The average annual salary for a registered nurse (RN) in the United States is about $98,430 as of 2024-2025, which corresponds to roughly $47.32 per hour
. However, nurse salaries vary significantly depending on the state, type of healthcare facility, level of education, years of experience, and nursing specialty
. Nurse Salary Highlights in the U.S.:
- National average RN salary: $98,430 per year
- Median RN salary: $93,600 per year
- Highest-paying states include California ($148,330), Hawaii ($123,720), Oregon ($120,470), Washington ($115,740), and Massachusetts ($112,610)
- Salaries differ by work setting, e.g., general hospitals average around $101,060, skilled nursing facilities about $87,370, and home health services about $89,940 annually
Specialized Nursing Roles:
- Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) are the highest-paid nurses, earning around $223,210 annually
- Labor and delivery nurses have a wide salary range from about $55,500 to $189,500 depending on location and experience
International Comparison:
- In Germany, the average nurse salary is approximately 33,000 euros per year, with monthly pay between 2,800 and 2,900 euros
Overall, nursing salaries are influenced by geographic location, education level, specialty, and work environment. Advanced degrees and specialized certifications typically lead to higher pay
. In summary, a nurse in the U.S. can expect to make roughly $93,600 to $98,430 annually on average, with potential to earn significantly more in specialized roles or high-paying states