As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for an Entry Registered Nurse - Staff in the United States is $73,700 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $35.
However, an Entry Registered Nurse - Staff's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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An Entry Registered Nurse - Staff's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location, and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of an Entry Registered Nurse - Staff's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Job Role | Years of Experience | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Registered Nurse - Staff | 0-2 years | $73,601 |
| Intermediate Registered Nurse - Staff | 2-4 years | $83,419 |
| Registered Nurse (RN), Level 3 | 4-7 years | $97,001 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Entry Registered Nurse - Stafves. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Planning | 4.92% |
| Pediatric | 2.93% |
| Basic Life Support | 2.24% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Confidentiality
|
$76,648 |
4%
|
|
Leadership
|
$76,648 |
4%
|
|
Effective Communication
|
$75,911 |
3%
|
|
Commitment
|
$75,911 |
3%
|
|
Integrity
|
$75,174 |
2%
|
|
Delegation
|
$75,174 |
2%
|
Entry Registered Nurse - Staff salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $82,041. While startup companies pay approximate $69,534.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $69,534 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $73,508 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $79,256 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $82,041 |
For Entry Registered Nurse - Staff roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 40% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Energy & Utilities and Biotechnology sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 20% above the average. In contrast, Entry Registered Nurse - Staff positions in Software & Networking or MFG Nondurable typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Entry Registered Nurse - Staff as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Energy & Utilities | $88,440 | $43.0 | 20% |
| Biotechnology | $84,755 | $41.0 | 15% |
| Insurance | $81,070 | $39.0 | 10% |
| Healthcare | $77,385 | $37.0 | 5% |
Understanding how an Entry Registered Nurse - Staff's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
Last Updated on August 01, 2026Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As an Entry Registered Nurse - Staff, you have the following paths for advancement. The table below compares the salary raises for common next-step roles. By comparing these figures, you can choose the career path that best meets your financial goals.
| Next Step Role | Estimate Salary | Projected Raise |
|---|---|---|
| Director Mother and Baby Unit | $162,000 | 120% |
| Director Intensive Care Unit Operations | $154,200 | 109% |
| Intermediate Registered Nurse - Staff | $83,500 | 13% |
| Organ Transplant Coordinator RN | $110,100 | 49% |
Salaries for an Entry Registered Nurse - Staff can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $64,337 in 2023 to around $60,434 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Entry Registered Nurse - Staff salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $64,337 |
| 2024 | $61,832 |
| 2025 | $60,434 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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The Energy & Utilities industry offers the highest average compensation for Entry Registered Nurse - Staff roles, with salaries approximately 20% above the market median.
The salary for an entry-level registered nurse in the U.S. typically ranges from $64,500 to $80,200, with a median salary of around $71,100. While some specialized roles may offer higher pay, such as Entry Level RN MSN at $102,263, the standard entry-level positions fall within this range.
As of January 6, 2025, entry-level registered nurses in the United States earn between $64,500 and $80,200 annually, with a median salary of $71,100. This translates to an average hourly wage of approximately $38.62.
Nurses typically earn between $31 and $38 per hour, based on the entry-level salary data. The minimum salary is $64,500 annually, while the mid-range is $71,100, and the maximum is $80,200. Therefore, while some nurses may earn around $50 an hour, it is not the standard for entry-level positions.
While California leads with an average salary of $137,690 for registered nurses, entry-level registered nurses typically earn between $64,500 and $80,200, depending on experience and location. Other high-paying states include Hawaii and Oregon, but entry-level salaries remain significantly lower than those averages.
The title for an entry-level RN at a hospital is typically Entry Registered Nurse - Staff. In this role, you can expect a salary ranging from $64,500 to $80,200, with a midpoint of $71,100. As an RN, you'll have more responsibilities and autonomy compared to other nursing roles, working under the supervision of senior nursing staff.
The lowest salary for an Entry Registered Nurse (Staff) in the US is approximately $64,500. This figure reflects the starting salary, while the mid-range salary is around $71,100, and the maximum salary can reach up to $80,200, depending on experience and location.
Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)
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