facilities like Kaiser Permanente. The city’s proximity to San Francisco and scenic bay area adds to its appeal for nurses.
    Find Registered Nurse jobs in Vallejo, CA

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

Job seekers looking for top-paying Registered Nurse roles should consider Garnet Health, offering an average salary of $518,387. San Francisco Department of Public Health also provides a competitive average salary of $214,855. For those seeking prestigious positions, the University of California - San Francisco has an average salary of $203,457. Other notable companies include Asereth Medical Services and John Muir Health, each providing a solid compensation package for Registered Nurses. Marquis Home Care, excellent home care, Pegasus Home Health Care, Crescent Home Healthcare Inc., and Nurturing Home Health Care offer attractive salaries for those interested in these positions. These companies show a commitment to rewarding their nursing staff.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Registered Nurse jobs, highlighting Garnet Health with the highest at $518,387 and Nurturing Home Health Care with the lowest at $184,479.
  1. Garnet Health
    Average Salary: $518,387
    Garnet Health in New York offers Registered Nurse jobs with a strong focus on patient care. The company operates various locations including Middletown, Harris, and Suffern.


  2. San Francisco Department of Public Health
    Average Salary: $214,855
    The San Francisco Department of Public Health provides rewarding opportunities for Registered Nurses. They operate throughout San Francisco, ensuring community health and wellness.


  3. University of California - San Francisco
    Average Salary: $203,457
    The University of California - San Francisco offers diverse roles for Registered Nurses in its medical center. The company operates in San Francisco, providing cutting-edge healthcare.


  4. Asereth Medical Services
    Average Salary: $198,793
    Asereth Medical Services provides excellent Registered Nurse positions. They focus on quality patient care across multiple locations in California.


  5. John Muir Health
    Average Salary: $193,440
    John Muir Health offers Registered Nurse jobs with a commitment to excellence. They operate hospitals in Walnut Creek, Concord, and Antioch, California.


  6. Marquis Home Care
    Average Salary: $192,054
    Marquis Home Care provides diverse opportunities for Registered Nurses. They focus on home health care services across multiple locations in California.


  7. excellent home care
    Average Salary: $187,000
    excellent home care offers rewarding Registered Nurse jobs. They provide in-home care services throughout California, ensuring high-quality patient care.


  8. Pegasus Home Health Care
    Average Salary: $185,000
    Pegasus Home Health Care offers excellent opportunities for Registered Nurses. They provide skilled home health care across various locations in California.


  9. Crescent Home Healthcare Inc.
    Average Salary: $185,000
    Crescent Home Healthcare Inc. provides Registered Nurse jobs with a focus on patient care. They operate in multiple locations across California.


  10. Nurturing Home Health Care
    Average Salary: $184,479
    Nurturing Home Health Care offers Registered Nurse positions with a focus on compassionate care. They operate in various locations in California.

How to earn more as a Registered Nurse?

Registered Nurses have many opportunities to increase their earnings. Focusing on education, experience, and specialized skills can lead to higher salaries. Working in high-demand areas or industries can also boost income. Seeking advanced roles like nurse practitioners or clinical nurse specialists often results in higher pay. Networking with other professionals can open up new opportunities.

Consider these factors to earn more as a Registered Nurse:

  1. Advanced Certifications: Earning certifications in specialties like oncology, pediatrics, or emergency care can lead to higher-paying jobs.
  2. Geographical Location: Some states or cities offer higher wages for nurses due to demand and cost of living.
  3. Work Experience: Gaining more years of experience increases value and can result in higher pay.
  4. Advanced Degrees: Pursuing a Master’s or Doctoral degree can open paths to higher-paying roles like nurse educator or administrator.
  5. Night Shifts and Weekends: Working different hours can increase pay. Many employers offer premium pay for nights, weekends, and holidays.

Currently 56,206 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
56,206 Job Openings