Average Registered Nurse Salary in Arizona
Registered Nurses in Arizona earn an average of $87,139 per year across 2 metro areas. This is +6.9% lower than the national average.
Average Salary
$87,139
per year
Hourly Rate
$41.89
per hour
vs National
-6.9%
$93,600 national
Salary Range
$57,428
to $128,548
About Registered Nurse Careers in Arizona
Registered nurses (RNs) are essential healthcare professionals who provide and coordinate patient care, educate patients about health conditions, and offer emotional support to patients and their families. They work in various healthcare settings and serve as the backbone of the healthcare system, providing critical care and advocacy for patients.
In Arizona, registered nurses earn an average of $87,139 per year as of 2026, with salaries ranging from $57,428 for entry-level roles to $128,548 for the most experienced professionals — +6.9% below the national average. Pay is influenced most by nursing specialty (icu, emergency, oncology tend to pay more), education level (bsn vs. adn), and the specific metro area within Arizona.
Cost of Living Adjusted Salary
Nominal Salary
$87,139
Cost of Living Index
102
100 = national average
Adjusted Salary
$85,430
purchasing power equivalent
After adjusting for Arizona's cost of living (above average), a Registered Nurse's salary of $87,139 has the purchasing power of $85,430 in an average-cost area.
Registered Nurse Salary by City in Arizona
| City | Median Salary | Hourly Rate | Entry Level (P10) | Senior (P90) | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Phoenix, AZ | $89,114 | $42.84/hr | $59,066 | $132,959 | 2,645 |
| Tucson, AZ | $85,163 | $40.94/hr | $55,790 | $124,137 | 2,822 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS Survey, 2026. Sorted by median salary (highest first).
Arizona vs National Average
Registered Nurse Salary Comparison
Employment in Arizona
There are approximately 5,467 Registered Nurses employed across 2 metro areas in Arizona.
Key Industries: Technology, Aerospace, Healthcare
State Income Tax: 2.5% flat rate
Registered Nurse Salary Range in Arizona
Entry Level (10th Percentile)
$57,428
Starting salary for new Registered Nurses
Median (50th Percentile)
$87,139
Mid-career Registered Nurse salary
Senior (90th Percentile)
$128,548
Top earners in the field
Related Occupations in Arizona
Pharmacist
$130,251
avg in AZ
+$43,112 vs Registered Nurse
Nurse Practitioner
$117,504
avg in AZ
+$30,365 vs Registered Nurse
Dental Hygienist
$85,513
avg in AZ
-$1,626 vs Registered Nurse
Licensed Practical Nurse
$56,243
avg in AZ
-$30,896 vs Registered Nurse
Nursing Assistant
$35,669
avg in AZ
-$51,470 vs Registered Nurse
Registered Nurse Salary in Neighboring States
Compare Registered Nurse salaries in Arizona with nearby states to find the best opportunities.
More Arizona Data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Registered Nurse salary in Arizona?
The average Registered Nurse salary in Arizona is $87,139 per year ($41.89/hour) based on 2026 data across 2 metro areas. This is 6.9% below the national average of $93,600.
What is the highest paying city for Registered Nurses in Arizona?
Phoenix, AZ is the highest paying city for Registered Nurses in Arizona, with a median salary of $89,114 per year. The lowest paying metro area is Tucson, AZ at $85,163.
What is the salary range for Registered Nurses in Arizona?
Registered Nurse salaries in Arizona range from $57,428 (entry-level, 10th percentile) to $128,548 (experienced, 90th percentile). The median salary is $87,139 per year.
About This Data
Salary data is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey. State-level averages are calculated from metro area data within Arizona. Figures represent 2026 estimates and may not reflect all employers or self-employed workers. Cost of living adjustments use regional indices to provide purchasing power context.