Registered Nurse Salary in the U.S.: 2024 Data, Specialties & Outlook

RN Compensation Landscape (BLS May 2023 / 2024 Projections)

Median annual wage: $81,220 (BLS May 2023). Mean: $89,010. Range: $61,250 (10th %ile) – $129,400 (90th %ile).

Highest‑Paying Specialties (Typical Premium)

• Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA): $200k+ (requires DNP/MSN + cert).
• Nurse Practitioner (NP): $120k‑$140k (varies by specialty/state).
• Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS): $105k‑$130k.
• Informatics, Critical Care (CCRN), ER, OR, Cath Lab, NICU: $90k‑$120k base + differentials.
• Travel Nursing: $100k‑$180k+ (tax‑free stipends, crisis rates).

Geographic Variation

• Top states: CA ($124k), HI, OR, MA, AK ($100k+).
• Lowest: AL, MS, SD, IA, AR (~$65k‑$70k).
• Metro premium: 15‑25% over rural.

Experience & Education Impact

• BSN > ADN (many hospitals require BSN; magnet status).
• MSN/DNP opens APRN roles.
• Certifications (CCRN, CEN, CNOR, etc.) add $2k‑$5k/yr.

Job Outlook

6% growth 2022‑2032 (BLS) – ~193,100 openings/year. Drivers: aging population, chronic disease, nurse retirement, faculty shortage.

Maximizing Earnings

• Pursue BSN → MSN/DNP → APRN.
• Obtain high‑demand certifications.
• Consider travel/per diem for flexibility + premium.
• Negotiate shift differentials, preceptor pay, clinical ladder advancement.