Registered Nurse Salaries in the US: 2021 Data and Geographic Variation

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

Geographic Variation

RN salaries vary significantly by state and metropolitan area:

• California: Average ~$115,000/year (highest in the nation)
• Mississippi: Average ~$60,000/year (among the lowest)

Other high-paying states include Hawaii, Massachusetts, Oregon, and Alaska.

Specialty and Experience Impact

• Critical care, anesthesia, and perioperative nurses typically earn higher salaries.
• Advanced practice roles (nurse practitioners, nurse anesthetists) command significantly higher compensation.
• Years of experience correlate with increased earnings.

Job Outlook

The BLS projects 9% employment growth for RNs from 2020 to 2030, faster than the average for all occupations, driven by an aging population, chronic disease prevalence, and healthcare expansion.

Note: 2021 is the latest finalized BLS data; more recent estimates may vary. For current figures, consult the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program.