The latest U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data reports a $101,420 mean annual wage and $48.76 mean hourly wage for Registered Nurses in May 2025. Because BLS reports wage statistics for Registered Nurses rather than a generic occupation called "Nurse," these figures are used as the primary federal benchmark for this Nurse salary guide.
Nursing is one of the largest healthcare professions in the United States, with Registered Nurses providing direct patient care across hospitals, outpatient facilities, nursing care settings and other healthcare environments. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the May 2025 Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics data reports a mean annual wage of $101,420 and a mean hourly wage of $48.76 for Registered Nurses (SOC 29-1141). These official figures provide the primary federal salary benchmark used in this guide.
The May 2025 BLS OEWS data reports a mean annual wage of $101,420 for Registered Nurses. This is the official national mean wage benchmark used for the Nurse salary analysis on this page.
Dividing the BLS annual mean wage of $101,420 by 12 produces an estimated monthly equivalent of approximately $8,452. This is a mathematical conversion rather than a separately published BLS monthly wage.
The May 2025 BLS data reports a mean hourly wage of $48.76 for Registered Nurses. Individual hourly compensation can differ according to location, experience, specialty, shift patterns and employer.
BLS estimated employment of 3,379,720 Registered Nurses in May 2025. This represents the national RN occupation and provides context for the scale of the U.S. nursing workforce.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics May 2025 OEWS data reports a $101,420 mean annual wage, $48.76 mean hourly wage and estimated employment of 3,379,720 for Registered Nurses (SOC 29-1141). SalaryPayslip uses these figures as the primary federal benchmark for this Nurse salary guide. The monthly figure shown above is calculated from the annual mean and is not independently published by BLS. Actual RN compensation can vary because of clinical experience, nursing specialty, state, metropolitan area, work setting, shift differentials, overtime, employer, certifications and other compensation arrangements.
The salary figures below are based on the May 2025 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics for Registered Nurses (SOC 29-1141). BLS reports a national mean annual wage of $101,420 and a mean hourly wage of $48.76. Monthly and weekly figures are calculated from the annual mean for comparison and are not separately published BLS wage statistics. Actual nursing pay can vary by experience, state, metropolitan area, specialty, work setting, shift pattern and employer.
| Salary Metric | BLS-Based Benchmark |
|---|---|
| BLS Mean Annual Wage | $101,420 per year |
| Monthly Equivalent | Approximately $8,452 per month |
| Weekly Equivalent | Approximately $1,950 per week |
| BLS Mean Hourly Wage | $48.76 per hour |
| BLS Occupational Category | Registered Nurses (SOC 29-1141) |
| BLS RN Employment | 3,379,720 workers |
| Generic Nurse-Specific BLS Salary | Not separately published |
| Actual Registered Nurse Compensation | May vary with clinical experience, nursing specialty, state, city, work setting, shift differentials, overtime, certifications, employer and compensation structure |
The May 2025 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data reports a mean annual wage of $101,420 and a mean hourly wage of $48.76 for Registered Nurses (SOC 29-1141). BLS also estimated employment of 3,379,720 Registered Nurses in the United States. The monthly and weekly amounts shown above are mathematical conversions of the annual BLS mean and are not independently published monthly or weekly RN salary figures. Actual nursing compensation can differ according to experience, nursing specialty, geographic location, hospital or healthcare setting, shift schedule, overtime, certification, employer benefits and other compensation arrangements.
Registered Nurse earnings generally increase as nurses build clinical experience, develop specialty skills and take on more demanding roles. Because BLS does not publish salary tables directly by years of experience, the May 2025 wage distribution provides a more reliable benchmark for comparing lower-, middle- and higher-paid RN positions. BLS explains that workers with less experience may fall closer to the lower percentiles, while greater experience and education can contribute to higher positions within the wage distribution.
| Experience / Wage Level | BLS Annual Wage Benchmark | Approx. Monthly Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| Early Career / Lower 10% | $65,670 | ≈ $5,473/month |
| Developing Career / 25th Percentile | $80,330 | ≈ $6,694/month |
| Mid-Career / Median | $97,550 | ≈ $8,129/month |
| Experienced / 75th Percentile | $112,350 | ≈ $9,363/month |
| Highly Experienced / 90th Percentile | $129,400 | ≈ $10,783/month |
The figures above use the May 2025 BLS Registered Nurse wage distribution rather than assigning unsupported salaries to specific numbers of years in the profession. BLS reports the 10th, 25th, 50th, 75th and 90th percentile wages to show how RN compensation is distributed nationally. Experience, education, specialty, location and work setting can influence where an individual nurse falls within this distribution.
The May 2025 BLS data reports $101,420 as the national mean annual wage for Registered Nurses, with a mean hourly wage of $48.76. BLS estimated employment of 3,379,720 Registered Nurses nationwide. The national median annual wage was $97,550, providing an additional benchmark for comparing typical RN compensation.
Registered Nurse pay varies substantially across U.S. states. Differences in healthcare demand, employer mix, local labor markets, hospital employment and regional wage conditions can contribute to different compensation levels. The figures below use May 2025 BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics for Registered Nurses and focus on selected major states rather than attempting to list every state.
| State / Market | BLS Annual Mean Salary | Approx. Monthly Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| California | $150,280 | ≈ $12,523/month |
| New York | $111,410 | ≈ $9,284/month |
| Massachusetts | $109,560 | ≈ $9,130/month |
| Washington | $103,670 | ≈ $8,639/month |
| New Jersey | $102,960 | ≈ $8,580/month |
| Oregon | $102,840 | ≈ $8,570/month |
| Texas | $94,320 | ≈ $7,860/month |
| Florida | $88,620 | ≈ $7,385/month |
| Pennsylvania | $96,430 | ≈ $8,036/month |
The state comparison uses the May 2025 BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics for Registered Nurses. BLS reports annual mean RN wages ranging from approximately $77,000 in Alabama and South Dakota to $150,280 in California. The selected states above are included to illustrate major geographic differences and should not be interpreted as a complete national ranking.
A statewide mean does not determine what every Registered Nurse earns. Individual compensation may vary according to metropolitan area, hospital or healthcare employer, nursing specialty, experience, shift schedule, overtime, certifications and local labor-market conditions. BLS also publishes metropolitan and nonmetropolitan estimates that can provide more specific geographic context.
Registered Nurse compensation can differ significantly depending on the type of healthcare organization and work setting. Hospitals, outpatient facilities, government employers, nursing and residential care facilities and other healthcare organizations can have different staffing models, patient-care requirements and compensation structures. The BLS industry data provides a useful federal benchmark for comparing RN pay across these employment environments.
| Employer / Industry Setting | BLS Annual Mean Wage | Approx. Monthly Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| General Medical & Surgical Hospitals | $106,430 | ≈ $8,869/month |
| Outpatient Care Centers | $107,190 | ≈ $8,933/month |
| Specialty Hospitals | $104,920 | ≈ $8,743/month |
| Nursing Care Facilities | $82,780 | ≈ $6,898/month |
| Government Employers | $106,620 | ≈ $8,885/month |
Employer-level compensation varies considerably, and the BLS does not publish salary figures for individual hospitals, healthcare companies or specific employers. The figures above are intended as industry and employment-setting benchmarks for Registered Nurses. Actual pay can differ because of specialty, experience, location, shift differentials, overtime, benefits, staffing requirements and employer-specific compensation policies.
Education and professional certification can influence the types of nursing positions available to a candidate, although there is no single BLS salary figure assigned to every degree or certification. Registered Nurses may enter the profession through approved nursing education pathways and can later pursue additional education, specialty credentials or advanced practice preparation.
| Education / Credential | Typical Nursing Pathway | Potential Career Direction |
|---|---|---|
| Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) | Entry pathway into Registered Nursing education | Hospital, outpatient, long-term care and other RN positions |
| Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) | Four-year nursing education pathway | Hospital practice, specialty nursing, leadership and broader career options |
| Graduate Nursing Education | Advanced postgraduate nursing preparation | Advanced practice, education, leadership and specialized clinical roles |
| Specialty Nursing Certification | Additional credential in a defined clinical area | Specialized nursing practice and professional development |
| Advanced Practice Nursing Preparation | Graduate-level preparation for an advanced nursing occupation | Nurse Practitioner, Nurse Anesthetist and Nurse Midwife pathways |
BLS does not publish a universal salary premium for an ADN, BSN or individual nursing certification. Compensation depends on the occupation, state, employer, specialty, experience and practice environment. Additional education can expand professional opportunities, but it does not guarantee a specific salary.
Becoming a Registered Nurse requires completion of an approved nursing education program followed by the licensing process established for the state where the candidate intends to practice. The exact administrative requirements can vary by state, so applicants should verify current rules with the appropriate state nursing regulatory authority.
Students can pursue an approved nursing education pathway such as an Associate Degree in Nursing or Bachelor of Science in Nursing program. Program requirements, clinical hours and admission standards vary by institution.
Nursing students study subjects such as anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, patient assessment, nursing practice and clinical care. Approved programs also include supervised clinical experience.
After completing the required education, candidates apply for licensure through the nursing regulatory authority in the state where they intend to practice. Applicants must satisfy the state's eligibility and documentation requirements.
Candidates seeking Registered Nurse licensure generally take the NCLEX-RN examination after meeting the applicable eligibility requirements. Successful completion is an important part of the RN licensing process.
Once the required licensing conditions have been satisfied, the state regulatory authority determines whether the candidate can receive an RN license. Renewal and continuing requirements depend on the jurisdiction.
Licensed RNs can pursue employment in hospitals, clinics, outpatient centers, long-term care, home healthcare and other healthcare settings. Additional education and certification can support progression into specialized or advanced nursing roles.
RN licensure is regulated at the state level. Although the NCLEX-RN is the national examination used for Registered Nurse licensure, candidates must also meet the eligibility and application requirements established by the state nursing regulatory authority.
| Licensing Step | What It Involves |
|---|---|
| Nursing Education | Completion of an approved nursing education program that satisfies the applicable state requirements. |
| State Board Application | Submission of the required RN licensure application and supporting documentation to the relevant state nursing regulatory authority. |
| NCLEX-RN Eligibility | Meeting the applicable requirements to receive authorization to take the NCLEX-RN examination. |
| NCLEX-RN Examination | Successful completion of the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses. |
| State RN License | Fulfillment of the state's remaining licensing conditions before beginning practice as a Registered Nurse. |
| License Renewal | Maintaining an active license and completing applicable renewal or continuing education requirements established by the state. |
Nursing licensure requirements are determined by individual state regulatory authorities and can change over time. Education requirements, background checks, application procedures, examination eligibility, renewal rules and continuing education requirements may therefore differ between states. Candidates should confirm current requirements directly with the nursing regulatory authority in the state where they intend to practice.
The U.S. nursing workforce includes professionals with different education levels, licenses, clinical responsibilities and areas of practice. Some nurses provide direct bedside care, while others specialize in advanced clinical assessment, anesthesia, midwifery or population-focused care.
Registered Nurses provide direct patient care in hospitals, outpatient facilities, long-term care, physician offices, home healthcare and other clinical environments. BLS reports a May 2025 national mean annual wage of $101,420 for Registered Nurses.
Nurse Practitioners are advanced practice nurses who can evaluate patients, manage health conditions, provide treatment and perform other advanced clinical functions within applicable state scope-of-practice rules. The May 2025 BLS mean annual wage was $137,300.
Nurse Midwives provide specialized care related to pregnancy, childbirth, postpartum care and women's reproductive health. BLS reported a May 2025 mean annual wage of $136,980 for this occupation.
Nurse Anesthetists provide anesthesia and related perioperative care as advanced practice nurses. BLS reported a May 2025 national mean annual wage of $248,320, making this the highest-paid nursing occupation listed separately in the BLS national wage table.
Registered Nurses can also develop focused careers in areas such as critical care, emergency nursing, oncology, pediatrics, operating rooms, cardiology and other clinical specialties. BLS does not publish a separate national wage category for every RN specialty.
Experienced nurses may move into charge nurse, clinical coordinator, educator, case-management or nursing leadership positions. Compensation depends on the occupation, employer, responsibilities and applicable classification rather than the title alone.
Not every nursing title represents a separate BLS occupation. For example, ICU Nurse, Emergency Nurse and Operating Room Nurse are commonly used clinical role descriptions within Registered Nursing. Their compensation can therefore differ by employer, location, specialty responsibilities and experience rather than having one universal BLS national salary.
The highest compensation levels in the BLS nursing occupational group are associated with advanced practice nursing roles that require additional education, clinical preparation and professional responsibility. The table below compares the May 2025 national mean wages reported by BLS.
| Nursing Occupation | BLS Mean Annual Wage | Approx. Monthly Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| Nurse Anesthetists | $248,320 | ≈ $20,693/month |
| Nurse Practitioners | $137,300 | ≈ $11,442/month |
| Nurse Midwives | $136,980 | ≈ $11,415/month |
| Registered Nurses | $101,420 | ≈ $8,452/month |
According to the May 2025 BLS national wage data, Nurse Anesthetists had a mean annual wage of $248,320, followed by Nurse Practitioners at $137,300, Nurse Midwives at $136,980 and Registered Nurses at $101,420. These are national occupational averages and should not be interpreted as guaranteed compensation for a particular specialty or individual nurse.
Higher-paying nursing occupations generally require additional graduate education, advanced clinical preparation, specialized certification and a broader scope of professional responsibility. Actual earnings can still vary substantially according to state regulations, geographic market, employer, specialty, experience, schedule and practice environment.
Registered Nurses play a central role in delivering and coordinating patient care across hospitals, outpatient clinics, long-term care facilities, home healthcare and other medical environments. Their daily responsibilities depend on the patient's condition, nursing specialty, practice setting and applicable clinical protocols.
Nurses assess patients, collect vital signs, monitor symptoms and observe changes in clinical condition. They communicate significant findings to the appropriate healthcare professionals and help identify when a patient's condition requires additional evaluation or intervention.
Nurses administer medications according to authorized treatment plans and clinical procedures. Depending on their role and practice environment, they may also assist with treatments, wound care, intravenous therapy, patient preparation and other aspects of prescribed clinical care.
Nurses help coordinate care between patients, physicians, therapists, caregivers and other members of the healthcare team. They also explain treatment instructions, medications, follow-up requirements and self-care practices to patients and families.
Accurate clinical documentation is an important part of nursing practice. Nurses record assessments, interventions, patient responses and other relevant information while communicating with physicians and other healthcare professionals to support continuity and safe delivery of care.
A nurse working in an intensive care unit may manage critically ill patients and continuous monitoring, while an outpatient nurse may focus more heavily on assessments, procedures, education and follow-up care. Emergency, pediatric, oncology, surgical and community nursing roles can also involve different clinical responsibilities.
Successful nursing practice requires a combination of clinical knowledge, communication ability, technical competence and professional judgment. Nurses work with patients who may have different medical conditions, treatment needs and levels of acuity, making adaptability an important part of the profession.
Nurses need strong assessment skills to recognize changes in patient condition, collect relevant clinical information and communicate important findings to physicians and other healthcare professionals.
Knowledge of medications, treatment procedures, infection prevention and patient-safety practices helps nurses deliver care according to established clinical protocols and treatment plans.
Nursing often requires prioritizing multiple patient needs, responding to changes in condition and making appropriate decisions within the nurse's professional scope and clinical responsibilities.
Clear communication helps nurses explain care instructions, collaborate with healthcare teams, support families and maintain continuity throughout a patient's treatment.
Accurate documentation is essential for recording assessments, interventions, patient responses and other information required for safe and coordinated healthcare delivery.
Modern nurses commonly interact with electronic health records, clinical documentation systems, medication technologies and other digital tools used within healthcare organizations.
Nursing compensation can include more than base wages. Depending on the employer and position, Registered Nurses may receive benefits and additional forms of compensation that affect the overall value of an employment package.
| Compensation Component | What It May Include |
|---|---|
| Base Pay | Regular hourly or salaried compensation established by the employer and employment agreement. |
| Shift Differentials | Additional compensation may be available for qualifying night, weekend or other less-traditional shifts. |
| Overtime Pay | Eligible nurses may receive additional compensation for qualifying hours worked beyond their regular schedule, subject to applicable rules. |
| Health & Insurance Benefits | Employer-sponsored healthcare, dental, vision or other insurance benefits may form part of the overall compensation package. |
| Retirement Benefits | Some employers provide retirement plans, employer contributions or other long-term savings benefits. |
| Paid Leave | Employment packages may include paid vacation, holidays, sick leave or other forms of paid time away from work. |
Two nursing positions with similar base pay can have different overall values because of health coverage, retirement contributions, paid leave, shift premiums, overtime opportunities and scheduling arrangements. Nurses comparing employment offers should evaluate the complete compensation package rather than focusing only on the advertised hourly or annual wage.
Registered Nursing remains one of the largest healthcare occupations in the United States. Employment opportunities are influenced by population health needs, aging demographics, chronic disease management, hospital demand, outpatient care and the continuing need for skilled patient-care professionals.
Hospitals continue to employ large numbers of Registered Nurses across medical-surgical, critical care, emergency, perioperative and specialty departments.
An aging population can increase demand for healthcare services, chronic condition management, rehabilitation, long-term care and other nursing services.
Nursing opportunities extend beyond traditional hospitals into outpatient care, home healthcare, community programs, long-term care and other healthcare environments.
Registered Nurses can develop specialized clinical expertise or pursue additional education leading toward advanced practice, education, management and other professional nursing pathways.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects employment of Registered Nurses to grow over the 2024–2034 period. BLS also expects substantial numbers of openings each year from employment growth and the need to replace workers who leave the occupation. The exact outlook for an individual nurse can depend on location, specialty, experience and healthcare employer.
The nursing profession is continuing to evolve as healthcare delivery becomes more technology-enabled and patient care increasingly extends across hospitals, outpatient services, homes and community settings. Nurses are likely to remain important participants in prevention, treatment, coordination and long-term patient care.
Electronic health records, remote monitoring, clinical decision-support systems and other digital technologies are changing how nurses document, monitor and coordinate patient care.
Healthcare systems continue to use outpatient and home-based services for selected patients, creating nursing opportunities outside traditional hospital environments.
Additional education can allow nurses to pursue advanced practice, leadership, teaching, research and specialized clinical career paths.
Complex chronic conditions, aging-related healthcare needs and specialized medical treatments can increase the importance of nurses with focused clinical knowledge and experience.
Nursing offers multiple directions for professional development. A Registered Nurse may remain in direct patient care, develop expertise in a clinical specialty, move into leadership or education, or complete additional preparation for an advanced nursing occupation. Career outcomes depend on education, licensure, professional experience, location and the needs of individual healthcare organizations.
The United States is a major destination for internationally educated nurses seeking professional opportunities and advanced clinical experience. However, nurses educated outside the country must complete the applicable credential evaluation, examination, licensing and immigration steps before they can practice as Registered Nurses in the USA.
Nurses who completed their education outside the United States may pursue U.S. licensure after demonstrating that their education and professional credentials satisfy the applicable requirements. The process depends on the nurse's education, licensing history and intended state of practice.
International applicants may need to provide educational records, professional documentation and other credentials for review. Additional requirements can apply depending on the state nursing regulatory authority and the applicant's background.
Internationally educated candidates seeking Registered Nurse licensure may need to meet the eligibility requirements for the NCLEX-RN. Examination eligibility and application procedures are determined through the applicable state nursing regulatory authority.
After obtaining the appropriate U.S. nursing license, qualified nurses may explore positions in hospitals, outpatient facilities, long-term care, home healthcare, specialty departments and other healthcare organizations.
Requirements for internationally educated nurses can vary according to education, examination history, credential evaluation, English-language requirements where applicable, immigration circumstances and the rules of the intended state. Applicants should confirm current requirements directly with the relevant state nursing regulatory authority and recognized credentialing organizations before making career or relocation decisions.
Nursing salary information can differ depending on the occupational classification, geographic market, experience level and source methodology. SalaryPayslip separates official government wage statistics from calculated salary equivalents and career information so readers can understand the basis of each figure.
| Research Factor | How It Is Applied |
|---|---|
| Federal Wage Statistics | U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics occupational wage data is used as the primary reference for nationally reported nursing compensation benchmarks. |
| Nursing Occupation | Registered Nurses and separately classified advanced nursing occupations are distinguished rather than combining different professional roles into one salary figure. |
| Salary Calculations | Monthly, weekly or hourly equivalents may be mathematically calculated from an annual wage for easier comparison and are identified as calculated figures. |
| Geographic Factors | State and local compensation differences are considered because healthcare demand, employer practices, labor markets and living costs vary throughout the United States. |
| Education & Certification | Education level, professional credentials, advanced preparation and specialty training are discussed as career factors rather than assigning unsupported salary premiums to individual qualifications. |
| Employment Setting | Hospital, outpatient, long-term care, home healthcare, academic and other practice environments may use different compensation structures and benefit packages. |
| Individual Compensation | Published wage figures are treated as market benchmarks and do not represent guaranteed earnings for a particular nurse or employment offer. |
A national BLS wage provides a useful reference for understanding the U.S. nursing labor market, but it cannot describe every nurse's actual income. Compensation may change with occupation, clinical specialty, location, experience, employer, shift schedule, overtime opportunities, benefits and employment arrangement.
The resources below can help nursing students, Registered Nurses, internationally educated nurses and experienced healthcare professionals research nursing education, licensure, examinations, professional certification, workforce information and employment opportunities in the United States.
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Read GuideThe following answers address common questions about Nurse compensation in the United States, including BLS wage benchmarks, monthly and hourly equivalents, experience, states, nursing specialties, education, licensing and long-term career opportunities.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Registered Nurses had a mean annual wage of $98,430 in May 2025. This federal figure represents the Registered Nurses occupational category and provides an official national wage benchmark. Individual nurses may earn more or less depending on location, experience, specialty, employer, schedule and professional qualifications.
Using the BLS May 2025 mean annual Registered Nurse wage of $98,430, the simple annual-to-monthly calculation is approximately $8,203 per month. This is a mathematical equivalent of the annual wage rather than a separately published BLS monthly salary. Actual monthly pay can change with overtime, shift differentials, bonuses and other compensation arrangements.
The BLS May 2025 data reports a mean hourly wage of approximately $47.32 for Registered Nurses. The hourly figure is a national occupational benchmark, so an individual nurse's actual hourly rate can differ according to state, employer, experience, specialty and work schedule.
Dividing the BLS mean annual Registered Nurse wage of $98,430 by 52 produces an approximate weekly equivalent of $1,893. This calculation is provided for comparison and does not represent a guaranteed weekly paycheck because nurses may work different schedules and receive additional compensation.
Registered Nurse wages vary across U.S. states because of differences in healthcare demand, local labor markets, employer types, specialty needs and regional costs. BLS state-level wage information can help compare nursing markets, but a statewide average does not guarantee that every nurse in that state will receive the same compensation.
Experience can improve earning potential as nurses develop stronger clinical skills, specialty expertise, leadership capabilities and familiarity with complex patient-care environments. However, compensation does not increase at an identical rate for every nurse and may also depend on location, specialty, employer and educational qualifications.
Compensation can vary among nursing specialties because of differences in clinical complexity, required expertise, work environment and demand. Specialized roles such as advanced practice nursing, certain critical-care positions and other high-skill nursing occupations may have different compensation structures from general Registered Nurse positions. Salary comparisons should use the appropriate occupational category rather than assuming that every nursing specialty shares the BLS Registered Nurse benchmark.
Education can influence career opportunities by qualifying nurses for different roles, certifications and advanced professional responsibilities. An Associate Degree in Nursing and Bachelor of Science in Nursing can both support Registered Nurse pathways when combined with the applicable licensure requirements, while graduate education may open additional advanced practice, education, research or leadership opportunities.
Aspiring Registered Nurses generally complete an approved nursing education program, satisfy the requirements of the relevant state nursing regulatory authority and pass the NCLEX-RN when required for licensure. Additional requirements can vary by state, including application, background and credential documentation requirements.
Registered Nurse compensation can be influenced by geographic location, clinical experience, nursing specialty, education, certification, employer, practice setting, shift schedule, overtime, union or non-union employment arrangements and additional responsibilities. Benefits and retirement contributions can also affect the overall value of a nursing position.
Nursing can provide a broad healthcare career with opportunities in hospitals, outpatient facilities, home healthcare, long-term care, community health and specialty services. Registered Nurses can also pursue additional education and move toward advanced practice, management, education, research or specialized clinical roles. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics also projects continued employment opportunities for Registered Nurses through the 2024–2034 period.
Nursing offers a broad healthcare career that combines direct patient care, clinical judgment, communication and ongoing professional development. Registered Nurses can work across hospitals, outpatient services, home healthcare, long-term care and specialized clinical environments, making the profession suitable for a wide range of career interests.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported a $98,430 mean annual wage for Registered Nurses in May 2025. That figure is equivalent to approximately $8,203 per month or $1,893 per week when converted mathematically. The BLS also reported a mean hourly wage of approximately $47.32. These figures represent the national Registered Nurse occupational category and are not guaranteed wages for every nurse.
Actual nursing compensation can be influenced by state, metropolitan area, clinical specialty, experience, education, certification, employer, practice setting and work schedule. Night and weekend differentials, overtime, benefits and additional responsibilities can also affect the overall value of an employment package.
Registered Nursing can provide a flexible and long-term healthcare career with opportunities for specialization, leadership, advanced education and career progression. The BLS wage benchmark offers a useful national reference, while nurses should evaluate location, specialty, employer, schedule, qualifications and total compensation when comparing career opportunities.
The Nurse salary information published by SalaryPayslip is provided for general educational and informational purposes. Nursing compensation can vary according to professional experience, nursing specialty, education, certification, employer, geographic location, practice setting, shift schedule, overtime opportunities and other employment conditions.
Salary amounts and employment information presented in this guide are not guaranteed earnings, employment offers or contractual compensation. Annual figures and their calculated monthly, weekly or hourly equivalents are provided for comparison and research purposes only. Readers should confirm current pay information with prospective healthcare employers, state licensing authorities, professional organizations and authoritative U.S. labor-market sources.
SalaryPayslip reviews publicly available government wage statistics, healthcare workforce information and established professional resources when developing its Nurse salary guides. The BLS Registered Nurse wage benchmark is used as an official federal reference, while calculated equivalents and other market information are clearly distinguished from independently published government statistics.
The BLS wage figures referenced in this guide represent the broader Registered Nurses occupational category and do not predict the compensation of an individual nurse. Actual earnings may change because of location, experience, nursing specialty, education, certification, employer, practice setting, shift differentials, overtime, benefits and changes in the U.S. healthcare labor market.