💰 RN Salary Calculator
See what you should be earning in 2025. Get personalized salary estimates based on your specialty, location, and experience.
How Our Calculator Works
Real Market Data
Based on actual RN job postings across the U.S.
Personalized Estimate
Adjusted for your specialty, location, and experience
Matching Jobs
See actual job openings with your estimated salary
How to Use the RN Salary Calculator
Our nursing salary calculator provides accurate, data-driven estimates based on real job postings from hospitals and healthcare facilities across the United States. Simply select your nursing specialty, enter your location (city or state), and adjust your years of experience using the slider.
For more precise estimates, expand the "Refine Further" section to filter by job type (Full-Time, Per Diem, Travel, Contract) and shift type (Day, Night, Evening). The calculator will instantly show your estimated salary range along with state and national averages for comparison.
Want to see actual job openings? Enter your email after hitting "Calculate My Salary" button to receive a curated list of matching RN positions sorted by highest pay first. All salary data is updated regularly to reflect current market conditions for 2025.
Understanding Nursing Salaries in 2025
Registered nurse salaries vary significantly based on multiple factors including geographic location, specialty certification, experience level, and work setting. In 2025, the nursing job market remains strong with competitive compensation packages across most regions and specialties.
High-demand specialties like ICU, Emergency Room, and Operating Room typically command premium salaries, while travel nursing positions often offer the highest hourly rates due to their temporary nature and flexibility requirements. Geographic location plays a crucial role. Metropolitan areas and states with higher costs of living generally offer higher RN salaries to attract and retain qualified nurses.
Shift differentials also impact your total compensation. Night shifts typically pay 10-20% more than day shifts, while weekend and holiday rates can add even more to your base salary. Understanding these factors helps you make informed career decisions and negotiate better compensation packages.
Factors That Impact Your Nursing Salary
Experience Level
Your years of experience as a registered nurse significantly impact your earning potential. New graduate RNs typically start at lower salaries but can expect steady increases with each year of experience. Nurses with 5+ years of experience often earn 15-25% more than entry-level positions, while those with 10+ years can command premium salaries, especially in specialized roles.
Specialty & Certification
Specialized certifications like CCRN (Critical Care), CEN (Emergency), or CNOR (Operating Room) can increase your salary by $5,000-$15,000 annually. High-acuity specialties such as ICU, ER, and NICU typically offer higher base salaries due to the advanced skills and critical thinking required. Obtaining specialty certifications demonstrates expertise and often leads to faster career advancement.
Geographic Location
Location is one of the biggest factors affecting RN salaries. States like California, Massachusetts, and Washington consistently offer the highest RN pay, often exceeding $100,000 annually. Metropolitan areas typically pay more than rural locations, but it's important to consider cost of living when evaluating job offers. Some states with lower salaries may offer better purchasing power due to lower housing and living costs.
Job Type
Travel nursing positions typically offer the highest hourly rates ($50-$80/hour or more) along with housing stipends and travel reimbursements. Per diem nurses also earn premium hourly rates but without benefits. Full-time staff positions offer lower hourly rates but include comprehensive benefits packages including health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off. Contract positions fall somewhere in between, offering competitive rates for defined time periods.
Shift Differentials
Night shift nurses typically earn an additional 10-20% on top of their base hourly rate. Evening shifts often carry a 5-15% differential. Weekend shifts (Friday-Sunday) can add another $2-$10 per hour depending on the facility. Some hospitals offer "baylor" weekend programs where nurses work every weekend for significantly higher pay. These differentials can add thousands of dollars to your annual income.
Highest Paying Nursing Specialties in 2025
Critical Care (ICU)
ICU nurses care for critically ill patients requiring continuous monitoring and advanced interventions. High demand and specialized skills command premium salaries.
View ICU RN Jobs →Emergency Room (ER)
ER nurses handle acute, life-threatening situations requiring quick decision-making and diverse clinical skills. Fast-paced environment with competitive compensation.
View ER RN Jobs →Operating Room (OR)
OR nurses assist surgeons during procedures, requiring specialized knowledge of surgical techniques and sterile protocols. Highly skilled specialty with excellent pay.
View OR RN Jobs →Travel Nursing
Travel nurses work temporary assignments across different facilities and locations. Highest hourly rates plus housing stipends and travel reimbursements make this the most lucrative option.
View Travel RN Jobs →Neonatal ICU (NICU)
NICU nurses care for premature and critically ill newborns. Requires advanced skills in neonatal care and often specialized NRP certification.
View NICU RN Jobs →Frequently Asked Questions About RN Salaries
What is the average RN salary in the United States?
As of 2025, the average registered nurse salary in the United States ranges from $65,000 to $85,000 annually, depending on location, experience, and specialty. However, this can vary greatly. Some states like California and Massachusetts offer average RN salaries exceeding $100,000, while other regions may have lower averages. Use our calculator above to get location-specific estimates.
How much do travel nurses make?
Travel nurses typically earn between $50-$80+ per hour, which translates to $100,000-$170,000+ annually when including housing stipends and other benefits. During high-demand periods or crisis assignments, rates can be even higher. Travel nursing offers the highest earning potential in the nursing profession due to the flexibility and short-term commitment required.
Do night shift nurses make more money?
Yes, night shift nurses typically earn 10-20% more than day shift nurses through shift differentials. For example, if your base rate is $35/hour, you might earn an additional $3.50-$7.00 per hour for working nights. Over a year, this can add $7,000-$14,000 to your annual salary. Many facilities also offer additional premiums for weekend and holiday shifts.
What nursing specialty pays the most?
Critical care specialties like ICU, ER, and OR typically pay the most among staff nursing positions, often $5,000-$15,000 more than general med-surg roles. However, travel nursing across any specialty usually offers the highest total compensation. Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) earn the most overall, with salaries often exceeding $150,000, but this requires advanced practice education.
How accurate is this salary calculator?
Our salary calculator uses real-time data from actual nursing job postings across the United States, making it highly accurate for current market conditions. The estimates are based on median salaries for your selected specialty and location, adjusted for experience level. However, individual offers may vary based on specific facility, exact location within a state, additional certifications, and negotiation. Use our estimates as a starting point for salary expectations and negotiations.
How can I increase my nursing salary?
To increase your nursing salary: (1) Gain specialty certifications like CCRN, CEN, or CNOR, (2) Consider travel or per diem positions for higher hourly rates, (3) Work night or weekend shifts to earn differential pay, (4) Relocate to higher-paying states or metropolitan areas, (5) Pursue advanced degrees (BSN, MSN, or DNP), (6) Negotiate salary offers and raises effectively, and (7) Gain experience in high-demand specialties like ICU or ER. Even small changes like picking up extra shifts with differentials can significantly boost your annual income.
Is the nursing salary calculator free to use?
Yes! Our RN salary calculator is completely free to use with no registration required. You can run unlimited salary estimates and compare different specialties, locations, and experience levels. If you'd like to receive matching job opportunities, you can optionally provide your email to get personalized job alerts delivered directly to your inbox.
Ready to Find Your Next RN Job?
Browse thousands of nursing jobs across all specialties and locations
Browse RN Jobs →