Entry-Level Registered Nurse Salary in Payson, UT: $60,446 (2026)
Quick Answer:New registered nurses entering the Payson, UT job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $60,446 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1141, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Payson's local price level (BEA RPP 98.1 — 2% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $61,617 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($84,945) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, new graduates entering the nursing profession in Payson, Utah, can expect an entry-level registered nurse salary of around $60,446. While this figure is significantly lower than the city’s median salary of $84,945, it presents a realistic starting point for those beginning their careers. Over the first few years, entry-level nurses can anticipate a gradual salary increase, transitioning from the P10 benchmark to the P25 level of $74,264, potentially reaching the median within three to five years as they gain experience and skills. For recent nursing graduates, the Payson market appears to offer reasonable opportunities for growth, given the expected 5.31% annual growth rate for registered nursing salaries.
About the Payson Market
Salary estimated from Utah average ($77,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Payson
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Payson
Entry-level registered nurses in Payson, UT typically start between $60,446 and $74,264 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $48,993 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $84,945 — 17.31% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average nursing program cost in Utah of $50,000 represents just 82.72% of the starting registered nurse pay ($60,446/year) in Payson. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates based on ACEN- and CCNE-accredited nursing programs and state board of nursing data. Tuition varies significantly between community college ADN, public university BSN, and private university BSN pathways.
RN Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Payson
- 1Research the Payson market: entry-level registered nurse pay ranges from $60,446 to $74,264, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the nursing field — employers in UT often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Payson, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Payson for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Payson's moderate cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Registered Nurse Compensation Range
The registered nurse wage spread in Payson is $48,993 ( 81.05%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $60,446, experienced hygienists can earn up to $109,439.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$43,361
2025 BLS Actual
$57,398
2026 Current Est.
$60,446
2019–2027 Growth
+46.8%
Salary Trajectory for Registered Nurses in Payson (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.31% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $43,361 | Actual |
| 2020 | $44,468 | Actual |
| 2021 | $49,497 | Actual |
| 2022 | $50,995 | Actual |
| 2023 | $53,052 | Actual |
| 2024 | $50,384 | Actual |
| 2025 | $57,398 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $60,446 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $63,656 | Projected |
Entry-level registered nurse compensation (10th percentile) in Payson, UT grew 32.4% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $43,361 in 2019 to $57,398 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $63,656. New graduates entering the Payson job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Payson metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 5.31% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Starting Your nursing Career in Payson
For those embarking on their nursing careers in Payson, various employers actively seek to hire new grads, especially within large hospital systems that typically run structured nurse residency programs lasting around 12 months. These programs include valuable rotations through different departments, such as intensive care and emergency, facilitating essential hands-on experience. Community hospitals may also provide quicker cross-training opportunities, which can be appealing for new nurses eager to start working. To enhance starting pay, nurses should be equipped with an active RN license and a nursing diploma, whether it be ASN or BSN, although pursuing optional specialty certifications can further boost earnings. During the first few years, practical strategies like exploring travel nursing positions—especially in high-cost-of-living regions—can offer significant salary advantages. Furthermore, those who attain specialty certifications or work in magnet-status facilities often find themselves in a favorable position for salary progression, especially in high-demand specialties.
More salary data for Payson, UT:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for registered nurses in Payson in 2026?
How fast do registered nurse salaries grow in Payson?
Is nursing school worth it in Payson?
What do new registered nurses make right out of school in Payson?
How do I become a registered nurse in Utah?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Utah
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
Entry-level salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new nursing graduates. A 5.31% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Payson. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Payson is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.31%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for registered nurses (SOC 29-1141).
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, RN, BSN, a licensed registered nurse with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov