How long does it take to become a registered nurse?
Registered nurses earn a median of about $86,000 a year (about $41/hour) in the US — from around $64,000 entering the field to $132,000+ at the top. Becoming one usually takes about 2–4 years: Associate or bachelor's degree (ADN/BSN). An ADN gets you licensed fastest, but many employers now prefer or require a BSN.
Registered nurse salary
| Entry level (10th percentile) | $64,000 |
| Median (typical) | $86,000 |
| Experienced (90th percentile) | $132,000+ |
| Median hourly | $41/hr |
Approximate US figures based on public wage data (BLS OEWS). Actual pay varies by employer, experience and location.
The path to becoming a registered nurse
- 1Earn an ADN (2 yrs) or BSN (4 yrs)
- 2Pass the NCLEX-RN licensing exam
- 3Get licensed in your state
- 4Optional: certify in a specialty
What you need
- State RN license (NCLEX-RN)
- ADN or BSN degree
Nursing is one of the fastest-growing large occupations, with strong demand nationwide.
Registered nurse salary by state
Local pay varies with cost of living. See an estimate for your state:
Registered nurse — frequently asked questions
How long does it take to become a registered nurse?
It usually takes about 2–4 years. The typical path: Earn an ADN (2 yrs) or BSN (4 yrs); Pass the NCLEX-RN licensing exam; Get licensed in your state; Optional: certify in a specialty.
How much do registered nurses make?
The median pay is about $86,000 a year ($41/hour). Most earn between roughly $64,000 and $132,000, depending on experience, employer and location. See the state pages for local estimates.
Do you need a degree to become a registered nurse?
Entry requires: State RN license (NCLEX-RN); ADN or BSN degree. Nursing is one of the fastest-growing large occupations, with strong demand nationwide.
Related careers
General information to help you plan a career — not career, legal or financial advice. Salary figures are estimates and training times are typical routes; both vary by state, program and individual. Check official sources and accredited programs before making decisions.