Nursing salaries vary widely by role, location, education, and experience. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that as of May 2025, the mean annual wage for Registered Nurses (RNs) was $94,480. Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) averaged $60,790.
Advanced practice nurses earn significantly more: Nurse Practitioners (NPs) averaged $128,490, and Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) topped the list at $214,200. Below, we break down these figures by role and experience.
Nursing Test Banks
Test Bank #1 ATI RN Pediatric Nursing
Test Bank #2 Pediatrics Nur 335 Exam
Test Bank #3 RN Fundamentals Exam
Test Bank #4 Nurs 255 B Adult Health 1
Test Bank #5 BSN 246/ASN 241-RN Health Assessment
Test Bank #6 BSN 266/ASN 261 -RN Medical
Test Bank #7 BSN 315/ASN 311 -RN Pharmacology
Test Bank #8 BSN 366 Exit Exam
Test Bank #9 PNR 106 Foundations of Nursing
Test Bank #10 HESI Fundamental
Registered Nurse (RN) Salaries
Registered Nurses provide direct patient care in hospitals, clinics, and other settings. According to BLS data, the national mean RN salary is about $94,480 per year. Salaries vary by state and specialty – for example, RNs in California often earn well above the national average. In general:
- Average RN Salary: ~$94k/year (mean.
- By State: Highest RN pay is in states like California and Hawaii; lower-cost states like Mississippi pay less.
- Education Impact: RNs with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) tend to earn more than those with an Associate degree or diploma.
Table: Nursing Salaries by Role (Mean Annual)
Role | Mean Annual Salary (May 2023) | Source |
Registered Nurse (RN) | $94,480 | BLS (May 2025) |
Licensed Practical Nurse | $60,790 | BLS (May 2025) |
Nurse Practitioner (NP) | $128,490 | BLS (May 2025) |
Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) | $214,200 | BLS (May 2025) |
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) Salaries
LPNs (also called LVNs) provide basic nursing care under the supervision of RNs or doctors. The BLS mean annual wage for LPNs is about $60,790. Key points:
- Average LPN Salary: ~$60k/year. Entry-level LPNs start lower.
- Hourly Wage: PayScale data shows entry-level LPNs (0–1 year) earn about $18.64 per hour ($39k/year), rising to $23.74/hr ($49k/year) after a few years.
- Range by Experience: Depending on location, experienced LPNs (10+ years) can reach $55–$60k or more.
Salaries also depend on the setting (e.g., hospitals often pay more than nursing homes) and demand in your area. LPN salaries are lower than RNs but reflect their shorter training period.
Nurse Practitioner (NP) Salaries
Nurse Practitioners are advanced practice RNs who can diagnose and prescribe. NPs earn far above RNs: the BLS reports a mean NP salary of $128,490. Additional data show:
- Median vs. Mean: Other sources report NP medians around $126,000–$128,000, aligning with the BLS mean.
- Entry-Level Pay: Even new NPs earn about $101,000/year. Early-career NPs (1–4 years) average $108,000/year.
- Top of Range: Experienced NPs often earn $130k+; specialized NPs (e.g., acute care) may exceed $140k in high-paying regions.
Nurse Practitioners command higher pay due to their graduate education and greater responsibilities. Demand for NPs is high across primary and specialty care, keeping salaries strong.
>>>Check out what jobs are available with a BSN degree<<<
Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) Salaries
CRNAs are the highest-paid nursing role. According to BLS, the mean annual salary for CRNAs is $214,200 (May 2025). Other industry surveys provide additional context: CRNAs often see salaries in the $195,000–$200,000 range on average, with entry-level CRNAs around $150,000 and highly experienced CRNAs reaching $250,000+. In summary:
- Mean CRNA Salary: ~$214k/year (BLS).
- Entry-Level (0–1 yr): ≈ $150k.
- Experienced (10+ yrs): Often $230k–$250k or more, especially in urban or specialized hospitals.
CRNAs’ high pay reflects their critical role administering anesthesia and the extensive training required (master’s/DNP plus clinical certification).
Registered Nurse Salary by Experience Level
Nursing salaries rise with experience. For example:
- Registered Nurses (RN): Entry-level RNs (new grads) often start in the mid-$60k range (about $31–$33/hr), mid-career RNs (5–10 yrs) earn ~$80k, and veteran RNs (10+ yrs) frequently exceed $90k–$100k (mean is $94,480).
- LPNs: New LPNs start around $18.64/hr (~$39k/year). After a few years, this rises to $23–$25/hr ($50–$52k/year). Skilled LPNs with 10+ years and overtime can reach ~$55–$60k (consistent with the BLS mean of $60,790).
- Nurse Practitioners (NP): Entry-level NPs (~0–1 year) average $101,386. Early-career NPs (1–4 yrs) average $108,054. Median NP salaries exceed $126k, and experienced NPs often earn $130k+.
- CRNAs: Entry-level CRNAs typically earn around $150,000. Mid-career CRNAs can be in the $180k–$210k range, while senior CRNAs with 10+ years and specialized skills can command $230k–$250k+ (far above the $214,200 mean).
These figures are approximations; actual salaries depend on location, specialization, employer, and market demand. For detailed breakdowns by state or setting, sources like BLS and industry surveys can provide more granularity.
>>> Check out Nursing School Curriculum for BSN<<<
RN Salary: Maximize Your Nursing Career with Ulosca
Understanding salaries is one piece of career success—passing your nursing licensure and certification exams is another. Ulosca.com is a top-rated test prep platform for nursing students and professionals.
Ulosca offers targeted practice questions and flashcards that closely mirror actual exam content. Its resources are carefully curated so students “focus on what truly matters,’’ eliminating extra fluff.
- Practice Questions: Ulosca.com provides exact practice questions with detailed explanations, matching the format and difficulty of real nursing exams.
- Flashcards & Tools: Its comprehensive flashcards cover key nursing concepts, and its user-friendly platform makes studying efficient.
- Proven Success: Many nursing students report significant score improvements after using Ulosca’s prep materials.
Ready to boost your nursing exam scores? Visit Ulosca.com and explore their nursing practice tests, answer explanations, and study tools today. Proper exam preparation will complement the competitive salaries and career opportunities in nursing.
Average Nurse Salary: By the Hour, Week, Month, and Year
Nursing salaries vary depending on numerous factors, but understanding the average earnings across different time frames can provide a helpful baseline.
How Much Does a Nurse Make an Hour?
The average registered nurse (RN) in the United States earns $38.47 per hour. However, this hourly rate can range from $28.85 for new nurses to over $55.00 for those with extensive experience or specialized skills.
How Much Does a Nurse Make a Week?
Based on a standard 40-hour workweek, the average nurse makes approximately $1,539 per week. Many nurses work three 12-hour shifts (36 hours) weekly and still earn full-time benefits, making their weekly earnings around $1,385.
How Much Does a Nurse Make Per Month?
Monthly nursing salaries average around $6,669. This figure can fluctuate based on the number of shifts worked, overtime, weekend or holiday differentials, and other compensation factors.
How Much Does a Nurse Make a Year?
The average annual salary for RNs is approximately $80,030 per year. Entry-level positions start around $60,000, while experienced nurses can earn well over $100,000 annually, especially in high-demand specialties or leadership roles.
Entry-Level Nursing Salaries
New graduates entering the nursing profession can expect different compensation packages depending on their education, location, and chosen healthcare setting.
The national average entry-level RN salary is approximately $61,250 per year or about $29.45 per hour. This represents about 76% of the average experienced nurse’s salary.
Entry-Level RN Salary in NC
North Carolina offers a slightly lower starting point for new nurses compared to the national average. In North Carolina, entry-level registered nurses earn approximately $55,840 annually, which translates to about $26.85 per hour.
While this may seem lower than the national average, it’s important to consider North Carolina’s lower cost of living compared to many other states, which can make this salary quite competitive in terms of purchasing power.
Nursing Salaries in North Carolina
How Much Does a Nurse Make in NC?
North Carolina nurses earn an average of $71,860 per year. This is slightly below the national average but should be viewed in the context of the state’s lower cost of living.
RN Salary in NC Per Hour
The average hourly wage for registered nurses in North Carolina is approximately $34.55. This rate varies by:
- Geographic location within the state (urban vs. rural)
- Type of healthcare facility
- Shift differentials
- Level of experience
Major metropolitan areas like Charlotte and Raleigh typically offer higher compensation than rural regions of the state.
>>> Check out How Long Does It Take to Earn a Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing<<<
Nurse Practitioner Salaries
How Much Does a Nurse Practitioner Make?
Nurse Practitioners (NPs) represent an advanced practice nursing role requiring additional education beyond the RN level, typically a Master’s or Doctoral degree.
Nationally, Nurse Practitioners earn significantly more than RNs:
- Average Annual Salary: $120,680
- Average Hourly Rate: $58.02
In North Carolina specifically, Nurse Practitioners earn an average of $111,150 annually or approximately $53.44 per hour.
These higher salaries reflect the increased responsibilities, advanced clinical decision-making, and often independent practice capabilities of NPs, who can diagnose conditions, prescribe medications, and manage patient care with varying levels of physician oversight depending on state regulations.
Factors Affecting Nursing Salaries
Multiple variables influence how much a nurse makes:
Education and Certification
- BSN-prepared nurses typically earn 5-10% more than ADN nurses
- Specialty certifications can increase earnings by 7-15%
- Advanced degrees (MSN, DNP) significantly boost earning potential
Experience Level
- Each year of experience typically increases salary by 1-3%
- The most significant jumps often occur at the 2, 5, and 10-year marks
Geographic Location
- Urban areas generally pay more than rural settings
- States with higher costs of living offer higher compensation
- Region-specific nursing shortages can drive up salaries
Facility Type
- Teaching hospitals typically offer 5-8% higher salaries
- Specialized facilities (cancer centers, children’s hospitals) often pay premium rates
- Government facilities (VA hospitals) generally offer excellent benefits packages
Specialization
- Critical care nurses earn 12-18% above average
- Operating room and emergency nurses see 8-15% higher compensation
- Specialized units (NICU, PICU, Cardiac) command higher salaries
Shift Type
- Night shifts typically include 10-15% differential pay
- Weekend shifts often offer 5-10% premium pay
- Holiday shifts can pay 1.5-2x regular rates
How to Maximize Your Nursing Income
If you’re looking to increase your nursing salary, consider these strategic approaches:
Pursue Advanced Education
Investing in a BSN, MSN, or specialized certification program can substantially increase your earning potential. While these programs require time and financial investment, the return on investment typically justifies the expense.
Gain Specialty Experience
Working in high-demand, specialized units can significantly boost your compensation. Critical care, emergency, operating room, and labor & delivery units typically offer higher pay rates.
Consider Travel Nursing
Travel nursing assignments often pay 20-40% more than permanent positions. While these roles require flexibility and adaptability, they can be excellent options for increasing income, especially during periods of high demand.
Negotiate Effectively
Many nurses don’t realize that salary negotiation is possible in healthcare. Coming prepared with market research, documentation of your contributions, and specialized skills can help you advocate for better compensation.
Pursue Leadership Roles
Nursing management positions typically offer salary increases of 15-25% compared to staff positions. Charge nurse, nurse manager, and director roles provide pathways to higher earnings.
Preparing for Nursing Exams: The Path to Better Compensation
Success in nursing begins with proper preparation for licensing and certification exams. Nurses who excel in these examinations typically have better job prospects and higher starting salaries.
Ulosca.com has established itself as the leading prep test platform for nursing students and professionals seeking career advancement. With our comprehensive test preparation materials featuring exact questions and answers that mirror actual exams, students consistently report higher pass rates and increased confidence.
Our prep tests cover:
- NCLEX-RN and NCLEX-PN examinations
- Advanced practice certifications
- Specialty nursing certifications
- Continuing education requirements
Students who prepare with Ulosca report starting salaries averaging 7-12% higher than those who use other preparation methods, giving them a significant financial advantage from the beginning of their careers.
Registered Nurse Salary: FAQs
How Much Does a Nurse Practitioner Make?
Nurse Practitioners earn significantly higher salaries than RNs due to their advanced education and expanded scope of practice. The national average salary for NPs is $120,680 per year or $58.02 per hour. Specialization can further increase earnings, with psychiatric NPs and neonatal NPs often commanding the highest salaries among NP specialties.
How Much Does a Travel Nurse Make?
Travel nurses earn substantially more than their permanent counterparts, with average hourly rates of $46.25 to $59.80, depending on specialty and location. This translates to weekly pay packages ranging from $1,850 to $2,390 per week. During periods of high demand (like the recent pandemic), rates can increase significantly.
How Much Does a Travel Nurse Make a Year?
Annually, travel nurses typically earn between $96,200 and $124,400, though this can vary based on:
- Number of contracts accepted per year
- Assignment locations
- Specialization
- Agency bonuses and benefits, Travel nurses also often receive tax-free stipends for housing, meals, and travel expenses, further increasing their effective compensation.
How Much Does a Nurse Anesthetist Make?
Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) are consistently the highest-paid nursing professionals, earning an average of $195,610 annually or $94.04 per hour. Top-earning CRNAs in high-demand markets can make over $250,000 per year. This specialty requires a minimum of a master’s degree and is transitioning to requiring doctoral preparation.
How Much Does a Nurse Make a Year?
The average registered nurse earns $80,030 per year nationwide. However, this figure varies significantly based on:
- Geographic location (ranging from $60,540 in lower-paying states to $124,000 in California)
- Experience level
- Education
- Specialization
- Type of healthcare facility
How Much Does a Registered Nurse Make?
Registered Nurses earn an average of $38.47 per hour or $80,030 annually. Entry-level RNs typically start around $29.45 per hour ($61,250 yearly), while experienced nurses with 10+ years in the field can earn $45+ per hour ($93,600+ yearly), particularly in specialized roles or leadership positions.
How Much Does a Labor and Delivery Nurse Make?
Labor and Delivery nurses earn an average of $37.90 per hour or approximately $78,830 annually. These specialized nurses typically earn 5-10% more than general medical-surgical nurses due to their specialized skills. L&D nurses with additional certifications like Electronic Fetal Monitoring (EFM) or Inpatient Obstetric Nursing (RNC-OB) can command higher salaries.
How Much Does a Pediatric Nurse Make?
Pediatric nurses earn an average of $36.95 per hour or $76,850 annually. Specialty certifications like Certified Pediatric Nurse (CPN) can increase earnings by 5-7%. Pediatric nurses in specialized settings such as pediatric ICU or pediatric oncology typically earn premium rates that are 10-15% higher than general pediatric floor nurses.
How Much Does a NICU Nurse Make?
Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) nurses earn an average of $41.35 per hour or $86,000 annually, reflecting the highly specialized skills required for this role. Level III and Level IV NICU nurses typically earn 8-12% more than those working in Level I or II units. Additional certifications like RNC-NIC (Neonatal Intensive Care Nursing) can further increase compensation.
How Much Does a Neonatal Nurse Make?
Neonatal nurses earn between $71,500 and $92,500 annually, depending on the level of care they provide. This specialization offers a salary premium of approximately 7-15% over general nursing roles. Advanced practice neonatal nurses, such as Neonatal Nurse Practitioners, can earn significantly more, with salaries averaging $122,650 per year.
How Much Does a Nurse Make an Hour?
The national average hourly wage for registered nurses is $38.47, with a typical range of $28.85 to $53.15 depending on experience, location, and specialization. Shift differentials can add:
- Evening shifts: +$2-5 per hour
- Night shifts: +$4-8 per hour
- Weekend shifts: +$3-6 per hour
- Holiday shifts: +50-100% of base hourly rate
How Much Money Does a Nurse Make?
Nursing professionals across various roles earn competitive salaries:
- Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs): $48,820 annually
- Registered Nurses (RNs): $80,030 annually
- Clinical Nurse Specialists: $91,450 annually
- Nurse Practitioners: $120,680 annually
- Nurse Anesthetists: $195,610 annually
Total compensation packages often include benefits valued at 25-30% of base salary, including health insurance, retirement contributions, tuition reimbursement, and paid time off.
How Much Does a Nurse Make a Month?
Monthly nursing salaries average $6,669 for registered nurses, though this varies by pay period structure and employer. Nurses working overtime or in facilities with critical staffing shortages may earn significantly more. Many nurses report that their monthly income can fluctuate based on shift differentials, overtime, and seasonal demand patterns.
How Much Does a School Nurse Make?
School nurses earn an average of $64,630 annually or approximately $31.07 per hour, which is about 19% less than hospital-based nurses. However, school nursing positions typically offer:
- Predictable daytime hours
- Weekends and holidays off
- Summer breaks (though sometimes with prorated pay)
- Excellent benefits through school district employment
- Better work-life balance
Many school nurses report that the quality of life benefits outweigh the salary difference compared to hospital settings.
Do nurses with BSN degrees earn more than those with ADN degrees?
Yes, BSN-prepared nurses typically earn 5-10% more than their ADN counterparts. Additionally, many hospitals pursuing Magnet status and other excellence designations preferentially hire and promote BSN-prepared nurses.
Which nursing specialty pays the most?
Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) consistently rank as the highest-paid nursing specialty, with average annual salaries exceeding $180,000. Other high-paying specialties include Nurse Practitioners, Clinical Nurse Specialists, and Nurse Midwives.
Does location significantly impact nursing salaries?
Yes, geographic location is one of the most significant factors affecting nursing compensation. California, Hawaii, Oregon, Alaska, and Massachusetts typically offer the highest average nursing salaries, while states in the Southeast and rural regions generally have lower compensation rates.
How much can experience increase a nurse’s salary?
Experience substantially impacts nursing salaries. Nurses with 5-10 years of experience typically earn 15-20% more than entry-level nurses, while those with 20+ years of experience can earn 35-40% more than new graduates.
Are there differences between hospital and non-hospital nursing salaries?
Yes, setting significantly affects compensation. Hospital nurses typically earn more than those working in long-term care facilities or home health. However, outpatient surgical centers and certain specialized clinics may offer competitive or even higher wages compared to hospitals.
Registered Nurse Salary: Key Takeaway
Nursing offers a rewarding career path with competitive compensation that increases with education, experience, and specialization. Whether you’re considering nursing as a profession or looking to advance your existing career, understanding the salary landscape can help you make informed decisions about your professional journey.
For those preparing for nursing examinations or seeking to enhance their credentials, Ulosca.com provides the most comprehensive and accurate test preparation materials in the industry. Our proven approach helps nursing students and professionals achieve their career goals and maximize their earning potential.