What the numbers say
With 13,680 registered nurses employed in the Salt Lake City metro, this is one of the larger nursing labor markets in the Mountain West. The 2024 median annual wage came in at $83,140, just $870 above the Utah statewide median of $82,270. The two figures are nearly identical, which tells us Salt Lake City is the primary driver of the state number rather than an outlier within it.
The gap to the national median is more significant. US registered nurses earned a median of $94,511 in 2024, about $11,400 above what Salt Lake City nurses earned. That puts the metro at roughly 12% below the national figure. For a city of Salt Lake City's size and healthcare footprint, that distance is worth noting.
The spread within the metro adds another layer. Nurses at the 10th percentile earned $70,680 while those at the 90th earned $114,340. Top earners made about 1.6 times what those at the bottom of the range earned. That kind of spread usually reflects a mix of experience levels, specializations, and care settings. An ICU charge nurse and a new graduate in a community clinic both show up in the same occupation code.
The mean wage of $91,550 runs about $8,400 above the median. That gap means a smaller group of higher-paid nurses pulls the average up. The median gives a better read on what a typical Salt Lake City nurse actually takes home.
Salary distribution
Where Salt Lake 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 $80,900 and $105,550, with a median of $85,890.
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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Explore coursesFrequently asked questions
- What is the median salary for Registered Nurses in Salt Lake City, Utah?
- According to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, the median annual wage for Registered Nurses in the Salt Lake City metropolitan area is $85,890.
- Does Salt Lake City pay more than the Utah state average for Registered Nurses?
- The Salt Lake City metro median is +1.5% versus the Utah state median of $84,600.
- How does Salt Lake City compare to the national median for Registered Nurses?
- The Salt Lake City metro median is -12.7% versus the BLS national figure of $98,331.
- What is the salary range for Registered Nurses in Salt Lake City?
- BLS reports the 10th-percentile annual wage at $71,700 and the 90th-percentile at $115,460 for the Salt Lake 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 Salt Lake 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.