How much does a Registered Nurse license cost in New York?

Getting a Registered Nurse license in New York costs $486 upfront (exam fee $200, application fee $143, license fee $143). Renewal runs $68 every 2 years.

How much do licensed registered nurses earn in New York?

Licensed registered nurses in New York earn a median salary of $101,480/year, compared to $49,560/year without the license.

How many CE hours are required to renew a Registered Nurse license in New York?

New York requires 30 continuing education hours every 2 years to renew a Registered Nurse license.

Registered Nurse Licenses › New York

Registered Nurse License Cost in New York 2026: $486 Fees, $101K Salary

Getting a Registered Nurse license in New York costs $486 upfront. At state-adjusted salaries, that pays back in 0.1 months.

Registered Nurse License in New York — Key Numbers

$486

Upfront Cost

$101K

Median Salary (Licensed)

$68

Renewal (every 2 yrs)

0.1 mo

Payback Period

Salary data: BLS OEWS 2024 state estimates. Fees: state licensing board schedules.

Registered Nurse License Cost Breakdown — New York

Exam fee $200

Application fee $143

Initial license fee $143

Total upfront $486

Renewal fee (every 2 yrs) $68

CE hours required per cycle 30 hours

Salary without license (New York) $49,560/yr

Salary with license (New York) $101,480/yr

5-year net ROI $259K

Licensing body: New York Board of Nursing. Verify current fees before applying — schedules change.

Registered Nurse License in New York — What to Know

New York RN salaries rank among the highest in the country. The $101K median reflects the state's strong hospital systems and above-average nursing demand. The NCLEX-RN fee is fixed nationally at $200; state application and license fees add another $350 to the upfront cost. New York has active travel nursing markets — contracted rates in major hospitals run $40–$65/hour. BSN-prepared nurses in New York command a consistent hiring premium over ADN graduates.

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← All states: Registered Nurse License Costs

All certifications in New York · Payback period by state

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