According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual wage for registered nurses (RNs) in the United States was approximately $75,000 in 2020. However, advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) such as nurse anesthetists, nurse midwives, and nurse practitioners can earn significantly more, with median annual wages exceeding $115,000. Location also plays a crucial role; nurses in states like California and New York tend to have higher average salaries compared to those in rural areas.