Average Nursing Salaries in the US: 2024 Data & Trends

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 average annual salary for nursing jobs can vary significantly depending on the location, specialty, and experience of the nurse. For example, nurses in California earn an average of $115,000 per year, while nurses in Mississippi earn an average of $60,000 per year. Nurses who specialize in critical care or anesthesia can earn significantly more than those who work in general medicine or surgery. Nurses with more years of experience also tend to earn higher salaries.

In general, nursing is a well-paying profession with excellent job opportunities. Nurses are in high demand, and the job outlook is expected to grow by 9% from 2020 to 2030.