The median annual wage for registered nurses in various settings in May 2020 was:
Hospitals: $75,330
Ambulatory healthcare services: $73,390
Nursing and residential care facilities: $70,630
Government: $69,730
Educational services: $67,900
Registered nurses with a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) degree typically earn more than those with an associate degree in nursing (ADN). According to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing, the average annual salary for a BSN-prepared registered nurse was $82,700 in 2020, while the average annual salary for an ADN-prepared registered nurse was $68,300.
Registered nurses with additional education and experience can also earn higher salaries. For example, registered nurses with a master of science in nursing (MSN) degree can earn an average annual salary of $93,800, while registered nurses with a doctorate in nursing (DNP) degree can earn an average annual salary of $111,840.
Registered nurses in certain geographic areas can also earn higher salaries. For example, registered nurses in the San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley, CA metropolitan area earned an average annual salary of $108,190 in May 2020, while registered nurses in the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI metropolitan area earned an average annual salary of $84,920.
In addition to their base salary, registered nurses may also receive additional compensation in the form of bonuses, overtime pay, and shift differentials.