As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for a Register Nurse in the United States is $74,058 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $36.
However, a Register Nurse's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Register Nurse'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.
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 Register Nurses. 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
|
$77,020 |
4%
|
|
Leadership
|
$77,020 |
4%
|
|
Effective Communication
|
$76,279 |
3%
|
|
Commitment
|
$76,279 |
3%
|
|
Integrity
|
$75,539 |
2%
|
|
Delegation
|
$75,539 |
2%
|
For Register Nurse 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, Register Nurse positions in Software & Networking or MFG Nondurable typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Register Nurse as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Energy & Utilities | $88,869 | $43.0 | 20% |
| Biotechnology | $85,166 | $41.0 | 15% |
| Insurance | $81,463 | $39.0 | 10% |
| Healthcare | $77,761 | $37.0 | 5% |
Understanding how a Register Nurse'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 July 01, 2026Salaries for a Register Nurse can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $66,267 in 2023 to around $62,247 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Register Nurse salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $66,267 |
| 2024 | $63,687 |
| 2025 | $62,247 |
| 2026 |
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|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
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