Rapid plasma nitriding of AISI 304 austenitic stainless steel (304SS) was carried out at 440, 460 °C and 480 °C for 1 h in a mixture of NH3 and N2 with a ratio of 1:2. The phase composition, thickness of nitrided layer and properties of wear, and corrosion resistance were evaluated. After nitriding at 480 °C for 1 h, a 6.3 μm the thick nitrided layer was achieved. The influence of the nitriding process on the microstructure, morphology, hardness, corrosion, and wear resistance of the nitrided layers were also studied. Compared with unnitrided 304SS, the wear and corrosion resistances were substantially improved.