Registered Nurse Salary: Average Pay & Career Outlook (2024)

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for registered nurses was $73,300 in May 2020. The lowest 10% earned less than $53,000, and the highest 10% earned more than $114,360.

Registered nurses work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, doctors' offices, and nursing homes. They provide care to patients of all ages, and their duties can include administering medications, changing dressings, and monitoring vital signs.

The demand for registered nurses is expected to grow by 7% from 2019 to 2029, faster than the average for all occupations. This growth is expected to be driven by an aging population and an increase in the number of people with chronic diseases.

If you are interested in becoming a registered nurse, you will need to complete an accredited nursing program. These programs typically take two to four years to complete. Once you have completed a nursing program, you will need to pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) in order to practice as a registered nurse.