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.
Registered Nurse Pay — Key Facts (2026)
Registered Nurse Salary Range (2026)
After-tax estimates are for single filers in states with no income tax (TX, FL, NV, WA). State income tax reduces these figures further.
Registered Nurse Salary Range — Visual Breakdown
The chart below shows how Registered Nurse pay is distributed across experience levels, from entry-level to top earners.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), 2024. National figures for all industries.
Monthly Budget on a Registered Nurse Salary
At the median Registered Nurse salary of $87,480/year, your monthly take-home is approximately $5,864 (single filer, no state income tax). Here is how that breaks down across common budget categories following the 50/30/20 guideline:
Budget assumes no state income tax (TX, FL, NV, WA). State taxes reduce take-home. Use the after-tax calculator for your state.
Housing Affordability on a Registered Nurse Salary
The 28% rule states your monthly housing cost should not exceed 28% of gross monthly income. At the median Registered Nurse salary, here is what that means:
These figures use national averages with no state income tax. In high-cost states like California or New York, the same salary produces less after-tax income. In lower-cost states like Texas, Florida, or the Midwest, a Registered Nurse salary typically goes significantly further.
Overtime Pay for Registered Nurses
At time-and-a-half, Registered Nurses earning the median $42/hr receive $63/hr for overtime hours. Here is what overtime adds to annual net income at your marginal federal rate:
Net estimated at ~28% effective marginal rate (22% federal + FICA). Actual net varies by total income and state.
Calculate Your Registered Nurse Take-Home Pay
Use the links below to see your exact after-tax pay at common Registered Nurse salary levels:
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:
Registered Nurse Hourly Rate Pages
Explore after-tax take-home at different points in the Registered Nurse pay range:
Tools
Data Sources & Methodology
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics — Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) 2024: National median wages, salary ranges, and employment growth projections
- IRS Rev. Proc. 2025-32: 2026 federal income tax brackets and standard deduction ($16,100 single)
- Social Security Administration: 2026 FICA rates (SS 6.2% up to $184,500; Medicare 1.45%)
- After-tax estimates assume single filer, standard deduction, no state income tax. Actual take-home varies by state, filing status, and pre-tax deductions.