What the numbers say
With 195,470 registered nurses employed across the metro, New York City has one of the largest nursing workforces in the country. The median annual wage in 2024 was $113,490, about 7% above the New York state median of $105,600 and 20% above the US figure of $94,511.
The spread across earners is wide. A nurse at the 10th percentile earned $83,900 last year. One at the 90th earned $154,440, roughly 84% more. That gap reflects real differences in setting, specialty, seniority, and union status. A staff nurse in a community hospital and a senior nurse practitioner at a major academic medical center both fall under this occupational title, which explains why the range runs so far.
The mean wage of $115,650 sits a few thousand dollars above the median. That small gap suggests the upper end of earners pulls the average up modestly, but not dramatically. The distribution is fairly balanced compared to some occupations where a thin top tier lifts the average far above what most workers actually take home.
The 25th-percentile figure of $100,530 is worth noting. Even nurses in the lower quarter of earners in this metro cross six figures, a threshold that sits well above what nurses at the same experience level typically earn in most other states.
Salary distribution
Where New York City registered nurses fall on the wage curve.
Shaded band = interquartile range (where most full-time workers fall)
The middle 50% of workers earn between $103,970 and $133,230, with a median of $119,720.
Typical entry
Education
Bachelor's degree
Experience
None
On-the-job training
None
Top skills (O*NET)
- 4.6 / 5
Psychology
Knowledge
- 4.4 / 5
Customer and Personal Service
Knowledge
- 4.4 / 5
Medicine and Dentistry
Knowledge
- 4.2 / 5
English Language
Knowledge
- 4.1 / 5
Deductive Reasoning
Ability
- 4.1 / 5
Social Perceptiveness
Technical
- 4.1 / 5
Problem Sensitivity
Ability
- 4.0 / 5
Speaking
Basic skill
Common tasks (O*NET)
- 01
Record patients' medical information and vital signs.
- 02
Administer medications to patients and monitor patients for reactions or side effects.
- 03
Maintain accurate, detailed reports and records.
- 04
Monitor, record, and report symptoms or changes in patients' conditions.
- 05
Provide health care, first aid, immunizations, or assistance in convalescence or rehabilitation in locations such as schools, hospitals, or industry.
- 06
Consult and coordinate with healthcare team members to assess, plan, implement, or evaluate patient care plans.
- 07
Direct or supervise less-skilled nursing or healthcare personnel or supervise a particular unit.
- 08
Monitor all aspects of patient care, including diet and physical activity.
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How the New York City metro compares to other major New York metro areas for registered nurses.
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Frequently asked questions
- What is the median salary for Registered Nurses in New York City, New York?
- According to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, the median annual wage for Registered Nurses in the New York City metropolitan area is $119,720.
- Does New York City pay more than the New York state average for Registered Nurses?
- The New York City metro median is +9.4% versus the New York state median of $109,440.
- How does New York City compare to the national median for Registered Nurses?
- The New York City metro median is +21.8% versus the BLS national figure of $98,331.
- What is the salary range for Registered Nurses in New York City?
- BLS reports the 10th-percentile annual wage at $87,180 and the 90th-percentile at $159,240 for the New York City metro area.
- What education is required for Registered Nurses?
- BLS lists the typical entry-level education as Bachelor's degree. Many employers also weigh prior experience and credentials.
Information on this page is for general educational purposes only. It is not career, financial, or tax advice. BLS metro estimates reflect the New York City CBSA boundary for the reference year shown and may not match individual offers, employer-specific ranges, or current market conditions. Confirm with a licensed professional before making career or compensation decisions.