Registered Nurse (RN) Salary Report 2025

April 3, 2026

Registered Nurse Salary Report 2025:

Registered Nurse Compensation:

Below is the breakdown from Medscape’s results including both gross income and income after taxes. Registered Nurses reported their average salary as:

Base: $94,000
Total Compensation: $99,000

Registered Nurses continue to see steady growth in compensation, with average base salaries reaching $94,000 and total compensation climbing to $99,000. This reflects a strong upward trend, with RN pay increasing approximately 11% since the 2023 compensation report and an additional 4% year-over-year from the 2024 compensation report. The consistent rise highlights ongoing demand for skilled nursing professionals across the healthcare industry.

Which Regions do RNs Make the Most?

RN Salary by region:
- North: $104,000
- South: $92,000
- Midwest: $92,000
- West: $111,000

Geography plays a significant role in RN earnings, with the highest salaries reported in the West region at $111,000, followed by the North at $104,000. Meanwhile, the South and Midwest report similar averages at $92,000. These regional differences are often driven by cost of living, demand, and staffing shortages, making location an important consideration for nurses evaluating opportunities.

RN Salary by community type:
- Urban: $102,000
- Suburban: $100,000
- Exurban: $92,000
- Rural: $86,000

RNs working in urban and suburban areas tend to earn the highest salaries, averaging $102,000 and $100,000 respectively. Compensation decreases in less densely populated areas, with exurban nurses earning around $92,000 and rural nurses averaging $86,000. These trends reflect differences in patient volume, facility resources, and regional demand for healthcare services.

Which Work Setting Do RNs Make the Most?

RN Salary per setting
- Hospital-inpatient care: $106,000
- Hospital-based outpatient setting or clinic: $101,000
- Public/community health settings: $87,000
- School/college health services: $74,000

Work setting has a major impact on RN salary. Nurses in hospital inpatient care settings are still earning the highest average salary at $106,000, followed by outpatient or clinic settings at $101,000. Public health roles and community settings average $87,000, while school and college health services are reporting average salaries at $74,000. Higher-paying environments often come with increased patient acuity and workload.

Do RNs Make More in a Salary or Hourly Position?

RN Salary vs Hourly:
- Salary: $113,000
- Hourly: $100,000

RNs in salaried roles report higher earnings on average, bringing in about $113,000 annually compared to $100,000 for hourly positions. This difference may reflect leadership roles, advanced responsibilities, or additional benefits often associated with salaried positions. However, hourly roles can offer greater flexibility and overtime opportunities, which may appeal to many nurses.

Registered Nurse Income By Years of Practice:

6 – 10 years: $90,000
11 – 20 years: $101,000
21 years+ : $100,000

As with most professions, the more experience a nurse has, the higher compensation they receive. Nurses with 6–10 years of experience earn around $90,000, while those with 11–20 years see a notable increase to $101,000. Interestingly, earnings plateau slightly for those with 21+ years of experience at $100,000, suggesting that while experience is valuable, other factors like role, specialization, and setting also influence long-term earning potential.

Final Thoughts

As the demand for RNs continue to rise, there’s never been a better time to take control of your career and earning potential. Whether you’re looking to increase your salary, explore new locations, or transition into a higher-paying specialty or setting, understanding today’s RN compensation trends puts you one step ahead. The right opportunity can make all the difference and not just financially, but in your overall job satisfaction and quality of life.

At Horizon Healthcare Staffing, we’re here to help you find that next step. Explore our current RN job openings and connect with our team today to discover opportunities that align with your goals!