Registered Nurse Salary
Registered nurses provide and coordinate patient care, educate patients about health conditions, and provide advice and emotional support to patients and their family members.
Median annual wage
$97,550
SOC 29-1141 · National cross-industry annual wage estimates, latest published year.
The full wage range
A single average hides how wide the real range is. Here's every percentile the BLS publishes for registered nurses nationally.
| Percentile | Annual wage |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $68,940 |
| 25th percentile | $80,330 |
| Median (50th) | $97,550 |
| 75th percentile | $112,350 |
| 90th percentile | $137,470 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), pulled 2026-09-19. National, cross-industry.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the median salary for a registered nurse?
$97,550 per year, nationally, per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS). Half of registered nurses in the U.S. earn more than this, and half earn less.
What's the real range, not just the average?
The 10th percentile is $68,940/year and the 90th percentile is $137,470/year -- a 2x spread between the lowest- and highest-paid registered nurses the BLS tracks nationally. A single "average" number hides how wide that real range is.
Why use percentiles instead of just an average?
A simple average can be pulled up or down by a small number of very high or very low earners. Percentiles show the real distribution -- the 25th percentile ($80,330) and 75th percentile ($112,350) bracket where the middle half of real registered nurses actually land, which is usually more useful than one blended number.
Does this include overtime, bonuses, or benefits?
This is base wage data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) -- it doesn't include the value of benefits (health insurance, retirement contributions) or, depending on the occupation, irregular bonuses. Real total compensation can run higher once those are added.