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Registered Nurse Salary in New York, NY β€” 2026 Guide

Estimated salaries are adjusted for New York's cost of living (index: 187). National data from BLS OEWS 2024; city adjustments reflect local market conditions.

Registered Nurse Salary in New York β€” Key Numbers

$160,951
Median Salary
$128,824
25th Percentile
$201,380
75th Percentile
$248,112
90th Percentile
National median (Registered Nurse)$86,070
vs. National median+87.0%
New York median household income$76,607
vs. City household income+110.1%

Cost of Living in New York

Cost of Living Index
187(100 = avg)
Median Monthly Rent$3,600/mo
Rent-to-Income Ratio26.8%
Annual rent cost$43,200
Median Home Price$750,000
Home Price / Salary4.7Γ—
20% Down Payment$150,000
Years to save (20% rate)4.7 yrs

Rent-to-income below 28% is considered affordable; above 35% is cost-burdened. Home price multiple below 3Γ— is affordable; above 5Γ— is expensive by traditional guidelines.

Job Market in New York

4.3%
Unemployment Rate
20,140,470
Metro Population
36 min
Avg Commute
37.1
Median Age

New York has a metro population of 20,140,470, offering a large, diverse job market with many employers across all industries. The 4.3% unemployment rate is near the national average.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Registered Nurse make in New York, NY?

The estimated median salary for a Registered Nurse in New York is $160,951 per year (2026). This is derived from the national BLS median of $86,070 adjusted by New York's cost of living index (187). The typical salary range runs from $128,824 (25th percentile) to $201,380 (75th percentile), with top earners reaching $248,112.

Is New York affordable for a Registered Nurse?

On a $160,951 annual salary, a Registered Nurse in New York would spend approximately 26.8% of gross monthly income on median rent ($3,600/month). This is well within the 28% affordability threshold, making New York relatively affordable for this profession. The median home price of $750,000 is 4.7Γ— the annual salary.

How does a Registered Nurse's salary compare to New York's overall income?

New York's median household income is $76,607. A Registered Nurse earning the city-adjusted median of $160,951 earns 110.1% more than the typical New York household β€” placing them solidly in the middle-to-upper income tier for the city.

Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS, 2024 release. City salary estimates adjusted by cost of living index. City data from Census Bureau, BLS, Zillow, and ApartmentAdvisor (2024–2025). Last updated: March 2026.