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The average nurse salary can vary greatly by state, industry, and specialty.
Whether you’re a travel nurse considering working in a new state or a nursing student deciding on your career pathway, it’s important to know how much money you should be making.
This post is the complete guide to nurse salary statistics.
You’ll see maps and charts and learn everything you need to know about how nursing salaries vary by location, industry, and specialty.
The average annual wage for a Registered Nurse (RN) in the United States is $82,750.
The bottom 10% of annual nursing salaries is $59,450.
The top 10% of RNs make an annual salary of $120,250.
The median annual salary for an RN is $75,330.
The mean hourly wage for a Registered Nurse in the United States is $39.78.
The bottom 10% of RNs make an hourly wage of $28.58.
The top 10% of RNs make an hourly wage of $57.81.
The median hourly wage for an RN is $37.31.
One of the great things about the nursing profession is that there are so many career pathways and specialities to choose from.
However, nursing salaries vary greatly by specialty.
To learn more about each speciality, continue reading below.
You’ll also learn what level of nursing degree you’ll need to pursue each speciality. That way, you’ll know if you need a:
The highest-paying nursing speciality is the Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA).
The average annual salary for a CRNA is $189,190.
This breaks down to $90.96 per hour.
The bottom 10% of CRNAs make $133,970 per year.
Meanwhile, the top 10% can make more than 208,000 per year.
States that pay CRNAs the most are:
CRNAs reposnsiblties include:
An MSN is required to become a CRNA. However, a Doctorate of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree may be necessary by 2025.
Continue reading to explore salaries for other nursing specialities.
The average annual salary for a Nurse Midwife is $114,210.
This breaks down to $54.91 per hour.
The bottom 10% of Nurse Midwives make $61,50 per year.
Meanwhile, the top 10% can make $166,170 per year.
States with the highest annual average Nurse Midwife salaries include:
Nurse Midwives are responsible for diagnosing and coordinating all aspects of the birthing process.
An MSN is required to become a Nurse Midwife.
The average annual salary for a Nurse Practitioner is $118,040.
This breaks down to $56.75 per hour.
The bottom 10% of Nurse Practitioners make $79,470.
Meanwhile, the top 10% can make $163,350.
States with the highest annual Nurse Practitioner inlcude:
Nurse Practitioner duties can include:
An MSN is required to become a Nurse Practitioner.
The average annual salary for a Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) is $114,993.
This breaks down to $55 an hour.
Clinical Nurse Specialist job responsibilities include:
They can also take on roles in other areas, such as research and healthcare management.
To become a CNS, you will need to obtain a Master’s of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree.
The average salary for a Registered Nurse First Assistant (RNFA) is $104,477..
This breaks down to about $50 per hour.
Registered Nurse First Assistants are a surgeon’s first assistant during operations. Specific duties may include:
A BSN is required to become an RNFA.
The average salary for a Enterostomal Therapy Nurse is $97,300.
This breaks down to about $47 per hour.
Enterostomal Therapy Nurses primarily help treat patients with ostomies, such as:
These nurses also sometimes treat conditions like wounds or incontinence.
A BSN is required to become an ET Nurse.
The average annual salary for a Nurse Educator is $82,040.
The bottom 10% of Nurse Educators only make $47,630 per year.
Meanwhile, the top 10% can make as much as $125,930 per year.
States with the highest annual mean Nurse Educator salaries include:
Nurse Educators teach nursing students at colleges and universities. They can be faculty members at nursing schools and teaching hospitals, and many also work in clinical settings.
An MSN is required to become a Nurse Educator.
The average annual salary for a Legal Nurse Consultant (LNC) is $86,644.
This breaks down to $49.32 per hour.
Legal Nurse Consultants are RNs that provide legal consultation to attorneys regarding medical issues. Some specific responsibilities may include:
A BSN is required to become a Legal Nurse Consultant.
The average annual salary for a Life Care Planner is $77,463.
This breaks down to $37 per hour.
Life Care Planners create long-term plans for patients with serious injuries or chronic illness. Some specific responsibilities include:
A BSN is required to become a Life Care Planner.
The average annual salary for a Cosmetic Nurse is $66,514.
This breaks down to $32 per hour.
Cosmetic Nurses provide cosmetic services for their patients. This could include:
A Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing (BSN) is required to become a cosmetic nurse.
The average salary for a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) or Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) is $48,070.
This breaks down to $23.11 per hour.
LPNs and LVNs provide basic nursing care. More specific responsibilities include:
No degree is required to become an LPN or LVN. However, a certification is necessary.
The average annual salary for a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) is $30,290.
This breaks down to $14.56 per hour.
The median annual salary is $30,290.
Certified Nursing Assistants job responsibilities include:
No degree is required to become a Certified Nursing Assistant. However, the position does require a certification program.
It’s easy to think Registered Nurses only work bedside roles in hospitals. However, there are plenty of other career opportunities available to them.
In fact, RNs can work in a variety of different industries.
The BLS classifies workplaces into industry categories based on the primary purpose of the workplace.
RNs in the Business Support Services industry make an annual mean salary of $106,670.
This breaks down to $51.28 an hour.
While the pay is great, RNs make up only 0.07% of workers in this industry.
The 3 highest-paying jobs in this industry include:
RNs in the Federal Executive Branch Industry make an annual mean salary of $96,230.
This breaks down to $46.26 an hour.
Registered Nurses make up 4.17% of workers in this industry.
The 3 highest-paying jobs in this industry include:
RNs in the Pharmaceutical and Medicine Manufacturing industry make an annual mean salary of $92,110.
This breaks down to $44.29 an hour.
Registered Nurses make up only 0.11% of workers in this industry.
The 3 highest-paying jobs in this industry include:
RNs in the Other Investment Pools and Funds industry make an annual mean salary of $91,990.
This breaks down to $44.23 an hour.
Registered Nurses make up only 0.92% of this industry.
The 3 highest-paying jobs in this industry include:
RNs in the Office Administrative Services industry make an annual mean salary of $89,490.
This breaks down to $43.02 an hour.
Unfortunately, there is no data about the percentage of industry employment.
The 3 highest-paying jobs in this industry include:
Nursing salaries vary amongst specialties and industries. Not surprisingly, they also vary by location.
It’s important to remember that the cost of living has an impact on how much nurses get paid.
For example, the cost of living index in California is 151.7. Meanwhile, the cost of living index in Alabama is 89.3.
This is one of the reasons RNs get paid so much more in California than Alabama.
The following map allows you to get an idea of the average RN salary in each state.
For more information on each state, continue reading below.
California is the state that pays Registered Nurses the most.
The average annual wage for an RN in California is $120,560.
Meanwhile, the average hourly wage is $57.96.
The top-paying states after California include:
Alabama is the state that pays Registered Nurses the least.
The average annual wage for an RN in Alabama is $60,230.
Meanwhile, the average hourly wage is $28.96.
The lowest-paying states after Alabama include:
The average annual salary for a Registered Nurse in Alabama is $60,230.
Alabama’s average hourly wage is $28.96.
The state employs about 48,850 RNs.
The average annual salary for a Registered Nurse in Alaska is $95,270.
Alaska’s average hourly wage is $45.81.
The state employs about 6,240 RNs.
The average annual salary for a Registered Nurse in Arizona is $80,380.
Arizona’s average hourly wage is $38.64.
The state employs about 55,520 RNs.
The average annual salary for a Registered Nurse in Arkansas is $63,640.
Arkansas’ average hourly wage is $30.60.
The state employs about 25,300 RNs.
The average annual salary for a Registered Nurse in California is $120,560.
California’s average hourly wage is $57.96.
The state employs about 307,060 RNs.
Los Angeles is a travel nursing destination located in California. LA may be a good choice if you’re looking to work in an exciting city with lots of sun.
The average annual salary for a Registered Nurse in Colorado is $77,860.
Colorado’s average hourly wage is $37.43.
The state employs about 52,330.
The travel nursing destination, Denver, is located in Colorado. The city has multiple top-rated hospitals and lots of sun.
The average annual salary for a Registered Nurse in Connecticut is $84,850.
Connecticut’s average hourly wage is $40.79.
The state employs about 33,400 RNs.
The average annual salary for a Registered Nurse in Delaware is $74,330.
Delaware’s average hourly wage is $35.74.
The state employs about 11,410 RNs.
The average annual salary for a Registered Nurse in Florida is $69,510.
Florida’s average hourly wage is $33.42.
The state employs about 183,130 RNs.
Jacksonville is a travel nursing destination located in Florida. The city has beautiful beaches and a relatively low cost of living.
The average annual salary for a Registered Nurse in Georgia is $71,510.
Georgia’s average hourly wage is $34.38.
The state employs about 73,230 RNs.
The average annual salary for a Registered Nurse in Hawaii is $104,830.
Hawaii’s average hourly wage is $50.40
The state employs about 11,260 RNs.
Hawaii is home to the travel nursing destination, Honolulu. The city has a relatively high demand for nurses and is located on a beautiful.
The average annual salary for a Registered Nurse in Idaho is $71,640.
Idaho’s average hourly wage is $34.44.
The state employs about 12,800 RNs.
The average annual salary for a Registered Nurse in Illinois is $74,560.
Illinois’ average hourly wage is $35.85.
The state employs about 127,450 RNs.
Illinois is home to Chicago, a great travel nursing destination with a high demand for nurses.
The average annual salary for a Registered Nurse in Indiana is $67,490.
Indiana’s average hourly wage is $32.45.
The state employs about 66,460 RNs.
The average annual salary for a Registered Nurse in Iowa is $62,570.
Iowa’s average hourly wage is $30.08.
The state employs about 32,610 RNs.
The average annual salary for a Registered Nurse in Kansas is $64,200.
Kansas’ average hourly wage is $30.87
The state employs about 29,430 RNs.
Kansas is a great travel nursing destination if you’re looking to live in an affordable area with smaller hospitals.
The average annual salary for a Registered Nurse in Kentucky is $64,730.
Kentucky’s average hourly wage is $31.12.
The state employs about 42,940 RNs.
The average annual salary for a Registered Nurse in Louisiana is $68,010.
Louisiana’s average hourly wage is $32.70.
The state employs about 41,690 RNs.
The average annual salary for a Registered Nurse in Maine is $71,040.
Maine’s average hourly wage is $34.16.
The state employs about 14,160 RNs.
The average annual salary for a Registered Nurse in Maryland is $81,590.
Maryland’s average hourly wage is $39.23.
The state employs about 51,480 RNs.
Maryland is also home to the travel nursing destination Baltimore. The city is home to one of America’s top-rated hospitals, Johns Hopkins.
The average annual salary for a Registered Nurse in Massachusetts is $96,250.
Massachusetts’ average hourly wage is $46.27.
The state employs about 84,030 RNs.
The travel nursing destination, Boston, is located in Massachusetts. It’s a great place to work if you want to live in a city with lots of history and things to do.
The average annual salary for a Registered Nurse in Michigan is $73,980.
Michigan’s average hourly wage is $35.57.
The state employs about 97,820 RNs.
The average annual salary for a Registered Nurse in Minnesota is $80,960.
Minnesota’s average hourly wage is $38.92.
The state employs about 70,820 RNs.
The average annual salary for a Registered Nurse in Mississippi is $61,250.
Mississippi’s average hourly wage is $29.45.
The state employs about 28,800 RNs.
The average annual salary for a Registered Nurse in Missouri is $65,900.
Missouri’s average hourly wage is $31.68.
The state employs about 71,560 RNs.
The average annual salary for a Registered Nurse in Montana is $70,530.
Montana’s average hourly wage is $33.91.
The state employs about 9,980 RNs.
The average annual salary for a Registered Nurse in Nebraska is $69,480.
Nebraska’s average hourly wage is $33.41.
The state employs about 24,060 RNs.
The average annual salary for a Registered Nurse in Nevada is $89,750.
Nevada’s average hourly wage is $43.15.
The state employs about 23,420 RNs.
The average annual salary for a Registered Nurse in New Hampshire is $75,970.
New Hampshire’s average hourly wage is $36.52.
The state employs about 13,840 RNs.
The average annual salary for a Registered Nurse in New Jersey is $85,720.
New Jersey’s average hourly wage is $41.21.
The state employs about 78,590 RNs.
The average annual salary for a Registered Nurse in New Mexico is $75,700.
New Mexico’s average hourly wage is $36.40.
The state employs about 17,100 RNs.
The average annual salary for a Registered Nurse in New York is $89,760.
New York’s average hourly wage is $43.16.
The state employs about 178,550 RNs.
The average annual salary for a Registered Nurse in North Carolina is $68,950.
North Carolina’s average hourly wage is $33.15.
The state employs about 99,110 RNs.
The average annual salary for a Registered Nurse in North Dakota is $69,630.
North Dakota’s average hourly wage is $33.47.
The state employs about 9,970 RNs.
The average annual salary for a Registered Nurse in Ohio is $69,750.
Ohio’s average hourly wage is $33.53.
The state employs about 129,090 RNs.
The average annual salary for a Registered Nurse in Oklahoma is $66,600.
Oklahoma’s average hourly wage is $32.02.
The state employs about 32,950 RNs.
The average annual salary for a Registered Nurse in Oregon is $96,230.
Oregon’s average hourly wage is $46.27.
The state employs about 36,840 RNs.
The travel nursing destination, Portland, is located in Oregon. The city boasts top-rated hospitals and beautiful parks and forests.
The average annual salary for a Registered Nurse in Pennsylvania is $74,170.
Pennsylvania’s average hourly wage is $35.66.
The state employs about 146,640 RNs.
The average annual salary for a Registered Nurse in Rhode Island is $82,790.
Rhode Island’s average hourly wage is $39.81.
The state employs about 12,150 RNs.
The average annual salary for a Registered Nurse in South Carolina is $67,140.
South Carolina’s average hourly wage is $32.28.
The state employs about 45,930 RNs.
Charleston is a travel nursing destination located in South Carolina. If you’re looking for a city with a rich history, this may be a good choice.
The average annual salary for a Registered Nurse in South Dakota is $60,960.
South Dakota’s average hourly wage is $29.31.
The state employs about 13,130 RNs.
The average annual salary for a Registered Nurse in Tennessee is $64,120.
Tennessee’s average hourly wage is $30.83.
The state employs about 61,040 RNs.
The average annual salary for a Registered Nurse in Texas is $76,800.
Texas’ average hourly wage is $36.92.
The state employs about 219,330 RNs.
Austin, a travel nursing destination, is located in Texas. It is one of America’s best up-and-coming cities.
The average annual salary for a Registered Nurse in Utah is $70,370.
Utah’s average hourly wage is $33.83.
The state employs about 23,690 RNs.
The average annual salary for a Registered Nurse in Vermont is $72,140.
Vermont’s average hourly wage is $34.68.
The state employs about 6,810 RNs.
The average annual salary for a Registered Nurse in Virginia is $74,380.
Virginia’s average hourly wage is $35.76.
The state employs about 66,450 RNs.
The average annual salary for a Registered Nurse in Washington is $91,310.
Washington’s average hourly wage is $43.90.
The state employs about 59,300 RNs.
The average annual salary for a Registered Nurse in West Virginia is $65,130.
West Virginia’s average hourly wage is $31.31.
The state employs about 19,800 RNs.
The average annual salary for a Registered Nurse in Wisconsin is $74,760.
Wisconsin’s average hourly wage is $35.94.
The state employs about 63,630 RNs.
The average annual salary for a Registered Nurse in Wyoming is $72,600.
Wyoming’s average hourly wage is $34.90.
The state employs about 5,010 RNs.
