Intro
Discover the average new grad RN salary in the United States. Learn about the current nursing job market, factors influencing salary rates, and regional variations. Get insights into median salary ranges, highest-paying cities, and industries, as well as growth prospects for newly graduated registered nurses in the US healthcare sector.
The average new grad RN salary in the United States is a topic of great interest for nursing students and professionals alike. As the demand for skilled nurses continues to grow, understanding the average salary for new graduate registered nurses (RNs) can help inform career decisions and expectations.

For new graduate RNs, the average salary can vary depending on factors such as location, employer, experience, and specialty. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual salary for RNs in the United States was $76,840 in May 2020. However, salaries can range from around $60,000 to over $100,000 per year, depending on the specific circumstances.
Average New Grad RN Salary by State
While salaries can vary significantly depending on the state, here are some approximate average salary ranges for new graduate RNs in different regions of the United States:
- West Coast: $80,000 - $110,000 per year
- East Coast: $70,000 - $100,000 per year
- Midwest: $60,000 - $90,000 per year
- South: $60,000 - $90,000 per year
Some of the highest-paying states for new graduate RNs include:
- California: $90,000 - $120,000 per year
- New York: $80,000 - $110,000 per year
- Massachusetts: $80,000 - $110,000 per year
- Washington: $80,000 - $110,000 per year
Average New Grad RN Salary by Employer
The average salary for new graduate RNs can also vary depending on the employer. Here are some approximate average salary ranges for new graduate RNs in different types of healthcare settings:
- Hospitals: $70,000 - $100,000 per year
- Clinics: $60,000 - $90,000 per year
- Long-term care facilities: $55,000 - $85,000 per year
- Home healthcare: $60,000 - $90,000 per year
Some of the highest-paying employers for new graduate RNs include:
- Kaiser Permanente: $80,000 - $110,000 per year
- Cleveland Clinic: $75,000 - $105,000 per year
- Mayo Clinic: $75,000 - $105,000 per year
- NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital: $80,000 - $110,000 per year
Average New Grad RN Salary by Specialty
The average salary for new graduate RNs can also vary depending on the specialty. Here are some approximate average salary ranges for new graduate RNs in different specialties:
- Critical care: $75,000 - $110,000 per year
- Emergency nursing: $70,000 - $100,000 per year
- Operating room nursing: $70,000 - $100,000 per year
- Pediatric nursing: $65,000 - $95,000 per year
- Labor and delivery nursing: $65,000 - $95,000 per year
Some of the highest-paying specialties for new graduate RNs include:
- Neonatal intensive care: $80,000 - $115,000 per year
- Pediatric intensive care: $75,000 - $110,000 per year
- Cardiovascular surgery: $75,000 - $110,000 per year
- Neurosurgery: $75,000 - $110,000 per year
Factors Affecting New Grad RN Salary
Several factors can affect the average salary for new graduate RNs, including:
- Location: Salaries can vary significantly depending on the state, city, and region.
- Employer: Different employers offer varying salaries, and some may offer more competitive pay than others.
- Experience: While new graduate RNs typically have limited experience, those with prior experience in healthcare or related fields may command higher salaries.
- Specialty: Certain specialties, such as critical care or operating room nursing, may offer higher salaries than others.
- Education: RNs with advanced degrees, such as a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) or Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), may be eligible for higher salaries.
What Can New Grad RNs Do to Increase Their Salary?
While salaries can vary, there are several strategies new graduate RNs can use to increase their earning potential:
- Gain experience: The more experience you gain, the higher your salary is likely to be.
- Pursue advanced education: Earning a BSN or MSN can increase your earning potential and open up more job opportunities.
- Consider certification: Obtaining certifications in specialized areas, such as critical care or pediatrics, can demonstrate expertise and increase earning potential.
- Network: Building relationships with colleagues and professionals in your field can help you stay informed about job opportunities and salary trends.
- Negotiate: Don't be afraid to negotiate salary during the hiring process, especially if you have relevant experience or education.

In conclusion, the average new grad RN salary in the United States can vary significantly depending on factors such as location, employer, experience, and specialty. While salaries can range from around $60,000 to over $100,000 per year, new graduate RNs can increase their earning potential by gaining experience, pursuing advanced education, considering certification, networking, and negotiating salary.
We hope this article has provided valuable insights into the average new grad RN salary in the United States. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to share them below.
What is the average salary for new graduate RNs in the United States?
+The average salary for new graduate RNs in the United States is around $70,000 to $80,000 per year, depending on the location, employer, and specialty.
What are the highest-paying states for new graduate RNs?
+Some of the highest-paying states for new graduate RNs include California, New York, Massachusetts, and Washington.
What can new graduate RNs do to increase their salary?
+New graduate RNs can increase their salary by gaining experience, pursuing advanced education, considering certification, networking, and negotiating salary.