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Verified by MO Board of Healthcare

Registered Nurse Licensing in Missouri

Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for registered nurse in Missouri, including See agency and board contact links.

Last verified: Feb 17, 2026

Current

Application Fee

See agency

Exam Requirement

Third-party exam required

Renewal Cycle

See board renewal rules

Licensing Blueprint for Registered Nurse in Missouri

Estimated timeline: Varies by board

Core Requirements

  1. 1

    Education: Degree required.

  2. 2

    License Type: Stand-alone license.

Exam and processing details

  • Third-party exam required

Application Snapshot

  1. Licensing Authority

    Missouri Department of Commerce and Insurance • Division Of Professional Registration • Missouri State Board of Nursing

  2. Current Filing Fee

    See agency

  3. Renewal Cycle

    See board renewal rules

  4. Salary Position

    $79,770 median (15% below national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #41 of 50 states

Step-by-Step Process (4)

  1. 1. Meet Missouri eligibility requirements for Registered Nurse licensure.
  2. 2. Complete required education or training: Degree required.
  3. 3. Pass required examination steps: Third-party exam required.
  4. 4. Submit the application to Missouri Department of Commerce and Insurance~Division Of Professional Registration~Missouri State Board of Nursing and monitor board communications.

Salary Insights in Missouri

With a median salary of $79,770, Registered Nurses in Missouri earn 15% below the national median of $93,600. Missouri ranks #41 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.

State Hiring Climate (QCEW)

Rising

QoQ Employment Change

+2%

Average Weekly Wage

$1,232

Median annual salary

$79,770

Hourly estimate

$38.35
15% below national median

Difference: -$13,830

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$58,510
  • P2525th percentile$66,830
  • P50Median$79,770
  • P7575th percentile$92,710
  • P9090th percentile$103,140

State vs National Median

State: $79,770
National: $93,600

Total employment: 74,270 | Annual openings: N/A

Registered Nurse Salary Ranking

#41 of 50 statesfor Registered Nurse median salary
RankStateMedian Salary
#1California$140,330
#2Hawaii$136,320
#3Oregon$123,990
#4Washington$112,180
#5Alaska$110,690

Nearby States Comparison

Registered Nurse licensing across the region
StateMedian SalaryEducationExamTimeline
Missouri$79,770Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Iowa$76,960Specific course requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Illinois$86,410Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board
Kentucky$79,910Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Tennessee$79,030Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Arkansas$77,130Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Oklahoma$81,160Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Kansas$78,060Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Nebraska$81,020Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board

License by Endorsement

Transfer requirements are state-specific. Use this quick matrix as a planning signal, then verify final endorsement rules with each board.

StateReciprocity ScoreTierNotes
Missouri68MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply.
Iowa68MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply.
Illinois78HighBoard-specific review required.
Kentucky68MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply.
Tennessee68MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply.
Arkansas68MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply.
  • Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Official Licensing Agency

Official website verified

Missouri Department of Commerce and Insurance • Division Of Professional Registration • Missouri State Board of Nursing

3605 Missouri Boulevard, P.O. Box 656, Jefferson City, MO, 65102-0656

Phone: 5737510681ext8007352966

Visit Official WebsiteCall BoardOpen in Maps

Related Careers in Missouri

ProfessionMedian SalaryEducationTimeline
Acupuncturist$80,360Degree requiredVaries by board
AnesthesiologistN/ADegree requiredVaries by board
Athletic Trainer$54,340Degree requiredVaries by board
Audiologist$87,840Degree requiredVaries by board

FAQ

How long does it take to become a Registered Nurse in Missouri?

Most applicants finish the licensing path in about Varies by board, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.

What exams are required for Registered Nurses in Missouri?

Missouri lists Third-party exam required as part of the licensure process for Registered Nurses.

What education do you need to become a Registered Nurse in Missouri?

The board typically expects Degree required for Registered Nurse licensure in Missouri.

What is the typical Registered Nurse salary in Missouri?

The median annual salary for Registered Nurses in Missouri is $79,770. Salaries range from $58,510 (10th percentile) to $103,140 (90th percentile).

How does the Registered Nurse salary in Missouri compare to the national average?

Registered Nurses in Missouri earn 15% below the national median of $93,600, with a state median of $79,770.

How many Registered Nurses work in Missouri?

Missouri employs approximately 74,270 Registered Nurses according to BLS data.

Can I transfer my Registered Nurse license to Missouri from another state?

Transfer requirements vary by board. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Who is the licensing agency for Registered Nurses in Missouri?

The licensing agency is Missouri Department of Commerce and Insurance / Division Of Professional Registration / Missouri State Board of Nursing. Review agency details at http://pr.mo.gov/nursing.asp.

How often do you renew a Registered Nurse license in Missouri?

Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.