Salary Data
Registered Nurse Salary in Salt Lake City
$80,000
median salary, 2% below the national average
According to Orbyt's 2026 salary analysis, the average Registered Nurse salary in Salt Lake City is $80,000. Salaries range from $61,000 (25th percentile) to $103,000 (75th percentile), adjusted for Salt Lake City's cost of living.
Salary range
How Salt Lake City compares
Salt Lake City, UT
$80,000
Cost of living: 2% below average
National Average
$82,000
Salt Lake City is $2,000 below
Registered Nurse job market in Salt Lake City
Salt Lake City market overview
Salt Lake City anchors the Silicon Slopes tech corridor, home to companies like Qualtrics, Pluralsight, and Domo. The region has attracted significant venture investment and tech relocations. Utah's business friendly environment, young educated workforce, and outdoor lifestyle make it a rising destination for tech professionals seeking affordability without sacrificing career growth.
What drives Registered Nurse salaries
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.
Beyond base salary
Total compensation
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.
Tax considerations in Salt Lake City
Utah has a flat 4.65% state income tax. Salt Lake City imposes no additional city income tax. The moderate rate combined with affordable living costs results in strong net compensation.
Career progression
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.
Top industries in Salt Lake City
Negotiating in Salt Lake City
Reference Silicon Slopes growth when negotiating. Local employers are increasingly matching 85 to 95% of Seattle or Bay Area salaries to compete for tech talent.