Registered Nurse Salary in 2025: How Much Do RNs Make?
Posted on April 15th, 2025
In 2025, the healthcare industry continues its rapid expansion, driven by aging populations, technological advancements, and increasing access to care. At the heart of this ecosystem are registered nurses (RNs)—the dedicated professionals ensuring patients receive timely and compassionate care. As the demand for nursing talent intensifies, many are curious: what is the current registered nurse salary?
This detailed guide explores the average registered nurse salary in 2025, the salary of registered nurses across different regions and specializations, and actionable steps nurses can take to increase their earnings.
Average Registered Nurse Salary in 2025
The national average registered nurse salary in the U.S. stands at approximately $94,480 per year, with an hourly rate of about $45.42. This figure represents a modest increase from previous years and reflects the growing value placed on nursing expertise, especially following the demands of recent global health challenges.
While this number provides a helpful benchmark, the salary of a registered nurse is not uniform—it fluctuates significantly depending on several key factors, which we’ll explore below.
Registered Nurse Salary by State
Geographic location plays a huge role in determining the registered nurse average salary. Some states, particularly those with higher costs of living or labor shortages, offer considerably higher wages to attract and retain talent. Here's an updated overview of what RNs are earning across various U.S. states in 2025:
| State | Average Hourly Wage | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| California | $66.20 | $137,690 |
| Hawaii | $57.55 | $119,710 |
| Oregon | $54.54 | $113,440 |
| Massachusetts | $52.33 | $108,850 |
| Alaska | $52.51 | $109,210 |
| New York | $51.26 | $106,620 |
| Texas | $43.37 | $90,210 |
| Florida | $40.75 | $84,760 |
| Illinois | $42.14 | $87,650 |
| Pennsylvania | $42.08 | $87,530 |
The wide range in the registered nurse salary illustrates how local demand, cost of living, and state-level healthcare funding can impact compensation.
Factors Influencing Registered Nurse Salaries
Multiple elements affect how much an RN can expect to earn in 2025. Understanding these can help nurses make informed career decisions.
1. Experience Level
Like many professions, registered nurse salary increases with experience. Entry-level RNs with less than one year of experience might earn around $60,000–$70,000 annually, while those with over 10 years in the field often see earnings surpassing $100,000, especially if they’ve advanced into leadership or specialized roles.
2. Education and Credentials
A nurse’s education can significantly influence their pay. RNs with an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) may earn less than those with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).
Advanced degrees such as a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) open the door to higher-paying positions and specialized roles.
Additionally, certifications in specific fields—like critical care (CCRN), emergency nursing (CEN), or oncology (OCN)—can bump up salary offers by $5,000 to $15,000 annually.
3. Work Environment
The setting in which a nurse works also impacts their registered nurse average salary. For example:
- Hospitals tend to offer the highest wages due to the demanding and fast-paced environment.
- Outpatient clinics and nursing homes typically pay less but may offer more predictable schedules.
- Government and research roles can offer competitive salaries and strong benefits.
4. Specialization
Specializing in a specific area of nursing often leads to better pay. We’ll explore high-paying specialties in the next section.
5. Location and Cost of Living
RNs in metropolitan areas like San Francisco, New York City, and Boston earn significantly more than those in rural areas. However, this is often balanced by the higher cost of living in these regions.
Highest-Paying Nursing Specialties in 2025
Many RNs choose to specialize in areas that not only align with their passions but also offer financial rewards. Here are some of the most lucrative nursing specialties this year:
- Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA)
One of the top earners in nursing, CRNAs average a salary of $212,650 in 2025. Their expertise in administering anesthesia makes them indispensable in surgical settings. - Nurse Practitioner (NP)
With the growing reliance on NPs for primary care, they now earn a median salary of $121,610, often with more autonomy in patient care decisions. - Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS)
These nurses combine clinical expertise with leadership and earn salaries that consistently exceed the average registered nurse salary. - Nurse Midwife
Specializing in women’s reproductive health and childbirth, nurse midwives earn between $105,000–$120,000, depending on experience and location. - Informatics Nurse
As healthcare becomes increasingly digital, informatics nurses—those who analyze data to improve care—can earn between $95,000–$110,000 annually.
How to Increase Your Registered Nurse Salary
If you're a practicing RN looking to boost your income, consider the following strategies:
1. Advance Your Education
Pursuing a BSN, MSN, or DNP not only expands your clinical knowledge but also qualifies you for higher-paying positions. Many hospitals now prefer or require a BSN as a minimum.
2. Earn Specialty Certifications
Certifications in fields like trauma, pediatric care, or critical care can make your resume more competitive and justify salary increases.
3. Gain Diverse Experience
Working across departments—such as ER, ICU, or OR—enhances your skill set and bargaining power during job negotiations.
4. Explore Travel Nursing
Travel nurses are in high demand in 2025, often receiving $3,000–$5,000 weekly in pay plus housing stipends. This is an excellent short-term way to earn significantly more.
5. Relocate Strategically
If your current location doesn’t offer competitive pay, consider relocating to a high-paying state or city. Even a temporary move for a contract role can be financially advantageous.
6. Negotiate Your Salary
Never underestimate the power of negotiation. Research the registered nurse average salary in your area, come prepared with your achievements and certifications, and don’t hesitate to advocate for your worth.
Future Outlook: What’s Next for RN Salaries?
The salary of registered nurses is projected to grow steadily. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) estimates that over 200,000 RN positions will be added annually through 2030, due to increased healthcare access and an aging workforce.
Additionally, as more Baby Boomers retire, there’s a rising demand for elder care, home healthcare services, and chronic illness management—all of which depend heavily on experienced RNs. These market dynamics are likely to drive wages upward, especially in underserved regions and high-demand specialties.
Conclusion: Registered Nurse Salary in 2025
The registered nurse salary in 2025 stands as a testament to the evolving and expanding nature of the healthcare industry. With an average of $94,480 annually, the profession offers a financially rewarding career path, especially for those willing to specialize, relocate, or pursue advanced education.
For both current nurses and those entering the field, staying informed about salary trends, state-specific averages, and in-demand specialties is essential. With strategic planning, the potential to exceed the average registered nurse salary is well within reach.
Take the Next Step with Protouch Staffing
Looking to increase your registered nurse salary or explore exciting new roles across the country? Protouch Staffing can help you land a position that matches your skills, ambitions, and financial goals. Whether you’re a seasoned RN ready for your next big opportunity or just beginning your journey, we’re here to connect you with top-tier healthcare employers.
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Find roles that offer growth, flexibility, and competitive pay
Start your journey with Protouch Staffing – Your next career move starts here.