upper level job

Registered Nurse (RN), Level 2 Salary in the United States

How much does a Registered Nurse (RN), Level 2 make in the United States?

As of May 01, 2026, the average salary for a Registered Nurse (RN), Level 2 in the United States is $83,450 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $40.

However, a Registered Nurse (RN), Level 2's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $98,180
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $77,940 to $91,160
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $72,923
Compensation Planning
Develop a Job Description
Pay Equity
2025 Compensation Trend
AI-Powered HR
Recruit with AI
View as table View as graph 25% $77,940 10% $72,923 90% $98,180 75% $91,160 $83,450 50%(Median) Didn’t find job title? Click

Registered Nurse (RN), Level 2 Salaries by Percentile

Annual
Salary
Monthly
Pay
Weekly
Pay
Hourly
Wage
75th Percentile $91,160 $7,597 $1,753 $44
Average $83,450 $6,954 $1,605 $40
25th Percentile $77,940 $6,495 $1,499 $37
Check out Registered Nurse (RN), Level 2 Job Openings in the United States
Registered Nurse

University Hospitals - Parma, OH

Travel Registered Nurse RN Medical Surgical

OneStaffMedical - Pleasant Corners, OH

Registered Nurse

MetroHealth - Ohio City, OH

Registered Nurse

MetroHealth - Brooklyn Heights, OH

Search More Registered Nurse (RN), Level 2 Jobs in the United States

Key Factors That Influence Registered Nurse (RN), Level 2 Salaries

A Registered Nurse (RN), Level 2'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, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Experience Level Affects Registered Nurse (RN), Level Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Registered Nurse (RN), Level 2'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:

  • Entry Registered Nurse - Staff (0-2 years): $73,624
  • Registered Nurse (RN), Level 2 (2-4 years): $83,447
  • Registered Nurse (RN), Level 3 (4-7 years): $97,015
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Entry Registered Nurse - Staff0-2 years$73,624
Registered Nurse (RN), Level 22-4 years$83,447
Registered Nurse (RN), Level 34-7 years$97,015
$73,624 Entry Reg...
$83,447 Registere...
$97,015 Registere...
View as Table
View as Graph

What Am I Worth?

Top Paying Cities for Registered Nurse (RN), Level 2s

Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:

  • San Jose: $105,260
  • San Francisco: $104,100
  • Oakland: $101,910

What Skills Can Increase a Registered Nurse (RN), Level 2's Salary?

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Planning (Mentioned in 5.16% Job Postings): An act or process of making or carrying out plans. Establishment of goals, policies, and procedures for a social or economic unit city planning business planning.
  • Nursing Process (Mentioned in 3.34% Job Postings): The nursing process is a modified scientific method. Nursing practise was first described as a four-stage nursing process by Ida Jean Orlando in 1958.
  • Long Term Care (Mentioned in 1.96% Job Postings): Long-term care (LTC) is a variety of services which help meet both the medical and non-medical needs of people with a chronic illness or disability who cannot care for themselves for long periods. Long term care is focused on individualized and coordinated services that promote independence, maximize patients' quality of life, and meet patients' needs over a period of time. It is common for long-term care to provide custodial and non-skilled care, such as assisting with normal daily tasks like dressing, feeding, using the bathroom. Increasingly, long-term care involves providing a level of medical care that requires the expertise of skilled practitioners to address the multiple chronic conditions associated with older populations. Long-term care can be provided at home, in the community, in assisted living facilities or in nursing homes. Long-term care may be needed by people of any age, although it is a more common need for senior citizens.
See More Skills
Skills Demand Percentage
Planning 5.16%
Nursing Process 3.34%
Long Term Care 1.96%
What skills can make your compensation higher?
Mastering certain specialized skills can lead to a significant increase in pay. Here are examples of skills and the potential impact they can have on a Registered Nurse (RN), Level 2's salary.
  • Telemetry: Can increase your salary by up to 3%.
  • Accountability: Can increase your salary by up to 2%.
  • Dedication: Can increase your salary by up to 2%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Telemetry
$85,954
3%
Accountability
$85,119
2%
Dedication
$85,119
2%
Partnering
$85,119
2%
Innovation
$85,119
2%
Commitment
$85,119
2%
Get Latest Data

How Education impacts a Registered Nurse (RN), Level 2's Salary?

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Registered Nurse (RN), Level 2s enter the field with a Associate's Degree degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.

According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for a Registered Nurse (RN), Level 2 with a Associate's Degree is between $80,200 and $84,749).

Registered Nurse (RN), Level 2 Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for Registered Nurse (RN), Level 2
Degree Level % of user with this level of education
No Diploma 0.1%
High School 2.1%
Associates 43.3%
Bachelors 48.9%
Masters 5.3%
Doctorate 0.3%
view as graph

Registered Nurse (RN), Level 2 Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Registered Nurse (RN), Level 2'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 May 01, 2026

Registered Nurse (RN), Level 2 Salary Growth & Career Path

Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Registered Nurse (RN), Level 2, 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.

Registered Nurse (RN), Level 2 Salary Growth and Career Path
Next Step Role Estimate Salary Projected Raise
Director Mother and Baby Unit $162,100 94%
Director Intensive Care Unit Operations $154,200 85%
Registered Nurse (RN), Level 3 $97,100 16%

Salary Trends for Registered Nurse (RN), Level 2

Salaries for a Registered Nurse (RN), Level 2 can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary increased from $73,508 in 2023 to around $73,671 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Registered Nurse (RN), Level 2 salary trends, .

Average Annual Salary of Registered Nurse (RN), Level 2 Over Time

2022
$???
2023
$73,508
2024
$74,140
2025
$73,671
2026
$???
2027
$???
Year Average Annual Salary
2022
View More
2023 $73,508
2024 $74,140
2025 $73,671
2026
View More
2027
View More

Most common benefits for Registered Nurse (RN), Level 2

Social Security
401(k)
Disability
Healthcare
Pension
Time Off (days)
For Employers

If your compensation planning software is too rigid to deploy winning incentive strategies, it’s time to find an adaptable solution.

Compensation Planning

Common company salaries for Registered Nurse (RN), Level 2

Here are companies hiring for Registered Nurse (RN), Level 2 and their salaries, click below for more details.

Find Your Next Registered Nurse (RN), Level 2 Job

Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Registered Nurse (RN), Level 2 job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.

United States
For Employees

Get a Salary Increase

Analyze the market and your qualifications to negotiate your salary with confidence.

Search Job Openings

Search thousands of open positions to find your next opportunity.

For Employers

Adjust Employee Salary

Individualize employee pay based on unique job requirements and personal qualifications.

Price My Industry Jobs

Get the latest market price for benchmark jobs and jobs in your industry.

FAQ about Registered Nurse (RN), Level 2

1. How many levels of RN are there?

There are five levels of nursing: Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), Registered Nurse (RN), Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN), and Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP). For Registered Nurse Level 2, the salary ranges from $77,470 to $95,050, with a midpoint of $85,510. Each level has distinct requirements and salary rates.

2. What is an RN level 2?

An RN Level 2 is a registered nurse who provides comprehensive nursing care, including assessment, diagnosis, planning, implementation, and evaluation. This role is more advanced than that of an RN Level 1, which is an entry-level position. The salary for an RN Level 2 typically ranges from $77,470 to $95,050, with a median salary of $85,510.

3. What is the difference between RN I and RN II?

The primary difference between RN I and RN II lies in the level of supervision and experience. RN I works under supervision, while RN II operates with general supervision, indicating a higher level of autonomy and expertise. In terms of salary, RN II typically earns between $77,470 and $95,050, with a median salary of $85,510, reflecting their advanced skills and responsibilities.

4. What is the lowest level of nurse?

The lowest level of nurse is the Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA). CNAs assist nurses with patient care tasks such as admittance and monitoring vitals. While the salary for Registered Nurse (RN) Level 2 ranges from $77,470 to $95,050, CNAs typically earn less, making it the quickest entry point into the nursing field.

5. What is a Level 2 RN?

A Level 2 Registered Nurse (RN) provides direct or indirect professional nursing care to patients with physical and/or mental disorders. This role is part of a two-level series, indicating a higher level of responsibility and expertise. The salary for a Level 2 RN typically ranges from $77,470 to $95,050, with a median salary of $85,510.

6. What is a Level 3 nurse USA?

The Level III Registered Nurse in the USA is responsible for providing expert patient care, particularly for patients with complex needs. This role involves increased responsibilities such as staff orientation, patient care coordination, and other unit activities. Salary for a Level II RN typically ranges from $77,470 to $95,050, with a mid-point of $85,510.

Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

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.)

With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.

Are you an HR manager or compensation specialist?

Salary.com's CompAnalyst platform offers:

  • Detailed skills and competency reports for specific positions
  • Job and employee pricing reports
  • Compensation data tools, salary structures, surveys and benchmarks.
Learn about CompAnalyst
lower level job