New York City, NY RN Salary
The median Registered Nurse salary in New York City, New York is $104,936 as of 2023. The pay ranges from the highest 10% of Registered Nurses making $164,106 and the lowest 10% making $16,948. Our salary data for RNs is consolidated from the Bureau of Labor Statistics and ZipRecruiter salary data.
Registered nurses (RNs) provide direct patient care, assess health conditions, and collaborate with healthcare teams to develop and implement care plans. They administer medications, perform diagnostic tests, monitor patient progress, and educate patients and their families about health conditions. RNs also assist with procedures, advocate for patient needs, and ensure that healthcare standards and safety protocols are followed.
How Much Do NYC RNs Make Per Hour?
The median national wage for Registered Nurses is $50 per hour in the US according to ZipRecruiter salary data.
What does a Registered Nurse do?
Registered Nurses (RNs) are commonly the first point of contact for patients entering the healthcare system. They conduct initial assessments, monitor vital signs, and continuously evaluate patients’ health throughout their treatment. RNs are responsible for administering medications, performing treatments, and educating patients on managing their conditions, all while ensuring the patient remains comfortable and informed during their care.
RNs also handle administrative duties such as updating patient records, following established care plans, and ensuring that all healthcare protocols and safety standards are met. RegistereActing as advocates, they work to ensure that patients' needs, preferences, and rights are respected throughout their care journey.
Want to learn more about the duties of Registered Nurses? Read our full article here.
Highest paying nursing agencies for RNs in New York City, NY
How to increase your salary as an RN in New York City
1. Pursue Advanced Education
Earning an advanced degree can significantly increase your salary and open doors to higher-paying roles. Consider pursuing:
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN): Many hospitals, particularly in NYC, prefer RNs with a BSN over an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN). This qualification often leads to promotions and salary increases.
- Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP): Advanced degrees qualify you for roles like Nurse Practitioner (NP), nurse educator, or clinical nurse specialist, which come with substantially higher salaries.
Hospitals such as those in the Mount Sinai and NYU Langone Health systems often favor candidates with advanced degrees, and many even offer tuition assistance programs to help nurses pursue further education
2. Earn Specialty Certifications
Specialty certifications can help you command higher pay, as they demonstrate expertise in specific areas of nursing that are often in high demand. Popular certifications for RNs include:
- Critical Care Registered Nurse (CCRN)
- Certified Emergency Nurse (CEN)
- Certified Pediatric Nurse (CPN)
- Certified Nurse Operating Room (CNOR)
Specializing in high-demand areas like critical care, emergency nursing, or surgical services can set you apart and increase your earning potential. New York City hospitals value these specialized skills, often offering bonuses or higher base pay to certified nurses.
3. Move into Leadership or Administrative Roles
Transitioning into a leadership or administrative role can significantly increase your salary. Roles such as nurse manager, director of nursing, or clinical supervisor often come with additional responsibilities and higher compensation. These roles require a blend of clinical expertise and management skills, and many institutions in New York offer leadership development programs to prepare nurses for these positions.
4. Work Overtime or Pick Up Extra Shifts
Many hospitals and healthcare facilities in NYC offer overtime pay or shift differentials for working nights, weekends, or holidays. Because NYC is home to major medical centers with 24/7 operations, nurses who are flexible with their schedules can earn significantly more by working non-traditional hours.
Taking on extra shifts in critical care units or during peak demand periods, such as flu season, can also provide a substantial salary boost.
5. Explore Travel Nursing or Per Diem Work
Travel nursing offers the flexibility to work short-term assignments in various locations, often with higher pay due to the temporary nature of the job. In NYC, travel nurses are in high demand, particularly in specialized areas like critical care, neonatal care, and operating rooms. Travel nurses often receive additional perks like housing stipends and travel allowances, making this an attractive option for increasing your overall compensation.
6. Negotiate Your Salary
Don't underestimate the power of negotiating your salary, especially if you're taking on a new role or considering a promotion. Research the average salary for RNs in your specialty and region, taking into account your years of experience, certifications, and education level. New York City hospitals typically offer competitive salaries, but demonstrating your value with metrics like patient outcomes, leadership skills, and advanced certifications can further strengthen your case for a raise.
7. Relocate to Higher-Paying Areas
Even within NYC, salaries for RNs can vary depending on the healthcare facility and neighborhood. Consider seeking employment in high-demand areas or hospitals known for paying competitive wages, such as Mount Sinai, NYU Langone, or NewYork-Presbyterian. Additionally, positions in underserved areas or in specialized clinics can offer higher pay or bonuses to attract qualified nurses.