New York State Nurses Association (NYSNA): This is the largest union and professional association for RNs in New York, representing tens of thousands of nurses.
Registered Nurse Career and Degree Guide
By: All Nursing Schools Staff
How much do RNs make in New York?
Registered nurses (RNs) in New York generally earn well above the national average thanks to high demand, dense urban centers and a strong healthcare infrastructure. While pay varies significantly by region (for example, nurses in New York City typically make more than those in rural upstate areas), many RNs in the state enjoy competitive wages, often supplemented by overtime, shift differentials and benefits. With a robust number of hospitals and health care facilities, employment opportunities remain plentiful, particularly in specialties and in high-acuity settings.
Here are a few reasons why New York can be a particularly attractive place to work as an RN:
- High earning potential: Thanks to its large metropolitan health systems and strong demand for nursing staff, RNs in New York often command higher wages than in many other parts of the country.
- Diverse work settings: From world-renowned hospitals in New York City to community and rural hospitals upstate, nurses have the option to work in a variety of care environments.
- Opportunities for advancement: Because of the state’s size and the sophistication of its healthcare infrastructure, there are ample opportunities for specialization, leadership roles and higher-paying positions in high-acuity units.
- Strong union presence: Many New York hospitals have active nursing unions, which can help secure wage increases, better staffing and improved working conditions.
In this Article
Quick view | Top employers | Salary statistics | Education requirements | Cost of living considerations | Professional resources in NY
Snapshot of registered nurse salaries in NY
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), there are about 204,120 RNs in the state of New York. The median wage per hour is $51, higher than the national average of $45 an hour. The forecasted job growth for the coming decade is 4.9%.
Top RN employers in New York
Some of the largest employers of RNs in the state of New York include:
- Northwell Health, Statewide:
This is New York’s largest private health system, with more than 105,000 employees.- NYC Health + Hospitals, New York City:
The city’s public hospital system, serving all five boroughs, has a workforce of approximately 45,000 employees.- NYU Langone Health, New York City:
A major academic medical center located in New York City, employing tens of thousands of staff across its hospitals and outpatient locations.- NewYork‑Presbyterian Healthcare System, Statewide:
A large and prestigious academic and community hospital network comprised of 11 hospitals and many other facilities across the state.- Mount Sinai Health System, Statewide:
Composed of several hospitals in NYC and the surrounding area, with a very large workforce of about 48,000 employees.
RN salary stats for New York
The median annual salary for registered nurses in New York is $105,600, but keep in mind that salaries can vary significantly depending on factors like location, cost of living, years of experience, education level and more.
Registered Nurses
10%$77,930
25%$89,360
50%$105,600Median
75%$125,810
90%$153,420
Median Hourly Wage$51
Job growth4.9%
Total Employment204,120
| Metro area | Median Salary | Bottom 10% | Top 10% |
|---|---|---|---|
| New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ | $113,490 | $83,900 | $154,440 |
| Ithaca, NY | $103,290 | $75,230 | $118,400 |
| Glens Falls, NY | $101,710 | $65,390 | $119,970 |
| Watertown-Fort Drum, NY | $100,950 | $72,610 | $120,510 |
| Binghamton, NY | $98,420 | $71,770 | $124,710 |
| Kiryas Joel-Poughkeepsie-Newburgh, NY | $96,060 | $73,600 | $133,140 |
| Buffalo-Cheektowaga, NY | $95,380 | $75,160 | $115,340 |
| Kingston, NY | $95,090 | $67,070 | $117,890 |
| Rochester, NY | $95,010 | $76,320 | $125,810 |
| Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY | $92,470 | $72,190 | $125,980 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) 2024 median salary; projected job growth through 2034. Actual salaries vary depending on location, level of education, years of experience, work environment, and other factors. Salaries may differ even more for those who are self-employed or work part time.
Salary ranges for New York nurses
The BLS reports that the salary range for RNs in New York typically spans from $77,930 for the lowest 10% of RNs to $153,420 for the top 10% of RNs per year.
Employment of RNs by metro area
The BLS tracks salaries and employment by metropolitan areas. The New York City metropolitan area employs more RNs than anywhere else in the country.
And here are the top 10 metro areas nationwide for RN pay. California dominates the list, but that’s due to the fact that these areas have such a high cost of living to contend with:
New York salary growth and job outlook
The BLS predicts an overall 4.9% job growth for registered nurses in New York through 2034. The job outlook for RNs in New York remains strong, with demand continuing to outpace supply in many areas. Hospitals, home health, nursing homes and ambulatory care settings all have steady openings, driven both by growth in healthcare services and the need to replace retiring nurses. Workforce studies estimate more than 14,000 annual RN openings statewide, highlighting both the opportunities for new nurses and the ongoing shortages that challenge healthcare providers. While metropolitan areas like New York City often offer higher salaries and abundant positions, rural and upstate regions face more pronounced staffing gaps, particularly in long-term care and specialty services.
Despite the strong demand, there are challenges in retention, with workload, working conditions and competitive pay cited as factors affecting nurse turnover. However, union representation, continuing education opportunities and career advancement paths help support long-term employment stability. Overall, New York offers solid career prospects for RNs, with a mix of diverse clinical settings, steady employment opportunities and long-term growth potential across the state.
New York RN education requirements
To work as a nurse in New York, you must obtain an RN license from the New York State Education Department (NYSED).
Here are the basic steps for new nurses applying for licensure for the first time. Be sure to consult the NYSED for full details:
- Complete an accredited nursing program and clinical experience: Students must complete an accredited nursing program such as an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN), Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) or another nursing education program acceptable to NYSED.
- Complete mandated training requirements: NY nurses must also completed mandated coursework in child abuse reporting and infection control to obtain an RN license.
- Submit an application online: You must submit a licensure application online and with all the required documentation.
- Pass the NCLEX-RN exam: Register for the NCLEX-RN exam directly with Pearson VUE. Once you pass the exam, the NYSED must verify that they have all necessary materials to issue your RN license.
- Maintain your license. New York nurses must renew their license every three years.
Cost of living in New York
The cost of living in New York varies widely, and this has a direct impact on RN salaries and purchasing power. Metropolitan areas like New York City and its suburbs are among the most expensive in the country, with high housing costs, transportation expenses and general living costs. In fact, World Population Review reports that the cost of living index for NY overall is 125.1, meaning the cost of living is 25.1% higher than the national average.
Upstate and rural regions, by contrast, tend to have a much lower cost of living, making wages go further even if the nominal salary is lower than in the city. For RNs, this means that while positions in New York City and surrounding areas often offer higher salaries, much of that income is offset by higher expenses, whereas nurses in smaller cities or rural areas may enjoy more affordable living with relatively competitive compensation. As a result, choosing where to work in the state often requires balancing potential earnings with the local cost of living and lifestyle considerations.
Let’s break down the cost of living by some of the most populous cities in New York and how it compares to the national average according to RentCafe:
| NY city | Cost of living compared to nation |
|---|---|
| New York City | 74% higher |
| Hempstead | 36% higher |
| Buffalo | 4% lower |
| Rochester | 1% lower |
Professional resources for NY nurses
Industry organizations and professional nursing associations play a key role in supporting a nurse’s career development and long-term success. Membership in these groups provides nurses with valuable opportunities such as networking with peers, mentorship programs, ongoing education and up-to-date insights on healthcare trends through publications, webinars and online forums. For nurses working in New York, several associations stand out for offering robust support and resources tailored specifically to the region.
American Nurses Association – New York (ANA-NY): This is the New York chapter of the nationwide ANA, focused on professional standards, ethics, leadership development and legislative advocacy.
New York Organization for Nursing Leadership (NYONL): A professional association that supports nurse leaders across the state by providing education, networking and leadership development opportunities.
This guide to RN salaries in New York is designed to give you a clear picture of the financial outlook in one of the state’s most vital healthcare professions. Whether you’re starting your nursing career or planning to move into advanced practice or leadership, having a solid understanding of the state’s pay landscape can help you make informed decisions about job locations, career growth and compensation goals that support your long-term plans.