Job Salary Hub · 2026
Registered Nurse Salary in the US (2026)
Registered nurses provide and coordinate patient care, educate patients about health conditions, and provide advice and emotional support to patients and their families.
$68,000
Entry Level (P25)
25th percentile
$82,000
Median Salary
50th percentile
$98,000
Senior (P75)
75th percentile
$39
Hourly
$1,577
Weekly
$6,833
Monthly
$82,000
Annual
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Registered Nurse Take-Home Pay by State
$82,000 median salary · single filer · 2026 tax rules
| State | State Tax | Total Tax | Eff. Rate | Take-Home / yr | Monthly |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
TexasNo tax | $0 | $15,927 | 19.42% | $66,073 | $5,506 |
FloridaNo tax | $0 | $15,927 | 19.42% | $66,073 | $5,506 |
WashingtonNo tax | $0 | $15,927 | 19.42% | $66,073 | $5,506 |
Arizona | $2,050 | $17,977 | 21.92% | $64,023 | $5,335 |
Colorado | $3,608 | $19,535 | 23.82% | $62,465 | $5,205 |
North Carolina | $3,690 | $19,617 | 23.92% | $62,383 | $5,199 |
California | $3,864 | $19,791 | 24.14% | $62,209 | $5,184 |
Illinois | $4,059 | $19,986 | 24.37% | $62,014 | $5,168 |
New York | $4,115 | $20,042 | 24.44% | $61,958 | $5,163 |
Georgia | $4,502 | $20,429 | 24.91% | $61,571 | $5,131 |
Registered Nurse Career Profile
Top Industries
- Hospitals
- Ambulatory Care
- Home Health
- Nursing Homes
- Government
Key Skills
Education
Associate's or Bachelor's in Nursing (ADN or BSN); RN license required
Job Outlook
6% growth (2022–2032), ~193,100 openings/year (BLS)
Top Employers
Registered Nurse Salary — Top 50 Cities
Click any city for after-tax breakdown, rent affordability, and local comparison
Is This Registered Nurse Salary Good?
Compare each pay level across major cities.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Registered Nurse salary in the US?
The national median Registered Nurse salary is $82,000/year as of 2026. Entry-level positions start around $68,000 (25th percentile), while experienced professionals earn $98,000 or more (75th percentile). At the median, this works out to roughly $39/hour or $6,833/month gross.
How much does a Registered Nurse take home after taxes?
After federal income tax, state tax, and FICA (Social Security + Medicare), a Registered Nurse earning $82,000 in a moderate-tax state like Texas typically takes home around $66,073. In a high-tax state like California, take-home drops to roughly $62,209. Use the calculator above for your exact city and filing status.
Which cities pay Registered Nurses the most?
Registered Nurses typically earn the most in San Francisco, New York City, Seattle, and Boston — driven by high cost of living and strong industry demand. However, cities like Austin, Denver, and Phoenix offer competitive salaries with significantly lower state taxes, often yielding higher after-tax take-home pay than coastal metros.
Does state income tax significantly affect Registered Nurse pay?
Yes — dramatically. A Registered Nurse earning $82,000 in Texas (no state income tax) takes home approximately $66,073 annually. The same salary in California yields just $62,209 — a gap of over $3,864 per year.
What is the Registered Nurse salary growth outlook?
6% growth (2022–2032), ~193,100 openings/year (BLS)
Registered Nurse Salary — All States & Cities
50 states · 300 cities