As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Skilled Nursing Staff RN in the United States is $74,340 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $36.
However, a Skilled Nursing Staff RN's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Skilled Nursing Staff RN'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.
Experience is a primary driver of a Skilled Nursing Staff RN'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:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Skilled Nursing Staff RN | $73,059 |
| Intermediate Level Skilled Nursing Staff RN | $73,176 |
| Senior Level Skilled Nursing Staff RN | $74,814 |
| Specialist Level Skilled Nursing Staff RN | $77,468 |
| Expert Level Skilled Nursing Staff RN | $77,657 |
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 Skilled Nursing Staff RNs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Leadership | 5.05% |
| Acute Care | 2.99% |
| Home Care | 2.08% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Delegation
|
$96,642 |
30%
|
|
Nursing Practice
|
$87,721 |
18%
|
|
Clinical Nursing
|
$86,234 |
16%
|
|
Nursing Process
|
$85,491 |
15%
|
|
Empathy
|
$83,261 |
12%
|
|
Cardiac
|
$83,261 |
12%
|
Skilled Nursing Staff RN salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $78,854. While startup companies pay approximate $67,195.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $67,195 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $70,933 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $76,276 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $78,854 |
For Skilled Nursing Staff RN roles, the industry you choose can impact your earning potential by as much as 40% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the highest-paying industry, Healthcare, offers compensation 20% above the average. Conversely, Skilled Nursing Staff RN positions in Edu., Government & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as this sector often view Skilled Nursing Staff RN as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Healthcare | $89,208 | $43.0 | 20% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Skilled Nursing Staff RNs 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 Skilled Nursing Staff RN with a Associate's Degree is between $68,201 and $70,480).
Skilled Nursing Staff RN Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 1.0% |
| High School | 1.0% |
| Associates | 58.2% |
| Bachelors | 39.8% |
| Masters | 1.0% |
| Doctorate | 0.0% |
Understanding how a Skilled Nursing Staff RN'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, 2026Salaries for a Skilled Nursing Staff RN can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $83,507 in 2023 to around $81,526 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Skilled Nursing Staff RN salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $83,507 |
| 2024 | $83,256 |
| 2025 | $81,526 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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The Healthcare industry offers the highest average compensation for Skilled Nursing Staff RN roles, with salaries approximately 20% above the market median.
The highest paid nurses in the U.S. can earn significantly more than the average salaries for Skilled Nursing Staff RNs, which range from $66,650 to $74,990 annually. While top positions like CRNAs can earn over $259,000 annually, Skilled Nursing Staff RNs typically earn between $32.00 and $36.00 per hour based on their annual salary range.
To make a six-figure salary as a Registered Nurse (RN), consider working overtime or pursuing travel nursing opportunities. While the average salary for skilled nursing staff RNs ranges from $66,650 to $74,990, those who take on extra shifts or travel assignments can significantly increase their earnings. Some RNs can earn well over $100,000 with dedication and hard work.
Registered Nurses (RNs) can enhance their earnings, with salaries ranging from $66,650 to $74,990. Consider advancing your degree, changing jobs, or taking on side hustles. Optimize your shift schedule, become a Charge Nurse, work in Acute Care, earn certifications, or take PRN shifts. Freelance writing and tutoring nursing students are also viable options to boost income.
The hardest RN jobs often include ICU, ER, and NICU nursing. These positions are highly stressful due to the intense environments and critical care responsibilities. Skilled nursing staff RNs can expect salaries ranging from $66,650 to $74,990, with a mid-salary of $70,820, reflecting the demanding nature of these roles.
The state with the highest annual wage for Registered Nurses (RNs) is California, averaging $133,340 per year. In comparison, Skilled Nursing Staff RNs have a salary range of $66,650 to $74,990, with a mid-salary of $70,820. Other high-paying states include Hawaii at $113,220 and Oregon at $106,610, while Alabama, Arkansas, and South Dakota offer the lowest wages.
The highest paid RN specialties include Nurse Anesthetists earning around $189,000, while Skilled Nursing Staff RNs have a salary range of $66,650 to $74,990, with a mid-salary of $70,820. Other high-paying roles include Neonatal Nurses at $127,000 and Emergency Room Nurses at $116,000.
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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