Nursing continues to be one of the most stable and in-demand careers in the United States and in 2026, salaries reflect that demand. According to the most recent data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the average Registered Nurse (RN) salary is about $98,430 annually, with a median of $93,600.
However, where you live plays a huge role in how much you earn. Nurse salaries can vary by over $100,000 between states, influenced by cost of living, demand, and healthcare infrastructure.
Below is a complete breakdown of average RN salaries by state in 2026.
Nurse Salary by State
Alabama: $71,040
Alaska: $110,690
Arizona: $96,890
Arkansas: $77,130
California: $140,330
Colorado: $96,520
Connecticut: $101,590
Delaware: $92,610
Florida: $82,850
Georgia: $86,560
Hawaii: $136,320
Idaho: $83,090
Illinois: $87,650
Indiana: $82,700
Iowa: $73,610
Kansas: $76,240
Kentucky: $77,590
Louisiana: $75,510
Maine: $82,880
Maryland: $87,220
Massachusetts: $99,730
Michigan: $84,180
Minnesota: $94,830
Mississippi: $70,790
Missouri: $77,590
Montana: $83,290
Nebraska: $78,100
Nevada: $96,210
New Hampshire: $86,620
New Jersey: $100,160
New Mexico: $89,440
New York: $104,570
North Carolina: $81,220
North Dakota: $79,190
Ohio: $82,750
Oklahoma: $76,920
Oregon: $110,940
Pennsylvania: $85,420
Rhode Island: $95,070
South Carolina: $79,260
South Dakota: $67,030
Tennessee: $78,240
Texas: $84,320
Utah: $79,890
Vermont: $85,900
Virginia: $84,850
Washington: $107,720
West Virginia: $79,990
Wisconsin: $86,070
Wyoming: $81,790
District of Columbia: $104,550
Highest-Paying States for Nurses
If maximizing income is your goal, these states consistently rank at the top:
- California – $140,330
- Hawaii – $136,320
- Oregon – $110,940
- Alaska – $110,690
- Washington – $107,720
These higher salaries often come with higher living costs, especially in states like California and Hawaii.
Lowest-Paying States for Nurses
Some states offer lower average salaries, though cost of living is typically lower:
- South Dakota – $67,030
- Mississippi – $70,790
- Alabama – $71,040
What Impacts Nurse Salaries?
Even within the same state, your salary can vary based on:
- Experience level
- Education (ADN vs. BSN vs. MSN)
- Specialty (ICU, ER, CRNA, etc.)
- Work setting (hospital, clinic, travel nursing)
- Urban vs. rural location
Nursing remains a high-paying and stable career in 2026, but location matters more than ever. While some states offer six-figure salaries, others may provide better value when cost of living is considered.
If you’re thinking about relocating or negotiating your salary, this data gives you a strong starting point.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics' (BLS)