Registered Nurses

Registered nurses had median annual earnings of $86,070 in May 2023, according to the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL). Salaries ranged from less than $63,720 to more than $132,680. Earnings of RNs vary according to employer. According to the DOL, those who worked at hospitals earned $88,430, while registered nurses employed in ambulatory health care services earned 81,230. Registered nurses who were employed by government agencies earned $99,840, and RNs who worked at nursing care facilities earned $79,280.

Salary is determined by several factors: setting, education, and work experience. Most full-time nurses are given flexible work schedules as well as health and life insurance; some are offered education reimbursement and year-end bonuses. A staff nurse's salary is often limited only by the amount of work he or she is willing to take on. Many nurses take advantage of overtime work and shift differentials. Some nurses hold more than one job.