2026 · BLS Data · After-Tax Estimates

Registered Nurse Hourly Rate & Salary (2026)

Registered Nurses (RNs) provide and coordinate patient care, educate patients about health conditions, and provide emotional support. RNs work in hospitals, clinics, schools, and home health settings.

Median Hourly Rate $42/hr Range: $28–$70/hr
Median Annual Salary $87,480 40 hrs/week · 52 weeks
After-Tax (no state tax) $70,372 $5,864/month · $33.83/hr net

Registered Nurse Pay — Key Facts (2026)

Education RequiredAssociate's or Bachelor's degree in Nursing (ASN/BSN) + NCLEX-RN license
Job Growth Outlook+6% through 2032 (faster than average)
Highest-Paying StatesCalifornia, Texas, New York
Federal Tax (median salary)$10,416
FICA (SS + Medicare)$6,692
Effective Tax Rate19.6% (federal only)

Registered Nurse Salary Range (2026)

LevelHourly RateAnnual SalaryAfter-Tax (est.)
Entry Level$28/hr$58,240$49,000
Median$42/hr$87,480$70,372
Experienced$49/hr$101,920$80,500
Top Earners$70/hr$145,600$110,800

After-tax estimates are for single filers in states with no income tax (TX, FL, NV, WA). State income tax reduces these figures further.

Calculate Your Registered Nurse Take-Home Pay

Use the links below to see your exact after-tax pay at common Registered Nurse salary levels:

$28/hr → see annual & after-tax$42/hr → see annual & after-tax$70/hr → see annual & after-tax $87,480 after tax in Texas $87,480 after tax in California $87,480 after tax in New York

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a registered nurse make per hour?

The median hourly wage for registered nurses is $42/hour ($87,480/year). Entry-level RNs typically start at $28–$32/hour, while experienced nurses and those in specialized units (ICU, OR, ER) can earn $55–$70/hour.

How much is a nurse's salary after tax?

On a $87,480 median RN salary, a single filer in a no-tax state (Texas, Florida) takes home roughly $64,000/year after federal income tax and FICA. In California, after state income tax, take-home is closer to $57,000/year.

What is the highest-paying nursing specialty?

Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) earn $100–$120+/hour ($200k+/year). Other high-paying specialties: ICU nurses ($45–$65/hr), travel nurses ($50–$80/hr including stipends), and Nurse Practitioners ($50–$70/hr).

Do nurses make more in some states?

Yes — significantly. California nurses earn a median of $61/hour vs. $33/hour in Mississippi. High-cost states generally pay more, but after cost-of-living adjustments, Texas and Florida often offer strong real-dollar value.

Registered Nurse Take-Home by State

See how the $87,480 median Registered Nurse salary plays out after tax in major states:

$87,480 in Texas$87,480 in California$87,480 in New York$87,480 in Florida$87,480 in Washington$87,480 in Illinois

Registered Nurse Hourly Rate Pages

Explore after-tax take-home at different points in the Registered Nurse pay range:

$28/hr — annual & after-tax breakdown$35/hr — annual & after-tax breakdown$42/hr — annual & after-tax breakdown$56/hr — annual & after-tax breakdown$70/hr — annual & after-tax breakdown

Tools

$42/hr — full annual breakdown Contractor vs Employee — which pays more? California vs Texas take-home comparison Salary to Hourly Calculator