Physician vs Registered Nurse salary
In United States, a physician earns about 166% more than a registered nurse — $269,000 vs $101,000 per year.
Showing amounts in USD (USD default). FX as of Mon, 13 Jul 2026 00:02:31 +0000. Convert currencies
Pays more
Healthcare
Physician$269,000/yr
- Monthly
- $22,400
- Hourly
- $129
- Range
- $172,200–$387,400
- 10-yr outlook
- +3%
Pay range, side by side
| Percentile | Physician | Registered Nurse |
|---|---|---|
| Entry (10th) | $172,200 | $73,700 |
| 25th | $220,600 | $87,400 |
| Median | $269,000 | $101,000 |
| 75th | $328,200 | $117,700 |
| Senior (90th) | $387,400 | $134,300 |
National United States figures in USD. Individual pay varies with experience, employer, and location.
More Healthcare comparisons
Frequently asked questions
- Does a physician or registered nurse earn more in United States?
- A physician earns more, at about $269,000 per year vs $101,000 for a registered nurse — roughly 166% ($168,000) more.
- What is the salary range for these roles in United States?
- A physician typically earns $172,200–$387,400, while a registered nurse earns $73,700–$134,300 per year.
- How much do these jobs pay per month in United States?
- On a monthly basis before tax, a physician averages about $22,400 and a registered nurse about $8,400.
- How do entry-level salaries compare?
- At the 10th percentile in United States, a physician earns about $172,200 while a registered nurse earns about $73,700 per year.
- How do senior-level salaries compare?
- At the 90th percentile in United States, a physician earns about $387,400 while a registered nurse earns about $134,300 per year.
- Are physician and registered nurse similar careers?
- Both roles sit in the Healthcare category on Pay by Role, which is why we compare them head-to-head. Day-to-day work still differs — review each job page for skills and outlook.