Registered nurses (RNs) are the backbone of the medical industry, and their salaries reflect it. In fact, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), registered nursing salaries are more than any other occupation in the country.

But how much do registered nurses make in your state? And what can you expect from your future salary as a registered nurse?

How much does a Registered Nurse make in the United States?

The salary of a registered nurse in the United States varies considerably depending on location, experience, and specialty.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average annual wage for a Registered Nurse is $77,600.

The highest-paid nurses can expect to make up to $113,240 annually, while those at the lower end of the pay scale may earn as little as $51,640.

In addition to salary, some employers offer additional benefits such as health insurance and retirement plans.

Depending on the employer, nurses may also receive bonuses or other forms of compensation for meeting performance targets or for completing certifications or continuing education courses.

With all these factors taken into consideration, there is no doubt that being a registered nurse can be a very rewarding career path with excellent earning potential.

What is the Starting Salary for a BSN Nurse?

The starting salary for a BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing) nurse can vary depending on factors such as location, employer, and experience. 

However, on average, a BSN nurse can expect to earn a starting salary of around $50,000 per year.

Generally, nurses with a BSN degree tend to earn higher salaries than those with an ADN (Associate Degree in Nursing) or LPN (Licensed Practical Nurse) degree. 

This is because BSN nurses have more education and training and are often considered to be more qualified for advanced positions and roles within healthcare organizations.

It's also worth noting that nurses with a BSN degree may also have more opportunities for career advancement and higher earning potential over time. 

Many employers prefer to hire nurses with BSN degrees for leadership and management positions, such as charge nurses, nurse managers, and nursing educators.

What is the Registered Nurse's Salary by Place of Employment?

Registered Nursing Salaries by years of experience in the United States

Which Nurses Get Paid the Most?

The highest-paid nurses are typically those that have specialized skills or have completed additional education and certifications. 

For example, nurse anesthetists are among the highest-paid nurses, earning an average of $181,040 per year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Nurse practitioners who hold a master’s degree and specialize in areas such as family health care, adult health care, geriatrics, and women’s health can earn upwards of $100,000 per year.

Other high-paying nursing positions include nurse midwives, clinical nurse specialists, and registered nurses with experience in research or administration. 

Generally speaking, the more specialized a nurse's education is and the more experience they have, the higher their salary will be.

Nurses should also consider factors such as location when searching for higher-paying jobs, as some states tend to offer more competitive wages than others.

Which Metropolitan Areas Pay RNs the Most?

According to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, as of May 2021, the metropolitan areas with the highest average annual salary for registered nurses (RNs) are:

1) San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA

Wage Per Year: $129,165

San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA, is one of the most popular and desirable places to work as a Registered Nurse in the United States. The average annual wage for RNs in this area is a very competitive $129,165.

This means that salaries here are generally much higher than the national average. The cost of living in San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward is also relatively high. However, RNs will find their salary more than enough to cover their basic expenses and still have money left over for other activities or investments.

Furthermore, working in this region offers nurses access to some of the best medical facilities and research opportunities in the country.

2. San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA

Wage Per Year: $138,475

With an average salary of $138,475 per year, RNs in this area are among the highest paid in the country. The cost of living is also very reasonable for this highly sought-after profession. 

There are many hospitals and healthcare centers located throughout the area, offering a variety of job opportunities for nurses.

3. Vallejo-Fairfield, CA

RN Wage Per Year: $135,018

Vallejo-Fairfield, CA, is a great place to live and work as a registered nurse. As of 2021, the median wage per year for an RN in this area is $135,018. 

This is significantly higher than the national average of $77,460. 

Additionally, salary increases are common with experience and education level. 

The cost of living in Vallejo-Fairfield is relatively low when compared to other major cities in California, making it an attractive destination for those looking for competitive wages and a reasonable cost of living.

4. Hanford-Corcoran, CA

Wage Per Year: $129,854

Hanford-Corcoran, CA, is an area that has a high demand for Registered Nurses (RNs). Because of this, RNs in the area are paid quite well; the average yearly wage for RNs in Hanford-Corcoran is $129,854. 

This salary compensates nurses for their important work and dedication to providing quality healthcare services to patients. 

The pay also reflects the fact that registered nurses require special skills and knowledge to be successful in their fields. 

Healthcare professionals are essential members of any community, so it is vital that they receive an appropriate salary in exchange for their hard work.

5. Santa Rosa, CA

Wage Per Year: $128,816

Santa Rosa, CA, is home to the highest-paying RN position in the country. If you want to make a lot of money as a registered nurse in Santa Rosa, CA, this is where you need to be.

The average annual income for RNs in Santa Rosa, CA, is $128,816. That's almost $26k more than the national average for the same position!

It's worth noting that these figures are for metropolitan areas and that salaries for RNs can vary widely within a given area depending on factors such as the nurse's level of experience, the employer, and the specific location within the metropolitan area.

Registered Nursing Salaries by Specialty

Salary for registered nurses (RNs) can vary depending on their specialty and place of employment. Here are a few examples of RN salaries by specialty:

• ICU nurses: $134,532 per year

• Emergency department nurses: $150,877 per year

• Operating room nurses: $161,489 per year

• Oncology nurses: $113,000 per year

• Pediatrics nurses: $107,000 per year

• Certified nurse anesthetist (CRNAS): $181,000 per year

• Neonatal nurse: $125,000 per year

• Cardiac nurse practitioner: $114,000 per year

• Orthopedic nurse practitioner: $113,000 per year

• General nurse practitioner: $112,000 per year

• Family nurse practitioner: $117,000 per year

• Nurse midwife: $108,000 per year

• Clinical nurse specialist: $108,000 per year

• Psychiatric nurse practitioner: $107,000 per year

• Nurse educator: $76,000 per year

• Travel nurse: $77,500

How is Salary Determined for RNs?

The salary of a registered nurse (RN) is typically determined by a combination of factors, including experience, education level, and location. Generally speaking, the more experience a nurse has, the higher their salary will be.

Education level also plays an essential role in determining salary; nurses with higher education levels, such as those who have obtained a master's degree or doctorate in nursing, tend to earn higher wages than those without these qualifications.

Finally, location can make a difference in how much an RN earns; for instance, nurses living in rural areas may have lower salaries than those working in cities due to the cost of living differences.

Ultimately, RNs' salaries are determined by all of these factors combined and can vary greatly from one region to another.

Highest paying cities for Registered Nurses near the United States

Top companies for Registered Nurses in the United States

Where can a Registered Nurse earn more?

Registered Nurses (RNs) have the potential to significantly increase their salary by pursuing higher education and further certifications.

Generally, RNs earn more in metropolitan areas where the cost of living is higher. However, RNs can also earn higher salaries in rural areas where there is a greater need for qualified nurses and other healthcare professionals.

Additionally, nurses who specialize in certain areas, such as pediatric care or geriatric care, may be able to negotiate higher salaries due to their specialized knowledge and experience.

In addition, nurses who work in management positions or those with teaching credentials often receive a salary premium over those without.

Ultimately, the best way for Registered Nurses to increase their earning potential is by continuing to pursue education and certifications to become an expert in their field.

Conclusion - Registered Nursing Salaries By States

In conclusion, registered nurse salaries vary greatly by state, with some states offering significantly higher pay than others. 

Factors such as cost of living, demand for nurses, and state-specific regulations all play a role in determining a registered nurse's salary. 

It is important for RNs to consider these factors when deciding where to work and also to research the average wages in their desired location. 

Additionally, RNs can enhance their earning potential by obtaining advanced degrees and certifications, as well as by working in specialized fields such as surgery or critical care. 

Overall, the nursing profession is a rewarding and in-demand field with a wide range of salaries and opportunities for advancement.

FAQs About Registered Nursing Salaries By States

1. How Much Do Travel Nurses Make?

Travel nurses make a competitive salary, often much more than their counterparts in traditional nursing. Depending on the region and the specialty, travel nurses can make anywhere from $25 to $60 per hour.

In addition to this base pay rate, travel nurses also have access to lucrative benefits such as housing stipends, meal reimbursements, and health insurance coverage.

Travel nursing jobs typically require shorter shifts than traditional nursing settings, which can allow for higher wages over time.

Furthermore, most travel nurse assignments are short-term contracts ranging from 4-13 weeks in length which can provide flexibility for those seeking more variety in their career path.

2. Who is the lowest-paid nurse?

It is difficult to determine who the lowest-paid nurse is as it can vary depending on various factors such as location, experience, and type of employer. 

However, generally speaking, nurses with a lower level of education, such as Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs), may be paid less than Registered Nurses (RNs). 

Additionally, entry-level nurses and those working in lower-paying settings such as home health care or long-term care facilities may be paid less than more experienced nurses working in hospitals or specialized clinics.

3. Do nurses really make 100k?

The short answer to this question is: it depends. It’s true that some nurses make over 100k a year, but not all do. 

It depends on factors such as the type of nursing role they are in, their experience, and the region they work in. 

For example, a nurse practitioner or an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) typically makes more than a registered nurse (RN). 

Similarly, nurses who have specialized skills or those who work in high-demand areas such as critical care may earn more than those who don’t.