Healthcare Resource
Registered Nurse Salary in Arizona 2026: City-by-City Pay Data
In brief
Registered nurse salary data for Arizona in 2026: average pay $75K, city breakdowns, top employers, highest-paying specialties, and travel RN rates.
In this article
The average registered nurse salary in Arizona in 2026 is $75,100/year ($36.11/hour) based on BLS Occupational Employment Statistics and compensation data from Banner Health, HonorHealth, Dignity Health, and other major Arizona health systems. Salaries range significantly across the state based on city, employer, specialty unit, shift, and certifications held.
RN Salary by City in Arizona
| City / Metro | Avg Annual Salary | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Phoenix | $80,000 | Banner Health + Honor Health + Dignity Health, largest AZ market |
| Scottsdale | $82,000 | HonorHealth Scottsdale + Mayo Clinic Arizona |
| Tucson | $72,000 | Banner University Medical Center + Carondelet |
| Mesa / Chandler | $78,000 | Banner Desert + Chandler Regional |
| Flagstaff | $70,000 | Northern Arizona Healthcare, rural premium |
Highest-Paying Nursing Specialties in Arizona
| Specialty | Avg Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| CRNA | $216,000 |
| ICU / Critical Care RN | $93,000 |
| OR / Surgical RN | $88,000 |
| Emergency RN | $85,000 |
| Cardiac / Cath Lab RN | $90,000 |
| Travel / PRN RN | $105,000 |
Top Arizona Healthcare Employers for RNs
- Banner Health
- HonorHealth
- Dignity Health
- Valleywise Health
- Mayo Clinic Arizona
- Carondelet Health Network
- Abrazo Health
Compact License Status
Arizona is a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC). RNs holding a compact license in another NLC state can practice in Arizona without obtaining an additional state license.
Arizona RN Job Market Outlook
Arizona is a compact state and one of the top travel nursing destinations, particularly in Phoenix. Banner Health is the largest nonprofit health system in the US and the dominant employer. No state income tax advantage (4.5% flat rate). Travel rates: $2,100-$2,700/week.
How to Maximize Your RN Salary in Arizona
- Pursue specialty unit certification: CCRN (critical care), CEN (emergency), RNC-OB (L&D), CNOR (OR), each adds $6,000-$15,000 at major Arizona health systems
- Night and weekend differential: Typically +$3-$7/hr, translating to $6,000-$14,000 in annualized additional income at full-time hours
- Charge nurse role: +$2-$5/hr at most facilities; first step toward nurse manager track
- Travel or PRN status: Experienced Arizona RNs earn 30-50% more as travelers or per-diem staff
- BSN or MSN completion: Most major Arizona systems pay $1-$3/hr more for BSN-prepared nurses; MSN opens management and APRN pathways
Related: RN Salary by State 2026, Travel Nurse Salary Guide, ICU Nurse Salary 2026, NP Salary Guide.
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