Cardiologists vs. Registered Nurses: Who Earns More?
Cardiologists out-earn Registered Nurses by $398K a year at the national median, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Cardiologists land at $496,010 and Registered Nurses at $97,550. The education gap is real: cardiologist programs typically require doctoral or professional degree, while registered nurse programs require bachelor's degree. Top-paying state for Cardiologists is Washington ($656,330); for Registered Nurses it's California ($140,270).
Pay by state
States where both occupations have BLS data, sorted by Cardiologists median pay.
Source: BLS OEWS May 2025. Highlighted value is higher in each row.
Common questions
Who earns more, Cardiologists or Registered Nurses?
Cardiologists earn more nationally. The median is $496,010 for Cardiologists versus $97,550 for Registered Nurses, a difference of $398K. Per BLS OEWS May 2025.
Which has better job growth, Cardiologists or Registered Nurses?
Registered Nurses has the better 10-year outlook at 4.9% projected growth, compared to 4.1% for the other field. Both are from BLS Employment Projections.
Which requires more education, Cardiologists or Registered Nurses?
Cardiologists typically requires doctoral or professional degree. Registered Nurses requires bachelor's degree. Education requirements vary by employer and state licensing board.
Where do Cardiologists get paid the most?
Washington is the top-paying state for Cardiologists at $656,330/year, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Major metro areas within that state typically pay even more than the state average.
How does Cardiologists vs. Registered Nurses pay differ by state?
The gap varies significantly by state. In Washington, Cardiologists earn $656,330 vs. $124,200 for Registered Nurses. See the state comparison table on this page for the full picture.