Last Updated: May 2026
RN Salary in New York — 2026 Nurse Pay Guide
New York is the 5th highest-paying state for RNs at $98,560/year ($47.38/hr)in 2026, driven by NYC's unionized hospital systems and severe nursing shortages. The gap between NYC and upstate pay is one of the largest in any state — a Manhattan nurse earns nearly $35,000 more per year than a colleague in Buffalo or Rochester.
RN Salary by Experience Level in New York (2026)
NYSNA union contracts at major NYC hospitals provide structured step increases that make New York one of the fastest states for salary growth over a nursing career. Upstate hospitals are less likely to be unionized, resulting in slower wage progression outside the metro area.
New York RN Salary by Experience (2026)
| Experience Tier | Estimated Annual Base | Estimated Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (0–2 yrs) | $72,000–$88,000 | $35–$42/hr |
| Mid-Career (3–5 yrs) | $92,000–$108,000 | $44–$52/hr |
| Senior (10+ yrs) | $115,000–$138,000 | $55–$66/hr |
Source: BLS OEWS 2025 + NYSNA contract data
RN Salary by New York City (2026)
NYC and its suburbs dominate New York nurse pay. Manhattan RNs earn $115,000 on average, while upstate cities (Buffalo, Rochester, Syracuse) average $80,000–$83,000. Urban hospital systems with union coverage and higher acuity consistently pay more.
RN Salary by New York Metro (2026)
| Region | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|
| New York City (Manhattan) | $115,000 | $55.29/hr |
| NYC Boroughs | $108,000 | $51.92/hr |
| Long Island | $102,500 | $49.28/hr |
| Westchester | $98,500 | $47.36/hr |
| Albany (Capital Region) | $87,200 | $41.92/hr |
| Buffalo | $82,800 | $39.81/hr |
| Rochester | $81,500 | $39.18/hr |
| Syracuse | $80,500 | $38.70/hr |
| State Average | $98,560 | $47.38/hr |
Source: BLS OEWS 2025 + NurseSalaryIntel data
Highest-Paying Hospitals in New York
NYU Langone and Mount Sinai are the top-paying hospital systems in New York State. NYC's major academic medical centers consistently offer the highest base salaries, with NYSNA union contracts providing structured annual step increases on top of base pay.
Top Hospitals — New York Nurse Pay (2026)
| Hospital System | Avg. RN Salary Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| NYU Langone Health (NYC) | $118,000–$138,000 | Top payer in state, strong benefits |
| Mount Sinai Health System (NYC) | $115,000–$135,000 | NYSNA union, Magnet-designated |
| NewYork-Presbyterian (NYC) | $112,000–$130,000 | Union contracts, leading research center |
| Northwell Health (LI/Metro) | $104,000–$120,000 | Largest NY employer, 21 hospitals |
| SUNY Upstate Medical (Syracuse) | $82,000–$96,000 | Academic medical center, solid benefits |
Source: NurseSalaryIntel data
NYC Nurse Pay vs. Cost of Living
NYC nurses earn $115,000 on average, but Manhattan rent for a 1-bedroom runs $3,500+/month. Many NYC nurses live in the outer boroughs, NJ, or CT to optimize take-home pay. Upstate cities (Buffalo, Rochester, Albany) offer much better real purchasing power despite lower gross salaries.
New York vs. Other High-Paying States
New York pays less than California ($124K) but is comparable to Massachusetts ($96K) and higher than New Jersey ($94K). NY state income tax (top rate: 10.9%) reduces take-home pay versus no-tax states like Texas and Florida.
Highest-Paying Nursing Specialties in New York
NY CRNAs earn $247,000 (2nd highest in the US), NPs earn $145,000, and ICU nurses earn $101,000. The NYC area's academic medical centers pay the highest rates for every specialty.
Travel Nursing in New York
NYC is a top travel nursing destination, with weekly rates of $2,600–$3,400. NYSNA-covered hospitals sometimes limit travel contracts, but non-union and private hospitals actively recruit travel nurses year-round. New York State license reciprocity is straightforward for nurses coming from Compact states.
Travel Nurse Salary Guide →Night Shift & Overtime Pay in New York
New York union hospitals pay night shift differentials of 15–22% above base pay. On a $98,560 statewide average, night nurses earn an additional $14,800–$21,700/year. NYC hospitals consistently offer the highest differentials. Weekend premiums add 10–18% above base pay. See our complete night shift differential guide for detailed rates by specialty and hospital system.
Overtime in New York is paid at 1.5x the hourly base rate for hours beyond 40 per week. NYC RNs working frequent overtime can add $18,000–$30,000 annually. Note that NY state income tax (up to 10.9%) and NYC local income tax reduce take-home on overtime compared to no-tax states.
RN Salary FAQs — New York
What is the average RN salary in New York?
The average RN salary in New York is $98,560/year ($47.38/hr). NYC nurses average $110,000–$125,000, while upstate markets average $80,000–$92,000. Compare with RN salary in California or the cost-adjusted value of RN salary in Texas. Use our nurse salary calculator to model NY pay by specialty.
How much do nurses make per hour in New York?
New York RNs average $47.38/hr statewide. Manhattan nurses earn $54–$62/hr at major hospital systems, while upstate markets (Buffalo, Rochester) average $39–$43/hr.
What is the highest paying city for nurses in New York?
See nurse salary in New York City, averaging $112,000–$128,000/year, and compare with nurse salary in Buffalo for upstate purchasing power. NYU Langone and Mount Sinai are the top-paying systems.
📊 Data Methodology
Salary figures on this page are 2026 estimates derived from the most recent available U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) data, based on the May 2024 survey and published in March 2025. Estimated ranges may also incorporate publicly available 2025 job postings, hospital pay schedules, regional market conditions, and reported compensation trends.
Official 2026 OEWS wage data has not yet been released. All salary figures on this page should be treated as informational estimates rather than official government statistics or guaranteed compensation rates.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do nurses make in New York?
Do NYC nurses get paid more than upstate NY?
What is the starting RN salary in New York?
Is nursing worth it in NYC with the high cost of living?
Do travel nurses earn more in New York?
Sources
Methodology
Data sourced from US Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS May 2024, adjusted for 3–4% annual wage growth projections into 2026. City-level and hospital data derived from metro-area OEWS summaries, NYSNA union contracts, and NurseSalaryIntel market research. Travel nursing rates based on current market surveys. Figures are estimates and vary by employer, experience, certifications, location, and contract terms.
Top Cities for Nurses in New York
RN salaries vary significantly by metro area within New York. See city-level pay, top hospitals, and how each market compares to the statewide average.
See all cities: RN salary by city →
Top Nursing Specialties in New York
Specialty and certification significantly impact RN pay in New York. See how each role compares nationally and within the state.
ICU Nurse Salary
Critical care pay + CCRN premium
ER Nurse Salary
Emergency nursing pay by state
NICU Nurse Salary
Neonatal ICU pay + certification
Nurse Practitioner Salary
NP pay by specialty and state
CRNA Salary
Highest-paid nursing role — $214K avg
Charge Nurse Salary
Leadership premium over staff RN
Full rankings: Highest-paying nursing specialties 2026 →
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