The nursing profession in the USA offers a diverse range of career opportunities and competitive salaries, making it an attractive choice for healthcare professionals worldwide. Nurse salary in USA vary significantly based on factors such as specialisation, geographic location, years of experience, and level of education. With the growing demand for skilled nurses, especially in critical care and advanced practice roles, the earning potential for nurses has seen a steady rise, reflecting the essential role they play in the healthcare system.
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An overview – Nurse salary in USA per year
Nurse salaries in the USA can vary significantly based on factors such as geographic location, education level, years of experience, and speciality. Here’s an overview:
1. Average RN salary for nurse in USA
The average annual salary for a Registered Nurse (RN) in the USA is approximately $77,600 (₹65,16,944).
Entry-level RNs typically earn around $60,000 to $65,000 (₹50,38,874 to ₹54,58,781), while experienced RNs can earn upwards of $100,000 (₹83,98,175) or more.
2. Nurse Salary in USA by location
California offers the highest average salary for RNs, ranging from $100,000 to $120,000 (₹83,98,175 to ₹1,00,77,809) per year.
Other high-paying states include Hawaii, Oregon, Alaska, and Massachusetts, where salaries generally range from $90,000 to $110,000 (₹75,58,312 to ₹92,37,937).
States in the Midwest and South tend to offer lower salaries, averaging around $60,000 to $75,000 (₹50,38,874 to ₹62,98,593).
3. Nurse salary in USA by education and specialisation
Nurse Practitioners (NPs) and Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs), who require additional education and training, earn significantly higher, often ranging from $100,000 to $150,000 (₹83,98,175 to ₹1,25,97,187) annually.
Specialised fields such as Critical Care, Oncology, or Anesthesia (Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists - CRNAs) offer salaries in the range of $130,000 to $200,000 (₹1,09,17,562 to ₹1,67,96,250).
Average registered nurse (RN) salary in USA
Here is the average salary of registered nurses in the USA:
Job title | Average salary (USD) | Average salary (INR) |
Registered Nurse (RN) | $74,697 | ₹6,213,296 |
Family Nurse Practitioner (NP) | $104,358 | ₹8,680,498 |
Director, Nursing | $100,784 | ₹8,383,213 |
Nursing Manager | $96,919 | ₹8,061,722 |
Nurse Case Manager | $79,826 | ₹6,639,926 |
Clinical Nurse Manager | $91,499 | ₹7,610,886 |
Registered Nurse (RN) Supervisor | $83,711 | ₹6,963,080 |
*According to the PayScale data 2024
Nurse salary in USA – By state
The salary for nurses can vary based on different states in the USA, here are the average salary of nurses:
City in USA | Salary in USA | Salary in INR |
Austin | USD 83,700 | ₹6,962,166 |
Boston | USD 78,200 | ₹6,504,676 |
Bristol | USD 59,000 | ₹4,907,620 |
Atlanta | USD 69,200 | ₹5,756,056 |
Chicago | USD 86,800 | ₹7,220,024 |
Cleveland | USD 67,800 | ₹5,639,604 |
Dallas | USD 87,000 | ₹7,236,660 |
Denver | USD 73,800 | ₹6,138,684 |
Houston | USD 86,800 | ₹7,220,024 |
Las Vegas | USD 77,400 | ₹6,438,132 |
Kent | USD 62,300 | ₹5,182,114 |
Los Angeles | USD 91500 | ₹7,610,970 |
Average registered nurse (RN) hourly pay in USA
Here is the average salary of a registered nurse in USA:

What is the pay-by-experience level for registered nurses in USA?
An entry-level Registered Nurse (RN) with less than 1 year of experience can expect to earn an average total compensation (including tips, bonus, and overtime pay) of $30.39. An early career Registered Nurse (RN) with 1-4 years of experience earns an average total compensation of $32.24. A mid-career Registered Nurse (RN) with 5-9 years of experience earns an average total compensation of $35.38. An experienced Registered Nurse (RN) with 10-19 years of experience earns an average total compensation of $38.24. In their late career (20 years and higher), employees earn an average total compensation of $40.

Popular career paths for registered nurse in USA
Here is a popular career path that you can follow to level up your nursing career in USA:

*According to the PayScale data 2024
How IELTS can help you become a nurse in USA?
Here is how IELTS can help you become a nurse in the USA:
Proof of English proficiency: IELTS is required by nursing boards to demonstrate your ability to communicate effectively in English.
Meeting visa requirements: A good IELTS score helps fulfil language requirements for work visas like the H-1B.
Boosts employability: Many US hospitals prefer nurses with proven English skills, making IELTS crucial for job opportunities.
Enhances communication: Strong English skills improve patient care, essential in the diverse healthcare environment of the USA.
Recognized globally: IELTS is accepted by all state nursing boards in the USA for licensing exams.
Hope this blog helps you understand the average nurse salary in USA and guides you to plan out your career accordingly. Also, if you are planning to take the IELTS test and have related questions then you can get in touch with your nearest IDP IELTS test centre. Our team of IELTS experts will answer all your questions.