As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Registered Nurse (RN), Level 1 in the United States is $73,610 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $35.
However, a Registered Nurse (RN), Level 1's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Registered Nurse (RN), Level 1'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 a Registered Nurse (RN), Level 1'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 |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nurse (RN), Level 1 | 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 Registered Nurse (RN), Level 1s. 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
|
$76,554 |
4%
|
|
Leadership
|
$76,554 |
4%
|
|
Effective Communication
|
$75,818 |
3%
|
|
Commitment
|
$75,818 |
3%
|
|
Integrity
|
$75,082 |
2%
|
|
Delegation
|
$75,082 |
2%
|
Registered Nurse (RN), Level 1 salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $81,941. While startup companies pay approximate $69,449.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $69,449 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $73,418 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $79,159 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $81,941 |
For Registered Nurse (RN), Level 1 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, Registered Nurse (RN), Level positions in Software & Networking or MFG Nondurable typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Registered Nurse (RN), Level 1 as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Energy & Utilities | $88,332 | $42.0 | 20% |
| Biotechnology | $84,652 | $41.0 | 15% |
| Insurance | $80,971 | $39.0 | 10% |
| Healthcare | $77,290 | $37.0 | 5% |
Understanding how a Registered Nurse (RN), Level 1'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 a Registered Nurse (RN), Level 1, 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 | 50% |
Salaries for a Registered Nurse (RN), Level 1 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 Registered Nurse (RN), Level 1 salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 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 Registered Nurse (RN), Level 1 roles, with salaries approximately 20% above the market median.
RN I (RN 1) refers to an entry-level position for newly graduated registered nurses. At this level, RNs provide care under the supervision of more experienced healthcare staff. The salary range for RN Level 1 is approximately $64,440 to $80,110, with a mid-salary of $71,070.
Level 1 in nursing typically refers to entry-level positions, such as a Registered Nurse (RN) Level 1. RNs at this level earn a salary ranging from $64,440 to $80,110, with a median salary of $71,070. They provide essential patient care, support, and assistance under the supervision of more experienced nursing staff.
The states with the lowest average RN salaries include Alabama, Arkansas, and South Dakota, with average wages of $66,910, $66,530, and $64,500, respectively. Compared to the RN Level 1 salary range, which starts at $64,440, these states are close to the minimum salary for this position. It's essential to factor in the cost of living when evaluating these figures.
On average, full-time nurses typically work between 36 to 40 hours per week, often in 12-hour shifts. This can lead to a schedule of 36 to 48 hours per week, depending on the number of shifts worked. Registered Nurse (RN) Level 1 salaries range from $64,440 to $80,110, with a mid-salary of $71,070, reflecting the demanding nature of their work.
The salary for an entry-level Registered Nurse (RN) in the U.S. typically ranges from $64,440 to $80,110, with a median salary of $71,070. For comparison, related positions like Entry Level Medical Spa RN can earn around $87,868 annually, while Entry Level Nurse averages $80,321.
The first level Registered Nurse (RN) in the USA typically earns a salary ranging from $64,440 to $80,110, with a median salary of $71,070. This role involves providing essential patient care, including administering medications, monitoring vital signs, and assisting with daily activities, ensuring patients receive the support they need for recovery and well-being.
Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
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