2024 Average Nurse Salaries: Facts, Figures, and RN Salary by State

Key Facts and Figures

1. Average National RN Salary in 2024: The average salary for Registered Nurses (RNs) in the U.S. in 2024 ranges from $85,000 to $95,000 per year, depending on factors such as location, specialization, and experience.
2. Highest-Paying Nursing Specialties: Specialties like Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs), Nurse Practitioners (NPs), and Clinical Nurse Specialists (CNSs) command higher salaries due to advanced education and the specialized nature of their roles.
   • CRNAs earn between $200,000 and $220,000.
   • Nurse Practitioners earn $120,000 to $140,000 annually.
3. Top Factors Influencing Salary:
   • Geographic location: Nurses in high-cost living areas or urban centers tend to earn more.
   • Experience level: More experienced nurses command higher salaries.
   • Specialization: Specialized nurses often have higher earning potential.

RN Salary by State in 2024

Top 5 Highest-Paying States for RNs in 2024:

1. California:
   • Average Salary: $125,000 to $140,000
   • California continues to lead the nation in RN salaries due to the high cost of living and demand for healthcare professionals.
2. Hawaii:
   • Average Salary: $110,000 to $120,000
   • Hawaii’s high cost of living and the need for healthcare services drive higher wages for nurses.
3. Massachusetts:
   • Average Salary: $105,000 to $115,000
   • A well-developed healthcare system and the presence of top-tier hospitals contribute to competitive nursing wages.
4. Oregon:
   • Average Salary: $100,000 to $110,000
   • Oregon offers strong wages to nurses, especially in urban areas like Portland.
5. Washington:
   • Average Salary: $98,000 to $108,000
   • The healthcare industry in Washington remains robust, offering competitive salaries to attract qualified RNs.

Nurse Salary by Specialty in 2024

1. Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs):
   • Average Salary: $200,000 to $220,000
   • CRNAs continue to be the highest-paid nursing specialty.
2. Nurse Practitioners (NPs):
   • Average Salary: $120,000 to $140,000
   • Nurse practitioners, with advanced roles, earn significantly more than RNs.
3. Clinical Nurse Specialists (CNSs):
   • Average Salary: $100,000 to $120,000
   • CNSs in specialized areas such as pediatrics or cardiology command higher wages.

In 2024, nurse salaries across the U.S. continue to be influenced by factors such as geographic location, experience, and specialization. States such as California, Hawaii, and Massachusetts offer some of the highest salaries for Registered Nurses (RNs), with average annual earnings exceeding $100,000. These high salaries are largely attributed to the higher cost of living and strong demand for healthcare professionals in these regions.

Conversely, many Southern and some Midwestern states experience lower RN salaries. States like Alabama, Mississippi, and West Virginia typically offer average annual salaries in the range of $60,000 to $65,000, reflecting regional economic conditions and lower costs of living.

Advanced nursing roles, such as Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) and Nurse Practitioners (NPs), continue to see significant pay increases. These roles are recognized for their critical contributions to healthcare, with CRNAs and NPs commanding higher salaries compared to general RNs. Their specialized skills and the increasing demand for their expertise are key drivers of these elevated compensation levels.