registered nurse pay per visit

Can Home Health Nurses Be Paid on a Per Visit Basis?

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Typically, home health nurses see patients for an hour or so to conduct treatments, evaluate ongoing heath issues or to undertake patient teaching about how to handle a new health problem, explains All Nursing Schools.com . Often, home health agencies pay their nurses a determined amount per visit.

However, some home health nurses receive a set salary and schedule a certain number of visits per week. Both registered nurses (RNs) and licensed practical nurses (LPNs) work in home health.

Who Sets the Rates?

In many cases, home health agencies don't set the rates; private insurance companies and government agencies, such as Medicare and Medicaid, set the rates. These rates are determined by the levels of care (for example, is the patient ambulatory, needs bathing, or some kind of wound treatment) as well as the region.

The home health agencies do determine how the nurses are paid: including pay-per-visit vs. hourly vs. salaried. When a nurse is salaried, the level of care is not factored into the wage. Nurses who work as independent contractors can set their own rates.

Determining the Price

Nurses can make very different per-visit rates, depending on the complexity of the visit and whether it's the first visit. The first visit takes more time because the nurse must complete all required paperwork.

A nurse can perform a once-a-month blood draw or injection more quickly than a visit to patient recently discharged from the hospital with a bagful of new medications who will require instructions and counseling on these medications.

Whoever is paying the bill makes a difference; Medicare rates for visits are higher than Medicaid payments, according to the Illinois HomeCare and Hospice Council. Home health nurses who work as independent contractors might charge less than agencies, who must take a cut of the pay.

Benefits and Drawbacks

A nurse might prefer being paid per visit if she sees a number of patients within the same geographical area, so she can see a larger number of people within a shorter period of time. She makes more money doing so. If she has to drive long distances between visits, she might only be able to fit a few visits in during the day.

Although agencies often pay mileage, the difference might not be enough to make up income lost by doing just one or two visits. The pay-per-visit rate must also cover the time a nurse spends completing paperwork, which is often completed later, at home, rather than at the patient's home. If a nurse wants to increase her income, she might squeeze in more patients than is prudent, which could be detrimental to patient care.

Average Visit Payments

Because reimbursement varies according to case complexity and who the payer is, there is no single typical per-visit payment. For example, in 2021, the per-visit rates for Low-Utilization Payment Adjustment calls were:

• $69.11 for Home Health Aide
• $244.64 for Medical Social Worker
• $167.98 for Occupational Therapy
• $166.83 for Physical Therapy
• $152.63 for Skilled Nursing
• $181.34 Speech-Language Pathology

There is an add-on percentage if you visit rural areas, explains ALORA Home Health Software , but that is being phased out in the coming years. You'll need to check the rates in your state.

• All Nursing Schools: How to Become a Home Health Nurse
• ALORA: Home Health Final Rule 2021 Changes

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Breadcrumbs

Study: home health rn salaries & turnover increase.

WASHINGTON, D.C. (November 9, 2021)—The average hourly rate for registered nurses (RNs) in home health agencies increased 2.98% in 2021, according to the 2021-2022 Home Care Salary & Benefits Report, just released by Hospital & Healthcare Compensation Service (HCS). The report is published in cooperation with the National Association for Home Care & Hospice (NAHC).

In a comparison of rates by agency type, RNs in hospital-based home health agencies received the highest in pay with an average hourly rate of $40.10. The average hourly rate for RNs in visiting nurse associations was $37.67; for-profit agency RN hourly pay was $34.43; and not-for-profit agency pay was $36.17/hour. (All rates above represent the national average hourly rate.)

The national average hourly rate for RNs in any setting was $35.20. In a comparison of rates by state, RNs in Connecticut received $41.19/hour; RNs in Massachusetts received $41.98/hour; and California RNs ranked the highest in pay at $48.83/hour. On the lower spectrum, RNs in Mississippi received $28.53/hour; while RNs in Kentucky received $31.32/hour; and RNs in Alabama received $31.68/hour. 

The national average turnover rate for RNs has risen 11.70% since 2019. The average turnover rate for RNs in 2019 was 20.55%; 25.85% in 2020; and 32.25% in 2021. The average turnover rate for homecare aides rose from 36.53% in 2020 to 38.05% in this year’s study.

1,011 home health agencies participated in the study. The complete 190+ page report contains 58 jobs and covers salaries, bonuses, and hourly and per visit rates. Data include the 10th, 25th, 50th, 75th, 90th average, total number of employees and total number of agencies. Data is reported by state, CBSA, region, agency type and revenue size. Also included are 20 fringe benefits, planned percent increases, productivity, and personnel policies.

The report price is $375. A separate Hospice Salary & Benefits Report will be published in late November. Both studies are published in cooperation with the National Association for Home Care & Hospice (NAHC). 

To order, visit the HCS website at hhcsinc.com .

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How Much Do Registered Nurses Make?

• Salary by State
• Salary by Industry
• Nurse Salaries Compared
• How to Increase Pay

Are you ready to earn your online nursing degree?

Registered nurses (RNs) can enjoy one of the most stable and rewarding healthcare occupations. They earn a high average salary and have increased demand to serve an aging population.

Nursing students can become RNs in 2-4 years and earn salaries exceeding the U.S. average. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), RNs earn an average annual salary of $89,010. Factors such as location, specialty certification, and experience can lead to salaries of more than $120,000.

Fast Facts About Registered Nurse Salaries

• The average annual RN salary is $89,010 or $42.80 an hour.
• RN salaries increased by 15% over the last three years (2019 to 2022).
• The highest-paying states for RNs are California, Hawaii, and Oregon.
• 45% of nurses feel they are fairly compensated.

Sources: BLS, 2022 | Medscape RN/LPN Compensation Report, 2022

How Much do Registered Nurses Make?

With an average salary of $89,010, registered nurses (RNs) earn 44% higher salaries compared to the average for all U.S. occupations. RNs earn competitive salaries that can lead to rewarding and financially stable careers. The demanding nature of the profession can contribute to RNs’ high earning potential, along with the extensive education and training required and nurses’ critical role in healthcare.

$89,010 Average Annual RN Salary

$42.80 Average Hourly RN Salary

The salary range for RNs is broad, allowing for growth and advancement based on education, certification, and experience. Most nurses earn $61,250-$129,400 annually for the lowest and highest-paid earners. The median annual salary for RNs is $81,220 or $39.05 an hour.

Registered Nurse Salary by Education

RNs can enter the field after completing a nursing diploma or two-year associate degree in nursing ( ADN ). However, earning a four-year bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) has become the norm. BSN-prepared nurses earn a higher starting salary and have access to more job opportunities.

Generally, the higher the degree, the greater the compensation level. RNs with master of science in nursing (MSN) degrees can earn an average of $23,000 more than individuals with BSNs.

Registered Nurse Salary by Specialization

RNs can receive specialized training to gain in-depth knowledge and advanced skills. As such, RN salary levels vary with board certification and specialization. The following information provides average salaries for some common specializations.

Some of the highest-paying registered nurse specializations include family health, acute/critical care, and emergency/trauma nursing.

Popular Online RN-to-BSN Programs

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

Registered Nurse Salary by State

While RNs receive relatively high salaries compared to other occupations, some areas of the country pay far more than others . Overall, the Western states offer the highest salaries, while some Southern and Midwestern states pay the least.

Factors such as cost of living, nursing demand, and labor conditions account for RN salary variations across the country.

California and Hawaii, which rank among the most expensive states for cost of living, attract nurses by paying the top salaries in the country. Lower-paying states generally offer a more affordable lifestyle, but the absence of a strong union movement for nurses may keep wages below the national average.

The top five states by median annual salary for registered nurses are California, Hawaii, Oregon, Alaska, and Washington. The top five states by median annual salary adjusted for cost of living are California, Hawaii, Oregon, Nevada, and Alaska.

Note: Salary adjusted for cost of living was calculated using RN median annual salary and regional price parity by state from the Bureau of Economic Analysis .

Highest-Paying Cities for Registered Nurses

RNs working in densely populated cities typically earn more than RNs in rural areas. California, the most populous state, has ten of the highest-paying metro areas for RNs in the country.

RNs in the top-five California metro areas below earn well above six figures. Employers in these areas may offer higher-than-average salaries due to nursing shortages among underrepresented groups, the high cost of living, and the strong union movement among the state’s nurses.

Registered Nurse Salary by Industry

RN salaries vary substantially by workplace setting. Among the most common industries for RNs, those working at outpatient care centers and general medical and surgical hospitals report the highest earnings.

How Do Registered Nurse’s Salaries Compare to Other Nurses?

RNs, while earning less than advanced practice nurses , make much more than nurses without college degrees.

Compared to other nursing professions, registered nurses earn $53,000 more than certified nursing assistants and $33,000 more than licensed practical nurses. But, RNs earn $36,000 less than nurse practitioners.

Nurse anesthetists are the highest-paid nurses. These highly trained nurses must earn their doctorate in nursing and spend seven or more years completing education and training.

What Kind of Salary Growth Can Registered Nurses Expect?

Like most professions, a nurse’s salary can increase with more experience and education. Higher RN salary levels correspond to recent changes in expectations about RN roles and responsibilities.

Nursing training has become more specialized, with a growing emphasis on technology and preventive care. As advanced graduate nursing degrees become more common, RNs can move into senior leadership roles with higher salaries.

Four Ways to Increase Pay as a Registered Nurse

Board certifications and specializations in high-demand practice areas can boost RN salaries significantly.

Earnings vary among healthcare employers and locations. RN salaries range from $61,250 for the lowest-paid 10% to $129,400 for the top 10% of earners, according to the BLS . The highest-paid RNs typically possess advanced degrees and have worked in the field for 10 or more years.

Consider Pursuing Certifications

Certification validates an RN’s expert knowledge and specialized skills, advancing their professional development and salary potential. Board-certified RNs earn an average annual income of $92,000, compared to $81,000 for those without certifications, reports Medscape . RNs apply for certifications through the American Nurse Credentialing Center or other organizations for specialty practice fields.

Earn a More Advanced Nursing Degree

RNs with a nursing diploma or an ADN often return to school to expand their career opportunities. Bridge programs offer a popular option for RNs to earn BSNs or graduate degrees while continuing to work. RNs with MSNs or doctor of nursing practice degrees can earn the highest salaries in many clinical and non-clinical roles.

Gain Experience in Administrative Roles

Nursing shortages and senior-level RNs retiring drive the demand for experienced nurses in administrative positions. Many healthcare facilities offer leadership development and mentoring programs to provide managerial training and support for nurses transitioning into these roles. Experienced RNs can pursue nurse executive certification or enroll in online graduate programs in nursing administration while continuing to work.

Switch Practice Setting

While hospitals, outpatient care settings, and physicians’ offices hire the most RNs, nurses who switch practice settings may find a high demand for their services and better pay.

Among the most common work settings for nurses, those in outpatient care centers, general and surgical hospitals, and home health care services earn the most.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Registered Nursing (RN) Salaries

What kind of nurses get paid the most.

Advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) rank among the highest-paid nurses. APRNs, such as nurse anesthetists, nurse midwives, and nurse practitioners , can earn over six figures depending on their certifications, employment settings, and experience. Nurse anesthetists earn the highest salaries, averaging $205,770 annually, according to the BLS .

How much do RNs make hourly?

RNs earn an average hourly wage of $43. However, hourly pay ranges from $29-$62. Factors determining RN pay rates include specialization and types of certifications, workplace setting and location, and experience level.

What is the starting pay for an RN?

Entry-level RNs earn an average hourly rate of $31, according to Payscale data from September 2023. RNs who enter the field with BSNs earn higher hourly pay than those with nursing diplomas or ADNs. Midcareer RNs with 5-9 years of experience earn an average of $34 an hour, including bonuses, overtime, and other compensation.

Do nurses make six-figure salaries?

Nurses practicing in high-demand cities, states, or specialties can earn six-figure salaries. RNs working overtime or have travel nursing contracts can also earn upwards of $100,000.

RN salary rates have climbed significantly in recent years, with APRNs receiving the highest increases. Nurse practitioners, nurse midwives, and nurse anesthetists all earn six-figure average annual salaries.

Learn More About Registered Nurses

Registered Nursing Salaries by State

Nurses work hard and deserve to be paid well. Discover the top 10 states for nursing salaries, according to the latest data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

How Much Does a Critical Care Nurse Make?

Want to earn more money as a certified registered nurse? Find out more about what critical care nurses make and how to become one.

How Much Do APRNs Make?

APRN salaries are some of the highest in healthcare. Learn how much APRNs make and how to increase your salary.

Average Entry-Level Registered Nurse (RN) Hourly Pay . (2023). Payscale

https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes291151.htm

May 2022 National Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates . (2023). BLS

Medscape RN/LPN Compensation Report 2022 . (2023). Medscape

Nurse Anesthetists . (2023). BLS

Registered Nurses . (2023). BLS

Smiley R, et al. The 2022 National Nursing Workforce Survey . (2023). Journal of Nursing Regulation

Whether you’re looking to get your pre-licensure degree or taking the next step in your career, the education you need could be more affordable than you think. Find the right nursing program for you.

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Home Health Registered Nurse Salary in the United States

How much does a Home Health Registered Nurse make in the United States? The average Home Health Registered Nurse salary in the United States is $86,653 as of April 24, 2024, but the salary range typically falls between $78,023 and $99,118 . Salary ranges can vary widely depending on many important factors, including education , certifications, additional skills, the number of years you have spent in your profession. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target. 

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Home Health Registered Nurse Salary by State

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Skills associated with Home Health Registered Nurse: Regulatory Compliance , Patient Care

Recently searched related titles: Home Care Consultant , Home Health Care Rn , Home Health Nurse

Learn more about: Compensation Packages , Employee Flight Risk , Gender Pay Gap , Job Openings for This Role

Jobs with a similar salary range to Home Health Registered Nurse : Rn Private Duty , Home Visiting Nurse , Homecare Nurse

2023 Registered Nurses Salary Report

2023 Salary Report for Registered Nurses

The average salary for Registered Nurses is $82,750 . The three states that pay Registered Nurses the most are California ($124,000), Hawaii ($106,530) and Oregon ($98,630).

When adjusted for cost-of-living , the states that pay Registered Nurses the highest average annual salary are California ($112,339), Oregon ($96,112) and Hawaii ($95,125).

When adjusted for cost-of-living the three states that pay Registered Nurses the least are South Dakota ($66,149), Alabama ($69,378) and Iowa ($71,378).

The following table shows the average yearly salary for Registered Nurses in each state and the average yearly salary after being adjusted for the cost-of-living (COLA) in that state.

The three states with the highest positive cost-of-living gap are West Virginia ($9,259), Mississippi ($8,788) and Arkansas ($7,985).

Salary Range by Education and Experience

About 50% of Registered Nurses in the United States earn between $61,790 and $97,580 with an experience level that ranges between 5 to 14 years.

About 10% of Registered Nurses in the U.S. earn more than $120,250 , a rate for highly educated and experienced Registered Nurses.

Approximately 10% of Registered Nurses in the United States earn under $59,450 , a rate generally reserved for less experienced or entry level Registered Nurses.

Salary Compared to Related Professions

With an average annual salary of $82,750 , Registered Nurses in the United States tend to earn less than Nurse Anesthetists ($202,470), Nurse Practitioners ($118,040), and Nurse Midwives ($114,210).

However, Registered Nurses tend to earn more than Nursing Assistants ($33,250), LPNs ($51,850), and Nursing Instructors ($82,040).

State-by-State Demand for Registered Nurses in 2030

The U.S. Department of Labor projects that by the year 2030 , the total demand for Registered Nurses will be 3,356,800 with an average yearly openings of 194,500 .

The three states needing the most Registered Nurses are California (358,900), Texas (258,720) and New York (230,580).

The three states needing the highest percentage of new Registered Nurses are Arizona (39.3%), Colorado (28.6%) and Nevada (23.3%).

In the table below, find the states, sorted from highest to lowest , with the highest demand for Registered Nurses in 2030.

Projected Demand for Nursing Professions to 2030

The U.S. Department of Labor projects that the three professions needing the most new nurses in the United States by 2030 are Registered Nurses (3,356,800), Nursing Assistants (1,512,000) and LPNs (751,900).

The three professions needing the highest percentage of new nurses in the United States by 2030 are Nurse Practitioners (52.2%), Nursing Instructors (22.5%) and Nurse Anesthetists (12.7%).

10 Highest-Paying Cities

The top ten cities where Registered Nurses are paid the highest average yearly salary in the United States are shown in the table below.

The top three cities with the highest Registered Nurses salary in the United States are are San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara ($155,230), San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward ($151,640) and Vallejo-Fairfield ($146,360).

When adjusted for the cost-of-living (COLA) the three cities that pay nurses the most in the United States are are San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara ($138,450), Vallejo-Fairfield ($134,994) and Hanford-Corcoran ($129,881).

10 Highest-Paying Rural Areas

The top ten nonmetropolitan areas where Registered Nurses are paid the highest average annual salary in the United States are shown in the table below.

The three rural areas in the United States with the highest Registered Nurses salary are Alaska ($100,470), Hawaii / Kauai ($100,050) and Coast Oregon ($95,260).

When adjusted for the cost-of-living (COL) the three rural areas in the United States with the highest annual salary are Alaska ($99,465), Coast Oregon ($98,941) and Central Oregon ($97,840).

State-by-State Registered Nurses Salary Summaries

See state-by-state summaries for the average annual salary, average hourly salary, cost-of-living adjusted salaries, current employment, 2030 projected employment, and the state’s current cost of living index.

Find links to the highest paid city reports and state salary reports.

Average Registered Nurses Salary: $61,920 Adjusted for Cost of Living: $69,378 Hourly Wage: $29.77 Highest Paid City / Area: Birmingham-Hoover Currently Employed: 49,780 2030 Expected Employment: 55,450 Cost-of-Living Index: 89.25 Alabama Salary Report

Average Registered Nurses Salary: $97,230 Adjusted for Cost of Living: $94,179 Hourly Wage: $47 Highest Paid City / Area: Alaska Nonmetropolitan Area Currently Employed: 6,060 2030 Expected Employment: 6,500 Cost-of-Living Index: 103.24 Alaska Salary Report

Average Registered Nurses Salary: $81,600 Adjusted for Cost of Living: $82,366 Hourly Wage: $39.23 Highest Paid City / Area: Prescott Currently Employed: 57,260 2030 Expected Employment: 81,460 Cost-of-Living Index: 99.07 Arizona Salary Report

Average Registered Nurses Salary: $65,810 Adjusted for Cost of Living: $73,795 Hourly Wage: $32 Highest Paid City / Area: Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway Currently Employed: 26,320 2030 Expected Employment: 28,240 Cost-of-Living Index: 89.18 Arkansas Salary Report

Average Registered Nurses Salary: $124,000 Adjusted for Cost of Living: $112,339 Hourly Wage: $59.62 Highest Paid City / Area: San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara Currently Employed: 324,400 2030 Expected Employment: 358,900 Cost-of-Living Index: 110.38 California Salary Report

Average Registered Nurses Salary: $80,670 Adjusted for Cost of Living: $78,419 Hourly Wage: $39 Highest Paid City / Area: Boulder Currently Employed: 51,680 2030 Expected Employment: 68,270 Cost-of-Living Index: 102.87 Colorado Salary Report

Connecticut

Average Registered Nurses Salary: $88,530 Adjusted for Cost of Living: $85,586 Hourly Wage: $42.56 Highest Paid City / Area: Danbury Currently Employed: 34,320 2030 Expected Employment: 35,830 Cost-of-Living Index: 103.44 Connecticut Salary Report

Average Registered Nurses Salary: $77,760 Adjusted for Cost of Living: $79,452 Hourly Wage: $37 Highest Paid City / Area: Dover Currently Employed: 11,760 2030 Expected Employment: 13,350 Cost-of-Living Index: 97.87 Delaware Salary Report

District of Columbia

Average Registered Nurses Salary: $98,540 Adjusted for Cost of Living: $88,408 Hourly Wage: $47.38 Highest Paid City / Area: Washington-Arlington-Alexandria Currently Employed: 11,540 2030 Expected Employment: 11,150 Cost-of-Living Index: 111.46 District of Columbia Salary Report

Average Registered Nurses Salary: $72,000 Adjusted for Cost of Living: $71,492 Hourly Wage: $35 Highest Paid City / Area: Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach Currently Employed: 187,920 2030 Expected Employment: 216,510 Cost-of-Living Index: 100.71 Florida Salary Report

Average Registered Nurses Salary: $75,380 Adjusted for Cost of Living: $79,733 Hourly Wage: $36.24 Highest Paid City / Area: Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell Currently Employed: 78,290 2030 Expected Employment: 86,440 Cost-of-Living Index: 94.54 Georgia Salary Report

Average Registered Nurses Salary: $106,530 Adjusted for Cost of Living: $95,125 Hourly Wage: $51 Highest Paid City / Area: Urban Honolulu Currently Employed: 11,110 2030 Expected Employment: 12,800 Cost-of-Living Index: 111.99 Hawaii Salary Report

Average Registered Nurses Salary: $73,640 Adjusted for Cost of Living: $80,746 Hourly Wage: $35.41 Highest Paid City / Area: Coeur d’Alene Currently Employed: 14,400 2030 Expected Employment: 18,400 Cost-of-Living Index: 91.20 Idaho Salary Report

Average Registered Nurses Salary: $78,260 Adjusted for Cost of Living: $77,886 Hourly Wage: $38 Highest Paid City / Area: Chicago-Naperville-Elgin Currently Employed: 129,260 2030 Expected Employment: 142,890 Cost-of-Living Index: 100.48 Illinois Salary Report

Average Registered Nurses Salary: $68,890 Adjusted for Cost of Living: $74,476 Hourly Wage: $33.12 Highest Paid City / Area: Indianapolis-Carmel-Anderson Currently Employed: 66,800 2030 Expected Employment: 71,950 Cost-of-Living Index: 92.50 Indiana Salary Report

Average Registered Nurses Salary: $64,990 Adjusted for Cost of Living: $71,378 Hourly Wage: $31 Highest Paid City / Area: Iowa City Currently Employed: 32,650 2030 Expected Employment: 37,070 Cost-of-Living Index: 91.05 Iowa Salary Report

Average Registered Nurses Salary: $66,560 Adjusted for Cost of Living: $72,066 Hourly Wage: $32.00 Highest Paid City / Area: Topeka Currently Employed: 28,980 2030 Expected Employment: 33,190 Cost-of-Living Index: 92.36 Kansas Salary Report

Average Registered Nurses Salary: $67,260 Adjusted for Cost of Living: $74,916 Hourly Wage: $32 Highest Paid City / Area: Louisville/Jefferson County Currently Employed: 43,540 2030 Expected Employment: 47,140 Cost-of-Living Index: 89.78 Kentucky Salary Report

Average Registered Nurses Salary: $70,380 Adjusted for Cost of Living: $75,906 Hourly Wage: $33.84 Highest Paid City / Area: New Orleans-Metairie Currently Employed: 42,870 2030 Expected Employment: 42,690 Cost-of-Living Index: 92.72 Louisiana Salary Report

Average Registered Nurses Salary: $73,630 Adjusted for Cost of Living: $76,080 Hourly Wage: $35 Highest Paid City / Area: Bangor Currently Employed: 14,380 2030 Expected Employment: 15,430 Cost-of-Living Index: 96.78 Maine Salary Report

Average Registered Nurses Salary: $82,660 Adjusted for Cost of Living: $77,637 Hourly Wage: $39.74 Highest Paid City / Area: Baltimore-Columbia-Towson Currently Employed: 51,550 2030 Expected Employment: 83,710 Cost-of-Living Index: 106.47 Maryland Salary Report

Massachusetts

Average Registered Nurses Salary: $96,630 Adjusted for Cost of Living: $89,939 Hourly Wage: $46 Highest Paid City / Area: Boston-Cambridge-Nashua Currently Employed: 88,270 2030 Expected Employment: 92,400 Cost-of-Living Index: 107.44 Massachusetts Salary Report

Average Registered Nurses Salary: $75,930 Adjusted for Cost of Living: $80,742 Hourly Wage: $36.51 Highest Paid City / Area: Ann Arbor Currently Employed: 102,480 2030 Expected Employment: 110,750 Cost-of-Living Index: 94.04 Michigan Salary Report

Average Registered Nurses Salary: $84,030 Adjusted for Cost of Living: $85,206 Hourly Wage: $40 Highest Paid City / Area: St. Cloud Currently Employed: 69,000 2030 Expected Employment: 76,540 Cost-of-Living Index: 98.62 Minnesota Salary Report

Mississippi

Average Registered Nurses Salary: $63,130 Adjusted for Cost of Living: $71,918 Hourly Wage: $30.35 Highest Paid City / Area: Gulfport-Biloxi-Pascagoula Currently Employed: 29,140 2030 Expected Employment: 33,220 Cost-of-Living Index: 87.78 Mississippi Salary Report

Average Registered Nurses Salary: $67,790 Adjusted for Cost of Living: $73,294 Hourly Wage: $33 Highest Paid City / Area: Kansas City Currently Employed: 69,240 2030 Expected Employment: 78,130 Cost-of-Living Index: 92.49 Missouri Salary Report

Average Registered Nurses Salary: $73,610 Adjusted for Cost of Living: $79,630 Hourly Wage: $35.39 Highest Paid City / Area: Billings Currently Employed: 9,640 2030 Expected Employment: 11,810 Cost-of-Living Index: 92.44 Montana Salary Report

Average Registered Nurses Salary: $69,850 Adjusted for Cost of Living: $75,196 Hourly Wage: $34 Highest Paid City / Area: Omaha-Council Bluffs Currently Employed: 20,660 2030 Expected Employment: 29,810 Cost-of-Living Index: 92.89 Nebraska Salary Report

Average Registered Nurses Salary: $88,800 Adjusted for Cost of Living: $91,490 Hourly Wage: $42.69 Highest Paid City / Area: Las Vegas-Henderson-Paradise Currently Employed: 24,590 2030 Expected Employment: 29,630 Cost-of-Living Index: 97.06 Nevada Salary Report

New Hampshire

Average Registered Nurses Salary: $78,270 Adjusted for Cost of Living: $75,470 Hourly Wage: $38 Highest Paid City / Area: Portsmouth Currently Employed: 12,890 2030 Expected Employment: 15,240 Cost-of-Living Index: 103.71 New Hampshire Salary Report

Average Registered Nurses Salary: $89,690 Adjusted for Cost of Living: $80,685 Hourly Wage: $43.12 Highest Paid City / Area: Trenton Currently Employed: 77,980 2030 Expected Employment: 90,850 Cost-of-Living Index: 111.16 New Jersey Salary Report

Average Registered Nurses Salary: $77,590 Adjusted for Cost of Living: $84,733 Hourly Wage: $37 Highest Paid City / Area: Albuquerque Currently Employed: 17,030 2030 Expected Employment: 21,350 Cost-of-Living Index: 91.57 New Mexico Salary Report

Average Registered Nurses Salary: $93,320 Adjusted for Cost of Living: $84,675 Hourly Wage: $44.86 Highest Paid City / Area: New York-Newark-Jersey City Currently Employed: 188,300 2030 Expected Employment: 230,580 Cost-of-Living Index: 110.21 New York Salary Report

North Carolina

Average Registered Nurses Salary: $71,200 Adjusted for Cost of Living: $77,526 Hourly Wage: $34 Highest Paid City / Area: Fayetteville Currently Employed: 104,810 2030 Expected Employment: 113,920 Cost-of-Living Index: 91.84 North Carolina Salary Report

North Dakota

Average Registered Nurses Salary: $71,200 Adjusted for Cost of Living: $77,358 Hourly Wage: $34.23 Highest Paid City / Area: Fargo Currently Employed: 11,810 2030 Expected Employment: 11,460 Cost-of-Living Index: 92.04 North Dakota Salary Report

Average Registered Nurses Salary: $71,640 Adjusted for Cost of Living: $78,133 Hourly Wage: $34 Highest Paid City / Area: Cleveland-Elyria Currently Employed: 129,270 2030 Expected Employment: 140,780 Cost-of-Living Index: 91.69 Ohio Salary Report

Average Registered Nurses Salary: $68,180 Adjusted for Cost of Living: $74,661 Hourly Wage: $32.78 Highest Paid City / Area: Enid Currently Employed: 31,510 2030 Expected Employment: 43,800 Cost-of-Living Index: 91.32 Oklahoma Salary Report

Average Registered Nurses Salary: $98,630 Adjusted for Cost of Living: $96,112 Hourly Wage: $47 Highest Paid City / Area: Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro Currently Employed: 37,780 2030 Expected Employment: 45,980 Cost-of-Living Index: 102.62 Oregon Salary Report

Pennsylvania

Average Registered Nurses Salary: $76,000 Adjusted for Cost of Living: $77,901 Hourly Wage: $36.54 Highest Paid City / Area: Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington Currently Employed: 149,270 2030 Expected Employment: 160,380 Cost-of-Living Index: 97.56 Pennsylvania Salary Report

Rhode Island

Average Registered Nurses Salary: $85,270 Adjusted for Cost of Living: $83,721 Hourly Wage: $41 Highest Paid City / Area: Providence-Warwick Currently Employed: 10,860 2030 Expected Employment: 13,340 Cost-of-Living Index: 101.85 Rhode Island Salary Report

South Carolina

Average Registered Nurses Salary: $69,580 Adjusted for Cost of Living: $75,919 Hourly Wage: $33.45 Highest Paid City / Area: Charleston-North Charleston Currently Employed: 46,160 2030 Expected Employment: 52,040 Cost-of-Living Index: 91.65 South Carolina Salary Report

South Dakota

Average Registered Nurses Salary: $60,540 Adjusted for Cost of Living: $66,149 Hourly Wage: $29 Highest Paid City / Area: West South Dakota Nonmetropolitan Area Currently Employed: 14,140 2030 Expected Employment: 15,050 Cost-of-Living Index: 91.52 South Dakota Salary Report

Average Registered Nurses Salary: $66,680 Adjusted for Cost of Living: $72,360 Hourly Wage: $32.06 Highest Paid City / Area: Nashville-Davidson–Murfreesboro–Franklin Currently Employed: 62,250 2030 Expected Employment: 75,150 Cost-of-Living Index: 92.15 Tennessee Salary Report

Average Registered Nurses Salary: $79,120 Adjusted for Cost of Living: $79,486 Hourly Wage: $38 Highest Paid City / Area: Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land Currently Employed: 217,630 2030 Expected Employment: 258,720 Cost-of-Living Index: 99.54 Texas Salary Report

Average Registered Nurses Salary: $72,790 Adjusted for Cost of Living: $76,364 Hourly Wage: $34.99 Highest Paid City / Area: Salt Lake City Currently Employed: 23,760 2030 Expected Employment: 29,820 Cost-of-Living Index: 95.32 Utah Salary Report

Average Registered Nurses Salary: $75,160 Adjusted for Cost of Living: $75,652 Hourly Wage: $36 Highest Paid City / Area: Southern Vermont Nonmetropolitan Area Currently Employed: 7,210 2030 Expected Employment: 7,610 Cost-of-Living Index: 99.35 Vermont Salary Report

Average Registered Nurses Salary: $76,680 Adjusted for Cost of Living: $75,936 Hourly Wage: $36.87 Highest Paid City / Area: Richmond Currently Employed: 66,980 2030 Expected Employment: 72,900 Cost-of-Living Index: 100.98 Virginia Salary Report

Average Registered Nurses Salary: $95,350 Adjusted for Cost of Living: $88,813 Hourly Wage: $46 Highest Paid City / Area: Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue Currently Employed: 62,470 2030 Expected Employment: 71,550 Cost-of-Living Index: 107.36 Washington Salary Report

West Virginia

Average Registered Nurses Salary: $67,640 Adjusted for Cost of Living: $76,899 Hourly Wage: $32.52 Highest Paid City / Area: Huntington-Ashland Currently Employed: 19,800 2030 Expected Employment: 24,110 Cost-of-Living Index: 87.96 West Virginia Salary Report

Average Registered Nurses Salary: $76,850 Adjusted for Cost of Living: $82,466 Hourly Wage: $37 Highest Paid City / Area: Madison Currently Employed: 62,860 2030 Expected Employment: 67,120 Cost-of-Living Index: 93.19 Wisconsin Salary Report

Frequently Asked Questions About Registered Nurses Salaries

The average yearly salary for Registered Nurses in the United States is $82,750. The three states that pay Registered Nurses the most are California ($124,000), Hawaii ($106,530) and Oregon ($98,630).

The average hourly salary for Registered Nurses in the United States is $39.78 . The three states that pay Registered Nurses the most are California ($59.62), Hawaii ($51.22) and Oregon ($47.42).

The three states needing the most Registered Nurses by 2030 are California (358,900), Texas (258,720) and New York (230,580).

The three states needing the highest percentages of new Registered Nurses by 2030 are Arizona (39.3%), Colorado (28.6%) and Nevada (23.3%).

The types of nurses that are paid the highest annual salary are Nurse Practitioners ($118,040), Nurse Midwives ($114,210) and Registered Nurses ($82,750).

Official Data Sources for Registered Nurses: Salary Data | Projected Employment | Cost of Living Data

• 2023 Salary Report for Registered Nurses in Oregon
• 2023 Salary Report for Registered Nurses in Hawaii
• 2023 Nurse Practitioners Salary Report
• 2023 Salary Report for Registered Nurses in California
• 2023 Nursing Instructors Salary Report
• 2023 Nursing Assistants Salary Report

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Nurse Salaries By State + the Highest Paying States For RNs

Wondering where you can make the most money as a nurse in 2024? Turns out, the average registered nurse salary varies widely from state to state. The latest data from the  U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that the difference between the highest and lowest RN salaries is nearly $100,000 in the U.S. and Puerto Rico.

Read on to find out the highest paying states for registered nurses and check out the average RN salary by state.

In This Article

Average registered nurse salary in the united states.

• Average RN Salary by State Table
• Factors That Impact Registered Nurse Salary
• Other Considerations
• RN Salary FAQs

Many factors impact how much registered nurses make in each state. But how do they stack up against one another? We pulled the most recent U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data to rank all 50 states, Wahington D.C., and Puerto Rico registered nurse salaries to see where you can make the most as an RN.

52.  Puerto Rico

Average RN Salary: $37,360

Average  Hourly: $17.96

Number of RNs in Puerto Rico : 21,270

51.  South Dakota

Average RN Salary: $64,500

Average  Hourly: $31.01

Number of RNs in South Dakota: 14,360

50.   Arkansas

Average RN Salary: $66,530

Average Hourly: $31.98

Number of RNs in Arkansas: 28,490

49.  Alabama

Average RN Salary: $66,910

Average  Hourly: $32.17

Number of RNs in Alabama: 49,370

48.   Mississippi

Average RN Salary: $67,930

Average  Hourly: $32.66

Number of RNs in Mississippi:  29,370

Average RN Salary: $69,370

Average Hourly: $33.35

Number of RNs in Iowa: 34,050

46.   Missouri

Average RN Salary: $71,860

Average Hourly: $34.55

Number of RNs in Missouri: 70,440

45.  Kansas  

Average RN Salary: $71,990

Average  Hourly: $34.61

Number of RNs in Kansas: 30,520

44.  West Virginia

Average RN Salary: $72,230

Average  Hourly: $34.73

Number of RNs in West Virginia: 21,110

43.   Tennessee

Average RN Salary: $72,480

Average  Hourly: $34.85

Number of RNs in Tennessee: 60,840

42.   Nebraska

Average RN Salary: $73,510

Average Hourly: $35.34

Number of RNs in Nebraska: 19,870

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41.   South Carolina

Average RN Salary: $74,330

Average Hourly: $35.74

Number of RNs in South Carolina: 44,030

40.  North Dakota

Average RN Salary: $75,000

Average Hourly: $36.06

Number of RNs in North Dakota: 11,300

39.   Indiana

Average RN Salary: $75,580

Average  Hourly: $36.34

Number of RNs in Indiana: 67,350

38.   Louisiana

Average RN Salary: $75,920

Average Hourly: $36.50

Number of RNs in Louisiana: 43,790

Average RN Salary: $76,400

Average Hourly: $36.73

Number of RNs in Utah: 22,830

36.   Oklahoma

Average RN Salary: $76,920

Average Hourly: $36.98

Number of RNs in Oklahoma:  30,320

35.   Maine

Average RN Salary: $77,410

Average Hourly: $37.22

Number of RNs in Maine: 14,610

34.   North Carolina

Average RN Salary: $77,420

Number of RNs in North Carolina: 104,300

33.  Kentucky

Average  RN Salary: $77,620

Average  Hourly: $37.32

Number of RNs in Kentucky: 44,970

32.  Montana

Average RN Salary: $78,350

Average Hourly: $37.67

Number of RNs in Montana: 10,020

Average RN Salary: $78,450

Average Hourly: $37.72

Number of RNs in Ohio: 130,370

30.   Idaho

Average RN Salary: $78,610

Average Hourly: $37.79

Number of RNs in Idaho: 13,680

29.   Florida

Average RN Salary: $79,910

Average Hourly: $38.42

Number of RNs in Florida: 197,630

28.   Vermont

Average RN Salary: $79,990

Average Hourly: $38.46

Number of RNs in Vermont: 6,930

27.   Pennsylvania

Average RN Salary: $80,630

Average Hourly: $38.76

Number of RNs in Pennsylvania: 137,970

26.   Michigan

Average RN Salary: $80,660

Average Hourly: $38.78

Number of RNs in Michigan: 101,470

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25.   Wisconsin

Average RN Salary: $81,000

Average Hourly: $38.94

Number of RNs in Wisconsin: 61,100

24.  Wyoming

Average RN Salary: $81,010

Average Hourly: $38.95

Number of RNs in Wyoming: 5,070

23.   Virginia

Average RN Salary: $81,860

Average Hourly: $39.36

Number of RNs in Virginia: 69,510

22.   Illinois

Average RN Salary: $82,220

Average Hourly: $39.53

Number of RNs in Illinois: 129,390

21.   New Hampshire

Average RN Salary: $83,420

Average Hourly: $40.11

Number of RNs in New Hampshire: 13,510

20.   Texas

Average RN Salary: $84,320

Average Hourly: $40.54

Number of RNs in Texas: 231,060

>> Related:  Registered Nurse Salary in Texas

19.  Delaware

Average RN Salary: $85,020

Average Hourly: $40.88

Number of RNs in Delaware: 11,490

18.   Georgia

Average RN Salary: $85,180

Average Hourly: $40.95

Number of RNs in Georgia: 82,970

17.   New Mexico

Average RN Salary: $85,580

Average Hourly: $41.15

Number of RNs in New Mexico: 15,910

16.   Colorado

Average RN Salary: $86,590

Average Hourly: $41.63

Number of RNs in Colorado: 52,390

15.   Arizona

Average RN Salary: $86,740

Average Hourly: $41.70

Number of RNs in Arizona: 56,040

14.   Maryland

Average RN Salary: $87,990

Average Hourly: $42.30

Number of RNs in Maryland: 49,790

13.  Rhode Island

Average RN Salary: $88,250

Average Hourly: $42.43

Number of RNs in Rhode Island: 11,190

12.   Minnesota

Average RN Salary: $88,860

Average Hourly: $42.72

Number of RNs in Minnesota: 63,800

11.   Connecticut

Average RN Salary: $94,260

Average Hourly: $45.32

Number of RNs in Connecticut: 34,290

10.   Nevada

Average RN Salary: $96,310

Average Hourly: $46.30

Number of RNs in Nevada: 23,970

9.   New Jersey

Average RN Salary: $96,670

Average Hourly: $46.48

Number of RNs in New Jersey: 78,340

8.  District of Columbia

Average RN Salary: $98,230

Average Hourly: $47.23

Number of RNs in DC: 11,820

7.   New York

Average RN Salary: $100,130

Average Hourly: $48.14

Number of RNs in New York: 190,470

6.   Washington

Average RN Salary: $101,670

Average Hourly: $48.88

Number of RNs in Washington: 64,920

5.   Alaska

Average RN Salary: $103,310

Average Hourly: $49.67

Number of RNs in Alaska: 6,730

4.  Massachusetts

Average RN Salary: $104,150

Average Hourly: $50.07

Number of RNs in Massachusetts: 94,100

3.   Oregon

Average RN Salary: $106,610

Average Hourly: $51.26

Number of RNs in Oregon: 37,400

2.   Hawaii  

Average RN Salary: $113,220

Average Hourly: $54.43

Number of RNs in Hawaii: 11,800

1.  California

Average RN Salary: $133,340

Average Hourly: $64.10

Number of RNs in California: 325,620

*Extracted From BLS July 13, 2023

How Much Do Registered Nurses Make in Each State?

Here is a table of the average registered nurse salary in all 50 states, Washington DC, and Puerto Rico:

Registered Nurse Salary Factors

The salaries by state listed above represent an average across all types of nurses. So, depending on your specialty, place of work, level of experience, degree, and many other factors, you'll see some variances in how much you can expect to earn. Here are some of the things you should keep in mind that can impact how much you make:

1. Types of Nurses

Salaries will vary widely depending on your specialty and the nursing job you work in. 

Advanced practice registered nurses (APRN) like nurse practitioners , nurse anesthetists, and nurse midwives can all expect to earn higher salaries than a nurse without a graduate degree. 

How you work also plays a big role in the annual salary you can expect to earn. Travel nurses and per diem nurses, for example, tend to earn far more than their traditional nurse counterparts.

2. Years of Experience

Registered nurses, at the start of their careers, will usually make less than nurses with more years of experience under their belts. As you improve your skills and progress in your career, you can expect to see your wages improve as well.

3. Degree Type

Nurses will typically see salary increases when they further their education. Nurses who have earned their Bachelor's degree (BSN) tend to earn more than nurses who have only earned their Associate's degree in Nursing (ADN). While a master's in nursing or a doctorate degree will usually earn nurses even higher salaries.

Other RN Salary Considerations 

As a nurse, your salary shouldn't be the only thing you consider when deciding what field to go into or what job to take. 

How far that salary will go will greatly depend on the cost of living in the area. Some of the highest-paying states also cost a lot to live in, meaning that 6 figure salary isn't going to go nearly as far as it would in a less expensive area. Your registered nurse salary in California might get you a comparable standard of living to a lower salary in Iowa.

You'll also want to look at things like the job benefits, the hours, what the work-life balance will be, and what their training and education policies are like. Don't overlook your quality of life!

Registered Nurse Salary FAQs

What are the highest-paying jobs in the medical field .

• Some of the highest-paying jobs in healthcare, other than physicians, are Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs), which include Certified Nurse Midwives, Nurse Practitioners (NPs), and Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs). 

What is the happiest career in the medical field?

• U.S. News ranked Nurse Practitioners (NPs) as the best job in healthcare in 2022.

What is the easiest medical field job?

• It really depends on what you define as “easy.” If you’re looking for a job that doesn’t require hands-on care and pays well, informatics, technology, or biomedical engineering may all be good choices.

What is the least stressful job in the medical field?

• Audiologists—who diagnose problems with the ears—have a reputation for having the lowest amount of stress in the medical field.

The Takeaway

There are a lot of things at play in the nursing salaries you can expect to earn. And even if you practice in a state with a lower RN salary average, there are always ways to increase your salary and reach your career goals. As you're planning out your career path, don't forget to keep all these factors in mind to set yourself up for success!

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