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Healthcare

IQ Required for Registered Nurse

Registered Nurse professionals typically score between 97 and 117 on standardized IQ tests, with an average of 107 (Average).

Average IQ

107

Average

IQ Range

97–117

Typical range

Median Salary

$86,070

Per year

Growth Outlook

6%

Growing

Do you match the Registered Nurse cognitive profile?

Registered Nurse professionals tend to score highest in verbal comprehension. See how your own five-domain profile compares — and which careers actually fit it.

See your full cognitive profile

Cognitive Domain Emphasis

Different professions demand different cognitive strengths. Here is how the cognitive demands break down for Registered Nurse professionals.

Verbal Comprehension35%
Logical Reasoning25%
Mathematical Ability25%
Pattern Recognition15%

About Registered Nurse

Registered nurses provide direct patient care, administer medications, and coordinate treatment plans across healthcare settings. The profession requires solid clinical reasoning, precise medication math, and excellent verbal skills for patient communication and team coordination.

The cognitive profile for this role emphasizes verbal comprehension (35% of the cognitive demand) and logical reasoning (25%). With an average IQ of 107, Registered Nurse professionals fall in the average range of cognitive ability, reflecting the intellectual demands of the role. See what this score means with our IQ Percentile Calculator.

Salary Breakdown

Compensation for Registered Nurse professionals varies significantly with experience, location, and specialization.

Entry Level (10th %ile)

$52,100

Median Salary

$86,070

Experienced (90th %ile)

$120,000

Wondering if you’d make the cut?

These are the field’s numbers — the more useful question is where you stand relative to them, and why no cutoff exists.

Am I smart enough to be a Registered Nurse?

Related Professions

Explore other careers with similar cognitive profiles and IQ requirements.

Nurse Practitioner

IQ 112Healthcare

Range: 102–122

Paramedic

IQ 103Healthcare

Range: 93–113

Physician

IQ 123Healthcare

Range: 113–133

Medical Assistant

IQ 97Healthcare

Range: 87–107

Registered Nurse is one of 147 professions ranked by the reasoning a job actually demands — O*NET ability ratings joined to BLS median wages, sortable by either.

How Our IQ Test Maps to This Career

Our comprehensive IQ assessment measures five cognitive domains, including the ones that most define success in Registered Nurse roles: Verbal Comprehension (35%), Logical Reasoning (25%), Mathematical Ability (25%), Pattern Recognition (15%).

By taking our assessment, you will receive domain-specific scores that reveal how your cognitive strengths align with the demands of this profession. Whether you are considering a career as a Registered Nurse or looking to understand your aptitude for the field, your results provide actionable insight into your fit.

Take the free IQ testMatch your mind to real careers

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average IQ of a Registered Nurse?
The average IQ for Registered Nurse professionals is 107, which falls in the "Average" range. Individual scores typically range from 97 to 117, reflecting the diversity of cognitive profiles within the field.
What cognitive skills are most important for Registered Nurse?
Verbal Comprehension is the most emphasized cognitive domain for Registered Nurse professionals, accounting for 35% of the cognitive profile. This is followed by the other domains in varying proportions that reflect the unique intellectual demands of the role.
How much does a Registered Nurse earn?
The median salary for Registered Nurse professionals is $86,070 per year. Entry-level positions (10th percentile) earn around $52,100, while experienced professionals (90th percentile) can earn up to $120,000.
What is the job outlook for Registered Nurse?
The job outlook for Registered Nurse is growing with a projected growth rate of 6%. This is above the national average, suggesting healthy demand going forward.
Do I need a high IQ to become a Registered Nurse?
No. While the average IQ for Registered Nurse professionals is 107, IQ is only one factor in career success. Motivation, education, relevant skills, and work experience matter significantly. Many successful Registered Nurse professionals have IQ scores across the full 97–117 range and beyond. Use these figures as context for cognitive demands, not as a prerequisite.

Career Resources

Where to go next, whether you want the wider picture or your own number.

  • Quick IQ TestFifteen minutes, free, no sign-up to start.
  • Career-IQ MatcherMatch your cognitive profile against real occupations.
  • Career Advice ArticlesUsing cognitive strengths in a real job search.
  • IQ Comparison ToolCompare a score against professions, college majors, countries and famous people.

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