As of 2014, the average Registered Nurse (RN) brought home just shy of $66,640 a year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. But earnings vary greatly by location, as employers must offer higher wages in certain areas of the country to attract qualified candidates. On average, the highest wages paid in registered nurse were in California, Hawaii, Massachusetts, Alaska and Oregon.
Salary (annual): $45,880 – $98,880
Salary (hourly): $22.06 – $47.54
Min. Education: Bachelor’s degree
Job Outlook 2014-24: 16% (Much faster than average)
Related Careers: Dental Hygienists, EMTs and Paramedics, Physician Assistants & Diagnostic Medical Sonographers
| State | Salary (hourly) |
| 1. California | $47.31 |
| 2. Hawaii | $42.42 |
| 3. Massachusetts | $41.23 |
| 4. Alaska | $41.22 |
| 5. Oregon | $39.87 |
Sources: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Data extracted on February 10, 2016
Marvin says
I’m an ER nurse in Alabama and I have been working in the ER for over 2 years, I do not make the minimum number in this statistic.
D Stambaugh says
I love in Kentucky, been a Nurse since 1997 and have a Bachelors Degree. I don’t make as much as that. I think a lot of these are complete hogwash.