Registered Nurse Salary: Median, Factors & Career Outlook

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for registered nurses was $77,600 in May 2021. The lowest 10% earned less than $58,510, and the highest 10% earned more than $123,780.

Registered nurses' salaries can vary depending on several factors, including:

- Education and experience

- Location

- Type of employer (hospital, clinic, private practice, etc.)

- Shift differential (pay varies by daytime, evening, and night shifts)

- Specialty (critical care, oncology, pediatrics, etc.)

Registered nurses with advanced education and experience can earn higher salaries. For example, nurse practitioners and clinical nurse specialists typically earn more than staff nurses. Registered nurses who work in metropolitan areas also tend to earn higher salaries than those who work in rural areas.