As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Registered Nurses RN in the United States is $75,397 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $36.
However, a Registered Nurses RN's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Registered Nurses 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 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 Registered Nurses RNs. 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
|
$78,413 |
4%
|
|
Leadership
|
$78,413 |
4%
|
|
Effective Communication
|
$77,659 |
3%
|
|
Commitment
|
$77,659 |
3%
|
|
Integrity
|
$76,905 |
2%
|
|
Delegation
|
$76,905 |
2%
|
For Registered Nurses RN 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, Registered Nurses RN positions in Software & Networking or MFG Nondurable typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Registered Nurses RN as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Energy & Utilities | $90,477 | $43.0 | 20% |
| Biotechnology | $86,707 | $42.0 | 15% |
| Insurance | $82,937 | $40.0 | 10% |
| Healthcare | $79,167 | $38.0 | 5% |
Understanding how a Registered Nurses 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 Registered Nurses RN can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $65,334 in 2023 to around $61,371 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Registered Nurses RN salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $65,334 |
| 2024 | $62,790 |
| 2025 | $61,371 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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The Energy & Utilities industry offers the highest average compensation for Registered Nurses RN roles, with salaries approximately 20% above the market median.
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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