Registered Nurse (RN)
Salary Guide
Registered Nurses provide and coordinate patient care, educate patients about health conditions, and provide emotional support to patients and their families.
Based on BLS and hospital salary data. Education: BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing) + NCLEX
Top Employers
Highest Paying Companies for Registered Nurse (RN)
Compensation varies significantly by company. Here are the top-paying employers for registered nurse (rn) roles, including base salary, bonuses, and equity.
Total compensation including base, bonus, and equity. Data from employee reports.
By Location
Registered Nurse (RN) Salary by City
Location significantly impacts salary. Tech hubs like San Francisco and Seattle offer the highest salaries, but also have the highest cost of living. Consider the cost-of-living adjusted salary when comparing offers.
Pro Tip
A $145K salary in San Francisco, CA has similar purchasing power to $72K in Houston, TX. Always negotiate based on local market data.
By Industry
Registered Nurse (RN) Salary by Industry
Different industries pay different premiums for registered nurse (rn) talent. Technology and finance typically offer the highest compensation, while government and nonprofit sectors pay less but may offer better work-life balance.
- Hospital: $85K/yr
- Outpatient Care: $78K/yr
- Home Health: $72K/yr
- Travel Nursing: $120K/yr
Skills & Qualifications
What Skills Do Registered Nurse (RN)s Need?
The most in-demand skills for registered nurse (rn) roles in 2026. Mastering these skills can increase your earning potential by 15-30%.
Education: BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing) + NCLEX
Career Path
Registered Nurse (RN) Career Trajectory
Your salary grows significantly with experience. Entry-level registered nurse (rn)s start around $60K, while senior professionals with 8+ years can earn $115K or more.
200K+ open positions · 6% projected growth (2024-2034)
How to Negotiate a Higher Registered Nurse (RN) Salary
Use the STAR method to structure your negotiation points with concrete examples.
Research market rates
Use this page and sites like Glassdoor, Levels.fyi, and Payscale to understand the range for your role, experience, and location.
Document your achievements
Prepare 3-5 STAR stories that quantify your impact. Example: "Reduced API latency by 40%, saving $200K/year in infrastructure costs."
Practice your pitch
Use StarInterview to practice answering salary negotiation questions. Get AI feedback on clarity and confidence.
Consider total compensation
Don't just negotiate base salary. Consider equity, bonus, signing bonus, remote work flexibility, and learning budget.
Time it right
Negotiate after receiving an offer, during performance reviews, or when taking on new responsibilities.
Frequently Asked Questions About Registered Nurse (RN) Salary
How much does a Registered Nurse (RN) make in 2026?↓
The average Registered Nurse (RN) salary in the United States is $82,780 per year ($83K/yr). The salary range is typically $63,000 to $115,000 depending on experience, location, and industry.
What is the highest paying company for Registered Nurse (RN)?↓
Kaiser Permanente pays the highest at $130K total compensation. Other top payers include Cleveland Clinic and Mayo Clinic.
What city pays the most for Registered Nurse (RN)?↓
San Francisco, CA offers the highest average salary at $145K, but also has very high cost of living.
What skills do I need as a Registered Nurse (RN)?↓
Key skills include: Patient Care, EMR Systems, IV Therapy, Medication Administration, Critical Thinking, CPR/BLS. BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing) + NCLEX is typically required.
What is the job outlook for Registered Nurse (RN)?↓
The projected growth rate is 6% from 2024 to 2034, with approximately 200K+ current job openings in the US.
How can I increase my Registered Nurse (RN) salary?↓
Focus on acquiring in-demand skills (Patient Care, EMR Systems, IV Therapy), gaining certifications, negotiating with data, and considering higher-paying industries or locations.
Also searched as: RN, Staff Nurse, Clinical Nurse. Salary data compiled from industry surveys, government statistics (BLS), and employee-reported compensation data. Last updated September 2026.
Ready to negotiate your Registered Nurse (RN) salary?
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