As of May 01, 2026, the average annual salary for certified registered nurse in the US is $224,891, equivalent to $108 per hour, $4,325 weekly, or $18,741 monthly. These figures, sourced from Salary.com’s real-time job posting scans, highlight competitive earning potential for certified registered nurse in cities like San Jose, Santa Clara, and San Francisco.
Annually Salaries for certified registered nurse in the US vary widely, spanning from $202,075 to $290,480. Most professionals fall between the 25th percentile ($212,948) and 75th percentile ($259,223), while top earners (90th percentile) make $290,480 per year. This $46,275 pay gap underscores opportunities for salary growth through certifications, specialized skills like Planning or Life Support, or targeting high-paying regions like District of Columbia or California.
Location and experience significantly influence earnings. For example, District of Columbia certified registered nurse often earn 10.7% above national averages due to demand from Fortune 29 companies and industry startups. Professionals are advised to focus on high-growth sectors like to offset market challenges.
