Shape your RN workforce structures with the latest compensation benchmarks.
Health care organizations continue to face unprecedented clinical workforce shortages. The registered nurse (RN) workforce has been hit particularly hard due to post-pandemic burnout, unfavorable working conditions, and an insufficient pipeline of future clinicians. As critical staffing issues persist, organizations are looking for better ways to recruit and retain RNs in a competitive talent market.
Utilizing data from our Registered Nursing Compensation Survey – which includes data from approximately 350,000 nursing employees across 115 positions – we’ve compiled the latest benchmarks and insights on emerging compensation trends within this workforce.
Access our infographic and discover how organizations like yours are addressing RN shortages through:
Tailored market strategies – Nearly half (46.7%) of health care organizations have established an RN-specific pay philosophy to accommodate unique workforce demands.
Changes in base pay and market increases – In early 2024, more than 50% of health care organizations undertook a large project to review and compare their RN pay to market data in order to assess competitiveness. These projects resulted in sizable base pay increases across the board. On top of this, some RN specialties saw higher-than-average base pay market movement in 2024.
Additional compensation – Premium pay programs are changing to better meet the needs of the evolving RN workforce. Many organizations are adopting innovative new practices to further workplace flexibility and strengthen the employee value proposition.
Staffing utilization – More than 55% of Chief Nursing Officers rely on key staffing metrics – with turnover being the most critical – to assess and optimize their resources.
…and more!
Learn more about our Registered Nursing Compensation Survey!
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Through SullivanCotter, health care organizations gain access to the organizational design and workforce strategy capabilities of our sister organization, Lotis Blue—a firm recognized for its talent and organizational insights and strategic approach to workforce challenges that affect retention and performance.
Together, we connect business strategy , and organizational capabilities to help leaders execute with clarity and confidence—decisions grounded in data and behavioral science. Our combined capabilities enable tailored solutions that address each health care organization’s most complex workforce and performance challenges.
What's New 2026
Updated incumbent template with new instructions tab and hover text functionality for the incumbent fields
Streamlined questionnaire order for participant clarity and readability
New sections added to the questionnaire for per diems and travel reimbursements as well as new questions added on locum tenens, governance process and regulations and more
Specialty list expanded to include three new specialties: cardiac surgery, neuroendovascular surgery and primary care – rural medicine
What's New 2026
Updated incumbent template with two new incumbent fields collecting data on non receiver status
Job list expanded to include three new jobs: top facilities management execute, second-level compliance executive and second-level pharmacy executive
Updated incumbent template with new instructions tab and hover text functionality for the incumbent fields