How Much Do International Nurses Make?

Registered nurses in the U.S. earned a median of $97,550 a year in May 2025, or $46.90 an hour. As an internationally educated nurse, you’re paid on the same scales as nurses trained in the U.S., so this is a realistic starting point for what you could earn.

Your own pay will depend on where you work, your experience and your specialty. This guide breaks down the numbers, what moves them up or down, and the opportunities that open up once you’re working in the U.S.

International Nurse Salary in the U.S.

The median is only the middle of the range. The lowest-paid 10% of registered nurses earned less than $68,940 a year, while the top 10% earned more than $137,470 (Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics).

For internationally educated nurses moving on a green card, there’s an extra safeguard. Before an employer can sponsor you, the U.S. Department of Labor sets a prevailing wage for the role and location. Your employer must offer at least that amount.

What Affects How Much You Earn

Location. Where you work makes the biggest difference. These were the five highest-paying states for registered nurses in May 2025 (Source: Becker’s Hospital Review):

At the other end, the median in Alabama was $77,080.

Bear in mind that the highest-paying states also tend to be the most expensive places to live. Once living costs are factored in, Hawaii drops from second for nurse pay to last. Michigan, Texas and Georgia, meanwhile, move into the top 10 alongside Oregon, Washington and California.

That’s why smaller cities and quieter parts of the country can offer the best of both worlds. You can still earn a good salary, while lower housing and everyday costs mean your money goes further. For families especially, that can mean a bigger home and more left over at the end of each month. Explore our location spotlights to see what life and work could look like in different parts of the U.S.

Work setting. Hospital nurses earned a median of $100,220, compared with $84,300 in nursing and residential care facilities.

Experience. Most employers pay more for each year of experience, so the clinical years you bring with you count.

Specialty and certification. Nurses in high-demand areas such as critical care, emergency and operating rooms often earn more, and specialty certifications can add to your pay.

Shifts and overtime. Many hospitals pay extra for night, weekend and holiday shifts. Hourly nurses also usually earn time and a half for hours over 40 a week.

More Than Your Salary

Base pay is only part of the package. When you compare offers, look at the benefits too, as they can add a lot to what you take home over a year.

At Conexus, we empower healthcare through global talent. That’s why Conexus nurses receive:

• Medical, dental, vision and life insurance
• A 401(k) retirement plan with employer match
• Transition pay to help you settle in
• Milestone bonuses
• Green card sponsorship for you, your spouse and children under 21

We also charge no recruitment or placement fees, and we take nothing from your paycheck once you’re placed.

Growing Your Career and Your Pay

Demand for nurses in the U.S. is strong. Employment of registered nurses is projected to grow 6% between 2025 and 2035, with around 180,800 openings each year.

That demand gives you room to grow. Many international nurses add a specialty certification, move into areas such as critical care, or go on to further study. A higher degree can lead to leadership, education or advanced practice roles, which pay significantly more.

Conexus supports that growth from the start. While your immigration paperwork is processing, our education team builds you a personal learning plan. Once you’re in the U.S., you’ll have access to our clinical education program, with courses designed and delivered by experienced registered nurses and educators.

Still deciding where to build your nursing career? Our global destination guide compares the U.S. with the UK, Canada, the Middle East and more, so you can see how pay, lifestyle and long-term opportunities stack up.

After Your First Contract: More Ways to Boost Your Pay

Once you’ve completed your first contract and have your green card, you’re free to shape your career your way. Some nurses stay with their hospital and work their way up. Others move to a higher-paying state or specialty.

Some choose travel nursing. Travel nurses take short assignments, often 13 weeks, at hospitals across the country. Job sites put average travel nurse pay at around $2,050 to $2,250 a week, usually including housing and meal stipends. It suits nurses who want variety and don’t mind moving often, though it’s less settled than a permanent role.

Since 2010, we’ve helped internationally educated nurses build careers in the U.S. If you’re ready to find out what you could earn, apply with Conexus today.