Median Pay and National Salary Overview
Registered nurses earned a median annual wage of approximately $81,220 as of May 2023, with the top 10 percent earning more than $129,480, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics BLS occupational outlook. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $59,450, and employment is projected to grow 6 percent from 2022 to 2032, faster than the average for all occupations.
Pay nurses vary significantly by state, with California, Hawaii, Oregon, Washington, and Massachusetts consistently reporting the highest mean salaries. The BLS notes that industries such as outpatient care centers, government, and hospitals offer different compensation packages, and location-based differentials can add tens of thousands of dollars to base pay.
Top-Paying Nursing Roles and Specialties
Nurse practitioners, certified registered nurse anesthetists, and nurse midwives represent the highest-paying advanced practice roles, with median annual wages for nurse practitioners exceeding $120,000 in recent data. Specialized roles in areas such as psychiatric mental health, neonatal intensive care, and pain management often command higher salaries due to demand and certification requirements.
Advanced Practice and Leadership Positions
Clinical nurse specialists, nurse administrators, and nurse practitioners with subspecialties in oncology, cardiology, or critical care frequently earn above the median for all nursing roles. Advanced degrees, national certifications, and leadership experience are key drivers of higher compensation in these tracks.
Factors That Influence Pay Nurses Earn
Education level is a primary factor, with nurses holding a Bachelor of Science in Nursing or higher typically earning more than those with an associate degree or diploma. Additional certifications, such as Critical Care Registered Nurse or Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist, can significantly increase earning potential.
Work setting also affects pay nurses receive, with outpatient care centers, specialty hospitals, and federal executive branches often offering higher wages than general medical and surgical hospitals. Shift differentials, overtime, sign-on bonuses, and geographic cost-of-living adjustments further shape total compensation packages.