Registered Nurse (RN) Salary in the United States

How much does the average Registered Nurse (RN) make in the United States?


The average salary for a Registered Nurse (RN) in the United States is between $66,100 and $117,430 as of July 01, 2026. Salary ranges can vary widely depending on the actual Registered Nurse (RN) position you are looking for. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target. View the Cost of Living in Major Cities

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Base Salary

Core compensation

$66,100
$117,430
$91,770
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What is a Registered Nurse (RN)?

A registered nurse cares for patients in various settings including hospitals, nursing homes, clinics, schools, and physician's offices. Nurses work together with other medical professionals to administer treatments and to monitor and record the condition of patients as they are treated. Nurses are also educators, helping patients and their families understand the treatments and medications they are receiving. Nurses may have specialized skills and training required to care for different populations of patients for example pediatrics, critical care, cardiology, or surgery.


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Entry Registered Nurse - Staff
Alternate Job Titles: Entry Registered Nurse - Staff | Registered Nurse (RN), Level 1

Provides professional nursing care to assigned patients. Records patient histories, performs various diagnostic tests, administers medications, and develops patient care plans in conjunction with other medical professionals. Assists physicians during examinations and procedures, operating and monitoring medical equipment as necessary. Observes patients' progress and records obs... View job details


Intermediate Registered Nurse - Staff
Alternate Job Titles: Intermediate Registered Nurse - Staff | Registered Nurse (RN), Level 2

Provides professional nursing care to assigned patients. Records patient histories, performs various diagnostic tests, administers medications, and develops patient care plans in conjunction with other medical professionals. Assists physicians during examinations and procedures, operating and monitoring medical equipment as necessary. Observes patients' progress and records obs... View job details


Registered Nurse (RN), Level 1
Alternate Job Titles: Entry Registered Nurse - Staff | Registered Nurse (RN), Level 1

Provides professional nursing care to assigned patients. Records patient histories, performs various diagnostic tests, administers medications, and develops patient care plans in conjunction with other medical professionals. Assists physicians during examinations and procedures, operating and monitoring medical equipment as necessary. Observes patients' progress and records obs... View job details


Registered Nurse (RN), Level 2
Alternate Job Titles: Intermediate Registered Nurse - Staff | Registered Nurse (RN), Level 2

Provides professional nursing care to assigned patients. Records patient histories, performs various diagnostic tests, administers medications, and develops patient care plans in conjunction with other medical professionals. Assists physicians during examinations and procedures, operating and monitoring medical equipment as necessary. Observes patients' progress and records obs... View job details


Registered Nurse (RN), Level 3
Alternate Job Titles: Registered Nurse (RN), Level 3 | Senior Registered Nurse - Staff

Provides professional nursing care to assigned patients. Records patient histories, performs various diagnostic tests, administers medications, and develops patient care plans in conjunction with other medical professionals. Assists physicians during examinations and procedures, operating and monitoring medical equipment as necessary. Observes patients' progress and records obs... View job details


Registered Nurse (RN)

What degree or educational requirements does a registered nurse need?

Registered nurses may have either an associate's degree, (ADN), or a bachelor's degree (BSN). Courses in biology, anatomy, psychology, pharmacology, and statistics are standard. Clinical work is also part of the curriculum for either degree. In addition to the completion of a degree program, to become a registered nurse the rigorous National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN) must be passed before a license from the state is granted.

What are the best schools offering nursing programs?

Some of the schools with top-rated nursing programs are University of Pennsylvania, Emory University, University of Michigan Ann Arbor, Villanova University, Saint Louis University, University of Portland, Georgetown University, Duke University, New York University, and Northeastern University. For the ADN program, community colleges are the best choice. There are also programs for those individuals who already have a Bachelor's degree in another major that offer an accelerated track to a BSN as well as programs for practicing RN's to achieve the BSN. The Mass General Institute of Health Professions offers one of those programs. A general hiring trend for registered nurses is that more employers are preferring or even requiring the BSN degree. Increasing the demand for those programs.

Are registered nurses in demand?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook (BLS), employment of registered nurses, in general, is projected to grow about 15 percent from 2016 to 2026. The demand for registered nurses will be strong as the population ages and more healthcare services become available, and older nurses retire.

What jobs are similar to or related to a registered nurse?

Nursing management roles such as nurse leader, charge nurse, head nurse, nursing officer. Nursing educators are sometimes referred to as preceptor, which is a practicing nurse that also educates and mentors new nurses. Clinical nurse specialist is nurses with advanced degrees in a specialty.

What is the working environment for a registered nurse?

A registered nurse typically works in a clinical setting such as a hospital, or a care facility like a nursing home, rehabilitation or out patient clinic. Nurses may also work in doctor's offices. Some nurses might visit patients in a home setting. It is typical for registered nurses working a hospital to work various shifts as patient care is delivered 24 hours a day.
Job Openings for Registered Nurse (RN)

North Shore Estates | DULUTH , MN

Monarch Healthcare Management Benefits Include. UKG Wallet - get paid the next day. Free Single Medical Insurance. Loan reimbursement. Scholarship Opportun... more

68 days ago

Green Prairie Rehabilitation Center | PLAINVIEW , MN

Monarch Healthcare Management Benefits Include. UKG Wallet - get paid the next day. Free Single Medical Insurance. Loan reimbursement. Scholarship Opportun... more

68 days ago

River Valley Health & Rehabilitation Center | REDWOOD FALLS , MN

Monarch Healthcare Management Benefits Include. UKG Wallet - get paid the next day. Free Single Medical Insurance. Loan reimbursement. Scholarship Opportun... more

68 days ago

Pennant Services | PARIS , TN

Job Title:* Registered Nurse – RN. Job Location:* Paris, TN. We are looking for an RN to join our Home Health team. Come make a difference in the Paris, TN... more

276 days ago

Eden Senior Care | RIPON , WI

Eden Senior Care, founded in 2016, is a growing Healthcare Management company, focused on managing and operating Skilled Nursing, Rehabilitation and Assist... more

65 days ago

Sleepy Eye Rehabilitation Center | SLEEPY EYE , MN

Monarch Healthcare Management Benefits Include. UKG Wallet - get paid the next day. Free Single Medical Insurance. Loan reimbursement. Scholarship Opportun... more

68 days ago

Bayside Manor | GAYLORD , MN

Monarch Healthcare Management Benefits Include. UKG Wallet - get paid the next day. Free Single Medical Insurance. Loan reimbursement. Scholarship Opportun... more

67 days ago

Laurels Peak Rehabilitation Center | MANKATO , MN

Monarch Healthcare Management Benefits Include. UKG Wallet - get paid the next day. Free Single Medical Insurance. Loan reimbursement. Scholarship Opportun... more

68 days ago

Interim HealthCare of the Black Hills | SPEARFISH , SD

Home Health Registered Nurse (RN). Part Time available in Spearfish, SD. Experience a work culture where nurses are valued, management backs you and you’re... more

137 days ago