Registered Nurse Salary.
Across 30 U.S. cities.
$82,000
national median salary
$62,000 to $105,000. Last updated April 2026.
Highest Paying
$114,000
San Jose, CA
Best Purchasing Power
$86,000
Washington DC, DC
Lowest Paying
$71,000
Detroit, MI
Salary data sourced from SEC filings, H-1B Labor Condition Applications (DOL), Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, and aggregated job postings across 50+ platforms. Ranges reflect 25th to 75th percentile for full-time positions. Cost-of-living adjustments use Bureau of Economic Analysis Regional Price Parities (2025 index). Last updated April 2026.
The average Registered Nurse salary in the United States is $82,000 in 2026, with the full range spanning $62,000 at the 25th percentile to $105,000 at the 75th. San Jose pays the most at $114,000, while Washington DC offers the best purchasing power after cost-of-living adjustments. Specialty certification, geographic location, and facility type create the widest salary ranges.
Registered Nurse salary by city
What you should know
Specialty certification, geographic location, and facility type create the widest salary ranges. ICU, OR, and emergency nurses earn premiums over med surg nurses. Travel nursing contracts can pay 50 to 100% more than permanent positions. Union representation and shift differentials for nights and weekends also impact total pay.
New graduate RNs start at $58,000 to $72,000, with experienced RNs reaching $80,000 to $100,000 after five years. Nurse practitioners earn $110,000 to $140,000, and CRNAs (nurse anesthetists) can earn $180,000 to $220,000. Nursing management roles offer $95,000 to $140,000 with administrative responsibilities.
Benefits are a major component, typically including health insurance, pension or 403(b) matching, tuition reimbursement, and continuing education credits. Shift differentials add $3 to $8 per hour for nights and weekends. Signing bonuses of $5,000 to $20,000 are common in high demand specialties.