How Much Do Nurses Make? Complete 2026 Salary Guide
Registered nurses (RNs) earn a median salary of $81,220 per year in the United States. Pay ranges from $58,000 for new graduates to $115,000 for experienced nurses in high-demand specialties and locations.
Nurse Salary by Experience Level
Your years of experience are the biggest factor in nursing pay. New grad RNs typically start in the $58,000 range, while nurses with 8+ years of experience and specialized certifications can earn $115,000 or more.
| Experience | Annual | Monthly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Grad (0-2 years) | $58,000 | $4,833/mo | $28/hr |
| Experienced (3-7 years) | $82,000 | $6,833/mo | $39/hr |
| Senior/Specialized (8+ years) | $115,000 | $9,583/mo | $55/hr |
Top 10 Highest Paying States for Nurses
Location dramatically affects nurse pay. The difference between the highest and lowest paying states is $78,784 — that's a 120% premium for living in the right state.
| # | State | Median | vs National |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hawaii | $144,572 | +78% |
| 2 | California | $118,581 | +46% |
| 3 | Massachusetts | $116,145 | +43% |
| 4 | Alaska | $104,774 | +29% |
| 5 | New York | $103,149 | +27% |
| 6 | New Jersey | $97,464 | +20% |
| 7 | Washington | $96,652 | +19% |
| 8 | Connecticut | $94,215 | +16% |
| 9 | Maryland | $92,591 | +14% |
| 10 | Oregon | $90,966 | +12% |
How to Increase Your Nursing Salary
- Get specialized certifications. CRNA (nurse anesthetist), NP (nurse practitioner), and CNS (clinical nurse specialist) certifications can increase pay by $20K-$80K.
- Consider travel nursing. Travel nurses earn 20-50% more than staff nurses, plus housing stipends and bonuses. Especially lucrative in high-demand states.
- Move to a high-paying state. The gap between states is massive. A nurse in Hawaii earns $78,784 more than in Mississippi.
- Work night/weekend shifts. Shift differentials typically add $3-$8/hour, translating to $6K-$16K more annually.
- Negotiate with data. Use our salary negotiation guide to benchmark your pay against local market rates.
Nursing Specialties & Pay
Not all nursing roles pay the same. Here's how specialization affects earnings:
Find Nursing Jobs
Browse open RN positions across all 50 states: