Healthcare
Registered Nurse License requirements, cost and salary by state
Registered Nurses assess patients, administer medications and treatments, coordinate care plans, and supervise LPNs and nursing assistants. They work in hospitals, outpatient clinics, home health, schools, and long-term care. Becoming an RN requires an associate degree in nursing (ADN) or a bachelor's (BSN) from a state-approved program and passing the NCLEX-RN exam; most states belong to the Nurse Licensure Compact, which lets a multistate license cover practice in other member states.
BLS national median wage (2024)
$93,600
$45/hour median
trending_up
+4.9% 10-yr outlook
Source: BLS OEWS, May 2024 release · SOC 29-1141.
timer
Time to certify
2-4 years
quiz
Required exam
NCLEX-RN
payments
Exam cost
$200
school
Education
Completion of a board-approved registered nursing program (ADN or BSN)
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Renewal
Every 2 yrs
work
Annual openings
189,100
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Popular Registered Nurse questions
What it's actually like
A day-to-day reality check, grounded in current practitioner sources — not just the salary math.
schedule
Hours / week
36-40
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Shift length
8, 10, or 12 hours
date_range
Weekends
rotation
domain
Where you work
hospitals, ambulatory healthcare services +2 more
checklist A typical shift
- check_circle Receive handoff report from the previous shift on patient statuses and care plans.
- check_circle Assess patients by checking vital signs, observing conditions, and documenting medical histories and symptoms.
- check_circle Administer medications and treatments as prescribed by physicians, including oral medications and IV drips.
- check_circle Update electronic health records with patient assessments, interventions, and responses to treatment.
- check_circle Collaborate with doctors, therapists, and other healthcare professionals to coordinate patient care plans.
- check_circle Educate patients and their families on managing illnesses, injuries, and post-discharge care.
- check_circle Assist patients with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and repositioning as needed.
Physical demand
High
Work requires standing and walking for long periods, lifting and moving patients, and performing repetitive tasks.
Stress level
High
Stress stems from high patient loads, complex medical situations, workplace hazards, and emotional strain from patient care.
thumb_up Best fit if
- add_circle You are detail-oriented and can maintain focus in environments with frequent interruptions.
- add_circle You can remain calm and make quick, logical decisions in high-pressure situations.
- add_circle You have strong physical stamina and can be on your feet for 8-12 hours at a time.
- add_circle You communicate clearly and compassionately with people from diverse backgrounds who are often in distress.
thumb_down Skip if
- do_not_disturb_on You require a predictable 9-to-5, Monday-Friday schedule with no weekend or holiday work.
- do_not_disturb_on You are easily distressed by exposure to bodily fluids, traumatic injuries, and disease.
- do_not_disturb_on You find it difficult to handle high levels of stress or to work in emotionally charged environments.
- do_not_disturb_on You are not prepared for a physically demanding job that involves frequent lifting, bending, and long periods of standing.
Registered Nurse by State
Licensing cost, reciprocity, and median pay across all 50 states.
| State | License | Licensing cost | Reciprocity | Median | vs. National |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | Yes | $328 | Recognized | $71,040 | -24.1% |
| Alaska | Yes | $575 | Endorsement | $110,690 | +18.3% |
| Arizona | Yes | $350 | Recognized | $96,890 | +3.5% |
| Arkansas | Yes | $300 | Recognized | $77,130 | -17.6% |
| California | Yes | $500 | Endorsement | $140,330 | +49.9% |
| Colorado | Yes | $288 | Recognized | $96,520 | +3.1% |
| Connecticut | Yes | $380 | Recognized | $101,590 | +8.5% |
| Delaware | Yes | $381 | Recognized | $92,610 | -1.1% |
| District of Columbia | Yes | $437 | Endorsement | $104,550 | +11.7% |
| Florida | Yes | $310 | Recognized | $82,850 | -11.5% |
| Georgia | Yes | $240 | Recognized | $86,560 | -7.5% |
| Hawaii | Yes | $240 | Endorsement | $136,320 | +45.6% |
| Idaho | Yes | $302 | Recognized | $86,100 | -8.0% |
| Illinois | Yes | $307 | Endorsement | $86,410 | -7.7% |
| Indiana | Yes | $250 | Recognized | $80,740 | -13.7% |
| Iowa | Yes | $343 | Recognized | $76,960 | -17.8% |
| Kansas | Yes | $300 | Recognized | $78,060 | -16.6% |
| Kentucky | Yes | $325 | Recognized | $79,910 | -14.6% |
| Louisiana | Yes | $300 | Recognized | $78,880 | -15.7% |
| Maine | Yes | $275 | Recognized | $82,860 | -11.5% |
| Maryland | Yes | $387 | Recognized | $96,830 | +3.5% |
| Massachusetts | Yes | $430 | Endorsement | $101,970 | +8.9% |
| Michigan | Yes | $413 | Endorsement | $85,670 | -8.5% |
| Minnesota | Yes | $305 | Endorsement | $100,870 | +7.8% |
| Mississippi | Yes | $300 | Recognized | $74,470 | -20.4% |
| Missouri | Yes | $200 | Recognized | $79,770 | -14.8% |
| Montana | Yes | $300 | Recognized | $81,560 | -12.9% |
| Nebraska | Yes | $323 | Recognized | $81,020 | -13.4% |
| Nevada | Yes | $300 | Endorsement | $101,990 | +9.0% |
| New Hampshire | Yes | $348 | Recognized | $96,830 | +3.5% |
| New Jersey | Yes | $275 | Recognized | $102,730 | +9.8% |
| New Mexico | Yes | $350 | Recognized | $88,260 | -5.7% |
| New York | Yes | $343 | Endorsement | $105,600 | +12.8% |
| North Carolina | Yes | $275 | Recognized | $81,860 | -12.5% |
| North Dakota | Yes | $325 | Recognized | $78,260 | -16.4% |
| Ohio | Yes | $275 | Recognized | $81,250 | -13.2% |
| Oklahoma | Yes | $285 | Recognized | $81,160 | -13.3% |
| Oregon | Yes | $360 | Endorsement | $123,990 | +32.5% |
| Pennsylvania | Yes | $295 | Recognized | $87,610 | -6.4% |
| Rhode Island | Yes | $335 | Recognized | $99,960 | +6.8% |
| South Carolina | Yes | $290 | Recognized | $79,900 | -14.6% |
| South Dakota | Yes | $300 | Recognized | $69,510 | -25.7% |
| Tennessee | Yes | $300 | Recognized | $79,030 | -15.6% |
| Texas | Yes | $275 | Recognized | $90,010 | -3.8% |
| Utah | Yes | $260 | Recognized | $82,270 | -12.1% |
| Vermont | Yes | $275 | Recognized | $85,150 | -9.0% |
| Virginia | Yes | $390 | Recognized | $88,820 | -5.1% |
| Washington | Yes | $338 | Recognized | $112,180 | +19.9% |
| West Virginia | Yes | $270 | Recognized | $79,990 | -14.5% |
| Wisconsin | Yes | $257 | Recognized | $86,070 | -8.0% |
| Wyoming | Yes | $330 | Recognized | $81,790 | -12.6% |
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