Healthcare Idaho (ID) Rank #29 of 50

Registered Nurse Salary in Idaho

The median registered nurse salary in Idaho is $74,722 per year, which is 8% below the national median of $81,220.

Median Salary
$74,722
vs National
$-6,498
State Rank
#29 of 50
Cost of Living
94%

Registered Nurse Salary Overview in Idaho (2026)

Idaho ranks #29 out of 50 states for registered nurse compensation. Registered Nurse salaries in Idaho are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $74,722 per year, registered nurses in Idaho earn $6,498 less than the national median of $81,220.

A key advantage of working in Idaho is its below-average cost of living (94% of the national index). This means the $74,722 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $79,491 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in Idaho is significant: registered nurses at the 10th percentile earn $52,808, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $111,136 — a $58,328 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Idaho for this role is Boise, where the median reaches $79,596.

Nationally, registered nurse employment is projected to grow 6% over the next decade (faster than average). This steady growth indicates stable demand for registered nurses across the country.

Registered Nurse Salary in Idaho by Experience

In Idaho, an entry-level registered nurse earns around $53,360, while experienced professionals earn up to $105,800 per year. The cost of living index in Idaho is 94% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$53,360
$-4,640 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$75,440
$-6,560 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$105,800
$-9,200 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Idaho

Percentile ID Salary
10th Percentile $52,808
25th Percentile $61,456
Median (50th) $74,722
75th Percentile $93,012
90th Percentile $111,136

Registered Nurse Salary by City in Idaho

The largest employment areas for registered nurses in Idaho include Boise, Meridian, Nampa, and Idaho Falls. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Registered Nurse in Idaho

Education

Most registered nurse positions require a bachelor's degree. Idaho has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Patient AssessmentMedication AdministrationCritical ThinkingCommunicationEMR SystemsBLS/ACLS

Job Outlook in Idaho

Nationally, registered nurse employment is projected to grow 6% over the next decade (faster than average). Idaho's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Registered Nurse Salary in Idaho

How much does a Registered Nurse make in Idaho? ▼
The median registered nurse salary in Idaho is $74,722 per year, which is 8% below the national median of $81,220. Salaries range from $52,808 (10th percentile) to $111,136 (90th percentile).
How much does a Registered Nurse make per hour in Idaho? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $74,722, a registered nurse in Idaho earns approximately $36 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Idaho a good state for registered nurses? ▼
Idaho ranks #29 out of 50 states for registered nurse pay. The cost of living index is 94% of the national average. Entry-level registered nurses earn $53,360, while senior professionals earn $105,800.
How does Idaho compare to other states for registered nurse salary? ▼
The highest paying state for registered nurses is Hawaii at $144,572. Idaho's median of $74,722 ranks #29 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Georgia ($75,535) and Montana ($75,535).
What is the entry-level registered nurse salary in Idaho? ▼
An entry-level registered nurse in Idaho earns approximately $53,360 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $75,440. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $105,800.
What city in Idaho pays registered nurses the most? ▼
Boise is the highest paying city in Idaho for registered nurses, with a median salary of $79,596. Other cities include Meridian and Nampa.