Like most nurses, one of the biggest factors that can influence your career decisions is your salary. Knowing how much you can make is critical in planning your education and furthering your nursing career. It’s also important in deciding which state you should practice or even move to, if you are a veteran nurse with years of experience under your belt.
To help you with that, we’ve created an in-depth list of the average nurse salary per state. If you want to see the highest paying states for nurses, just toggle the headings. If you have a particular state in mind, use the search field in the upper right hand corner of the table.
| STATE | ANNUAL | MONTHLY | HOURLY | EMPLOYMENT NUMBERS |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $59,470 | $4,955 | $27.85 | 49,290 |
| Alaska | $89,310 | $7,442 | $42.14 | 5,570 |
| Arizona | $77,000 | $6,416 | $36.43 | 54,630 |
| Arkansas | $60,780 | $5,065 | $28.68 | 24,380 |
| California | $106,950 | $8,912 | $50.20 | 282,290 |
| Colorado | $74,240 | $6,186 | $35.03 | 49,340 |
| Connecticut | $81,220 | $6,768 | $38.42 | 34,310 |
| Delaware | $74,800 | $6,233 | $35.11 | 11,620 |
| District of Columbia | $92,350 | $7,695 | $42.69 | 11,000 |
| Florida | $66,210 | $5,517 | $30.96 | 178,330 |
| Georgia | $68,950 | $5,745 | $32.63 | 75,000 |
| Hawaii | $98,080 | $8,173 | $50.62 | 10,800 |
| Idaho | $67,110 | $5,592 | $32.11 | 13,320 |
| Illinois | $73,890 | $6,157 | $34.74 | 123,100 |
| Indiana | $64,860 | $5,405 | $29.96 | 68,530 |
| Iowa | $59,130 | $4,927 | $27.97 | 33,280 |
| Kansas | $61,030 | $5,085 | $28.69 | 28,900 |
| Kentucky | $63,100 | $5,258 | $29.70 | 44,410 |
| Louisiana | $63,970 | $5,330 | $30.00 | 45,970 |
| Maine | $67,610 | $5,634 | $31.55 | 14,200 |
| Maryland | $76,820 | $6,401 | $36.38 | 53,700 |
| Massachusetts | $92,140 | $7,678 | $41.76 | 82,870 |
| Michigan | $71,330 | $5,944 | $33.94 | 94,090 |
| Minnesota | $78,920 | $6,576 | $37.47 | 64,540 |
| Mississippi | $58,490 | $4,874 | $27.62 | 28,760 |
| Missouri | $65,130 | $5,427 | $29.94 | 72,090 |
| Montana | $67,450 | $5,620 | $31.71 | 10,110 |
| Nebraska | $64,470 | $7,135 | $30.16 | 22,870 |
| Nevada | $85,620 | $7,135 | $40.97 | 21,060 |
| New Hampshire | $72,760 | $6,063 | $34.44 | 13,190 |
| New Jersey | $82,750 | $6,895 | $39.34 | 80,560 |
| New Mexico | $71,730 | $5,977 | $34.29 | 16,290 |
| New York | $85,610 | $7,134 | $41.0 | 180,170 |
| North Carolina | $64,850 | $5,404 | $30.26 | 99,210 |
| North Dakota | $65,740 | $5,478 | $30.71 | 9,020 |
| Ohio | $66,820 | $5,568 | $30.87 | 124,620 |
| Oklahoma | $63,080 | $5,256 | $29.69 | 28,000 |
| Oregon | $91,080 | $7,590 | $43.86 | 35,140 |
| Pennsylvania | $70,390 | $5,865 | $33.26 | 143,130 |
| Rhode Island | $78,420 | $6,535 | $37.33 | 11,820 |
| South Carolina | $64,940 | $5,411 | $30.25 | 43,200 |
| South Dakota | $58,340 | $4,861 | $27.65 | 12,530 |
| Tennessee | $61,320 | $5,110 | $28.91 | 59,350 |
| Texas | $72,890 | $6,074 | $34.61 | 212,230 |
| Utah | $65,670 | $5,472 | $30.56 | 21,340 |
| Vermont | $69,160 | $5,763 | $31.61 | 6,270 |
| Virginia | $69,790 | $5,815 | $32.69 | 64,260 |
| Washington | $82,670 | $6,889 | $38.42 | 56,880 |
| West Virginia | $61,780 | $5,148 | $29.27 | 20,410 |
| Wisconsin | $71,470 | $5,955 | $33.73 | 55,940 |
| Wyoming | $67,360 | $5,613 | $31.30 | 4,910 |
The States with the Highest Paid Nurses
| California | $106,950 |
|---|---|
| Hawaii | $98,080 |
| District of Columbia | $92,350 |
| Massachusetts | $92,140 |
| Oregon | $91,080 |
California is the highest paying state for nurses. A registered nurse can earn as much as $106,950.
Take note that even though California has the highest salary for registered nurses, the cost of living in the area is very high. Compared with other states, it’s 30% more expensive.
Hawaii is also an excellent state to consider as nurses in this state earn around $98,080. However, just like in California, you’ll find yourself spending a lot in Hawaii. You’ll spend most of your salary on rent and utility bills.
On the other hand, considering salary alone, Massachusetts, Oregon, and the District of Columbia are great options for nurses who want to earn more, too.
The Lowest Paying US States for Nurses
South Dakota is considered the lowest-paying state for registered nurses. They can only earn an average of $58,340 annually. Other states belonging to this category include Alabama, Arkansas, and Kentucky.
If you prefer to live in a cheap but comfortable community, you may want to check out Arkansas. Even though it’s one of the lowest-paying states for nurses, its cost of living is low.
On the same note, Nebraska is also a nice option for nurses as it’s an affordable state to live in. There, the annual income for nurses like you is around $64,470.
Factors that Affect a Nurse’s Salary
Like most jobs, there are different factors that affect the variations in pay among nurses.
Obviously, the first factor is the location. Nurses who work in dense metropolitan areas can expect to receive better pay than nurses who work in rural environments.
Next is career specialization. Nurses who are trained and skilled in a specialized field of nursing have a higher salary than those who don’t.
Experience is another factor that affects a nurse’s salary. Senior nurses make more than new nurses because of the valuable experience they’ve acquired through the years.
The Highest Paying States for Nursing Assistants
If you’re a nursing assistant who’s planning to move, here are the best states to consider in terms of salary.
| STATE | ANNUAL |
|---|---|
| Alabama | $24,110 |
| Alaska | $39,830 |
| Arizona | $31,450 |
| Arkansas | $25,080 |
| California | $35,220 |
| Colorado | $32,610 |
| Connecticut | $33,390 |
| Delaware | $30,780 |
| District of Columbia | $33,510 |
| Florida | $26,840 |
| Georgia | $25,870 |
| Hawaii | $35,770 |
| Idaho | $27,400 |
| Illinois | $28,810 |
| Indiana | $27,210 |
| Iowa | $29,120 |
| Kansas | $26,210 |
| Kentucky | $26,800 |
| Louisiana | $22,750 |
| Maine | $28,710 |
| Maryland | $31,310 |
| Massachusetts | $33,630 |
| Michigan | $30,130 |
| Minnesota | $33,710 |
| Mississippi | $23,100 |
| Missouri | $25,930 |
| Montana | $29,110 |
| Nebraska | $28,730 |
| Nevada | $35,130 |
| New Hampshire | $32,200 |
| New Jersey | $30,380 |
| New Mexico | $28,310 |
| New York | $37,010 |
| North Carolina | $25,570 |
| North Dakota | $33,990 |
| Ohio | $27,570 |
| Oklahoma | $25,690 |
| Oregon | $33,230 |
| Pennsylvania | $30,630 |
| Rhode Island | $31,340 |
| South Carolina | $25,390 |
| South Dakota | $26,820 |
| Tennessee | $26,400 |
| Texas | $27,030 |
| Utah | $27,880 |
| Vermont | $30,730 |
| Virginia | $28,770 |
| Washington | $32,130 |
| West Virginia | $26,410 |
| Wisconsin | $29,590 |
| Wyoming | $30,910 |
The Highest Paying States for Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses
For LPNs and LVNs looking for better pay, consider these states:
| STATE | ANNUAL |
|---|---|
| Alabama | $38,230 |
| Alaska | $58,250 |
| Arizona | $54,090 |
| Arkansas | $39,570 |
| California | $56,200 |
| Colorado | $51,210 |
| Connecticut | $56,970 |
| Delaware | $52,860 |
| District of Columbia | $53,370 |
| Florida | $44,400 |
| Georgia | $41,690 |
| Hawaii | $50,930 |
| Idaho | $44,280 |
| Illinois | $51,080 |
| Indiana | $44,310 |
| Iowa | $42,820 |
| Kansas | $43,240 |
| Kentucky | $41,920 |
| Louisiana | $39,480 |
| Maine | $45,610 |
| Maryland | $53,650 |
| Massachusetts | $58,990 |
| Michigan | $49,040 |
| Minnesota | $47,020 |
| Mississippi | $37,930 |
| Missouri | $42,580 |
| Montana | $43,770 |
| Nebraska | $43,160 |
| Nevada | $57,140 |
| New Hampshire | $52,510 |
| New Jersey | $56,290 |
| New Mexico | $47,560 |
| New York | $48,770 |
| North Carolina | $44,610 |
| North Dakota | $46,410 |
| Ohio | $43,430 |
| Oklahoma | $41,260 |
| Oregon | $53,240 |
| Pennsylvania | $48,120 |
| Rhode Island | $59,130 |
| South Carolina | $40,890 |
| South Dakota | $38,630 |
| Tennessee | $40,120 |
| Texas | $46,990 |
| Utah | $48,130 |
| Vermont | $49,720 |
| Virginia | $44,850 |
| Washington | $55,420 |
| West Virginia | $36,770 |
| Wisconsin | $45,290 |
| Wyoming | $46,790 |
The Highest Paying States for Nurse Practitioners
Below are the information you need to know when considering which state to practice:
| STATE | ANNUAL |
|---|---|
| Alabama | $95,970 |
| Alaska | $122,880 |
| Arizona | $110,750 |
| Arkansas | $104,300 |
| California | $133,780 |
| Colorado | $111,210 |
| Connecticut | $118,020 |
| Delaware | $108,340 |
| District of Columbia | $109,800 |
| Florida | $101,100 |
| Georgia | $106,750 |
| Hawaii | $120,570 |
| Idaho | $102,600 |
| Illinois | $105,800 |
| Indiana | $103,200 |
| Iowa | $106,290 |
| Kansas | $99,430 |
| Kentucky | $99,790 |
| Louisiana | $105,340 |
| Maine | $103,220 |
| Maryland | $115,060 |
| Massachusetts | $122,740 |
| Michigan | $106,880 |
| Minnesota | $119,160 |
| Mississippi | $109,700 |
| Missouri | $102,470 |
| Montana | $103,510 |
| Nebraska | $103,800 |
| Nevada | $112,540 |
| New Hampshire | $109,460 |
| New Jersey | $122,100 |
| New Mexico | $109,810 |
| New York | $120,970 |
| North Carolina | $104,100 |
| North Dakota | $106,200 |
| Ohio | $101,970 |
| Oklahoma | $103,280 |
| Oregon | $110,010 |
| Pennsylvania | $98,250 |
| Rhode Island | $109,290 |
| South Carolina | $99,910 |
| South Dakota | $100,690 |
| Tennessee | $95,990 |
| Texas | $111,060 |
| Utah | $105,840 |
| Vermont | 106,000 |
| Virginia | $105,170 |
| Washington | $117,650 |
| West Virginia | $100,690 |
| Wisconsin | $106,790 |
| Wyoming | $116,030 |
Final Thoughts
Registered nurses continue to be in high demand. In fact, the profession is expected to grow by as much as 16% by 2024.
Considering this, it’s important for you to create a career plan. You can start by finding the highest paying state for nurses and weighing your options against the cost of living in those areas. Use your experience, skills, and certifications as your leverage when negotiating your salary. Don’t forget to consider your needs, preferences, and budget in the process, too.
Source:
Occupational Employment Statistics
