How Much Does a RN make?

RN made a median salary around $108,472 in April, 2025. The best-paid 25 percent made $120,654 probably that year, while the lowest-paid 25 percent made around $98,365. 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.
25% $98,365 10% $89,163 90% $131,746 75% $120,654 $108,472 50%(Median)
Check out RN jobs in San Francisco, California

RN - Nursing

ScionHealth - Koreatown, CA

RN - Nursing

ScionHealth - Van Nuys, CA

RN - Nursing

ScionHealth - Los Angeles, CA

RN - Nursing

ScionHealth - Irvine, CA

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Best-Paying Cities for RN

The metropolitan areas that pay the highest salary in the RN profession are San Jose , Santa Clara , Sunnyvale , Los Gatos , Milpitas .
San Jose, CA $109,549
Santa Clara, CA $109,549
Sunnyvale, CA $109,549
Los Gatos, CA $109,549
Milpitas, CA $109,549

Best-Paying States for RN

The states and districts that pay RN the highest salary are District of Columbia (around $96,164) , California (around $95,800) , Massachusetts (around $94,523) , Washington (around $94,176) , and New Jersey (around $94,141) .
District of Columbia $96,164
California $95,800
Massachusetts $94,523
Washington $94,176
New Jersey $94,141

What is the Career Path of 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 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, RN can also turn to other related jobs, including RN OR , Nurse, RN , Psychiatric RN and RN Preceptor .

Frequently Asked Questions for RN

Q: What is the salary range of RN in San Francisco, CA?
A: In 2025 , the lowest-paid RN in San Francisco, CA earned an average annual salary of $98,365 , while the highest-paid made $120,654.
Q: What is the salary for a RN in California?
A: RN employed in California earned an average salary of $95,800 in 2025.

Average RN Pay vs. Other Jobs

RN earned an average salary of $108,472 in 2025. Other jobs related to RN earned the following average salary in April, 2025. RN OR made $111,671 , Nurse, RN made $90,273 , Psychiatric RN and RN Preceptor made $109,683 and $108,472 respectively .

Relevant Jobs of RN

RN OR - Average Salary $111,671
There is currently no job description for RN OR, be the first to submit the job responsibilities for RN OR.
Nurse, RN - Average Salary $90,273
There is currently no job description for Nurse, RN, be the first to submit the job responsibilities for Nurse, RN.
Psychiatric RN - Average Salary $109,683
There is currently no job description for Psychiatric RN, be the first to submit the job responsibilities for Psychiatric RN.
RN Preceptor - Average Salary $108,472
There is currently no job description for RN Preceptor, be the first to submit the job responsibilities for RN Preceptor.
ICU RN - Average Salary $109,413
There is currently no job description for ICU RN, be the first to submit the job responsibilities for ICU RN.