Choose from a wide range of NEWCV resume templates and customize your NEWCV design with a single click.
Use ATS-optimised Resume and resume templates that pass applicant tracking systems. Our Resume builder helps recruiters read, scan, and shortlist your Resume faster.
Use professional field-tested resume templates that follow the exact Resume rules employers look for.
Create Resume
Use professional field-tested resume templates that follow the exact Resume rules employers look for.
Create ResumeA registered nurse salary in the USA typically ranges from $70,000 to $130,000+ per year, with top earners reaching $170,000+ depending on specialty, location, and experience. Hourly pay averages $34 to $58, but high-demand roles like ICU, travel nursing, or overtime-heavy positions can exceed $85/hour. Your income as an RN is not fixed—it’s highly flexible based on strategic career decisions.
This guide breaks down exactly how RN pay works, what roles pay the most, and how to increase your salary step by step.
The average registered nurse salary in the US falls within a wide range because of multiple influencing factors.
Entry-level RN: $65,000 – $85,000/year
Mid-level RN: $85,000 – $105,000/year
Experienced RN: $105,000 – $130,000+/year
Top earners: $135,000 – $170,000+/year
This variation is driven by specialization, location, overtime, and shift type.
RN hourly pay is often more relevant than salary, especially for overtime and shift-based roles.
Average hourly rate: $34 – $58/hour
High-paying roles: $60 – $85+/hour
Travel or crisis contracts: Can exceed $100/hour in peak demand
Hourly compensation directly impacts your total earnings through:
Overtime (time-and-a-half or double pay)
Night shift differentials
Weekend and holiday premiums
Many nurses increase their income more through hours and shifts than base salary.
Where you work has a major impact on your pay.
California: $110,000 – $170,000+
New York: $90,000 – $140,000+
Texas: $75,000 – $115,000+
Florida: $65,000 – $100,000+
Midwest: $70,000 – $105,000+
Higher-paying states often have:
Higher cost of living
Strong nurse unions
More competitive hospital systems
But lower-paying states may offer better work-life balance and lower expenses.
Not all RN roles pay equally. Specialization is one of the biggest income drivers.
ICU Registered Nurse
Emergency Room RN
Operating Room Nurse
PACU Nurse
Labor and Delivery Nurse
Travel Nurse
Float Pool RN
Dialysis Nurse
Oncology Nurse
Nurse Case Manager
Charge Nurse
Nurse Educator
Higher pay comes from:
High-pressure environments
Specialized skills
Critical decision-making
Staffing shortages
Recruiter Insight: Hospitals prioritize nurses who can function independently in high-acuity settings—this directly increases your market value.
Travel nursing is one of the highest-paying paths for registered nurses.
Short-term contracts with urgent demand
Housing stipends and tax advantages
Crisis pay during shortages
Weekly earnings: $2,000 – $4,500+
Annual equivalent: $100,000 – $170,000+
Less stability
Frequent relocation
Fast-paced onboarding
But for income maximization, it’s one of the most effective strategies.
Your base salary is only part of your total compensation.
Overtime pay
Night shift differential
Weekend differential
Holiday pay
On-call pay
Charge nurse differential
Float pool premium
Travel stipends
A nurse earning $95,000 base salary can reach $120,000+ with:
Regular overtime
Night shifts
Weekend coverage
Understanding these factors helps you control your earning potential.
State and city
Specialty area
Experience level
Education (BSN, MSN)
Certifications
Shift type
Overtime availability
Union vs non-union hospital
Facility type (hospital vs clinic vs long-term care)
Travel vs permanent roles
Hiring managers look for:
Nurses who can onboard quickly
Strong documentation and EHR skills
Ability to work under pressure
These traits often lead to higher offers and faster promotions.
Your salary increases significantly as you move up the ladder.
New Graduate RN
Staff Nurse
Senior RN / Preceptor
Charge Nurse
Nurse Manager
Director of Nursing
Staff RN → ICU/ER/OR specialization
Staff RN → Travel nurse
RN → BSN/MSN → Nurse Practitioner or CRNA
RN → Leadership or education roles
The biggest salary jumps happen when you:
Change specialties
Move into leadership
Pursue advanced degrees
If your goal is to maximize income, these are the highest-impact moves.
Move into high-acuity specialties (ICU, ER, OR)
Earn certifications (CCRN, CEN, CNOR, OCN, PCCN, CMSRN)
Work night, weekend, or overtime shifts
Join float pool or per diem roles
Transition to travel nursing
Get a BSN or MSN
Relocate to higher-paying states
Take on charge nurse or leadership roles
Works:
Specialization + flexibility
Certifications aligned with your unit
High-demand environments
Doesn’t Work:
Staying in low-acuity roles long-term
Avoiding overtime or shift differentials
Delaying certifications
Your compensation package goes beyond just pay.
Health insurance
Paid time off
Retirement plans (401k matching)
Tuition reimbursement
Certification reimbursement
Continuing education support
Sign-on bonuses
Relocation assistance
A lower salary with strong benefits can sometimes be more valuable than a higher base salary with fewer perks.
From a recruiter standpoint, the fastest way to increase your salary is:
Enter a high-demand specialty
Be flexible with shifts and scheduling
Gain certifications relevant to your unit
Demonstrate strong clinical and documentation skills
Hospitals pay more for nurses who reduce risk and require minimal supervision.
Many nurses unintentionally limit their earning potential.
Staying in one role too long
Avoiding certifications
Ignoring shift differentials
Not negotiating job offers
Choosing convenience over growth
Treat your nursing career like a strategic progression, not just a job.
Upload Resume
Import from Linkedin
