Registered Nurse Salaries

Updated on Mar 08, 2025
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Salary

How much does a Registered Nurse make?

The average salary for a Registered Nurse is $91,234 per year in the US.

Registered Nurses (RNs) earn a competitive salary that reflects their important role in healthcare. The average yearly salary for an RN is around $91,234. However, actual salaries can vary widely based on experience and other factors.


Entry-level positions may start at about $52,000 annually. As RNs gain experience and further their education, they can rise through salary tiers. For example, those with several years of experience can earn around $78,727 or more. Highly experienced RNs often make $100,000 or more, with some salaries reaching up to $150,000.


This earning potential makes nursing a rewarding career, both personally and financially. The demand for skilled RNs continues to grow, offering job security and opportunities for advancement.

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What are the highest paying cities for a Registered Nurse?

Registered Nurses find the highest salaries in cities like San Francisco, CA, where the average income reaches about $133,922. Other cities, such as Modesto and Minneapolis, also offer attractive pay, with averages around $128,253 and $126,677, respectively. This trend highlights the strong demand for skilled nurses in these areas, making them excellent choices for job seekers in the nursing field.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Registered Nurse jobs, highlighting San Francisco, CA with the highest at $133,922 and San Diego, CA with the lowest at $117,998.
  1. San Francisco, CA
    Average Salary: $133,922
    Working as a nurse in San Francisco offers a vibrant atmosphere with a focus on innovation in healthcare. Major hospitals like UCSF Medical Center and California Pacific Medical Center provide excellent opportunities for professional growth and collaboration.
    Find Registered Nurse jobs in San Francisco, CA


  2. Modesto, CA
    Average Salary: $128,253
    In Modesto, nurses can enjoy a community-focused environment while working in local healthcare facilities such as Doctors Medical Center. The city's friendly neighborhoods and growing healthcare industry make it a great place for those looking to make a positive impact.
    Find Registered Nurse jobs in Modesto, CA


  3. Minneapolis, MN
    Average Salary: $126,677
    Minneapolis boasts a strong healthcare system with top institutions like the University of Minnesota Medical Center. Nurses here benefit from diverse patient populations and have access to cutting-edge medical technology.
    Find Registered Nurse jobs in Minneapolis, MN


  4. Stockton, CA
    Average Salary: $126,397
    Stockton presents a supportive atmosphere for nurses, particularly at major health systems like Dameron Hospital. The city's diverse culture and commitment to healthcare improvements provide a rewarding work experience.
    Find Registered Nurse jobs in Stockton, CA


  5. Santa Rosa, CA
    Average Salary: $123,821
    In Santa Rosa, nursing professionals work in a picturesque setting surrounded by vineyards and parks. Facilities like Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital offer a collaborative environment focused on quality patient care.
    Find Registered Nurse jobs in Santa Rosa, CA


  6. Salinas, CA
    Average Salary: $123,201
    Salinas is home to a growing healthcare sector, with organizations like Natividad Medical Center offering excellent nursing careers. The city's agricultural charm and community spirit create a fulfilling work environment.
    Find Registered Nurse jobs in Salinas, CA


  7. Sacramento, CA
    Average Salary: $121,932
    Sacramento stands out for its commitment to healthcare and education, featuring major hospitals such as UC Davis Medical Center. Nurses here can engage in varied specialties while enjoying all the amenities of California’s state capital.
    Find Registered Nurse jobs in Sacramento, CA


  8. San Jose, CA
    Average Salary: $120,597
    San Jose offers exciting nursing opportunities within a bustling tech hub. With leading facilities like Regional Medical Center and Good Samaritan Hospital, nurses can advance their careers in a fast-paced environment.
    Find Registered Nurse jobs in San Jose, CA


  9. Los Angeles, CA
    Average Salary: $119,432
    Los Angeles is a vibrant city that offers numerous nursing positions in top-tier hospitals, such as UCLA Medical Center. The diverse population enriches the nursing experience and provides many learning opportunities.
    Find Registered Nurse jobs in Los Angeles, CA


  10. San Diego, CA
    Average Salary: $117,998
    Working as a nurse in San Diego comes with the advantage of stunning landscapes and a laid-back lifestyle. Major hospitals like Scripps Health and Sharp Coronado Hospital provide a supportive environment for professional development.
    Find Registered Nurse jobs in San Diego, CA

What are the best companies a Registered Nurse can work for?

Registered Nurses can find attractive salaries at several top companies. The County of Santa Clara offers the highest average salary at about $262,326, followed closely by Best Home Health Providers at $258,103. Other notable employers include Guadalupe Regional Medical Center and ACE Home Healthcare, providing strong compensation packages as well, ensuring rewarding career opportunities in the healthcare field.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Registered Nurse jobs, highlighting County of Santa Clara with the highest at $262,326 and excellent home care with the lowest at $187,000.
  1. County of Santa Clara
    Average Salary: $262,326
    The County of Santa Clara offers registered nurses a comprehensive benefits package and competitive salaries. They operate in locations like San Jose and surrounding areas, providing various healthcare services in a diverse community.


  2. Best Home Health Providers
    Average Salary: $258,103
    Best Home Health Providers is known for its supportive work environment for registered nurses. They focus on delivering personalized care and operate in multiple regions, ensuring nurses connect with patients in their homes.


  3. Guadalupe Regional Medical Center
    Average Salary: $224,370
    Guadalupe Regional Medical Center serves the community with dedicated nursing staff. Registered nurses here benefit from a collaborative work culture and work in locations that emphasize patient-centered care.


  4. ACE Home Healthcare
    Average Salary: $214,559
    ACE Home Healthcare provides registered nurses plenty of opportunities to grow. They operate in various home settings, allowing nurses to build strong relationships with patients and their families.


  5. Premier Home Health Providers, Inc.
    Average Salary: $208,163
    Premier Home Health Providers, Inc. is committed to quality care and offers registered nurses a chance to work in diverse environments. Their operations focus on delivering care in the community, improving patients' lives.


  6. Avalanche Care Inc.
    Average Salary: $200,000
    Avalanche Care Inc. supports registered nurses with a robust training program and a dedication to staff welfare. They provide services in various home settings across the region, enhancing the lives of their patients.


  7. CarePine Home Health
    Average Salary: $200,000
    CarePine Home Health places a strong emphasis on teamwork among registered nurses. They operate in multiple areas, offering personalized care and flexible scheduling options to meet the needs of patients.


  8. ACT-IT Consulting
    Average Salary: $200,000
    ACT-IT Consulting offers registered nurses an engaging and innovative work environment. They operate in various healthcare settings, allowing nurses to adapt their skills to meet diverse patient needs.


  9. San Francisco Department of Public Health
    Average Salary: $198,903
    The San Francisco Department of Public Health provides registered nurses with a vital role in public health. They work in a city renowned for its healthcare innovation, serving a wide range of communities and focusing on health equity.


  10. excellent home care
    Average Salary: $187,000
    Excellent Home Care values the contributions of registered nurses and promotes a positive work culture. They operate in various locations, emphasizing quality home care to ensure the highest patient satisfaction.

How to earn more as a Registered Nurse?

Registered Nurses (RNs) play a crucial role in healthcare. If you want to earn more as a Registered Nurse, consider these important factors:

  1. Specialization: Focus on a specific area of nursing such as pediatrics, geriatrics, or emergency care. Specializing can lead to higher pay and more job opportunities.
  2. Education: Earn advanced degrees like a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) or a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN). Higher education often opens doors to higher-paying positions.
  3. Shift Differentials: Work night shifts, weekends, or holidays. Many hospitals offer extra pay for these shifts, boosting your overall income.
  4. Location: Consider working in high-demand areas. RNs in urban centers or areas with nursing shortages often earn more due to the increased demand for their skills.
  5. Certifications: Obtain additional certifications in areas such as Critical Care or Nurse Practitioner. Certifications can enhance your skills and lead to better-paying roles.

By exploring these options, you can increase your earning potential and build a rewarding career as a Registered Nurse.

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Registered Nurse
95,706 Job Openings