Welcome to the September 2025 edition of the SkillGigs Money Story, your trusted monthly overview of verified salary trends across RN specialties and key healthcare roles. Drawing insights from over 3,000 verified employer bids nationwide, this report helps travel nurses stay informed about pay trends and market momentum as we transition from summer into fall.
Acute Care RN
- Jan: $53.56
- Feb: $53.87
- Mar: $54.41
- Apr: $53.43
- May: $51.79
- June: $53.43
- July: $54.82
- Aug: $55.72
- Sept: $55.35
Trend: After a steady climb in July and August, Acute Care RN salaries remain strong in September as facilities continue to meet post-summer demand.
ER RN
- Jan: $60.43
- Feb: $63.90
- Mar: $60.95
- Apr: $61.60
- May: $59.36
- June: $58.51
- July: $60.44
- Aug: $60.77
- Sept: $59.71
Trend: ER RN salaries continued their rebound through August. September data shows stabilization as emergency departments maintain consistent staffing levels.
ICU RN
- Jan: $62.97
- Feb: $61.99
- Mar: $62.20
- Apr: $62.42
- May: $62.50
- June: $62.71
- July: $63.63
- Aug: $62.99
- Sept: $63.17
Trend: ICU RN salaries have shown strong consistency all year. September trends are holding steady and showing an upward trend, reinforcing ICU as one of the most reliable and in-demand RN specialties.
Labor & Delivery (L&D) RN
- Jan: $66.47
- Feb: $66.16
- Mar: $64.75
- Apr: $66.30
- May: $64.57
- June: $65.82
- July: $66.39
- Aug: $65.39
- Sept: $65.98
Trend: After a slight dip in August, L&D RN salaries stabilized in September, continuing to rank among the highest-paying RN specialties for 2025.
Med Surg RN
- Jan: $60.11
- Feb: $60.37
- Mar: $60.17
- Apr: $59.98
- May: $58.69
- June: $58.33
- July: $57.44
- Aug: $56.38
- Sept: $52.34
Trend: Med Surg RNs have seen gradual declines throughout the year. September data again showed a little decline entering into Q4.
OR RN (Operating Room)
- Jan: $66.66
- Feb: $64.54
- Mar: $64.37
- Apr: $65.30
- May: $65.92
- June: $64.18
- July: $63.29
- Aug: $61.92
- Sept: $62.82
Trend: OR RN salaries declined steadily through August. September data shows an upward trend, showing a promising ending to the year
PCU RN (Progressive Care Unit)
- Jan: $62.37
- Feb: $62.09
- Mar: $62.09
- Apr: $62.49
- May: $61.14
- June: $60.11
- July: $60.67
- Aug: $61.15
- Sept: $60.70
Trend: PCU RN salaries have been on a mild upward rebound since July. September data shows a slight decline in the trend.
Physical Therapist
- Jan: $64.00
- Feb: $64.07
- Mar: $63.90
- Apr: $64.19
- May: $62.64
- June: $62.51
- July: $61.28
- Aug: $61.71
- Sept: $60.31
Trend: After stabilizing in August, Physical Therapist salaries showed a slight decline in September, with regional demand continuing to shape averages.
TeleHealth RN
- Jan: $58.22
- Feb: $58.61
- Mar: $58.84
- Apr: $58.92
- May: $59.03
- June: $58.19
- July: $61.30
- Aug: $59.62
- Sept: $59.65
Trend: TeleHealth RN salaries dipped slightly in August following a July surge. September data shows stabilization.
Conclusion
As the healthcare market transitions into fall, September 2025 will provide critical insight into how RN Salary Trends respond to post-summer demand and pre-holiday staffing needs. From ICU’s steady resilience to L&D’s high pay and PCU’s gradual recovery, the landscape continues to evolve across every specialty.
Stay informed with SkillGigs, your trusted partner for real-time healthcare salary trends and high-paying travel nurse opportunities.
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