2026 Salary Data · Healthcare

Registered Nurse Salary in Salt Lake City, UT

A complete 2026 breakdown of what Registered Nurses earn in Salt Lake City — base salary, hourly rate, top employers, and tips for negotiating the highest offer. With percentile data and cost-of-living context.

Registered Nurse Pay in Salt Lake City (2026)

$85,000
Median annual
$40.87
Hourly rate
$63,750
25th percentile
$110,500
75th percentile
$140,250
90th percentile
0%
vs national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

ExperienceAnnual SalaryHourly Rate
Entry-level (0-2 years)$55,250 - $72,25026 - 34/hr
Mid-level (3-5 years)$76,500 - $97,74936 - 46/hr
Senior (6-10 years)$97,749 - $123,25046 - 59/hr
Lead/Principal (10+ years)$118,999 - $157,25057 - 75/hr

Salary Comparison: Salt Lake City vs Other Major Cities

CityMedian Salary
New York, NY$72,250
San Francisco, CA$102,000
Chicago, IL$85,000
Salt Lake City$85,000
Houston, TX$72,250
Phoenix, AZ$85,000

Top Employers Hiring Registered Nurses in Salt Lake City

Major employers in Salt Lake City hiring Registered Nurses include:

How to Maximize Your Registered Nurse Salary in Salt Lake City

  1. Specialize in a high-demand area. ICU, ER, or specialized surgery command 10-20% premiums in Salt Lake City.
  2. Get certified. Industry certifications like ACLS, PALS, or specialty certifications often come with 5-15% raises.
  3. Switch employers every 2-3 years. Job-switchers typically get 15-30% raises vs. 3-5% annual raises.
  4. Negotiate your starting salary. Use our Negotiation Script generator. Most people who negotiate get 10-20% more than the initial offer.
  5. Build a portfolio of side work. Freelance Registered Nurse income can add 20-40% to your base.

Cost of Living Adjustment

$85,000 in Salt Lake City goes further or less far depending on cost of living. With housing costs of ~$1500/month for a 1-bedroom apartment, your take-home after housing is approximately $67,000/year. See full cost of living in Salt Lake City.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average Registered Nurse salary in Salt Lake City?

The average Registered Nurse salary in Salt Lake City is $85,000/year ($40.87/hour). The 25th percentile earns $63,750/year, the 75th percentile earns $110,500/year, and the 90th percentile earns $140,250/year.

Is Registered Nurse a good career in Salt Lake City?

Registered Nurse is a growing career in Salt Lake City with a stable job market. The median salary is in line with the national average for this role.

What is the highest paying Registered Nurse job in Salt Lake City?

Top earners (90th percentile) in Salt Lake City make $140,250/year. These are typically senior Registered Nurses with 10+ years of experience, often in management or specialized roles.

⚠️ Estimate only. Salary data based on 2026 BLS, Glassdoor, and Payscale data. Actual offers depend on experience, employer, and negotiation. Full disclaimer.