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Registered Nurse Licensing in New York

Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for registered nurse in New York, 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 New York

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

    NYS Education Department • State Board for Nursing

  2. Current Filing Fee

    See agency

  3. Renewal Cycle

    See board renewal rules

  4. Salary Position

    $105,600 median (13% above national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #6 of 50 states

Step-by-Step Process (4)

  1. 1. Meet New York 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 NYS Education Department~State Board for Nursing and monitor board communications.

Salary Insights in New York

With a median salary of $105,600, Registered Nurses in New York earn 13% above the national median of $93,600. New York ranks #6 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.

State Hiring Climate (QCEW)

Steady

QoQ Employment Change

+1.1%

Average Weekly Wage

$1,739

Median annual salary

$105,600

Hourly estimate

$50.77
13% above national median

Difference: +$12,000

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$77,930
  • P2525th percentile$89,360
  • P50Median$105,600
  • P7575th percentile$125,810
  • P9090th percentile$153,420

State vs National Median

State: $105,600
National: $93,600

Total employment: 204,120 | Annual openings: N/A

Registered Nurse Salary Ranking

#6 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
New York$105,600Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Vermont$85,150Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Massachusetts$101,970Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Connecticut$101,590Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
New Jersey$102,730Degree requiredState exam requiredVaries by board
Pennsylvania$87,610Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries 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
New York68MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply.
Vermont68MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply.
Massachusetts68MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply.
Connecticut68MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply.
New Jersey68MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply.
Pennsylvania68MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply.
  • Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Official Licensing Agency

Official website verified

NYS Education Department • State Board for Nursing

89 Washington Avenue, Albany, NY, 12234

Phone: 5184743817ext120

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ProfessionMedian SalaryEducationTimeline
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FAQ

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

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 New York?

New York 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 New York?

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

What is the typical Registered Nurse salary in New York?

The median annual salary for Registered Nurses in New York is $105,600. Salaries range from $77,930 (10th percentile) to $153,420 (90th percentile).

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

Registered Nurses in New York earn 13% above the national median of $93,600, with a state median of $105,600.

How many Registered Nurses work in New York?

New York employs approximately 204,120 Registered Nurses according to BLS data.

Can I transfer my Registered Nurse license to New York 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 New York?

The licensing agency is NYS Education Department / State Board for Nursing. Review agency details at http://www.op.nysed.gov/prof/.

How often do you renew a Registered Nurse license in New York?

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