The most recent data from the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) show there are over 3 million nurses in the U.S.1 Nursing can be a rewarding career with many options, whether you’re just starting nursing school or pursuing a nursing graduate degree. Once you become a nurse, you may wonder which states are the best states for registered nurses (RNs).
Today, you’ll learn about the best states for nurses based on salary information and other statistics. Some states are better for different types of nurses, while others have more employment opportunities and some do better with diverse hiring practices. This information will help you understand how well your state takes care of nurses and whether it is worth relocating to one of the best paying states for nurses.
Table of Contents:
- Top 10 Best States for Registered Nurses
- Best Paying States for Nurses
- Top States with Projected Nursing Job Growth
- Number of Active Registered Nursing Licenses by State
- Elevate Your Nursing Career with a Nursing Graduate Program
Top 10 Best States for Registered Nurses
Below, we list the top 10 best paying states for nurses based on average salary, projected employment growth and cost of living index score. Salary is a key factor for many working adults, but it’s also helpful to consider the cost of living. Based on the cost of living index, a higher number indicates it costs more to live in that state.2
Best Paying States for Nurses
Let’s explore nurse salary by state. The state with the highest annual wage is California, which has an average wage of $150,280 per year. Following behind California are Hawaii, with an average salary wage of $124,340, and Oregon at $123,140.3† When looking at this list, it’s also helpful to know that all three are in the top 15 for the highest cost of living as well.
The states with the lowest average wage are Mississippi, South Dakota and Alabama.3†
It’s also important to consider the cost of living index score. For example, although California has the highest average wage, it also has the second-highest cost of living index score.
| State | Average Annual Wage for RNs1† | Cost of Living Index Score2 | Cost-of-Living-Adjusted Salary for RNs (Hourly Mean Wage)4† |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | $150,280 | 142.3 | $50.77 |
| Hawaii | $124,340 | 185 | $32.31 |
| Oregon | $123,140 | 111.8 | $52.95 |
| Washington | $121,540 | 114.1 | $51.21 |
| Massachusetts | $117,960 | 141.2 | $40.16 |
| Alaska | $114,870 | 124.9 | $44.22 |
| New York | $113,440 | 125.1 | $43.60 |
| New Jersey | $110,100 | 115.1 | $45.99 |
| Washington D.C. | $106,980 | 138.8 | $37.05 |
| Nevada | $105,710 | 100.2 | $50.72 |
| Connecticut | $105,250 | 112.7 | $44.90 |
| Minnesota | $103,420 | 94.6 | $52.56 |
| Rhode Island | $101,260 | 110.6 | $44.01 |
| Arizona | $99,730 | 110.7 | $43.32 |
| Delaware | $99,460 | 101.9 | $46.93 |
| Colorado | $99,370 | 102.7 | $46.52 |
| Maryland | $99,010 | 115.4 | $41.25 |
| New Hampshire | $97,900 | 111.4 | $42.25 |
| Vermont | $96,650 | 113.6 | $40.91 |
| Texas | $95,380 | 92.1 | $49.79 |
| New Mexico | $95,290 | 93.7 | $48.89 |
| Georgia | $95,080 | 92.5 | $49.42 |
| Wisconsin | $94,690 | 97.7 | $46.60 |
| Illinois | $94,360 | 94.7 | $47.90 |
| Michigan | $94,300 | 90.1 | $50.32 |
| Pennsylvania | $94,020 | 97.2 | $46.50 |
| Virginia | $93,850 | 100.8 | $44.76 |
| Idaho | $92,710 | 99.9 | $44.61 |
| Maine | $91,700 | 113 | $39.02 |
| Montana | $91,510 | 95.5 | $46.06 |
| Utah | $90,950 | 102.2 | $42.78 |
| Florida | $90,650 | 102.2 | $42.64 |
| North Carolina | $90,470 | 97.8 | $44.48 |
| Indiana | $89,150 | 91 | $47.10 |
| Wyoming | $88,600 | 93.7 | $45.46 |
| Nebraska | $88,330 | 92.6 | $45.86 |
| Ohio | $87,730 | 94.3 | $44.73 |
| South Carolina | $87,670 | 94.7 | $44.51 |
| West Virginia | $86,970 | 88.3 | $47.35 |
| Kentucky | $86,140 | 92.5 | $44.77 |
| Missouri | $85,900 | 89 | $46.40 |
| Tennessee | $85,390 | 90.3 | $45.46 |
| Oklahoma | $85,060 | 86 | $47.56 |
| Louisiana | $84,190 | 92.3 | $43.86 |
| North Dakota | $83,600 | 91.4 | $43.97 |
| Kansas | $82,360 | 88.8 | $44.59 |
| Arkansas | $81,520 | 89.6 | $43.74 |
| Iowa | $80,540 | 89.7 | $43.17 |
| Mississippi | $78,950 | 87.3 | $43.48 |
| South Dakota | $77,140 | 91.9 | $40.36 |
| Alabama | $77,020 | 88.6 | $41.79 |
Sources: BLS, World Population Review and Becker’s Hospital Review
Top States for Nurse Practitioners
If you are a nurse practitioner (NP), there are several postgraduate degrees that you can pursue. By receiving your Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), you can choose from different career paths.
Top States for Nurse Anesthetists by Salary
Nurse anesthetists are one of the highest-paid positions you can pursue as a nurse, with the national mean annual wage at just over $248,320.5† Alaska has the highest mean annual salary at $311,110, but each of the top five states is over $280,000 per year.5†
| State | Nurse Anesthetist Annual Mean Wage5† |
|---|---|
| Alaska | $311,110 |
| Massachusetts | $303,310 |
| New Jersey | $290,920 |
| Vermont | $289,870 |
| New York | $285,020 |
Source: BLS
Top States for Nurse Midwives by Salary
Nurse midwives help with the birthing process, and they can work independently or as part of a healthcare team. The national mean annual wage for nurse midwives is $136,980, and California pays the most, with an annual mean wage of $194,730.6†
| State | Annual Mean Wage6 |
|---|---|
| California | $194,730 |
| Hawaii | $165,360 |
| Massachusetts | $162,420 |
| Arizona | $159,910 |
| New Jersey | $159,170 |
Source: BLS
Top States with Projected Nursing Job Growth
Whether you’re a nurse in the field of occupational therapy or another area of practice, it’s helpful to explore employment opportunities across the country. Projections are created using data and formulas to give us a rough idea of what the future might look like.7 The following are the states ranked by projected employment growth through 2034.8
| State | Nursing Projected Employment Growth8 |
|---|---|
| Utah | 25% |
| Nevada | 22% |
| Idaho | 22% |
| Colorado | 20% |
| Arizona | 19% |
| Washington | 18% |
| West Virginia | 16% |
| Texas | 15% |
| Delaware | 15% |
| California | 14% |
| South Dakota | 14% |
| Florida | 13% |
| Wyoming | 13% |
| Georgia | 12% |
| Arkansas | 12% |
| Mississippi | 11% |
| North Dakota | 11% |
| Illinois | 11% |
| Alaska | 10% |
| New Mexico | 10% |
| North Carolina | 10% |
| Hawaii | 10% |
| New Hampshire | 10% |
| New Jersey | 10% |
| Montana | 10% |
| Iowa | 9% |
| Oregon | 9% |
| South Carolina | 8% |
| Kentucky | 8% |
| Michigan | 8% |
| Minnesota | 8% |
| New York | 7% |
| Nebraska | 7% |
| Washington D.C. | 7% |
| Connecticut | 7% |
| Maine | 7% |
| Missouri | 6% |
| Wisconsin | 6% |
| Maryland | 5% |
| Indiana | 5% |
| Tennessee | 5% |
| Vermont | 4% |
| Oklahoma | 4% |
| Pennsylvania | 4% |
| Alabama | 4% |
| Virginia | 4% |
| Kansas | 4% |
| Massachusetts | 3% |
| Rhode Island | 3% |
| Ohio | 2% |
| Louisiana | 2% |
Source: O*NET OnLine
Best States for New-Grad Nurses
As a new graduate, it’s worth looking beyond where nursing jobs exist today and focusing on where demand is growing.
States like Utah, Nevada, Idaho, Colorado and Arizona have some of the nation’s fastest projected RN employment growth, signaling strong demand for new nurses in the years ahead. Texas stands out as it pairs strong projected growth with one of the country’s largest RN workforces, giving new graduates access to a broad range of employers and career opportunities.
The best state for your first nursing job depends on your goals, but states with both growing demand and large healthcare systems can offer the strongest foundation for launching your career.
Number of Active Registered Nursing Licenses by State
The United States has a total of 5,641,311 active registered nursing licenses, according to the 2024 National Nursing Workforce Study.9 The BLS report shows that there are roughly three million registered nurses, so the difference in the data may be due to people having active nursing licenses but not currently working.
For the survey, the majority of states received a mail-out survey, and others were sent surveys by email or filled the survey out through e-Notify. California currently has the most active registered nursing licenses at 523,864 with New York not too far behind at 439,616.9
| State | Number of Active RN Licenses
(- = no data available)9 |
|---|---|
| California | 523,864 |
| New York | 439,616 |
| Texas | 401,653 |
| Florida | 375,078 |
| Pennsylvania | 241,328 |
| Illinois | 235,502 |
| Ohio | 221,760 |
| Michigan | 173,905 |
| Massachusetts | 161,279 |
| North Carolina | 158,174 |
| New Jersey | 146,031 |
| Georgia | 143,998 |
| Minnesota | 134,563 |
| Indiana | 123,464 |
| Washington | 120,813 |
| Missouri | 118,954 |
| Virginia | 118,430 |
| Wisconsin | 118,033 |
| Tennessee | 115,507 |
| Arizona | 111,992 |
| Alabama | 104,695 |
| Maryland | 89,483 |
| Colorado | 87,295 |
| South Carolina | 84,701 |
| Oregon | 84,255 |
| Connecticut | 80,219 |
| Kentucky | 74,145 |
| Louisiana | 66,616 |
| Nevada | 58,554 |
| Iowa | 58,116 |
| Oklahoma | 53,376 |
| Kansas | 53,256 |
| Mississippi | 52,355 |
| Arkansas | 46,960 |
| Utah | 44,324 |
| District of Columbia | 43,947 |
| West Virginia | 36,539 |
| New Mexico | 33,260 |
| Nebraska | 33,044 |
| Hawaii | 31,615 |
| Rhode Island | 29,974 |
| Maine | 28,785 |
| Idaho | 27,297 |
| New Hampshire | 26,837 |
| Montana | 23,451 |
| Alaska | 20,800 |
| South Dakota | 19,800 |
| Delaware | 19,658 |
| North Dakota | 17,894 |
| Vermont | 11,958 |
| Wyoming | 8,942 |
Source: Journal of Nursing Regulation
Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC)
Another factor to consider when choosing where to launch your nursing career is whether a state participates in the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC).10 The NLC allows eligible RNs to hold one multi-state license and practice in all participating jurisdictions. Today, 43 jurisdictions participate, giving nurses greater flexibility to pursue job opportunities, travel nursing assignments and telehealth roles without obtaining a new license for every state.10
Many of the states ranked highest for nursing opportunity are already part of the NLC, including Utah, Idaho, Colorado, Arizona, Texas and Delaware. If you are considering relocating after graduation or want the freedom to work across state lines as your career evolves, choosing an NLC state can expand your options.
Elevate Your Nursing Career with a Nursing Graduate Program
As a nurse, you have the opportunity to help people in a multitude of ways. Nursing can occur in hospitals and healthcare facilities where you work directly with patients, or you can take on a leadership role or work in administration. Once you complete your undergraduate nursing degree, you can open up more opportunities through graduate and postgraduate programs for nurses here at the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences (USAHS).
Our programs and faculty are ready to help you pursue your nursing goals. To get started, apply today.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Which states pay registered nurses the most?
Based on average annual salary, California consistently ranks as the highest-paying state for registered nurses.3† However, salary is only one piece of the puzzle. Cost of living, job demand and career opportunities can all affect your overall earning potential.
What is the best state for new-grad nurses?
There isn’t a single best state for every new graduate. States with strong projected RN employment growth, such as Utah, Nevada, Idaho, Colorado, Arizona and Texas, may offer more opportunities as employment expands. Texas is especially notable as it combines strong projected growth with one of the nation’s largest nursing workforces, creating a wide range of entry-level opportunities.8,9
Do the highest-paying states also have the highest cost of living?
Sometimes, yes. States like California, Hawaii and Massachusetts offer some of the highest nursing salaries, but they also have higher housing, transportation and everyday living costs.2,8 When comparing opportunities, consider your purchasing power, not just your paycheck.
What is the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), and which states are in it?
The Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) allows eligible nurses to hold one multistate license and practice in all participating jurisdictions.10 Currently, 43 jurisdictions participate. Many of the top-ranked states in this guide are NLC members.10
Which states have the most projected nursing job growth?
Utah leads the U.S. with projected RN employment growth of 25%, followed by Nevada and Idaho (22%), Colorado (20%) and Arizona (19%).8 These states are expected to see some of the strongest demand for registered nurses in the coming years, making them attractive options for nurses entering the workforce.
Which states have the largest nursing job markets?
If you are looking for the widest range of employers and specialties, consider states with the largest active RN workforces. California, New York, Texas, Florida and Pennsylvania have the highest numbers of actively licensed RNs, reflecting large healthcare systems and diverse career opportunities.9
†This data represents national figures, is not based on school-specific data and represents national median annual wages, not starting pay for recent grads. Conditions in your area may vary. USAHS does not guarantee salary levels.
Sources:
- “Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) Profiles: Registered Nurses,” U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), May 2025, https://data.bls.gov/oesprofile/?major_group=290000&occupation=291141&measure=01&areas=INDUSTRY,STATE,MSA.
- “Cost of Living Index by State 2026,” World Population Review, last modified 2025, https://worldpopulationreview.com/state-rankings/cost-of-living-index-by-state.
- “Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics: May 2025 State Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates,” U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), May 15, 2026, https://www.bls.gov/oes/2025/may/oessrcst.htm.
- “RN pay by state, adjusted for cost of living,” Becker’s Hospital Review, May 15, 2026, https://www.beckershospitalreview.com/hr/rn-pay-by-state-adjusted-for-cost-of-living/.
- “Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) Profiles: Nurse Anesthetists,” U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), May 2025, https://data.bls.gov/oesprofile/?major_group=290000&occupation=291151&measure=04&areas=INDUSTRY,STATE,MSA.
- “Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) Profiles: Nurse Midwives,” U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. May 2025, https://data.bls.gov/oesprofile/?major_group=290000&occupation=291161&measure=04&areas=INDUSTRY,STATE,MSA.
- “Understanding Projections,” Metric Insights, July 8, 2026, https://help.metricinsights.com/m/Creating_Basic_Metrics_and_Reports/l/104391-understanding-projections.
- “29-1141.00 – Registered Nurses,” O*NET OnLine, https://www.onetonline.org/link/localtrends/29-1141.00?st=.
- Smiley, R., et al., “The 2024 National Nursing Workforce Survey,” Journal of Nursing Regulation, last modified April 2025, https://www.journalofnursingregulation.com/article/S2155-8256(25)00047-X/fulltext.
- “Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC)”, National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN), 2026, https://nursecompact.com/.
