Research Summary. Using a combination of public government and company data as well as data gathered from thousands of job postings, the Zippia data team has created average salary estimates for jobs across the US. Using that data set, the team has identified the types of registered nurses that are the highest paid based on their average annual salaries.
Here is a summary of our findings for the highest-paying types of registered nurses:
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Contractor-Registered Nurse is the highest-paid type of registered nurse with an average salary of $128,474 and an average hourly rate of $61.77.
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The second highest-paying type of registered nurse is agency registered nurse, with an average salary of $103,560.
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The average registered nurse salary is $73,349 per year, and the average hourly pay is $35.26.
Table Of Contents: Background | Table | Methodology | FAQs
Background
Choosing a career path can be difficult, and while pay shouldn’t be the only thing you consider in your decision, it is a significant factor. So if you’d like to work as a registered nurse, it helps to have an idea of what the highest-paid types of registered nurses are so that you can plan your career progression.
Here are the top salaries for different types of registered nurses:
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Contractor-Registered Nurse
Average Salary: $128,474
A contractor-registered nurse is responsible for taking care of patients in a medical facility or a similar setting under a contractual arrangement. Their responsibilities are no different from regular registered nurses. They also administer medicines, assist patients and their families, manage schedules, monitor patient conditions, update charts, maintain accurate records, and work full-time. Furthermore, they must coordinate with physicians and other health experts in creating and executing care plans for patients, all while maintaining an active communication line.
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Agency Registered Nurse
Average Salary: $103,560
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Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner
Average Salary: $97,820
An advanced registered nurse practitioner (ARNP) is responsible for patient care. An ARNP may practice independently or work with other healthcare professionals such as physicians. Your duties typically include examining patients and determining diagnosis by physical examination, patient history, and other medical assessments, admitting, managing, and discharging patients to and from medical facilities, and managing health care by developing, implementing, and evaluating treatment and care plans for patients. You will also be responsible for referring patients to other health care service providers or facilities.
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Registered Nurse In The ICU
Average Salary: $92,881
A registered nurse in the ICU, or intensive care unit, is responsible for monitoring a patient’s progress and performing regular reports to physicians and families. Most ICU patients require extensive attention and assessment, which will require a nurse to be more observant and proactive. A nurse may also have duties producing paperwork, arranging schedules, responding to various inquiries, and crafting a particular care plan. Furthermore, should there be any emergencies, it is crucial to inform the assigned physician right away.
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Telemetry Registered Nurse
Average Salary: $91,416
A telemetry registered nurse is a healthcare professional who specializes in caring for patients with heart disease or other medical issues that require continuous telemetry monitoring. Telemetry registered nurses are required to read and monitor the output of electrocardiograms (EKGs), which translate the heart’s electrical impulses into a readable rhythm. They must respond to patients who are experiencing cardiac pain and perform various diagnostic tests. Telemetry registered nurses must also assist doctors with different procedures and treatments for cardiac issues.
Below is a full table of the average pay for various registered nurse that pay the most followed by a more detailed explanation of our methodology.
Highest-Paying Types Of Registered Nurses
Methodology
Zippia uses publicly published information from government sources such as the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Foreign Labor Certification Data Center (FLC), and the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) to create its salary estimates.
Our data science team also checks job postings and company-published resources for additional up-to-date salary information for registered nurses.
Once they’ve gathered the data, the team calculates a weighted average for each job title they’re estimating a salary for. For more details on our salary estimates, you can read the detailed methodology.
Highest-Paying Types Of Registered Nurse Jobs FAQs
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What is the highest-paid registered nurse job?
The highest-paid registered nurse job is a contractor-registered nurse. Contractor-Registered Nurses earn an average salary of $128,474, which is $ 61.77 hourly.
A contractor-registered nurse is responsible for taking care of patients in a medical facility or a similar setting under a contractual arrangement. Their responsibilities are no different from regular registered nurses. They also administer medicines, assist patients and their families, manage schedules, monitor patient conditions, update charts, maintain accurate records, and work full-time. Furthermore, they must coordinate with physicians and other health experts in creating and executing care plans for patients, all while maintaining an active communication line.
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What is a good salary for a registered nurse?
A good salary for a registered nurse is $73,349 or more. The average registered nurse salary is $73,349, so those making at least $73,349 are earning above-average paychecks.
Keep in mind, however, that the average registered nurse salary does fluctuate based on location, as companies will adjust their pay scales based on the cost of living in that area. Research what the average salary is in your area for someone of your expertise and experience level to get a more accurate view on how well you’re being paid.
In addition, if you’re just starting your career as a registered nurse, the average entry level salary is $58,164, so don’t base your opinion of your salary on the $73,349 average, as this includes all registered nurses of all skill and experience levels.
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Do Registered Nurse jobs pay well?
Yes, registered nurse jobs pay well. As in any industry, some registered nurse jobs pay better than others, but the average registered nurse salary of $73,349 is times the average national salary of about $44,225 per year.
In addition to this, many registered nurse jobs have high earning potential, with the top 10% of registered nurses earning $100,334 a year on average.
Registered Nurses’ salaries will fluctuate based on their experience level, industry, and location, so pay attention to these factors when you’re looking for a job as a registered nurse. Do your research on the going rate for a registered nurse in your area with your expertise, and don’t be afraid to negotiate your salary based on that information.
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Where do registered nurses get paid the most?
Registered Nurses get paid the most in Alaska. In Alaska, registered nurses earn an average annual salary of $97,253 and an average hourly wage of $46.76.
Following AK, the states with the highest-paid registered nurses are Massachusetts, New Mexico, and Connecticut, with average annual salaries of $89,434, $79,593, and $89,275 respectively.
The cities with the highest-paid registered nurse salaries are:
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San Francisco, CA – $108,619
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Portland, OR – $91,845
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New York, NY – $91,220
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Author
Chris Kolmar is a co-founder of Zippia and the editor-in-chief of the Zippia career advice blog. He has hired over 50 people in his career, been hired five times, and wants to help you land your next job. His research has been featured on the New York Times, Thrillist, VOX, The Atlantic, and a host of local news. More recently, he's been quoted on USA Today, BusinessInsider, and CNBC.
