Registered Nurses
Salary, job outlook, AI risk & career information
Median Salary
$93,600
~$45/hr · ~$7,800/mo
US Jobs
3.4M
Faster than average
AI & Automation Risk
4/10
Low Risk
AI & Automation Risk
Low Risk 4/10
Registered nursing is a hybrid role that combines significant physical labor, such as administering treatments and moving patients, with complex interpersonal care and emotional support. While AI will heavily impact the knowledge-work components—such as patient monitoring, diagnostic analysis, and care planning—the core requirement for physical presence and human empathy creates a strong barrier to full automation.
Salary by City — What You Actually Take Home
Real purchasing power = salary adjusted for cost of living. Higher = more money in your pocket.
| City | Local Salary | Cost of Living | Real Purchasing Power |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CABEST VALUE | $208,940 | Above avg (113.1) | $184,806 |
| Vallejo, CA | $192,470 | Above avg (109.4) | $175,998 |
| Modesto, CA | $169,460 | Above avg (105.1) | $161,196 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA | $188,020 | Above avg (117.6) | $159,948 |
| Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA | $178,900 | Above avg (112.8) | $158,636 |
| Santa Rosa-Petaluma, CA | $172,390 | Above avg (110.3) | $156,359 |
| Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom, CA | $169,210 | Above avg (109.1) | $155,109 |
| Yuba City, CA | $144,220 | Above avg (103.8) | $138,970 |
| Chico, CA | $141,720 | Above avg (104.7) | $135,300 |
| Hanford-Corcoran, CA | $130,740 | Average (98.6) | $132,629 |
| Kahului-Wailuku, HI | $139,310 | Above avg (107.2) | $129,962 |
| Merced, CA | $126,880 | Average (99.6) | $127,367 |
| Salem, OR | $128,150 | Average (102.5) | $125,074 |
| Bakersfield-Delano, CA | $127,510 | Average (102.4) | $124,535 |
| Urban Honolulu, HI | $138,690 | Above avg (111.4) | $124,470 |
Cost of Living Index: 100 = US national average. Below 100 = cheaper. Above 100 = more expensive.
Education & Requirements
Education Required
Bachelor's degree
10-Year Growth
+5% (Faster than average)
Hourly Rate
~$45/hr
Monthly Income
~$7,800/mo
Related Careers
Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics OOH (2024)