The RN hiring landscape is more competitive than ever. In June 2025, market rates continue to climb, and clinicians are demanding more — not just in pay, but in flexibility and transparency. This guide helps you benchmark RN salaries, stay competitive, and attract top talent.
💵 2025 RN Salary Benchmarks
Note: Salaries vary significantly based on location, specialty, and shift type.
📍 Top Paying States for RNs in 2025
⚠️ Why RN Salaries Are Still Rising
- Ongoing staffing shortages — especially in critical care and med-surg
- Burnout & attrition post-COVID still reshaping workforce dynamics
- Increased gig/travel opportunities pushing nurses toward higher flexibility/pay options
- State mandates on ratios (e.g., CA, MA) driving up base rates
📊 DirectShifts Platform Data (Q2 2025)
- Jobs with transparent pay get 3.6x more applicants
- Offering a sign-on bonus speeds up hiring by 29%
- Roles with custom shift options retain hires 2x longer
- Average time-to-fill for RN roles: 12–18 days with optimized listings
✅ What Employers Should Do Now
- Reassess compensation bands — June 2025 data shows rising candidate expectations
- Lead with transparency — clearly list pay, bonuses, benefits, and shift structure
- Emphasize flexibility — nights, weekends, and block shifts are now negotiation points
- Use data to hire smarter — platforms like DirectShifts reduce guesswork with real-time trends
Want help benchmarking salaries in your region or specialty?
Let us show you how to optimize your RN hiring strategy — powered by DirectShifts data from thousands of active roles.
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