Rn
Salary Calculator
Get accurate salary estimates with our AI-powered calculator. Access real market data for rn positions across different experience levels and locations.
Calculate Your Rn Salary
Get personalized salary estimates based on your specific criteria
Complete Nursing Salary Guide 2025
From CNA to CRNA: comprehensive salary data, specialty premiums, shift differentials, and the path to six-figure nursing income.
Nursing Career Ladder: Education, Salary & Duties
Understanding the three main levels of nursing careers. Each level requires different education, licensing, and responsibilities—with corresponding salary differences.
| Role | Education Required | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
|
CNA
Certified Nursing Assistant
|
4-12 weeks State-approved training program + certification exam |
$35,000
$28K - $45K range
|
|
LPN / LVN
Licensed Practical Nurse
|
12-18 months Diploma/certificate program + NCLEX-PN exam |
$50,000
$42K - $62K range
|
|
RN
Registered Nurse
|
2-4 years Associate's (ADN) or Bachelor's (BSN) + NCLEX-RN exam |
$81,000
$62K - $120K range
|
Fast-track tip: CNA → LPN → RN path lets you earn while learning. Work as CNA ($35K) while completing LPN program nights/weekends → Work as LPN ($50K) while completing RN bridge program → RN in 3-4 years total with zero student debt.
RN Specialty Premium Pay: How to Earn $90K - $190K+
Not all RN roles pay the same. Specialization dramatically increases earning potential. Here's how different nursing specialties affect your paycheck.
ICU / Critical Care
$93,000
Base RN salary + $12,000
- • 1:1 or 1:2 nurse-to-patient ratio
- • Ventilator management, hemodynamic monitoring
- • Requires CCRN certification ($2K bonus)
- • High stress, high skill, high pay
Emergency Room
$91,000
Base RN salary + $10,000
- • Fast-paced, unpredictable environment
- • Trauma care, triage, rapid assessment
- • CEN certification adds $1-3K
- • Shift differentials common (nights/weekends)
Operating Room
$96,000
Base RN salary + $15,000
- • Perioperative nursing (circulating or scrub)
- • CNOR certification highly valued
- • Typically day shifts (no nights/weekends)
- • Specialized equipment training required
Labor & Delivery
$88,000
Base RN salary + $7,000
- • Prenatal, delivery, postpartum care
- • Fetal monitoring, newborn resuscitation
- • RNC-OB certification adds $2-4K
- • Emotionally rewarding, lower turnover
Pediatric ICU
$92,000
Base RN salary + $11,000
- • Critical care for children/infants
- • CCRN-Pediatric or CCRN-Neonatal certs
- • Family-centered care focus
- • Competitive for limited positions
Travel Nursing 🔥
$106,000
Base RN salary + $25,000
- • 13-week contracts nationwide
- • Tax-free housing/meal stipends ($1,500-3,000/mo)
- • 1 year experience typically required
- • Flexibility to pick locations & assignments
- • Crisis contracts can hit $150-200K/year
🚀 Six-Figure Nursing Paths (No Master's Required):
- • Travel ICU Nurse: $100-120K ($2,000-2,300/week, 48 weeks/year)
- • OR Nurse in High COL area: $110-135K (CA/NY/MA metro hospitals)
- • Per Diem RN (3 shifts/week): $95-115K ($65-85/hr, no benefits but highest hourly rate)
- • Night Shift ICU + Overtime: $100-125K (15% night differential + time-and-a-half OT)
Shift Differentials: How Night & Weekend Shifts Boost Nurse Pay
Hospitals pay premium rates for less desirable shifts. Night shift nurses can earn $12,000-$18,000 more annually for the same work. Here's the breakdown:
Day Shift (7am-7pm)
$39/hr
Base hourly rate (no differential)
Annual (36 hrs/week):
$73,000
Evening Shift (3pm-11pm)
$43/hr
Base + 10% evening differential
Annual (36 hrs/week):
$81,000
+$8,000/year vs. day shift
Night Shift (7pm-7am)
$45/hr
Base + 15% night differential
Annual (36 hrs/week):
$84,000
+$11,000/year vs. day shift
Weekend & Holiday Bonuses (Stackable with Shift Differentials)
Weekend Differential
Additional $3-8/hr for Saturday/Sunday shifts
Work every weekend = +$6,000-$15,000/year
Holiday Pay
Time-and-a-half or double-time (Christmas, Thanksgiving, etc.)
Work 6 major holidays = +$2,000-$3,500/year
Overtime (>40 hrs/week)
Time-and-a-half on base+differential hourly rate
One extra shift/week = +$15,000-$25,000/year
On-Call Pay
$3-6/hr standby pay + premium if called in
Common for OR, ICU, L&D nurses
Real Example: ICU RN working permanent nights + every other weekend + 1 OT shift/month: Base $81K + Night diff $12K + Weekend diff $7K + OT $8K = $108,000/year with BSN only (no advanced degree).
Travel Nursing: The $100K+ Path (Complete Financial Breakdown)
Travel nursing offers the highest pay for RNs without advanced degrees. Here's exactly how compensation works and what you'll actually earn.
Typical 13-Week Travel Contract Breakdown
Taxable Income
Non-Taxable Stipends*
*Stipends are tax-free if you maintain a permanent residence (tax home) and qualify for IRS travel deductions. Consult a travel nurse-specialized CPA.
Annualized (48 weeks/year, 4 weeks unpaid between contracts):
Conservative
$100,000
Average
$130,000
High-Demand (Crisis)
$170,000+
Pros of Travel Nursing
- • Highest RN pay without advanced degree
- • Geographic freedom: Work anywhere in US, pick locations
- • Tax advantages: $20-35K/year in non-taxable stipends
- • Experience diversity: Learn different hospital systems, EMRs
- • Housing provided/stipend: No rent if using agency housing
- • Fast credentialing: Agencies handle licensing, compliance
- • Schedule control: Take time off between contracts
Cons & Considerations
- • Limited benefits: Health insurance often expensive through agency
- • No PTO: Unpaid time between contracts (plan for 4-6 weeks/year gap)
- • Tax home requirement: Must maintain permanent residence to get stipends tax-free
- • Constant adaptation: New hospital every 13 weeks = steep learning curve
- • Experience required: Most agencies want 1-2 years staff RN experience
- • Unstable during low demand: COVID created boom, but market fluctuates
- • No career ladder: Hard to advance to management as traveler
Getting Started: Work 1-2 years as staff RN in high-demand specialty (ICU, ER, OR, L&D) → Get BLS, ACLS, specialty certs → Apply to 2-3 travel agencies (Aya, Cross Country, Travel Nurse Across America) → Accept first contract → Never look back. Many travel nurses report earning $200-300K more over a 5-year period vs. staying staff.
Complete Nursing Career Ladder: CNA to CRNA ($35K → $190K)
The complete nursing career progression, showing realistic timelines and salaries at each level. Unlike most careers, nursing offers a clear ladder with dramatic income growth.
CNA (Entry Point)
$35,000Timeline: 4-12 weeks training + state exam
Role: Basic patient care, vital signs, assistance with ADLs. Work in hospitals, nursing homes, home health. Fastest entry to healthcare with immediate employment.
LPN / LVN
$50,000Timeline: 12-18 months diploma/certificate + NCLEX-PN (can work as CNA during school)
Role: Medication administration, wound care, IV monitoring under RN supervision. Common in long-term care, clinics, and hospitals. Bridge programs to RN widely available.
RN (ADN) - Associate's Degree
$75,000Timeline: 2 years (community college) + NCLEX-RN. LPN-to-RN bridge programs available (12-18 months).
Role: Full RN scope of practice. Can work anywhere RNs work. Many hospitals now prefer/require BSN, but ADN gets you licensed and working. Average starting salary $65-75K.
RN (BSN) - Bachelor's of Science in Nursing
$81,000Timeline: 4 years (university) OR ADN→BSN bridge (1-2 years online while working). Most hospitals now require BSN within 3-5 years of hire.
Role: Identical clinical scope to ADN, but BSN opens doors to management, specialty certifications, and graduate programs. Magnet hospitals require 80%+ BSN-prepared nurses.
Specialty-Certified RN (ICU, ER, OR, etc.)
$90,000 - $110,000Timeline: 1-2 years specialty experience + certification (CCRN, CEN, CNOR, etc.). Travel nursing available.
Role: Specialized RN in high-acuity settings. Certification adds $2-5K salary premium. Travel nursing in specialty can earn $100-150K. Path to advanced practice roles.
Nurse Practitioner (MSN or DNP)
$115,000Timeline: 2-3 years master's program (many online, work while studying). BSN + 1-2 years RN experience required for admission.
Role: Advanced practice provider. Can diagnose, prescribe medications, order tests (scope varies by state). Specialties: Family NP, Acute Care NP, Psych NP, Pediatric NP. Work independently in many states. Psych NPs earn $130-160K due to shortage.
CRNA (Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist) 🏆
$190,000Timeline: BSN → 1-2 years ICU experience → 3-year doctorate program (DNP or DNAP). Highly competitive admission.
Role: Administer anesthesia independently or with anesthesiologist supervision. One of the highest-paid nursing roles. Work in hospitals, surgery centers, or independently. Some rural CRNAs earn $250-300K. Requires commitment to rigorous training and high-stress work environment.
💰 Lifetime earnings edge: CRNA can out-earn many physicians when accounting for 3 years less school + zero medical school debt ($200K+ savings).
Complete Career Path Example (15 years):
Year 1: CNA while in LPN program → Earn $35K, pay $5K tuition
Year 2-3: LPN while in RN bridge program → Earn $50K/year, employer tuition reimbursement
Year 4-6: RN (ADN then BSN) in ICU → Earn $75-85K, gain critical care experience
Year 7-9: Travel ICU RN → Earn $120-140K, save aggressively, apply to CRNA programs
Year 10-12: CRNA school (3 years) → Live on savings/loans, $0 income during school
Year 13-15: CRNA → Earn $190-220K, pay off loans in 2-3 years
Result: $35K → $200K in 15 years. Total education cost: $60-80K (vs. $300K+ for physicians). Debt-free by age 38-40 with $200K/year income.
Nurse Salary FAQs: What Aspiring Nurses Actually Want to Know
The honest breakdown (using real numbers from 2024-2025):
Gross annual compensation: $120-145K average ($2,300-2,800/week for 48 weeks)
Deduct:
- Federal/state taxes on base pay: ~$12-18K (stipends are tax-free IF you have valid tax home)
- Health insurance: $4-8K/year (agency plans are expensive; some nurses use spouse's plan)
- Maintaining tax home: $6-12K/year (rent/mortgage on permanent residence you're not living in)
- Travel between contracts: $1-2K/year (flights, gas, hotel during transitions)
- Licensing fees: $500-1,500/year (compact license + multiple state licenses)
- Unpaid time between contracts: 4-6 weeks/year gap (some nurses take longer breaks)
Net take-home after expenses: $85-105K for typical traveler
However, the BIG advantage: $20-35K of your income is TAX-FREE stipends. A $130K travel nurse pays taxes on only $55-70K (the base pay), while a $90K staff nurse pays taxes on the full $90K. This means the travel nurse takes home $95-110K vs. staff nurse taking home $65-70K.
Bottom line: Travel nurses NET $25-35K more per year than staff nurses with the same skills, even after accounting for extra expenses. Over a 5-year travel stint, that's an extra $125-175K in your pocket.
YES—nursing has one of the best ROIs in healthcare. Here's the math:
Education cost:
- Community college ADN (2 years): $6-15K total
- Public university BSN (4 years): $40-80K total (in-state)
- Accelerated BSN (1-2 years, for career changers): $40-70K
Time to break even (vs. staying in $40K/year job):
- ADN route: 6-18 months (earn while learning as CNA/LPN, then jump to $75K RN salary)
- BSN route: 2-3 years after graduation
- For career changers (leaving $60K job): 3-5 years
Lifetime earnings advantage (vs. $45K median US income):
- RN working 30 years: Earn $2.4-3.6M vs. $1.35M = +$1-2.25M lifetime
- If you travel for 5 years: Add another $125-175K
- If you advance to NP/CRNA: Add another $500K-1.5M
Other financial benefits:
- Job security: Nursing shortage = always in demand
- Geographic flexibility: RN license valid anywhere
- Recession-proof: Healthcare hiring remains strong during downturns
- Tuition reimbursement: Most hospitals pay for BSN→MSN
- Loan forgiveness: Work in nonprofit hospital = PSLF eligible ($50K+ forgiven)
- Shift flexibility: Work 3 x 12-hour shifts = 4 days off for side hustles
Bottom line: Nursing is one of the few careers where you can earn $75-190K with a bachelor's or associate's degree, have near-perfect job security, and advance without additional debt. ROI is exceptional, especially via the CNA→LPN→RN pathway that lets you earn while learning.
Top 5 six-figure nursing jobs with BSN only:
- Travel ICU/ER RN: $100-150K ($2,000-3,000/week). Peak during staffing shortages: $175-220K. Requires 1-2 years specialty experience + BLS/ACLS/specialty certs.
- Operating Room RN (high COL metro): $105-135K in CA/NY/MA. OR nurses typically get premium pay + day shift schedules (no nights/weekends). CNOR certification adds $2-5K.
- Informatics RN: $95-125K. Work for hospital IT or EHR vendors (Epic, Cerner). Help implement/optimize electronic medical records. Less patient care, more tech/project management. Requires RN license + strong computer skills.
- Per Diem RN (3+ shifts/week): $95-120K. Highest hourly rate ($60-90/hr) but no benefits. Pick your own schedule. Work multiple per diem jobs for variety + high income.
- Cath Lab / Interventional Radiology RN: $95-115K. Assist with cardiac catheterizations, angioplasty, stent placements. Requires specialized training (6-12 month orientation). Typically day shift with on-call requirements.
How to maximize RN income without master's degree:
- Work in high COL metro: Bay Area/Seattle/Boston RNs earn 30-50% more
- Permanent night shift: +$10-15K/year for 15-20% differential
- Work every weekend: +$6-12K/year for weekend premiums
- Pick up overtime shifts: +$15-30K/year (time-and-a-half)
- Get specialty certifications: CCRN, CEN, CNOR, CCRN-K add $2-5K each
- Negotiate signing bonus: Shortage specialties offer $10-25K bonuses
Real example: ICU RN in Los Angeles working permanent nights + every other weekend + one OT shift/month = Base $95K + Night diff $15K + Weekend diff $8K + OT $10K + Sign-on bonus $15K (year 1) = $143,000 with BSN only.
YES—shift differentials are standard in nursing and can add $10-20K/year to your income.
Typical shift differential rates:
- Evening shift (3pm-11pm or 2pm-10pm): +$3-6/hr (10-15% of base)
- Night shift (11pm-7am or 7pm-7am): +$5-10/hr (15-25% of base)
- Weekend shift (Sat/Sun): Additional $3-8/hr on top of time-of-day differential
- Holiday shift: Time-and-a-half to double-time (Christmas, Thanksgiving, New Year's)
How differentials stack:
If your base rate is $40/hr:
- Day shift weekday: $40/hr
- Night shift weekday: $46-50/hr (+$6-10)
- Day shift weekend: $45-48/hr (+$5-8)
- Night shift weekend: $51-58/hr (night diff + weekend diff stack!)
- Night shift weekend on Christmas: $80-116/hr (double-time holiday pay + diffs)
Annual impact examples (36-hour work week):
- Permanent day shift: $75,000
- Permanent night shift: $85-90,000 (+$10-15K)
- Rotating shifts (mix of day/night): $78-82,000
- Weekend program (every Sat/Sun): $88-95,000 (+$13-20K for just 2 days/week)
Weekend option programs (Baylor Plan):
Some hospitals offer "weekend warrior" contracts:
- Work ONLY Saturdays and Sundays (24 hours/week: two 12-hour shifts)
- Get paid for 36-40 hours (same as full-time)
- Earn $65-80K/year for 2 days of work
- Perfect for parents, students, or those with side businesses
Pro tip: Negotiate shift differentials during hiring. Some hospitals offer higher differentials as recruitment incentive. Ask: "Is there flexibility on the night shift differential? I see competitor hospital offers $8/hr vs. your $5/hr." Many managers have wiggle room to match.
YES—you can become a fully licensed RN with a 2-year Associate's Degree in Nursing (ADN). Both ADN and BSN nurses take the same NCLEX-RN exam and have identical legal scope of practice.
ADN (Associate's Degree) Path:
- Duration: 2 years at community college
- Cost: $6,000-15,000 total (vs. $40-80K for BSN)
- Outcome: Full RN license, same NCLEX exam as BSN
- Starting salary: $65-75K (same or slightly less than BSN)
BSN (Bachelor's Degree) Path:
- Duration: 4 years at university
- Cost: $40,000-80,000 (in-state public)
- Outcome: RN license + bachelor's degree
- Starting salary: $70-80K
The CATCH: Many hospitals now require or prefer BSN
- Magnet hospitals: Require 80%+ BSN-prepared nurses (competitive hospitals)
- New grad hiring: Some hospitals only hire BSN new grads (though ADN can still get hired at smaller/rural hospitals)
- BSN-within-X-years: Many hospitals hire ADN RNs but require BSN completion within 3-5 years
- Management/leadership: Need BSN to advance to charge nurse, manager, educator roles
Best strategy: ADN→BSN Bridge
- Get ADN at community college (2 years, $10K)
- Pass NCLEX, get RN license, start working ($70-75K salary)
- Enroll in RN-to-BSN online program while working (1-2 years part-time)
- Employer pays tuition reimbursement ($3-8K/year) → BSN at little/no cost
- Get BSN with ZERO debt + 2 years nursing experience
ADN vs BSN salary difference: MINIMAL
- Most hospitals pay identical wages for ADN and BSN RNs in the same role
- Some offer $1-3K/year BSN premium, but not universal
- Real advantage of BSN is access to jobs and career ladder, NOT immediate pay bump
Bottom line: ADN is a faster, cheaper path to RN license and good salary. BSN opens more doors long-term. Smartest move: Get ADN, work as RN, complete BSN online using tuition reimbursement. Best of both worlds: low debt + high earning + career advancement.
Rn Salary Information & Pay Scale
Rn Salary Breakdown
- Entry Level (0-2 years): $62,000
- Mid Level (3-5 years): $81,000
- Senior Level (6-10 years): $100,500
- Expert Level (10+ years): $120,000
Factors Affecting Rn Salary
- Location: Cost of living varies significantly by city and state
- Experience: Years of experience in rn roles
- Company Size: Larger companies typically offer higher salaries
- Industry: Tech, healthcare, and finance often pay premium salaries
- Skills & Certifications: Specialized skills command higher pay
Rn Role Overview
What Does a Rn Do?
Rns are professionals who contribute significantly to their organizations. This role requires specialized skills and experience to deliver value in today's competitive market.
Key Skills for Rns
These skills are highly valued and can significantly impact rn salary potential.
Career Outlook & Industries
Top Industries:
Career Outlook:
Market demand varies by industry and location
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do travel nurses really make after taxes and expenses?
Travel nurses gross $100K-170K annually, but take-home is different. Weekly pay breaks down to: $20-25/hr base (taxed) + $1,000-2,000 tax-free stipends (housing/meals). After taxes (~25% on base, 0% on stipends), real take-home is $75K-130K. Major expenses: health insurance ($400-600/month), travel between assignments, maintaining a tax home. Net advantage over staff nursing: $20K-40K annually, but no PTO or benefits.
Is becoming a nurse worth it financially (ROI)?
Yes, for most paths. ADN (2-year, $10K-30K) → RN earning $81K = breakeven in 4-8 months. BSN (4-year, $40K-100K) → RN earning $81K = breakeven in 6-18 months. Compared to most bachelor's degrees, nursing offers exceptional ROI: high starting salary, job security, overtime opportunities, and specialty premiums. Nurse practitioners (add 2-3 years, $30K-60K) earn $115K+, with breakeven in 1-2 years.
What is the highest-paid nursing specialty without a master's degree?
Operating Room (OR) nurses and Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) are top earners, but CRNA requires a master's. For RNs with just ADN/BSN, highest-paid specialties: 1) Travel ICU nurses ($120K-170K with experience), 2) Operating Room nurses ($96K base + differentials), 3) Emergency Department nurses ($91K+), 4) Labor & Delivery ($89K+). OR and ICU travel contracts pay $50-70/hour + $1,500+/week stipends.
Do nurses get shift differentials and how much?
Yes! Most hospitals pay shift differentials: Evening shift (3pm-11pm): +10-15% ($8-12/hour extra), Night shift (11pm-7am): +15-25% ($12-20/hour extra), Weekend: +10-20% ($8-16/hour extra). These stack: working night shift on weekends can add $20-30/hour to your base. For a $38/hour base RN, night + weekend = $58-68/hour. Over a year, working primarily nights adds $10K-15K to annual income.
Can I become a nurse without a bachelor's degree (ADN vs BSN)?
Yes. Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN, 2 years) qualifies you for the same RN license and NCLEX exam as a BSN. Starting pay is nearly identical ($75K-81K). HOWEVER: 1) Many hospitals now require or prefer BSN for hiring, 2) Career advancement often requires BSN, 3) BSN is mandatory for most master's programs (NP, CRNA). Strategy: Get ADN, start working as RN, then do RN-to-BSN online while employed (employer often pays). This minimizes debt while maximizing earning years.
Ready to Land a High-Paying Rn Role?
Knowing your rn market value is just the first step. Get your resume optimized to actually land interviews for those roles.