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Nurse Salary: Comprehensive Guide on How Much Nurses Make in 2024

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By Matt Vera BSN, R.N.

Curious about the latest nurse salary trends and how much nurses make? As of 2024, the average nurse salary has reached $94,480 per year ($45.42 per hour), reflecting high demand for registered nurses across the U.S. As one of the most in-demand careers in healthcare, nursing offers competitive pay, but nurse salaries vary widely depending on location, specialty, and experience.

Our detailed nurse salary guide breaks down everything you need to know about nurse earnings this year—from average salaries and top-paying roles to trends influencing pay. Whether you’re new to the field or seeking to boost your income, this guide is packed with insights to help you maximize your nurse salary in today’s evolving healthcare landscape.

Table of Contents

What is the Average Nurse Salary?

How much do registered nurses (RNs) make? The national average salary for registered nurses in the U.S. is at $94,480 annually or $45.42 per hour in 2023-2024. The data, which encompasses different nursing careers, specializations, location and other factors, was released April 2024 from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

YearEmploymentHourly Nurse SalaryAnnual Nurse Salary
20233,175,390$45.42$94,480
20223,072,700$42.80$89,010
20213,047,530$39.78$82,750
Employed and nurse salary statistic for registered nurses. Source: U.S. BLS

Comparing the data from from 2022-2023, there is a noticeable increase in nurse salaries ($5,470 or 5.7%) annually. This upward trend in nurse salary and employment underscores the growing demand for nurses and the value placed on their critical role in healthcare.

Nurse Salary by State

Which states pay the best nurse salaries? In the latest data, there is a strong nurse salary growth in high-demand state. California, Washington, and Oregon lead the U.S. in nurse salary growth from 2022 to 2023. California, already the highest-paying state for nurses, saw wages increase from $124,000 to $137,690, reflecting the competitive healthcare market and high demand for skilled professionals—but also its high cost of living.

Texas and Florida experienced the largest increases in nurse employment. Texas added over 34,000 RN positions, growing from 217,630 in 2022 to 251,840 in 2023, while Florida saw an increase of around 20,000 jobs. This growth may reflect high demand in states with rapidly expanding populations and healthcare needs.

State2023 Annual Nurse Salary2022 Annual Nurse Salary2023 Employment2022 Employment
Alabama$71,370$61,92050,45049,780
Alaska$109,210$97,2306,5906,060
Arizona$91,430$81,60063,15057,260
Arkansas$72,900$65,81029,69026,320
California$137,690$124,000332,560324,400
Colorado$91,730$80,67053,48051,680
Connecticut$101,840$88,53036,43034,320
Delaware$94,670$77,76011,81011,760
District of Columbia$106,850$98,54010,81011,540
Florida$84,760$72,000207,910187,920
Georgia$90,000$75,38093,73078,290
Hawaii$119,710$106,53011,92011,110
Idaho$83,090$73,64014,06014,400
Illinois$87,650$78,260139,910129,260
Indiana$82,700$68,89068,85066,800
Iowa$74,610$64,99033,30032,650
Kansas$76,240$66,56031,12028,980
Kentucky$81,770$67,26048,71043,540
Louisiana$80,760$70,38036,84042,870
Maine$84,340$73,63014,77014,380
Maryland$92,090$82,66049,77051,550
Massachusetts$108,850$96,63087,32088,270
Michigan$86,210$75,930102,240102,480
Minnesota$94,830$84,03066,70069,000
Mississippi$75,510$63,13028,91029,140
Missouri$77,590$67,79073,19069,240
Montana$82,950$73,6109,7409,640
Nebraska$79,780$69,85022,87020,660
Nevada$97,700$88,80025,89024,590
New Hampshire$89,410$78,27014,38012,890
New Jersey$101,960$89,69082,95077,980
New Mexico$92,140$77,59018,03017,030
New York$106,620$93,320188,060188,300
North Carolina$82,530$71,200104,380104,810
North Dakota$79,190$71,20010,35011,810
Ohio$84,430$71,640133,300129,270
Oklahoma$82,110$68,18032,61031,510
Oregon$113,440$98,63038,77037,780
Pennsylvania$87,530$76,000144,100149,270
Puerto Rico$39,130$39,13022,86022,860
Rhode Island$95,070$85,27011,35010,860
South Carolina$81,390$69,58048,79046,160
South Dakota$69,030$60,54014,60014,140
Tennessee$78,240$66,68063,46062,250
Texas$90,210$79,120251,840217,630
Utah$83,100$72,79024,73023,760
Vermont$88,380$75,1607,2607,210
Virginia$88,350$76,68070,65066,980
Washington$111,030$95,35065,03062,470
West Virginia$75,990$67,64020,86019,800
Wisconsin$87,220$76,85061,87062,860
Wyoming$83,990$73,1305,3504,890
Comparing nurse salary and employment per U.S. state 2022 and 2023.

Alaska, Hawaii, and the District of Columbia also saw significant wage increases, with Hawaii moving from $106,530 to $119,710 and Alaska from $97,230 to $109,210. These areas, known for unique healthcare demands and logistical challenges, offer competitive salaries to attract skilled nurses.

The table below details average nurse salaries and employment by state, providing a comprehensive view of where nurses can find both high pay and opportunities—but also where it’s worth considering the cost of living.

Top-Earnings Nurse Specializations and Roles

Specialization and additional education plays a major factor in determining nurse salary. Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) still lead in earnings. CRNAs earn the highest average salary among nursing roles, with an impressive $214,200 annually, more than twice the salary of Registered Nurses (RNs) at $94,480. This significant difference reflects the advanced education, training, and responsibilities CRNAs take on, particularly in high-stakes working environments.

Nurse Practitioners (NPs) and Nurse Midwives earn annual mean wages of $128,490 and $131,570 respectively, demonstrating that advanced practice roles bring higher salaries than RNs due to the added expertise, autonomy, and direct patient care responsibilities. Despite similar earnings, NPs vastly outnumber Nurse Midwives with 280,140 employed NPs versus 6,960 Nurse Midwives.

Nurse Specialization or RolesAnnual SalaryEmployment
Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA)$214,20047,810
Certified Nurse Midwives (CNM)$131,5706,960
Nurse Practitioners$128,490280,140
Registered Nurses$94,4803,175,390
Nursing Instructors & Teachers$86,53072,700
Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurse (LPNs/LVNs)$60,790630,250
Nursing Assistants$39,6101,351,760
Average salaries and employment for different nursing roles.

Nursing Instructors, who earn $86,530 annually, are paid less than RNs and other specialized nurses, despite playing a crucial role in training and preparing the future nursing workforce. Their salary could reflect the need for more incentives in nursing education roles, given the growing demand for nurses and the need for quality education and training.

Have you ever wondered how advancing your education could impact your nursing career? Pursuing further education in nursing often leads directly to higher salaries, as it not only equips nurses with specialized skills to elevate their roles but also unlocks new opportunities for increased compensation.

Nurse Specialization Salary per State

Let’s take a comprehensive look at the annual mean nurse salaries for various nursing specializations and related nursing fields across the U.S.

For those exploring nursing or aiming to specialize, the latest data on nurse salaries reveals significant variation across states and roles, with certain regions consistently offering the most competitive pay. California, Alaska, and Washington consistently offer some of the most competitive nurse salaries. California leads with CRNAs earning $250,920, Nurse Practitioners at $161,540, and LVNs/LPNs at $76,580. Illinois also sets a high bar for CRNAs with a national peak salary of $281,240, while New Jersey and New York similarly offer wages exceeding $250,000 for these advanced roles.

Nurse Practitioners find high-paying opportunities in states like Nevada ($148,670) and Oregon ($144,950), underscoring the strong demand for advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs). Nursing Instructors are well-compensated in places like the District of Columbia, where educators earn an impressive $111,130, reflecting a commitment to competitive pay for those shaping future healthcare professionals.

StateRegistered Nurses (RNs)Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) SalaryCertified Nurse Midwife (CNM) SalaryNurse Practitioners (NPs) SalaryNurse Instructors SalaryLVN/LPNs Salary Nursing Assistants Salary
Alabama$71,370$173,370$110,020$87,360$48,320$31,280
Alaska$109,210$128,800$126,170$98,870$74,260$47,080
Arizona$91,430$119,190$132,560$80,710$66,720$40,950
Arkansas$72,900$113,410$66,920$49,360$32,050
California$137,690$250,920$183,740$161,540$94,530$76,580$47,070
Colorado$91,730$215,870$126,100$121,990$83,270$64,710$43,580
Connecticut$101,840$247,740$122,530$136,980$97,050$68,150$43,050
Delaware$94,670$207,030$121,690$131,110$97,050$63,490$38,620
District of Columbia$106,850$109,970$134,850$111,130$68,120$47,860
Florida$84,760$176,950$99,310$119,710$84,740$57,140$36,750
Georgia$90,000$204,070$124,020$121,150$75,490$55,090$34,890
Hawaii$119,710$161,820$132,610$97,990$62,020$44,990
Idaho$83,090$178,600$78,530$124,550$79,810$54,600$37,270
Illinois$87,650$281,240$123,820$126,900$81,720$64,630$41,300
Indiana$82,700$207,180$120,090$123,320$79,620$59,460$37,660
Iowa$74,610$227,710$124,040$130,820$71,690$55,870$38,380
Kansas$76,240$184,650$119,270$72,260$55,610$36,020
Kentucky$81,770$185,630$110,370$79,370$55,100$35,980
Louisiana$80,760$218,770$118,670$78,780$51,700$30,420
Maine$84,340$227,270$140,440$122,940$79,240$71,430$42,960
Maryland$92,090$187,420$128,400$127,990$88,610$66,460$40,770
Massachusetts$108,850$272,510$154,080$144,010$87,140$73,400$44,750
Michigan$86,210$219,050$120,370$120,680$84,440$61,910$38,930
Minnesota$94,830$221,650$121,860$135,010$84,730$58,870$42,960
Mississippi$75,510$201,280$117,490$68,620$49,050$29,660
Missouri$77,590$230,470$122,900$116,680$76,000$55,220$36,350
Montana$82,950$256,460$124,640$85,120$55,450$40,800
Nebraska$79,780$212,860$121,680$78,220$56,120$38,470
Nevada$97,700$148,670$99,320$66,580$43,420
New Hampshire$89,410$239,630$128,650$130,740$87,260$71,770$45,090
New Jersey$101,960$252,130$133,980$145,030$101,540$66,620$42,960
New Mexico$92,140$212,950$116,780$136,770$72,850$56,130$37,030
New York$106,620$256,160$135,120$142,830$102,980$63,020$46,020
North Carolina$82,530$222,560$118,660$121,590$76,970$57,760$35,340
North Dakota$79,190$234,950$127,760$82,580$57,530$41,020
Ohio$84,430$210,760$124,140$122,870$80,430$57,660$38,570
Oklahoma$82,110$208,410$124,330$65,490$51,880$33,090
Oregon$113,440$215,260$139,490$144,950$109,110$71,180$46,970
Pennsylvania$87,530$209,890$121,410$127,450$85,540$58,800$39,780
Puerto Rico$39,130$60,540$66,320$27,430$28,020
Rhode Island$95,070$125,820$133,460$82,820$75,470$43,390
South Carolina$81,390$233,920$95,940$116,940$81,230$56,430$34,590
South Dakota$69,030$211,090$120,980$67,200$49,580$36,360
Tennessee$78,240$194,790$103,430$103,720$84,810$50,430$34,850
Texas$90,210$216,280$112,660$130,010$93,750$56,490$35,370
Utah$83,100$125,890$133,930$127,820$92,580$57,430$37,630
Vermont$88,380$254,790$126,100$82,070$65,170$41,560
Virginia$88,350$232,250$118,750$120,870$79,950$57,810$37,440
Washington$111,030$246,350$130,990$145,400$85,320$75,410$46,430
West Virginia$75,990$232,410$113,450$81,800$50,090$35,340
Wisconsin$87,220$247,160$128,550$128,330$78,810$57,190$40,600
Wyoming$83,990$228,780$123,560$72,710$58,030$39,010
Guam$88,570$41,720$33,100
Virgin Islands$50,280$40,270
Annual nurse salary of different registered nurses across U.S. states. Note that some states have not reported any data.

On the other end, Nursing Assistants show significant wage variation; Mississippi sees the lower end at $29,660, while Alaska offers one of the highest at $47,080, reflecting regional cost-of-living differences and state funding. LVNs/LPNs experience a similar range, from $27,430 in Puerto Rico to over $75,000 in high-demand states like California and Rhode Island.

The Northeast (e.g., New York, Massachusetts, New Jersey) offers strong pay across all nursing roles, particularly for advanced specializations, while Southern states often see lower averages. Nevertheless, CRNAs and Nurse Practitioners in Texas and Georgia maintain competitive salaries, showcasing the demand for advanced nursing roles even in lower-cost regions. Puerto Rico consistently reports lower wages across nursing roles, with Nursing Assistants earning $28,020.

Specialized roles such as CRNAs and Nurse Midwives command the highest salaries, underscoring the value of advanced practice in regions where specialized services may be less accessible. This breakdown provides essential insights into where nurses can find the most rewarding financial opportunities across the U.S.

In recent years, registered nurse salaries have seen consistent growth across all experience and specialization levels. The data below reveals the increasing financial rewards within the nursing profession, with wages rising across each percentile, from entry-level positions to those with advanced skills and expertise.

Year10th Percentile25th Percentile50th Percentile 75th Percentile90th Percentile
2023$63,720$75,990$86,070$104,670$132,680
2022$61,250$66,680$81,220$101,100$129,400
2021$59,450$61,790$77,600$97,580$120,250
Annual nurse salary percentiles for years 2021-2023. To determine hourly wages, divide the annual nurse salary by 2,080 hours.

The data demonstrates a clear upward trend: the median (50th percentile) hourly wage increased from $37.31 in 2021 to $41.38 in 2023, marking a 10.9% growth, which aligns with the rising demand for skilled nursing professionals. Higher percentiles, such as the 90th, saw the most notable gains, with annual wages climbing from $120,250 in 2021 to $132,680 in 2023. This pattern underscores the financial incentives for those pursuing specialization or career advancement in nursing.

Additionally, entry-level positions reflect positive changes, with the 10th percentile annual wage rising by 7.2% over three years, which may signal efforts to improve compensation for early-career nurses.

Where do Registered Nurses Earn the Most?

Registered nurses work in a variety of settings, ranging from hospitals and clinics to schools and government agencies. A nurse’s salary is influenced by where and whom you are employed. In 2023, the largest employers of RNs included General Medical and Surgical Hospitals, Outpatient Care Centers, and Specialty Hospitals, each offering unique work environments and salary prospects.

Which Industries Employ the Most?

General Medical and Surgical Hospitals lead the field, employing over 1.7 million RNs, which accounts for 30.61% of the industry’s workforce. Outpatient Care Centers also have a strong RN presence, with 15.39% of the workforce dedicated to this area, offering a notable annual mean wage of $102,640.

IndustryEmployment% of IndustryHourly Nurse SalaryAnnual Nurse Salary
General Medical and Surgical Hospitals1,749,32030.61%$46.55$96,830
Specialty Hospitals64,06022.42%$47.22$98,220
Psychiatric and Substance Abuse Hospitals40,83017.40%$45.40$94,440
Outpatient Care Centers163,63015.39%$49.35$102,640
Home Health Care Services179,53011.21%$42.04$87,430

Which Industries Pay the Most?

The highest salaries for RNs are found within Federal, State, and Local Government positions, where RNs earn an average annual wage of $114,860. Specialized sectors, such as Employment Services and Pharmaceutical Manufacturing, also offer competitive wages, reflecting the demand for nursing expertise in more specialized and advanced roles.

IndustryEmployment% of IndustryHourly Nurse SalaryAnnual Nurse Salary
Federal, State, and Local Government97,9404.58%$55.22$114,860
Employment Services130,8903.49%$53.00$110,230
Pharmaceutical and Medicine Manufacturing800.02%$52.23$108,640
Navigational & Control Instruments Manufacturing2000.05%$51.19$106,470
Merchant Wholesalers, Nondurable Goods1,2800.32%$49.97$103,940

Salary Growth of Nurses

Do average nurse salaries increase over time? The salaries of registered nurses increased at an average of 2.5% and are bound to keep rising steadily as the demand increases. The BLS projects that the number of nursing jobs will grow at 9% per year between 2020 and 2030 and that there will be 194,500 openings for registered nurses yearly.

Between 2021 and 2023, nurse salaries experienced their highest annual increases, with 2022 showing a 7.03% increase and 2023 following closely with a 5.79% increase. These jumps indicate intensified demand and valuation of nursing skills in recent years, potentially due to the impact of the pandemic on healthcare.

The highest growth year on record is 2022 with the largest dollar increase in annual salary, rising by $6,260—the highest growth rate based on the data below.

YEARPER HOURSALARYGROWTH%GROWTH
2023$45$94,480$5,4705.79%
2022$43$89,010$6,2607.03%
2021$40$82,750$2,7403.31%
2020$38$80,010$2,5503.19%
2019$37$77,460$1,9562.53%
2018$36$75,504$1,9552.59%
2017$35$73,549$1,3731.87%
2016$35$72,176$1,1651.61%
2015$34$71,011$1,2271.73%
2014$34$69,784-$1,352-1.94%
2013$34$71,136$2,2263.13%
2012$33$68,910-$208-0.30%
2011$33$69,118$1,3932.02%
2010$33$67,725$1,1861.75%
2009$32$66,539$1,4142.13%
2008$31$65,125$2,6424.06%
2007$30$62,483
Salary growth of nurses from 2007 to 2023.

From 2015 to 2023, nurses saw steady annual growth, averaging around 2-3% each year except for 2022-2023. This gradual increase underscores a consistent appreciation in the profession, even before the pandemic-era increases.

In 2014, the profession experienced a unique decrease in nurse salaries by -1.94%, dropping salaries to $69,784. However, the following year saw a recovery, bringing wages back up and marking a turning point that led to the steady growth seen in the later years.

Nurses’ hourly wages increased nearly every year, going from $30 in 2007 to $45 by 2023. This upward trend reflects a growing acknowledgment of the skills and essential nature of nursing work, helping to ensure wages stay competitive over time.

Gender Pay Gap in Nursing

While the gender pay gap for registered nurses has narrowed since 2022, it remains evident in 2024. Nurse.com reports that male RNs currently earn a median salary that is $6,000 higher than female RNs, a significant reduction from the $14,200 gap identified in 2022. This recent shift signals progress toward pay equity, though some underlying factors continue to contribute to the disparity.

In both 2022 and 2024, survey findings suggest that male nurses tend to work night shifts more frequently, a scheduling choice that often includes higher pay differentials. Additionally, men are still slightly more likely to negotiate salary (40% of male RNs compared to 36% of female RNs). However, this negotiating gap is gradually shrinking, reflecting a positive trend in self-advocacy among female nurses.

Today, while the pay gap is narrowing, these insights underscore the importance of continued efforts to foster wage equity in nursing through transparency, negotiation training, and broader support for flexible and high-paying scheduling options for all nurses.

Why Nursing Remains a Top Career Choice

Have you ever wondered why nursing remains one of the most secure and rewarding careers? The global nursing shortage is a critical issue, with aging populations driving demand for skilled nurses worldwide. As more people live longer, healthcare needs increases, and the World Health Organization (WHO) warns of a potential shortage of 9 million nurses by 2030. This shortfall isn’t just a statistic—it’s a real opportunity for anyone considering a future in healthcare.

In the U.S., nursing continues to be a top career choice with registered nursing not only offering competitive salaries but also exceptional job security. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 6% job growth for registered nurses between 2023 and 2033, leading to 194,500 annual RN openings. These roles emerge as experienced nurses retire and healthcare needs rise. Are you ready to step into one of these roles? Many healthcare employers now offer sign-on bonuses, loan forgiveness, and other benefits to attract talent in a highly competitive field.

The opportunities in nursing vary widely by location. While urban hospitals often stay fully staffed, rural healthcare facilities frequently struggle to fill nursing roles, creating unique opportunities for nurses in these areas. Imagine working in a small town where your skills are in high demand and your impact on the community is deeply felt. Would you consider working in a rural area, where incentives like higher pay or bonuses might be offered?

Beyond clinical expertise, what other skills will set you apart in nursing? Soft skills like empathy and clear communication have become highly valued in healthcare. Continuous education is also essential, ensuring that you’re well-prepared for an evolving field. As healthcare transforms, are you ready to seize the abundant opportunities in nursing? Additionally, don’t underestimate the power of negotiation—know your worth and confidently advocate for the salary and benefits you deserve.

In an era where demand for healthcare professionals is steadily climbing, nursing stands out as a fulfilling, high-growth career with abundant opportunities for advancement.

We hope this nurse salary guide gave you the insights you were looking for! If you have any questions or thoughts to share, we’d love to hear from you—feel free to dive into the comments section for your insights.

See Also

Other related articles that you may find interesting:

References

Matt Vera, a registered nurse since 2009, leverages his experiences as a former student struggling with complex nursing topics to help aspiring nurses as a full-time writer and editor for Nurseslabs, simplifying the learning process, breaking down complicated subjects, and finding innovative ways to assist students in reaching their full potential as future healthcare providers.

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