Registered nurse pay
What registered nurses really earn — and keep — in 2026
Nursing is one of the largest and best-paid associate-degree careers in the country. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics puts the median registered nurse wage at $93,600 (May 2024), well above the $49,500 median for all occupations. The lowest-paid 10% of RNs earn under $66,000, while the top 10% clear $135,000 — driven by specialty, location, experience and overtime.
Where the money goes on a nurse's paycheck
On the $93,600 median, a single nurse pays federal income tax on taxable income after the $16,100 standard deduction, plus 6.2% Social Security and 1.45% Medicare. In a no-income-tax state the take-home lands near $72,000; add a state income tax and it drops accordingly. Pre-tax 401(k) or 403(b) contributions — common in hospital systems — lower the federal bite.
The highest-paying states for nurses
California leads the nation on gross RN pay, followed by Hawaii, Oregon, Washington and Alaska. But gross is not take-home: California's state income tax reaches 13.3%, while Washington and Texas pair strong nurse demand with no state income tax. Run your offer through your state to compare what you actually keep.
Travel nursing and the take-home twist
Travel nurses often see a lower taxable base wage paired with non-taxable stipends for housing and meals (when you maintain a tax home). The taxable portion runs through this calculator normally; stipends, if you qualify, are not taxed — which is why travel packages can beat a staff salary on take-home even at a similar headline rate.
Compare your nursing pay across states
Weigh a job in high-pay, high-tax California against no-tax Texas or Florida, or compare with another field using our physical therapist and dental hygienist calculators.
Questions
Registered nurse salary calculator FAQ
What is the average registered nurse salary in 2026?
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a median annual wage of $93,600 for registered nurses (May 2024 data, the latest released). The middle half of RNs earn roughly $70,000 to $116,000, and pay varies widely by state, specialty and shift differentials — California, Hawaii and Oregon are the highest-paying states.
What is the take-home pay on a $93,600 nurse salary?
A single registered nurse earning the $93,600 median takes home roughly $71,000 to $73,000 a year after federal income tax and FICA in a no-income-tax state, and closer to $67,000 to $69,000 in a high-tax state like California. Use the calculator above with your state for an exact figure.
Do nurses pay extra taxes on overtime or shift differentials?
No special tax applies, but overtime, weekend and night-shift differentials are taxable wages like any other pay. Because they stack on top of your base, they are taxed at your marginal rate, so a $40/hour differential shift nets less than $40 after federal, FICA and state tax.
Which states pay registered nurses the most?
California pays RNs the highest mean wage nationally, followed by Hawaii, Oregon, Washington and Alaska. But high gross pay in California is partly offset by state income tax up to 13.3%, while Washington, Texas and Florida pair strong nurse pay with no state income tax — boosting take-home.
- Sources: BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook — Registered Nurses (median $93,600, May 2024) · IRS Rev. Proc. 2025-32 (2026 brackets) · SSA 2026 wage base ($184,500) · State departments of revenue.
- 🔄 Last updated June 9, 2026 · Tax year 2026
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