Top Paying U.S. Cities for Registered Nurses in 2025
In a profession that blends science, compassion, and resilience, registered nurses (RNs) continue to be the backbone of America’s healthcare system. In 2025, demand for nurses will remain high due to a combination of an aging population, healthcare expansion, and post-pandemic system reforms. As a result, compensation trends are shifting, with significant differences in pay depending on geography.
In this guide, we analyze the top-paying U.S. cities for registered nurses in 2025, uncovering why some locations offer better compensation and how cost of living, demand, and institutional factors shape these trends. Whether you’re a new nurse looking to relocate or an experienced RN seeking a pay bump, understanding where the top-paying opportunities lie can be a career game-changer.
National RN Salary Overview in 2025
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual wage for registered nurses in 2025 is approximately $87,000, up from $82,750 in 2023. However, this figure can vary significantly based on location, specialization, and facility type.
Salary ranges nationwide span from about $65,000 in lower-paying regions to well over $130,000 in high-demand urban markets. The cities on our list offer not just the highest base salaries, but often include additional incentives such as housing stipends, retention bonuses, and comprehensive benefits.
1. San Francisco, CA
Average RN Salary: $145,000
San Francisco consistently ranks as one of the highest-paying cities for nurses, and 2025 is no exception. Factors contributing to this include high patient acuity, competitive unionized hospitals, and a significant nursing shortage. Employers like UCSF Medical Center and Sutter Health offer premium wages, often combined with relocation assistance.
Pros: High salary, top-tier hospitals, strong union presence.
Cons: Extremely high cost of living, housing challenges.
2. San Jose, CA
Average RN Salary: $140,000
Just south of San Francisco, San Jose offers similar salary benefits with a slightly lower cost of living. Home to several Magnet-designated hospitals, San Jose offers many opportunities in both hospital and tech-integrated healthcare environments.
Pros: Proximity to major healthcare systems, innovation in digital health.
Cons: Still among the most expensive U.S. cities to live in.
3. Boston, MA
Average RN Salary: $125,000
Boston's concentration of teaching hospitals and research centers, including Massachusetts General Hospital and Brigham and Women’s Hospital, make it a lucrative option for nurses. Boston also benefits from a robust healthcare infrastructure and abundant professional development opportunities.
Pros: Academic medical centers, career advancement, benefits.
Cons: High rental prices, dense urban environment.
4. Seattle, WA
Average RN Salary: $122,000
Seattle boasts a blend of urban amenities and natural beauty, but it’s also emerging as a healthcare powerhouse. Organizations like UW Medicine and Virginia Mason Franciscan Health offer competitive salaries and strong work-life balance incentives.
Pros: High pay, lifestyle balance, nurse-friendly legislation.
Cons: Rising housing costs, rainy climate.
5. New York, NY
Average RN Salary: $120,000
While notoriously expensive, New York City hospitals offer top-dollar compensation packages for RNs. With over 60 hospitals and some of the best medical institutions in the world (e.g., Mount Sinai, NYU Langone), the city offers unmatched experience and diversity.
Pros: Diverse clinical exposure, prestige.
Cons: High stress, high cost of living.
6. Los Angeles, CA
Average RN Salary: $118,000
As the largest healthcare employment hub on the West Coast, L.A. offers opportunities across public hospitals, private systems, and specialty clinics. Many institutions are unionized, leading to standardized pay increases and benefits.
Pros: Variety of clinical settings, strong nursing advocacy.
Cons: Traffic, cost of living, competition.
7. Washington, D.C.
Average RN Salary: $115,000
Home to top hospitals and federal agencies, Washington, D.C. offers competitive pay and opportunities for nurses with policy interests or federal employment goals. Nurses here may work at the NIH, VA facilities, or major institutions like MedStar Health.
Pros: Federal opportunities, educational access.
Cons: Expensive housing, political environment.
8. Denver, CO
Average RN Salary: $110,000
Denver is rapidly becoming a sought-after city for nurses, thanks to its growing healthcare network and comparatively lower cost of living. Facilities like UCHealth and Denver Health are known for providing high-quality care and competitive pay.
Pros: Scenic setting, balance of salary and living cost.
Cons: Rapid population growth is straining infrastructure.
Why Do Nurse Salaries Vary So Widely?
Several variables influence RN salaries across different cities:
- Cost of Living: Higher salaries in cities like San Francisco or NYC often offset high housing and daily expenses.
- Demand and Shortages: Areas with acute staffing shortages raise wages to attract qualified nurses.
- Unionization: Unionized hospitals typically have better pay and structured raises.
- Facility Type: Teaching and trauma hospitals generally pay more than long-term care centers.
- State Legislation: Minimum staffing ratios and nursing mandates in certain states impact both workload and compensation.
Tips for Nurses Considering Relocation
Before packing up and moving to a higher-paying city, RNs should consider the following:
- Compare Net Pay: Use salary calculators that factor in local taxes and cost of living.
- Review Benefits: A lower-paying job with strong benefits can be more valuable long-term.
- Look at Job Market Saturation: In some cities, competition can be intense despite high salaries.
- Evaluate Lifestyle Preferences: Work-life balance, commute times, and available amenities all matter.
The Role of Education and Credentials
Nurses with advanced degrees, certifications, or specializations often command higher salaries regardless of geography. For example:
- BSN vs. ADN: Many top-paying hospitals prefer nurses with bachelor’s degrees.
- Specialty Certifications: ICU, ER, oncology, and surgical nurses with national certifications earn more.
- NPs and DNPs: Advanced practice nurses (nurse practitioners, nurse anesthetists) far out-earn the RN average.
Conclusion
Geography matters when it comes to nurse salaries, but so does a nurse's level of experience, education, and specialty. While moving to a high-paying city can offer significant financial rewards, nurses must evaluate the full picture—including cost of living, job satisfaction, and long-term growth.
In 2025, the profession remains not only essential but also increasingly competitive and rewarding. For RNs willing to seek out the best opportunities, the right city could mean the difference between a good job and a great career.
