RN Salary Overview (2025)
The national median salary for registered nurses in 2025 is $81,200/year ($39.04/hr) according to BLS data — but total compensation varies dramatically by state, specialty, and setting.
RN Salaries by State (Top 10)
| State | Median Annual Salary | Median Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| California | $130,500 | $62.74 |
| Hawaii | $113,600 | $54.62 |
| Washington | $103,800 | $49.90 |
| Massachusetts | $101,900 | $48.99 |
| Oregon | $101,400 | $48.75 |
| Alaska | $100,700 | $48.41 |
| New York | $99,400 | $47.79 |
| Nevada | $97,200 | $46.73 |
| New Jersey | $96,300 | $46.30 |
| Connecticut | $96,100 | $46.20 |
Lowest-cost states with competitive salaries: Texas, Florida, and Arizona offer strong take-home pay relative to cost of living.
RN Salaries by Specialty
| Specialty | Annual Median | Hourly Median |
|---|---|---|
| CRNA (Nurse Anesthetist) | $212,000 | $101.92 |
| NP (Nurse Practitioner) | $125,900 | $60.53 |
| ICU / Critical Care RN | $95,000–$115,000 | $45–$55 |
| ER / Emergency RN | $88,000–$108,000 | $42–$52 |
| OR / Perioperative RN | $85,000–$105,000 | $41–$50 |
| L&D / OB RN | $82,000–$100,000 | $39–$48 |
| Med-Surg RN | $72,000–$88,000 | $35–$42 |
| Home Health RN | $70,000–$84,000 | $34–$40 |
Salary Boosters
- Night shift differential: +10–20% (often $3–$8/hr extra)
- Weekend differential: +10–15%
- Charge nurse premium: +$1–$4/hr
- BSN vs. ADN: BSN holders typically earn 5–15% more
- Certifications (CEN, CCRN, CNOR): +$3,000–$8,000/year
- Union facilities: Often 10–30% above non-union for same role
How to Negotiate Your Nursing Salary
- Research the market rate for your specialty and state before your first conversation
- Anchor high — your first number sets the frame
- Factor in the total package: shift differentials, sign-on bonus, PTO cash-out, tuition reimbursement
- Don't accept on the spot — ask for 24–48 hours to review
- Get every verbal promise in writing before signing