Registered Nurse Salary: Median Pay & Salary Ranges (2024)

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% of earned less than $51,560, and the highest 10% earned more than $118,040.

The average annual salary for a nurse can vary depending on several factors, including:

* Location: Nurses who work in rural areas or states with a low cost of living typically earn less than those who work in urban areas or states with a high cost of living.

* Experience: Nurses with more experience typically earn more than those with less experience.

* Education: Nurses with higher levels of education, such as a master's degree or doctorate, typically earn more than those with only a bachelor's degree.

* Specialty: Nurses who specialize in certain areas, such as critical care or anesthesia, typically earn more than those who work in general nursing.