Nursing is one of the most in-demand and well-paid professions in the United States. Salaries vary based on experience, location, specialization, and type of employer. Below is a detailed breakdown of how much nurses earn monthly and yearly in the U.S., including factors that influence pay and opportunities for higher earnings.
1 Average Salary for Nurses in the U.S.
Nursing salaries in the U.S. depend on the level of education, experience, and job role. Here’s an overview of average earnings:
A. Registered Nurses (RNs)
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Average Annual Salary: $75,000 – $110,000
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Average Monthly Salary: $6,250 – $9,166
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Entry-Level (0-2 years): $60,000 – $75,000 per year ($5,000 – $6,250/month)
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Mid-Career (5+ years): $80,000 – $100,000 per year ($6,666 – $8,333/month)
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Experienced (10+ years): $90,000 – $120,000+ per year ($7,500 – $10,000/month)
B. Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) / Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVNs)
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Average Annual Salary: $45,000 – $65,000
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Average Monthly Salary: $3,750 – $5,416
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Entry-Level: $40,000 – $50,000 per year ($3,333 – $4,166/month)
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Experienced: $55,000 – $70,000 per year ($4,583 – $5,833/month)
C. Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs)
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Nurse Practitioners (NPs): $100,000 – $150,000 per year ($8,333 – $12,500/month)
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Certified Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs): $180,000 – $250,000 per year ($15,000 – $20,833/month)
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Clinical Nurse Specialists (CNS): $90,000 – $130,000 per year ($7,500 – $10,833/month)
2 Factors That Affect Nursing Salaries
Several factors influence how much nurses earn, including:
A. Location (Highest-Paying States)
Salaries vary significantly by state due to cost of living and demand:
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California: $110,000 – $150,000 per year (highest-paying)
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New York: $85,000 – $120,000 per year
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Texas: $70,000 – $100,000 per year
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Florida: $65,000 – $90,000 per year
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Rural Areas vs. Cities: Urban hospitals often pay more but have higher living costs.
B. Work Setting
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Hospitals: $75,000 – $110,000 per year
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Outpatient Clinics: $70,000 – $95,000 per year
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Nursing Homes: $65,000 – $85,000 per year
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Travel Nursing: $100,000 – $150,000+ per year (higher due to temporary assignments)
C. Specialization
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ICU/Critical Care Nurses: $85,000 – $120,000 per year
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Emergency Room (ER) Nurses: $80,000 – $115,000 per year
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Operating Room (OR) Nurses: $75,000 – $110,000 per year
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Pediatric Nurses: $70,000 – $100,000 per year
D. Shift Differentials & Overtime
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Night/Weekend Shifts: Often pay $2 – $10 more per hour.
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Overtime Pay: Time-and-a-half (1.5x hourly rate) after 40 hours/week.
3 Highest-Paying Nursing Jobs
Some nursing roles offer significantly higher salaries due to specialization and demand:
A. Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA)
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Annual Salary: $180,000 – $250,000
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Monthly Earnings: $15,000 – $20,833
B. Nurse Practitioner (NP)
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Annual Salary: $100,000 – $150,000
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Monthly Earnings: $8,333 – $12,500
C. Travel Nurse
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Annual Salary: $100,000 – $150,000+ (with housing stipends)
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Monthly Earnings: $8,333 – $12,500+
D. Nurse Manager / Administrator
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Annual Salary: $90,000 – $130,000
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Monthly Earnings: $7,500 – $10,833
4 Benefits Beyond Salary
Many nursing jobs include additional benefits:
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Health Insurance: Most hospitals offer medical, dental, and vision coverage.
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Retirement Plans: 401(k) with employer matching.
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Tuition Reimbursement: Some employers pay for further education.
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Bonuses: Sign-on bonuses ($5,000 – $20,000) and performance incentives.
5 How to Increase Your Nursing Salary
If you want to earn more as a nurse, consider:
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Getting Certified: Specializations (e.g., CCRN, CNOR) boost pay.
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Moving to a Higher-Paying State: California, New York, and Massachusetts pay the most.
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Pursuing Advanced Degrees: Becoming an NP or CRNA significantly increases earnings.
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Working Overtime or Night Shifts: Extra shifts can add $10,000+ per year.
6 Comparison: Staff Nurse vs. Travel Nurse Salaries
| Category | Staff Nurse (Yearly) | Travel Nurse (Yearly) |
|---|---|---|
| Base Salary | $75,000 – $100,000 | $80,000 – $120,000 |
| Housing Stipend | Not applicable | $15,000 – $30,000 |
| Overtime Pay | Available | Higher opportunities |
| Total Earnings | $75,000 – $110,000 | $100,000 – $150,000+ |
7 Conclusion
Nursing salaries in the U.S. range from $45,000 per year for LPNs to over $250,000 for CRNAs, with Registered Nurses (RNs) earning an average of $75,000 – $110,000 annually ($6,250 – $9,166 monthly). Factors like location, specialization, experience, and shift differentials greatly impact earnings. By pursuing advanced certifications, working in high-demand states, or entering travel nursing, nurses can significantly increase their income. With strong job security and benefits, nursing remains one of the most financially rewarding careers in the U.S.
