Nursing pays well compared with most careers that start with a two- or four-year degree, but the number depends heavily on the type of nurse you become. This guide uses the latest figures from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) to show what registered nurses (RNs), licensed practical nurses (LPNs), and advanced practice nurses earn, and what moves those numbers up or down.
Nurse pay at a glance
| Role | Median annual pay (May 2025) | Typical entry education |
|---|---|---|
| Licensed practical / vocational nurse (LPN/LVN) | $64,400 | State-approved program, usually about 1 year |
| Registered nurse (RN) | $97,550 | ADN or BSN (BSN is the BLS “typical” level) |
| Nurse practitioner (NP) | $132,300 | Master’s degree or higher |
| Nurse midwife | $134,040 | Master’s degree or higher |
| Nurse anesthetist (CRNA) | $236,590 | Graduate degree plus critical care experience |
Source: BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, figures for May 2025. A median means half of workers earn more and half earn less.
How much do RNs make?
The median RN earned about $97,550 a year, or $46.90 an hour. The range is wide. The lowest-paid 10 percent earned under $68,940, and the highest-paid 10 percent earned over $137,470. Where you work matters too. BLS reports these median pay levels by employer type:
- Government (excluding hospitals and schools): $110,780
- Hospitals: $100,220
- Outpatient and ambulatory care: $91,230
- Nursing and residential care facilities: $84,300
About 59 percent of RNs work in hospitals, so hospital pay is the figure most new graduates see first.
How much do LPNs and LVNs make?
LPNs and LVNs earned a median of $64,400 a year ($30.96 an hour). That is lower than an RN’s pay, but the training is much shorter, typically about a year. Many LPNs later move up through an LPN-to-RN bridge program. Our guide to LPN vs. RN compares the two roles in detail.
What do advanced practice nurses make?
Nurse practitioners, nurse midwives, and nurse anesthetists need at least a master’s degree and a national certification, and they earn the highest nursing salaries. BLS reports a median of $132,300 for nurse practitioners and $236,590 for nurse anesthetists. Employment in this group is projected to grow 36 percent from 2025 to 2035, far faster than most occupations. If this path interests you, read how to become a nurse practitioner.
What affects a nurse’s salary?
- Education level: An RN with a bachelor’s degree can qualify for more roles than an RN with an associate degree, and graduate degrees open the highest-paying jobs. See ADN vs. BSN and RN-to-BSN programs.
- Location: Pay differs a lot between states and between cities and rural areas, and so does the cost of living. BLS publishes wages by state and metro area.
- Employer type: As the figures above show, hospitals and government employers pay more than long-term care.
- Specialty and experience: Critical care, operating room, and other specialties often pay more, and pay generally rises with years of experience.
- Shift and overtime: Night, weekend, and overtime hours often add to base pay.
Is nursing a good career financially?
Demand is a big part of the answer. BLS projects RN employment to grow 6 percent from 2025 to 2035, with about 180,800 openings each year on average, and about 51,800 openings a year for LPNs. Training cost matters as well. Associate-degree programs at community colleges can cost far less than a four-year degree, which can shorten the time it takes to earn back your investment. Compare tuition at schools near you in our nursing school directory, or start with your state: Florida, Texas, California, New York, or Georgia.
School pages in our directory also show federal earnings data for recent nursing graduates where it is available, so you can compare outcomes by program, not only the national average.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a new graduate RN make?
New graduates usually start below the national median and move up with experience. Check job postings from local employers for current starting pay, because it varies by region and employer.
Do BSN nurses make more than ADN nurses?
Both earn the same RN license, and starting pay at the same employer is often similar. A BSN can open more job options, leadership roles, and graduate study, which are the routes to higher pay over time.
What is the highest-paying nursing job?
Among the roles BLS tracks, nurse anesthetists have the highest median pay, at $236,590 a year. The path requires a graduate degree and critical care experience.
Pay figures are national medians from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2025) and are estimates, not guarantees. Individual pay varies by location, employer, and experience. Check the BLS website for the latest data.