2026 Salary — Connecticut
Updated April 29, 2026
Registered Nurse Salary in Connecticut: $96K Median
Registered Nurses in Connecticut earn between $71K and $149K per year.
That's +12% above the US national median.
Quick Answer
As of April 2026, the median Registered Nurse salary in Connecticut is $96,398 per year — +12% above the US national median of $86,070. Salaries range from $71,366 (entry, 25th percentile) to $148,602 (90th percentile). Connecticut's cost-of-living index is 113. State income tax applies.
Median
$96,398
+560.0% YoY
Entry
$72,800
Experienced
$117,600
Top 10%
$148,602
About Registered Nurses in Connecticut
Registered nurses (RNs) provide direct patient care, administer medications, coordinate care plans, and educate patients about health conditions.
Hot 2026 Skills
TelehealthEpic EHRBSN credentialSpecialty certificationsNLC compact license
ATS Keywords
patient caremedication administrationEHR (Epic, Cerner)critical thinkingBLSIV therapypatient education
How to Negotiate Your Registered Nurse Salary in Connecticut
Walk-away anchor: $87,635.
Leverage Points
- Specialty certifications (CCRN, OCS, BCPS, FNP) command 8-15% premiums
- Compact license / multi-state authority and willingness to float between units
- Night, weekend, and holiday shift differentials add up to $10K-$25K annually
- Critical-shortage specialties (ICU, ER, NICU, oncology) have the most leverage
Negotiate Beyond Base
Sign-on bonus ($10K-$30K, often $50K+ for hard-to-fill roles)Tuition reimbursement and certification stipendsLoan repayment programs (especially federal/HRSA-eligible)Shift differentials (nights +15%, weekends +10%)Relocation package and housing stipend
Registered Nurse Salary FAQ — Connecticut
What is the average Registered Nurse salary in Connecticut?
The average Registered Nurse salary in Connecticut is $96,398 per year as of April 2026. Salaries range from $71,366 (entry, 25th percentile) up to $148,602 (90th percentile). State income tax applies.
How does Registered Nurse pay in Connecticut compare to the US average?
Registered Nurses in Connecticut earn approximately 12% more than the US national median ($86,070 nationally vs $96,398 in Connecticut). Connecticut's cost-of-living index of 113 partially offsets the higher salary.
Did Registered Nurse salaries in Connecticut increase in 2026?
Yes — Registered Nurse salaries in Connecticut grew approximately 560.0% year-over-year, from $14,606 in 2025 to $96,398 in 2026. This reflects the broader Healthcare sector's wage growth, driven by Telehealth and Epic EHR demand.
Which Connecticut cities pay Registered Nurses the most?
Connecticut has no major metros in our database — fallback to the closest tracked city for detailed breakdowns.
What's the job outlook for Registered Nurses in Connecticut?
RN employment projected to grow 6% through 2034, with 194,500 openings annually. Chronic shortage continues, driving competitive salaries and signing bonuses. Connecticut's top industries include Insurance, Finance, Defense (Sikorsky, Electric Boat), and the state's unemployment rate is 4% — steady demand for skilled workers.
Does Connecticut have state income tax?
Yes, Connecticut has state income tax. This affects take-home pay — at $96,398, expect 4-7% effective state tax depending on filing status. See city pages for detailed take-home calculations.
What skills are most in demand for Registered Nurses in 2026?
Hottest 2026 skills: Telehealth, Epic EHR, BSN credential, Specialty certifications, NLC compact license. ATS systems specifically scan for these. Adding them to your resume — naturally and in context — improves your match rate with Connecticut employers.
How can I increase my Registered Nurse salary in Connecticut?
Given the current shortage in this specialty and my certifications, I'm looking for $X base plus shift differential and a sign-on bonus. What flexibility do you have on those line items? Beyond base, negotiate: Sign-on bonus ($10K-$30K, often $50K+ for hard-to-fill roles), Tuition reimbursement and certification stipends, Loan repayment programs (especially federal/HRSA-eligible), Shift differentials (nights +15%, weekends +10%). Walk-away anchor for Connecticut: $87,635.
Methodology
Connecticut Registered Nurse salary is the BLS national median ($86,070) adjusted by Connecticut's state multiplier (1.12×). YoY rate from BLS Employment Cost Index. Last reviewed April 29, 2026.
Registered Nurse Salary in Other States
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