State medians come from the same OEWS release as the national figures. The cost-of-living column divides each state median by that state's BEA Regional Price Parity, restating pay in national-average dollars so a high-cost state and a low-cost one can be compared directly.
Registered Nurse Salary (2026): Data, Outlook & How to Become One
Registered Nurses earn a median of $97,550 per year ($46.90/hr) (BLS OEWS, May 2025). Employment is projected to grow 4.9% through 2034, with about 189,100 openings a year (BLS EP, 2024–2034). Typical entry-level education: Bachelor's degree.
SOC 29-1141Healthcare Practitioners and TechnicalLast updated August 23, 2026
- Median pay
- $97,550
- Projected growth
- +4.9%
- Openings a year
- 189,100
- Typical education
- Bachelor's
BLS OEWS, May 2025
BLS EP, 2024–2034
BLS EP, 2024–2034
BLS EP, 2024–2034
Also advertised as: Certified Operating Room Nurse (CNOR), Charge Nurse, Emergency Department RN (Emergency Department Registered Nurse), Oncology RN (Oncology Registered Nurse), Operating Room Registered Nurse (OR RN), Psychiatric RN (Psychiatric Registered Nurse).
How much do Registered Nurses make?
10th percentile$68,940
Entry / lowest-paid tenth
25th percentile$80,330
Lower quartile
Median (50th)$97,550
Half earn more, half earn less
75th percentile$112,350
Upper quartile
90th percentile$137,470
Top-paid tenth
| Median annual wage | $97,550 |
|---|---|
| Median hourly wage | $46.90/hr |
| Mean annual wage | $101,420 |
| People employed | 3,379,720 |
Versus all US occupations
At $97,550, Registered Nurses earn 91% above the $50,980 median across all US occupations, a difference of $46,570 a year.
Versus healthcare practitioners and technical occupations
The median is typical for the Healthcare Practitioners and Technical group, where the middle occupation pays $97,870.
Pay range
The top 10% earn $137,470 or more while the bottom 10% earn $68,940, a gap of 2.0×. That is a typical spread for a US occupation.
Rank in the bank
This median pays more than 76% of the 923 occupations in the NueCareer career bank.
Highest-paying state
California pays the most at $140,270, and still leads at $126,689 once local prices are taken into account.
Which states pay Registered Nurses the most?
| State | Median | COL-adjusted | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | $140,270 | $126,689 | 338,940 |
| Hawaii | $136,320 | $123,983 | 12,940 |
| Oregon | $129,010 | $124,815 | 39,730 |
| Washington | $124,200 | $116,061 | 69,260 |
| Alaska | $109,480 | $106,957 | 7,510 |
| New York | $109,440 | $101,408 | 205,810 |
| New Jersey | $106,500 | $97,882 | 92,680 |
| Massachusetts | $104,550 | $98,859 | 88,200 |
| Nevada | $103,670 | $103,692 | 27,070 |
| Connecticut | $102,740 | $99,160 | 40,110 |
Is Registered Nurse a growing career?
Registered Nurses4.9%
All US occupations3.1%
+4.9% projected growth vs 3.1% for all occupations.
Faster than average
BLS projects employment of Registered Nurses to change 4.9% over 2024–2034, against 3.1% projected for all occupations. That is 166,100 more jobs.
Annual openings
About 189,100 openings are projected each year, 5.6% of the 3,391,000 jobs that existed in 2024. Most come from workers leaving the occupation, not from growth alone.
Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
Demand for healthcare services will increase because of the large number of older people, who typically have more medical problems than younger people. Registered nurses also will be needed to educate and care for patients with chronic conditions, such as diabetes and obesity.
Job growth is expected across most types of healthcare settings, including hospitals and outpatient care centers that provide same-day services, such as chemotherapy, rehabilitation, and surgery. In addition, because many older people prefer to be treated at home or in residential care facilities, registered nurses will be in demand in those settings.
How to become a Registered Nurse
Every registered nurse in the United States needs a nursing license issued by the state board of nursing where they work. To get one you must graduate from an approved nursing program and pass a qualifying exam, the NCLEX-RN. Three education routes lead to the same exam: an associate degree (ADN or ASN), a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), or a hospital diploma program.
The credential path, step by step
- Enroll in a nursing program approved by a state board of nursing2-4 years
Pick one of the three routes: an associate degree (ADN or ASN), a BSN, or a hospital diploma program. All three qualify a licensed graduate for entry-level staff nurse positions, although employers, particularly hospitals, may require a bachelor's degree.
- Complete the coursework and supervised clinical hours
Programs cover anatomy, physiology, microbiology, psychology, and social and behavioral sciences, and all include supervised clinical experience. Bachelor's programs usually add communication, leadership and critical thinking.
- Pass the NCLEX-RN
After graduating, register with the nursing regulatory body where you plan to practice and with Pearson VUE, then sit the NCLEX-RN, NCSBN's computerized adaptive entry-level competency exam.
- Obtain the state license
Apply to the board of nursing in the state where you will work. Other requirements, such as passing a criminal background check, vary by state.
- Add certifications your employer requires
Specialty certification through professional associations, in areas such as ambulatory care, gerontology or pediatrics, is usually voluntary but some employers require it. RN positions may also require CPR, basic life support (BLS) or advanced cardiac life support (ACLS) certification.
Exams you have to pass
National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN)
The licensure exam taken after graduating from an approved nursing program. It measures entry-level nursing competency, uses computerized adaptive testing, and uses case studies to assess clinical decision-making. Registration runs through the nursing regulatory body you are seeking licensure from as well as Pearson VUE.
Administered by National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN), delivered through Pearson VUE.
- Program accreditation
CCNE · Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
CCNE accredits baccalaureate, graduate, and residency/fellowship programs in nursing, so it covers the BSN route but not associate or diploma programs. Programmatic accreditation is not the same thing as the state board approval that licensure depends on: state boards license graduates of programs they have approved, and a program can be board-approved without being nationally accredited. Employers and graduate schools commonly look for accreditation, so check both.
- Program accreditation
ACEN · Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing
ACEN accredits practical, diploma, associate, baccalaureate, master's and clinical doctorate nursing programs, so it is the accreditor that covers the ADN and hospital diploma routes into RN licensure. ACEN accreditation is voluntary; a program must apply for it.
- Program accreditation
NLN CNEA · NLN Commission for Nursing Education Accreditation
A third recognized nursing accreditor, accrediting nursing programs of all types including distance education programs. As with CCNE and ACEN, this is programmatic accreditation and is distinct from state board approval.
- How long the training takes
2-4 years
BLS reports that BSN programs typically take 4 years to complete and that hospital or medical center diploma programs typically take 2 to 3 years. Associate degree programs are offered at community colleges. All three include supervised clinical experience.
Licensing and state variation
Licensed state by state
The license is issued by the state board of nursing, not nationally. Each board decides which nursing programs it approves for licensure purposes, and sets the requirements beyond graduation and the NCLEX-RN, such as criminal background checks. Renewal terms and any continuing education are also board-set. Contact the board in the state where you intend to practice for its specific requirements.
Who governs the credential
- National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) — Develops and publishes the NCLEX-RN examination and its test plan, which state boards of nursing use to measure entry-level nursing competency for licensure.
- American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) — Offers voluntary specialty certification for nurses; certification is separate from the state license and is not required to practice as an RN.
Credential detail for registered nurses is researched by hand from the bodies that issue it, not derived from BLS or O*NET. Sources last checked August 23, 2026. Requirements change: confirm with your own state board before enrolling in anything.
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Registered Nurses (How to Become One) · checked August 23, 2026
- NCSBN, NCLEX Test Plans · checked August 23, 2026
- American Association of Colleges of Nursing, CCNE Accreditation · checked August 23, 2026
- Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing, FAQs: ACEN and Accreditation · checked August 23, 2026
- NLN Commission for Nursing Education Accreditation (CNEA) · checked August 23, 2026
- American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) · checked August 23, 2026
What the federal data says
Registered nurses usually take one of three education paths: a bachelor’s degree in nursing, an associate’s degree in nursing, or a diploma from an approved nursing program. Registered nurses must be licensed.
| Typical entry-level education | Bachelor's degree |
|---|---|
| Preparation needed (O*NET job zone) | Medium preparation |
| Work experience in a related occupation | None |
| Typical on-the-job training | None |
What education people in the job have
O*NET incumbent survey: the highest level of education reported by people already working as registered nurses.
- Bachelor's Degree55.9%
- Post-Secondary Certificate22.5%
- Associate's Degree (or other 2-year degree)19.4%
- Master's Degree1.4%
- High School Diploma0.8%
What does a Registered Nurse do?
Assess patient health problems and needs, develop and implement nursing care plans, and maintain medical records. Administer nursing care to ill, injured, convalescent, or disabled patients. May advise patients on health maintenance and disease prevention or provide case management. Licensing or registration required.
Registered nurses (RNs) provide and coordinate patient care, educate patients and the public about various health conditions, and provide advice and emotional support to patients and their families.
Day-to-day tasks
- Record patients' medical information and vital signs.
- Administer medications to patients and monitor patients for reactions or side effects.
- Maintain accurate, detailed reports and records.
- Monitor all aspects of patient care, including diet and physical activity.
- Prepare patients for and assist with examinations or treatments.
- Monitor, record, and report symptoms or changes in patients' conditions.
- Consult and coordinate with healthcare team members to assess, plan, implement, or evaluate patient care plans.
- Instruct individuals, families, or other groups on topics such as health education, disease prevention, or childbirth and develop health improvement programs.
O*NET core tasks, ordered by reported importance.
Working conditions and hours
Nurses who work in hospitals and nursing care facilities usually work in shifts to provide round-the-clock coverage. They may work nights, weekends, and holidays. They may be on call, which means that they are on duty and must be available to work on short notice.
Nurses who work in offices, schools, and other places that do not provide 24-hour care are more likely to work regular business hours.
Where the work happens
- Indoors, in a climate-controlled space, every day
Working with people
- Constant contact with other people
- Face-to-face discussions every day
- Dealing with customers or the public is very important
Pressure and stakes
- Handling conflict situations at least monthly
Autonomy
- A lot of freedom to make decisions without checking first
Schedules: BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2024–2034 edition. Conditions: O*NET Work Context survey, showing only the signals people in the job report decisively one way or the other.
Where registered nurses work
| Hospitals; state, local, and private | 59% |
|---|---|
| Ambulatory healthcare services | 19% |
| Nursing and residential care facilities | 6% |
| Government, excluding state and local education and hospitals | 5% |
| Educational services; state, local, and private | 3% |
BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2024–2034 edition.
Core skills
- Active Listening4.0/5
- Speaking4.0/5
- Critical Thinking4.0/5
- Reading Comprehension3.9/5
- Writing3.8/5
- Monitoring3.8/5
- Active Learning3.5/5
- Learning Strategies3.3/5
Transferable skills
- Social Perceptiveness4.1/5
- Coordination4.0/5
- Service Orientation4.0/5
- Judgment and Decision Making3.9/5
- Complex Problem Solving3.5/5
- Instructing3.3/5
- Time Management3.1/5
- Operations Monitoring3.0/5
Tools and software
- Business intelligence and data analysis software · in demand
- Data base user interface and query software · in demand
- Document management software · in demand
- Electronic mail software · in demand
- Medical software · in demand
- Office suite software · in demand
- Operating system software · in demand
- Presentation software · in demand
- Project management software · in demand
- Spreadsheet software · in demand
- Time accounting software · in demand
- Word processing software · in demand
“In demand” marks an O*NET Employer-Based Hot Technology, software named in real job postings for this occupation.
What personality type suits a Registered Nurse?
Interest profile: O*NET Occupational Interests, scored 1–7
Realistic3.5
Investigativeprimary4.7
Artistic1.3
Socialprimary5.6
Enterprising2.4
Conventionalprimary4.8
Day to day this is work built around teaching, helping and working directly with other people, combined with organising, following procedures and working precisely with data.
Closest MBTI types
NueCareer fit scores: cosine similarity between each MBTI type's interest vector and this occupation's O*NET interest profile. Not a BLS or O*NET figure; the method is documented on our methodology page.
Registered Nurse: frequently asked questions
How much do Registered Nurses make?
Registered Nurses earn a median of $97,550 a year (BLS OEWS, May 2025). That is 91% above the $50,980 median for all US occupations. That works out at $46.90/hr. The middle half earn between $80,330 and $112,350. The top 10% earn $137,470 or more.
Do you need a degree to become a Registered Nurse?
Yes. BLS reports a bachelor's degree as the typical entry-level education for Registered Nurses, and O*NET rates the preparation needed as medium preparation. In O*NET's survey of people already doing the job, 55.9% hold bachelor's degree.
Is Registered Nurse a growing career?
Yes. Employment is projected to grow 4.9% over 2024–2034, faster than the 3.1% average for all occupations (BLS EP, 2024–2034). BLS still projects about 189,100 openings a year, mostly from workers retiring or moving to other work.
What does a Registered Nurse do?
Registered nurses (RNs) provide and coordinate patient care, educate patients and the public about various health conditions, and provide advice and emotional support to patients and their families. A core O*NET task: record patients' medical information and vital signs. Employers most often ask for Business intelligence and data analysis software, Data base user interface and query software, Document management software.
Which states pay Registered Nurses the most?
The highest state medians for Registered Nurses are California ($140,270), Hawaii ($136,320), Oregon ($129,010) (BLS OEWS, May 2025).
What personality type suits a Registered Nurse?
O*NET scores Registered Nurses highest on the Social, Conventional and Investigative interest areas, so the work mixes teaching, helping and working directly with other people with organising, following procedures and working precisely with data. On NueCareer's MBTI-to-interest mapping that lines up most closely with ISFJ personalities. Personality is a fit signal, not a gate. The free NueCareer quiz scores your own profile against all 923 occupations in the bank.
How long does it take to become a Registered Nurse?
2-4 years. BLS reports that BSN programs typically take 4 years to complete and that hospital or medical center diploma programs typically take 2 to 3 years. Associate degree programs are offered at community colleges. All three include supervised clinical experience.
Do you need a license to work as a Registered Nurse?
Yes, and it is issued by the state you work in, not nationally. The license is issued by the state board of nursing, not nationally. Each board decides which nursing programs it approves for licensure purposes, and sets the requirements beyond graduation and the NCLEX-RN, such as criminal background checks. Renewal terms and any continuing education are also board-set. Contact the board in the state where you intend to practice for its specific requirements.
What exams do you have to pass to become a Registered Nurse?
The NCLEX-RN (National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses). The licensure exam taken after graduating from an approved nursing program. It measures entry-level nursing competency, uses computerized adaptive testing, and uses case studies to assess clinical decision-making. Registration runs through the nursing regulatory body you are seeking licensure from as well as Pearson VUE.