What is the typical salary of a nurse?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for registered nurses was $77,600 in May 2021. The lowest 10% earned less than $58,510, and the highest 10% earned more than $123,780.

The salary for a nurse can vary depending on several factors, including education level, experience, specialty, and geographic location. Here is a breakdown of the annual salaries for registered nurses by specialty, as reported by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) in 2021:

- Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA): $195,610

- Nurse Practitioner (NP): $130,850

- Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS): $126,690

- Nurse Midwife (CNM): $124,290

- Registered Nurse (RN) in critical care: $88,440

- Registered Nurse (RN) in operating room: $86,450

- Registered Nurse (RN) in emergency department: $85,640

- Registered Nurse (RN) in medical-surgical nursing: $81,060

- Registered Nurse (RN) in outpatient settings: $79,460

- Registered Nurse (RN) in home health care: $79,460

These figures are just averages, and actual salaries may vary within each specialty and location.