How Much Does a Register Nurse RN make?

Register Nurse RN made a median salary around $86,644 in March, 2025. The best-paid 25 percent made $96,374 probably that year, while the lowest-paid 25 percent made around $78,569. Salary ranges can vary widely depending on many important factors, including education, certifications, additional skills, the number of years you have spent in your profession. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.
Check out Register Nurse RN jobs in the United States

Register Nurse (RN)

Parkland Health and Hospital System - DALLAS, TX

RN, Registered Nurse

IntelyCare - JOPPATOWNE, MD

RN, Registered Nurse

IntelyCare - BEL AIR, MD

RN, Registered Nurse

IntelyCare - PITTSBURGH, PA

download asset banner
Facing Salary Structure Challenges? Let Our Expert Guide You
The job market is increasingly challenging. Our whitepaper, Navigating the Challenges of Creating Salary Structures, offers guidance on creating salary structures. Provide your phone number and work email to download the full version.
We will handle your contact details in line with our Privacy Policy. If you prefer not to receive marketing emails from Salary.com, you can opt-out out of marketing communications at any time by clicking unsubscribe.

Best-Paying Cities for Register Nurse RN

The metropolitan areas that pay the highest salary in the Register Nurse RN profession are San Jose , San Francisco , Oakland , New York , Queens Village .
San Jose, CA $108,739
San Francisco, CA $108,305
Oakland, CA $105,706
New York, NY $101,201
Queens Village, NY $100,507

Best-Paying States for Register Nurse RN

The states and districts that pay Register Nurse RN the highest salary are District of Columbia (around $96,435) , California (around $95,569) , New Jersey (around $94,962) , Alaska (around $94,356) , and Massachusetts (around $94,269) .
District of Columbia $96,435
California $95,569
New Jersey $94,962
Alaska $94,356
Massachusetts $94,269

What is the Career Path of Register Nurse RN?

A career path is a sequence of jobs that leads to your short- and long-term career goals. Some follow a linear career path within one field, while others change fields periodically to achieve career or personal goals.

For Register Nurse RN, the first career path typically progresses to Head Nurse - CCU.

The second career path typically progresses to Maternity Services Director.

The third career path typically progresses to Head Nurse - Emergency Room.

Additionally, the fourth career path typically starts with a Head Nurse - Intensive Care Unit position , and then progresses to Head of Intensive Care Unit.

Besides, Register Nurse RN can also turn to other related jobs, including Register Nurse , Nurse, RN , Staff Nurse - RN - Dialysis and Staff Nurse - RN - Geriatric .

Frequently Asked Questions for Register Nurse RN

Q: What is the salary range of Register Nurse RN?
A: In 2025 , the lowest-paid Register Nurse RN earned an average annual salary of $78,569 , while the highest-paid made $96,374.
Q: What is the salary for a Register Nurse RN in California?
A: Register Nurse RN employed in California earned an average salary of $95,569 in 2025.

Average Register Nurse RN Pay vs. Other Jobs

Register Nurse RN earned an average salary of $86,644 in 2025. Other jobs related to Register Nurse RN earned the following average salary in March, 2025. Register Nurse made $69,934 , Nurse, RN made $72,102 , Staff Nurse - RN - Dialysis and Staff Nurse - RN - Geriatric made $90,384 and $84,452 respectively .

Relevant Jobs of Register Nurse RN

Register Nurse - Average Salary $69,934
There is currently no job description for Register Nurse, be the first to submit the job responsibilities for Register Nurse.
Nurse, RN - Average Salary $72,102
There is currently no job description for Nurse, RN, be the first to submit the job responsibilities for Nurse, RN.
Staff Nurse - RN - Dialysis - Average Salary $90,384
Provides professional nursing care to assigned patients with kidney conditions that require dialysis treatment. Reviews patient histories, administers medications, and performs dialysis treatments. Ensures dialysis machine and all products used during a treatment are properly prepared and meet quality standards. Monitors the patient during dialysis, records observations in patient medical records, and reports any changes in condition to the physician as needed. Supervises technicians or nursing aides that perform monitoring or patient care tasks during a treatment. Typically requires a bachelor's degree in nursing or equivalent. Requires a Registered Nurse (RN) license. Typically reports to a manager or head of a unit/department. Years of experience may be unspecified. Certification and/or licensing in the position's specialty is the main requirement.
Staff Nurse - RN - Geriatric - Average Salary $84,452
Provides professional nursing care to assigned geriatric patients. Records patient histories, performs various diagnostic tests, administers medications, and develops geriatric 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 observations in patient medical records. Promotes patients' independence by teaching patients and families to understand conditions, medications, and self-care skills. Typically requires a bachelor's degree in nursing.Typically reports to a manager or head of a unit/department. Requires a valid state RN license. Years of experience may be unspecified. Certification and/or licensing in the position's specialty is the main requirement.
Staff Nurse - RN - Hospice - Average Salary $87,303
Provides professional nursing care to assigned terminally ill patients in a hospice environment. Records patient histories, performs various diagnostic tests, administers medications, and develops patient care plans in conjunction with other medical professionals. Performs examinations and prescribed procedures, operating and monitoring medical equipment as necessary. Observes patients' condition and records observations in patient medical records. Typically requires a bachelor's degree in nursing.Typically reports to a manager or head of a unit/department. Requires a valid state RN license. Years of experience may be unspecified. Certification and/or licensing in the position's specialty is the main requirement.