Based on data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, inpatient nurses working in hospital settings tend to earn higher median salaries compared to outpatient nurses working in ambulatory or outpatient care settings. Specifically, inpatient nurses in hospitals have a median annual salary of approximately $76,840, reflecting the often more complex and intensive nature of inpatient care, which may require additional skills and responsibilities. In contrast, outpatient nurses typically earn around $72,340 annually, as their roles often involve less acute patient care and shorter interactions. While salary differences can vary depending on geographic location, experience, and specialization, generally, inpatient nurses tend to have higher earning potential than outpatient nurses due to the demands and complexities associated with hospital-based care.