Registered Nurse Salary: Average Pay & Factors Affecting Income

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.

The salary for a nurse can vary depending on a number of factors, including:

Experience: Nurses with more experience typically earn higher salaries.

Education: Nurses with higher degrees, such as a master's degree in nursing, typically earn higher salaries.

Location: Nurses who work in certain geographic areas, such as urban areas or areas with a high cost of living, typically earn higher salaries.

Specialty: Some nursing specialties, such as critical care nursing or nurse anesthesia, typically pay higher salaries than other nursing specialties.

In addition to these factors, the salary for a nurse can also be affected by the type of employer, such as a hospital, clinic, or private practice.