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Registered nurse: pay, job outlook and how to become one

Updated October 23, 2026. Based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and O*NET data. Published by Humblebee.

$97,550median pay per year, or $46.90 an hour, May 2025[1]
  1. $68,940lowest 10% earn less
  2. $80,33025th percentile
  3. $97,550median
  4. $112,35075th percentile
  5. $137,470top 10% earn more
Middle half of workers in the inner band[7]Median for all US jobs, $50,980[2]

Registered nurses earned a median of $97,550 a year in May 2025, well above the $50,980 median for all occupations[1][2]. Getting in takes an approved nursing program and a state license, and BLS expects jobs to grow faster than average over the next decade[3][4][5][6].

Job growth, 2025–35
+5.6%[5]
Openings per year
180,800[8]
Typical entry education
Bachelor's degree[9]

How much do registered nurses make?

The median wage for registered nurses was $97,550 a year, or $46.90 an hour, in May 2025[1]. Half earned more than that and half earned less[1]. The mean (average) was a little higher, at $101,420 a year and $48.76 an hour[10]. For comparison, the median for all US occupations was $50,980 a year[2].

Pay spreads out quite a bit. The lowest-paid 10% of registered nurses earned less than $68,940 a year, and the highest-paid 10% earned more than $137,470[7]. A percentile is a cut point in the pay range, not a starting salary, which BLS does not publish[11].

Percentile Per year Per hour
10th[7][12] $68,940 $33.14
25th[7][12] $80,330 $38.62
50th, median[1] $97,550 $46.90
75th[7][12] $112,350 $54.02
90th[7][12] $137,470 $66.09

These numbers cover full-time and part-time workers who earn a wage or salary. They leave out self-employed people, and they do not count employer-paid extras like health insurance or retirement plans[13]. Only 0.5% of registered nurses were self-employed in 2025[14].

Pay by state and city

Location changes pay a lot for a registered nurse. California had the highest state median at $140,270, followed by Hawaii ($136,320), Oregon ($129,010), Washington ($124,200) and Alaska ($109,480)[15]. Alabama ($77,080) and Mississippi ($77,090) sat at the bottom of the state list[15].

The best-paying metro areas were almost all in California. San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara led with a median of $216,740, then Vallejo ($203,290) and San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont ($186,610)[16]. Kahului-Wailuku in Hawaii, at $144,350, was the only area outside California on that top-paying list[16].

For job counts, California led with 338,940, then Texas with 271,380, Florida with 229,940, New York with 205,810 and Pennsylvania with 146,520[17]. Big job markets do not always pay the most. Florida's state median was $84,190 and Texas's was $95,970, both below the national median of $97,550[15][1]. Among metro areas, New York-Newark-Jersey City had 197,740 jobs, followed by Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim (109,360) and Chicago-Naperville-Elgin (100,240)[18].

Show median pay in 50 states and DC
StateMedian per yearJobs
California[15]$140,270338,940
Hawaii$136,32012,940
Oregon$129,01039,730
Washington$124,20069,260
Alaska$109,4807,510
New York$109,440205,810
New Jersey$106,50092,680
Massachusetts$104,55088,200
Nevada$103,67027,070
Connecticut$102,74040,110
District of Columbia$102,54011,440
Minnesota$101,51070,110
Rhode Island$100,64010,090
Colorado$100,26054,490
Maryland$99,79052,910
New Hampshire$99,70015,390
Delaware$99,52014,290
Arizona$99,50073,150
Vermont$97,4607,410
Pennsylvania$96,430146,520
Illinois$95,990138,910
Texas$95,970271,380
Wisconsin$95,53068,060
New Mexico$94,34017,980
Michigan$94,300104,950
Virginia$93,60077,490
Georgia$93,550100,950
Idaho$92,46016,880
Maine$86,99016,540
Montana$85,28010,950
Nebraska$84,73024,720
Utah$84,60027,420
North Carolina$84,350111,120
Florida$84,190229,940
Wyoming$83,7605,330
Indiana$83,50068,980
Oklahoma$82,92038,270
Ohio$82,510143,730
South Carolina$82,36049,750
Missouri$81,78076,310
Tennessee$81,50072,200
Kentucky$81,04050,300
North Dakota$80,73011,340
Louisiana$80,23048,970
West Virginia$80,13023,430
Kansas$79,32033,800
Arkansas$78,94029,400
Iowa$78,63034,420
South Dakota$78,06014,710
Mississippi$77,09029,060
Alabama$77,08054,340

How to become a registered nurse

BLS lists a bachelor's degree as the typical education for entry, with no related work experience or on-the-job training needed[9]. Still, there are three ways in: a nursing bachelor's degree (BSN), a nursing associate's degree (ADN or ASN), or a diploma from a nursing program that has been approved[3][19].

1) Finish a nursing program. Classes usually cover anatomy, physiology, microbiology and psychology, plus social and behavioral sciences, and every program includes supervised clinical work[19]. 2) Get a state license. You need a nursing license from the state where you work, which means graduating from an approved program and passing a qualifying exam[4]. 3) Meet your state's other rules. Extra steps, such as a criminal background check, differ by state, and each state's board of nursing sets them[20]. 4) Add the certifications a job asks for. Some positions require CPR, basic life support or advanced cardiac life support certification[21]. Specialty certification from professional groups, in areas like ambulatory care, gerontology or pediatrics, is usually voluntary, but some employers require it[22].

How long it takes. A BSN typically takes 4 years[19]. Diploma programs, which hospitals or medical centers usually offer, run 2 to 3 years and are far less common[19]. The BLS text we draw on lists 4 years for associate's degrees as well, the same as for a BSN, so confirm the length with any program you are considering[19]. O*NET puts the job in Job Zone Four, meaning considerable preparation is needed[23].

Degree choice matters for some jobs. Licensed graduates of all three program types generally qualify for entry-level staff nurse jobs, but employers, hospitals in particular, may require a bachelor's[24]. Roles in administration, research, consulting and teaching often call for at least a bachelor's[25]. Nurses with an associate's degree or diploma can later earn a bachelor's through an RN-to-BSN program, and some employers offer tuition reimbursement[26]. Clinical nurse specialists need a master's degree in nursing and usually have worked for at least 1 year as an RN or in a similar job[27].

What registered nurses do

Registered nurses assess patients' health problems and needs, put nursing care plans into action and keep medical records[28]. Typical tasks listed by O*NET include[29]:

Workers in this field report job titles such as charge nurse, school nurse, emergency department RN, oncology RN and psychiatric RN[30].

Where they work

Hospitals (state, local and private) employed 59% of registered nurses in 2025, the largest share of any employer type[31]. Others work in ambulatory care, which includes physicians' offices, home health and outpatient care centers[32]. Home health nurses go to patients' homes, and public health nurses may work at community centers, schools and other sites[32]. Some travel around the US or abroad to work where health workers are scarce[33].

Schedules. In hospitals and nursing care facilities, nurses usually work in shifts so patients have care around the clock. That can mean nights, weekends, holidays and being on call[34]. Nurses in offices, schools and other places without 24-hour care tend to keep regular business hours[35].

Physical demands and risks. The job involves a lot of walking, bending, stretching and standing, and lifting and moving patients puts nurses at risk of back injuries[36]. Nurses can be exposed to infectious diseases, hazardous drugs, needle sticks, radiation and chemicals, and they follow strict safety rules to protect themselves[37].

Job outlook

BLS projects registered nurse employment to rise 5.6% between 2025 and 2035, reaching about 3,660,100 jobs, up from about 3,465,400[5]. That is faster than the 3.5% growth projected for all occupations[6].

About 180,800 openings are expected each year on average[8]. That count includes jobs that open up when nurses retire or switch occupations, not only brand-new jobs[8]. Each year, an average of 2.5% of registered nurses are projected to leave the labor force and 2% to move into a different occupation[38].

The projection counts include self-employed workers[5]. The May 2025 wage survey counted about 3,379,720 wage and salary jobs, a separate measure[39].

Is it a good fit?

The facts describe a job that pays well above the all-occupations median, $97,550 versus $50,980, with about 180,800 openings a year[1][2][8]. Getting in means finishing an approved nursing program and passing a qualifying exam for a state license, and some employers, hospitals in particular, may want a bachelor's degree[4][24]. Expect physical work, contact with illness and, in hospitals, shifts that can include nights and weekends[36][37][34]. Where you work matters, with state medians from $77,080 in Alabama to $140,270 in California[15]. Related roles such as nurse practitioner need a master's degree and had a median of $132,300[40].

Related occupations from O*NET, with BLS median pay and projected growth[40].

Frequently asked questions

How much does a registered nurse make an hour?
The median hourly wage was $46.90 in May 2025[1]. The lowest-paid 10% earned less than $33.14 an hour, and the highest-paid 10% earned more than $66.09[12].
How long does it take to become a registered nurse?
A BSN typically takes 4 years, and a diploma program usually runs 2 to 3 years[19]. After that you need to pass a qualifying exam to get your state license[4].
What degree do you need to be a registered nurse?
BLS lists a bachelor's degree as the typical entry education[9]. An associate's degree in nursing or an approved diploma can also lead to a license and entry-level staff nurse jobs, though hospitals may require a bachelor's[3][24].
Are registered nurses in demand?
BLS projects 5.6% job growth from 2025 to 2035, compared with 3.5% for all occupations[5][6]. About 180,800 openings are expected each year[8].
What is the highest paying state for registered nurses?
California, with a median of $140,270 a year in May 2025[15]. The top-paying metro area was San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA, at $216,740[16].

Facts and sources

  1. BLS OEWS, May 2025: the median wage for Registered Nurses in the US was $97,550 per year and $46.90 per hour. Half of workers earned more and half earned less. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  2. BLS OEWS, May 2025: the median annual wage for all occupations in the US was $50,980. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  3. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  4. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  5. BLS Employment Projections: employment of Registered Nurses is projected to grow 5.6% from 2025 to 2035, from about 3,465,400 to 3,660,100 jobs (a change of +194,700). These counts include self-employed workers. BLS Employment Projections
  6. BLS Employment Projections: employment in all occupations is projected to grow 3.5% from 2025 to 2035. BLS Employment Projections
  7. BLS OEWS, May 2025, annual wage percentiles for Registered Nurses: 10th percentile $68,940, 25th percentile $80,330, 75th percentile $112,350, 90th percentile $137,470. The 10th percentile means 10% of workers earned less. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  8. BLS Employment Projections: about 180,800 openings for Registered Nurses are projected each year, on average, from 2025 to 2035. Openings include jobs that open when workers retire or move to other occupations, not only new jobs. BLS Employment Projections
  9. BLS Employment Projections, typical path into Registered Nurses: education needed for entry: Bachelor's degree; work experience in a related occupation: None; typical on-the-job training: None. BLS Employment Projections
  10. BLS OEWS, May 2025: the mean (average) wage for Registered Nurses was $101,420 per year and $48.76 per hour. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  11. BLS OEWS FAQ: a percentile wage is a boundary. The median (50th percentile) separates the highest-paid 50% from the lowest-paid 50% of workers in the occupation. OEWS publishes percentile wages, not a starting salary. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  12. BLS OEWS, May 2025, hourly wage percentiles for Registered Nurses: 10th percentile $33.14, 25th percentile $38.62, 75th percentile $54.02, 90th percentile $66.09. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  13. BLS OEWS FAQ: OEWS covers part-time and full-time workers paid a wage or salary. It does not cover the self-employed, owners and partners in unincorporated firms, household workers or unpaid family workers. OEWS wages do not include nonproduction bonuses or employer costs of benefits such as health insurance or retirement contributions. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  14. BLS Employment Projections: 0.5% of Registered Nurses were self-employed in 2025. BLS Employment Projections
  15. Median annual wage for Registered Nurses in every state with published data, May 2025 (table on this page). BLS OEWS, May 2025
  16. BLS OEWS, May 2025, metro areas with the highest median annual wage for Registered Nurses (areas with at least 100 jobs): San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA $216,740; Vallejo, CA $203,290; San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA $186,610; Santa Rosa-Petaluma, CA $174,550; Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom, CA $171,460; Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA $170,960; Yuba City, CA $149,320; Kahului-Wailuku, HI $144,350. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  17. BLS OEWS, May 2025, states with the most Registered Nurses jobs: California 338,940; Texas 271,380; Florida 229,940; New York 205,810; Pennsylvania 146,520. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  18. BLS OEWS, May 2025, metro areas with the most Registered Nurses jobs: New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ 197,740 (median $119,720); Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA 109,360 (median $135,560); Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN 100,240 (median $100,490); Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX 76,680 (median $101,420); Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD 73,790 (median $101,180); Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX 65,910 (median $99,830). BLS OEWS, May 2025
  19. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Education. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  20. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  21. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  22. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  23. O*NET 29-1141.00: Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed. A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified. O*NET OnLine
  24. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Education. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  25. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Education. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  26. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Education. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  27. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Education. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  28. O*NET description of Registered Nurses. O*NET OnLine
  29. O*NET task list for Registered Nurses. O*NET OnLine
  30. O*NET 29-1141.00 sample job titles reported by workers: Certified Operating Room Nurse (CNOR), Charge Nurse, Emergency Department RN (Emergency Department Registered Nurse), Oncology RN (Oncology Registered Nurse), Operating Room Registered Nurse (OR RN), Psychiatric RN (Psychiatric Registered Nurse), Relief Charge Nurse, School Nurse. O*NET OnLine
  31. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, largest employers of registered nurses in 2025: Hospitals; state, local, and private 59%. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  32. Occupational Outlook Handbook, Work Environment. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  33. Occupational Outlook Handbook, Work Environment. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  34. Occupational Outlook Handbook, Work Environment: Work Schedules. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  35. Occupational Outlook Handbook, Work Environment: Work Schedules. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  36. Occupational Outlook Handbook, Work Environment: Injuries and Illnesses. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  37. Occupational Outlook Handbook, Work Environment: Injuries and Illnesses. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  38. BLS Employment Projections, 2025-35 annual average for Registered Nurses: 2.5% of workers leave the labor force each year and 2% move to a different occupation. BLS Employment Projections
  39. BLS OEWS, May 2025: about 3,379,720 people were employed as Registered Nurses in the US (wage and salary jobs, not counting self-employed workers). BLS OEWS, May 2025
  40. Related occupations (O*NET) with BLS pay, growth and entry education. O*NET OnLine

Notes are for reading the data only. They are not facts and cannot be cited: use the wage_scope and percentile_meaning facts instead. OEWS employment (jobs in May 2025) and Employment Projections employment (2025, includes self-employed) are different measures and can differ. O*NET education shares come from a small survey of workers in the occupation, not from all workers.

This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerFacts has modified all or some of this information. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.