Registered Nurse (RN) salary in U.S.
A strong career option in U.S. — with programs that take 2 to 4 years to complete.
Median pay · May 2025
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
$97,550/ yr
$8,129 / mo · $46.90 / hr
Pay by experience
Entry
$68,931
Median
$97,550
Experienced
$137,467
Demand
Stable
Program length
2 to 4 years
Projected growth
+4.9%
Annual openings
189,100
Job demand & outlook
+4.9% projected growth through 2034
189,100 average annual openings nationwide for Registered Nurses.
Source: BLS Employment Projections
Where this career can take you
A clear progression path, with real salary growth at each step
- Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)—
- Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)—
- Registered Nurse (RN)$97,550
Is this career change worth it?
A simple look at what it costs vs what you gain
What it typically costs
- Average training cost$23,597
- Time to complete2 to 4 years
- Credential earnedAssociate Degree
What you get back
- Starting salary$68,931
- Median salary$97,550
- Experienced salary$137,467
At an entry wage of $68,931, most Registered Nurses break even on the $23,597 training investment in about 5 months of work.
How to become a Registered Nurse in U.S.
A clear path from where you are to where you want to be
Find a Registered Nurse (RN) program in U.S.
Browse certified training programs. Most Registered Nurse (RN) tracks complete in 2 to 4 years and average $23,597 in tuition.
Earn your Associate Degree
Complete coursework, finish required clinical or lab hours, and pass the exam required for a Associate Degree in U.S..
Get hired in U.S.
With roughly 189,100 Registered Nurse (RN) openings each year nationwide, graduates often find employment within 30–90 days in U.S..
People also explored
Other careers our users compared
Frequently asked questions
The median salary for a Registered Nurse in U.S. is $97,550 per year, which is $46.90 per hour. Entry level positions typically start around $68,931 while experienced Registered Nurses can earn up to $137,467 annually.
Next step
Find Registered Nurse (RN) Classes Near You
Enter your ZIP code to see accredited Registered Nurse (RN) classes in your area.