PRN Nurse Salary in 2026

PRN nurses, also known as per diem nurses, play a crucial role in healthcare by providing flexible, on-demand care in hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities. As the demand for nursing professionals continues to grow, many nurses are choosing PRN roles for their higher hourly pay, flexibility, and work-life balance.

In this article, we’ll explore the PRN nurse salary in 2026, including average earnings, factors influencing salaries, salary by experience level, job market trends, and career benefits. We’ll also discuss the education and certifications that can impact PRN nurse salaries.

What is a PRN Nurse?

PRN nurses work on an as-needed basis, filling shifts when hospitals or healthcare facilities experience staff shortages. Unlike full-time or part-time nurses, PRN nurses do not have guaranteed hours or benefits, but they often receive higher hourly wages in exchange for their flexibility.

Key Features of PRN Nursing:

• No fixed schedule; work shifts as needed.
• Higher hourly wages compared to full-time staff nurses.
• No guaranteed benefits such as health insurance or paid time off.
• Work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, and nursing homes.

Average PRN Nurse Salary in 2026

Hourly Pay & Annual Earnings

Since PRN nurses are paid per shift rather than on a salary basis, their earnings vary depending on location, experience, and specialty. However, in 2026, PRN nurses can expect to earn:

• Average hourly wage: $40 – $65 per hour
• Annual salary potential (if working full-time hours): $83,000 – $135,000

Comparing PRN Salaries to Full-Time Nurses:

• PRN nurses: $40 – $65 per hour
• Full-time registered nurses (RNs): $32 – $50 per hour
• Travel nurses: $50 – $90 per hour

PRN nurses often earn higher hourly wages than full-time nurses because they do not receive benefits like health insurance, retirement contributions, or paid time off.

Factors That Influence PRN Nurse Salaries

Several factors determine how much a PRN nurse earns in 2026:

1. Experience Level

• Entry-Level PRN Nurses (0-2 years): $40 – $50 per hour
• Mid-Level PRN Nurses (3-7 years): $50 – $60 per hour
• Experienced PRN Nurses (8+ years): $60 – $70+ per hour

2. Geographic Location

• High-paying states: California, New York, Massachusetts, Washington, Texas
• Lower-paying states: Alabama, Mississippi, West Virginia, Arkansas
• Nurses in metropolitan areas often earn higher wages due to increased demand and cost of living.

3. Specialization

• Critical Care (ICU, ER): $55 – $75 per hour
• Operating Room (OR): $50 – $70 per hour
• Labor & Delivery (L&D): $50 – $65 per hour
• Med-Surg/General Nursing: $40 – $55 per hour

PRN nurses with specialized training in critical care, emergency medicine, or surgical nursing tend to earn the highest wages.

4. Facility Type

• Hospitals & Trauma Centers: $50 – $70 per hour
• Nursing Homes & Rehabilitation Centers: $40 – $55 per hour
• Home Health & Private Care: $45 – $65 per hour

Hospitals and emergency care centers typically offer higher pay due to the fast-paced environment and higher patient acuity levels.

5. Shift Timing & Demand

• Night shifts, weekends, and holidays usually pay higher wages, often with shift differentials of $5 – $15 per hour.
• PRN nurses who are willing to work last-minute shifts or in understaffed locations can command even higher wages.

PRN Nurse Salary by Experience Level

These numbers assume that a PRN nurse works full-time equivalent hours (40 hours per week), though many PRN nurses choose to work fewer hours based on their needs.

Job Market Trends for PRN Nurses in 2026

1. Growing Demand for Flexible Nurses

• Nursing shortages are expected to continue in 2026, increasing demand for PRN nurses.
• Hospitals and healthcare facilities rely on PRN nurses to fill gaps in staffing, especially during seasonal flu outbreaks, pandemics, and surges in patient care.

2. Increased Telehealth & Home Healthcare Opportunities

• The rise of telehealth nursing and home-based patient care creates new PRN opportunities beyond traditional hospital settings.

3. Higher Salaries & Incentives

• Many healthcare facilities are offering sign-on bonuses and higher hourly wages to attract PRN nurses due to staff shortages.
• Some hospitals provide hazard pay or additional compensation for working in high-risk areas like COVID-19 units.

Benefits of Working as a PRN Nurse

While PRN nurses do not receive traditional benefits like health insurance, they enjoy several unique advantages:

1. Higher Hourly Wages

• PRN nurses earn more per hour than full-time nurses.

2. Flexible Schedule

• Choose when and where to work. Ideal for nurses balancing family, education, or other commitments.

3. Variety of Work Environments

• Gain experience in different hospitals, clinics, and specialties without long-term commitments.

4. Less Workplace Politics

• Since PRN nurses do not have permanent positions, they avoid many of the workplace politics that full-time nurses experience.

Education & Certifications That Impact PRN Nurse Salaries

To maximize earnings, PRN nurses should obtain additional certifications that qualify them for high-demand specialties.

Recommended Certifications:

• Certified Emergency Nurse (CEN) – Increases pay for ER PRN nurses.
• Critical Care Registered Nurse (CCRN) – Boosts earnings for ICU PRN nurses.
• Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) – Required for most high-paying PRN positions.
• Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) – Essential for pediatric PRN nurses.
• Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) – Valuable for labor & delivery nurses.

Certifications not only increase salary potential but also open doors to more job opportunities.

Conclusion

PRN nurses in 2026 can expect competitive salaries, with hourly wages ranging from $40 to $70 per hour based on experience, location, and specialty. While PRN nurses do not receive traditional benefits, they enjoy greater flexibility, higher pay, and diverse work environments.

With continued nursing shortages and increasing demand for flexible staffing, the job outlook for PRN nurses remains strong. By obtaining specialized certifications and working in high-demand facilities, PRN nurses can maximize their earnings and career opportunities in 2026.