Carson City vs Las Vegas: Registered Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare registered nurse salaries between Carson City, NV and Las Vegas, NV. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Carson City, NV | Las Vegas, NV |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $106,753 | $109,459▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $51.33 | $52.62▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $86,386▲ | $83,226 |
| 25th Percentile | $95,011▲ | $93,389 |
| 75th Percentile | $113,008 | $130,584▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $126,656 | $140,347▲ |
| Total Employed | 820 | 20,410▲ |
Verdict
Las Vegas, NV offers better overall compensation for registered nurses, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Carson City.
The salary gap between Carson City and Las Vegas is $2,706 (2.53%). Las Vegas's median is +6.55% compared to the US national median of $102,730.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Carson City spans $40,270,Las Vegas spans $57,121. Las Vegas has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced registered nurses.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Las Vegas ($109,224 effective) pays 0.40% more than Carson City ($108,787 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Carson City if…
- ✓You prefer the Nevada area and lifestyle
Choose Las Vegas if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($109,459/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($140,347)
- ✓Larger job market (20,410 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $109,224)
- ✓You prefer the Nevada area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, registered nurse salaries in Carson City grew 26.7% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 14.3% growth in Las Vegas over the same period.
Carson City, NV
$79,980 (2019) → $101,370 (2025)
Las Vegas, NV
$90,910 (2019) → $103,940 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Carson City, NV
Las Vegas, NV
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays registered nurses more: Carson City or Las Vegas?
What is the hourly rate difference between Carson City and Las Vegas?
Should I relocate from Carson City to Las Vegas as a registered nurse?
What do entry-level registered nurses earn in Carson City vs Las Vegas?
Written by Jordan Lee, RN, BSN
Career Analyst
Jordan Lee has 10 years of experience as a registered nurse. Their specialty is pediatric nursing in a community hospital. They analyze nursing workforce trends and salary data.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.31% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, RN, BSN, a licensed registered nurse with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov