How to Become a Registered Nurses in New York
Registered Nurses in New York earn a median salary of $105,600/year, which is 13% above the national average. New York has a state income tax of ~5.0%. After taxes and rent, a registered nurses takes home approximately $5,037/month. Most positions require Bachelor's degree.
What a registered nurses can afford in New York
Becoming a registered nurses in New York
Meet education requirements
Registered Nurses positions in New York typically require Bachelor's degree. Programs are available at colleges and training institutions across New York. Research accredited programs in your area.
Gain required experience
This career typically involves none in New York. Look for training programs and mentorship opportunities in your metro area.
Obtain New York licensure or certification
New York may require specific licensing or professional certification for registered nursess. Requirements vary by state — contact the New York Department of Labor or relevant licensing board for current requirements, exam schedules, and application procedures.
Find positions in New York
New York employs 204,120 registered nurses. The highest concentrations are in New York-Newark-Jersey City and Ithaca.
Registered Nurses salary by metro area in New York
| Metro area | Median | Hourly | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| New York-Newark-Jersey City | $113K | $54.56/hr | 195,470 |
| Ithaca | $103K | $49.66/hr | 870 |
| Glens Falls | $102K | $48.9/hr | 1,000 |
| Watertown-Fort Drum | $101K | $48.53/hr | 840 |
| Binghamton | $98K | $47.32/hr | 2,540 |
| Kiryas Joel-Poughkeepsie-Newburgh | $96K | $46.18/hr | 5,450 |
| Buffalo-Cheektowaga | $95K | $45.86/hr | 13,870 |
| Kingston | $95K | $45.72/hr | 1,120 |
| Rochester | $95K | $45.68/hr | 12,510 |
| Albany-Schenectady-Troy | $92K | $44.46/hr | 10,020 |
| Utica-Rome | $86K | $41.36/hr | 2,430 |
| Syracuse | $84K | $40.34/hr | 7,520 |
| Elmira | $80K | $38.46/hr | 670 |
Registered Nurses salary range in New York
Registered Nurses careers in other states
Frequently asked questions
How much does a registered nurses make in New York?▼
The median registered nurses salary in New York is $105,600 per year ($50.77/hr). This is 13% above the national median of $93,600. Salaries range from $77,930 to $153,420.
What are the requirements to become a registered nurses in New York?▼
Registered Nurses positions in New York typically require Bachelor's degree. New York may have specific licensing or certification requirements. Check with the New York licensing board or department of labor for current requirements.
Can a registered nurses afford to live in New York?▼
At the median salary of $105,600, a registered nurses in New York would take home approximately $6,449/month after taxes. With median 2-bedroom rent at $1,412/month, that's 21.9% of take-home pay going to housing. This is within the recommended 30% guideline.
What are the best cities for registered nurses in New York?▼
The highest paying metro areas for registered nurses in New York are New York-Newark-Jersey City ($113,490), Ithaca ($103,290), Glens Falls ($101,710). However, cost of living varies significantly between metros — a higher salary may not mean more purchasing power.
Does New York have state income tax for registered nurses?▼
Yes, New York has a state income tax rate of approximately 5.0%. On a $105,600 salary, this means roughly $5,288/year in state income tax. Use our take-home pay calculator for a detailed breakdown.