DiversityNursing Blog

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

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.

Registered Nurses (RNs) play a crucial role in the healthcare system, providing vital care and support to patients across the United States. One key aspect that often piques interest is the hourly wages RNs earn in different states. Understanding the variations in RN hourly wages can provide valuable insights into the cost of living and the overall compensation for these essential healthcare professionals.

Below are the mean hourly wages for Registered Nurses in all 50 states and Washington, D.C., adjusted for cost of living. Becker's Hospital Review calculated these figures using May 2023 salary data from BLS and 2024 cost of living index data from the World Population Review. 

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics' (BLS) survey, the average annual salary for Registered Nurses in the U.S. is $80,010.

Here is the list of average annual salaries for Registered Nurses by state.

1. California: $120,560

2. Hawaii: $104,830

3. Massachusetts: $96,250

4. Oregon: $96,230

5. Alaska: $95,270

6. Washington: $91,310

7. New York: $89,760

8. Nevada: $89,750

9. New Jersey: $85,720

10. Connecticut: $84,850

11. Rhode Island: $82,790

12. Maryland: $81,590

13. Minnesota: $80,960

14. Arizona: $80,380

15. Colorado: $77,860

16. Texas: $76,800

17. New Hampshire: $75,970

18. New Mexico: $75,700

19. Wisconsin: $74,760

20. Illinois: $74,560

21. Virginia: $74,380

22. Delaware: $74,330

23. Pennsylvania: $74,170

24. Michigan: $73,980

25. Wyoming: $72,600

26. Vermont: $72,140

27. Idaho: $71,640

28. Georgia: $71,510

29. Maine: $71,040

30. Montana: $70,530

31. Utah: $70,370

32. Ohio: $69,750

33. North Dakota: $69,630

34. Florida: $69,510

35. Nebraska: $69,480

36. North Carolina: $68,950

37. Louisiana: $68,010

38. Indiana: $67,490

39. South Carolina: $67,140

40. Oklahoma: $66,600

41. Missouri: $65,900

42. West Virginia: $65,130

43. Kentucky: $64,730

44. Kansas: $64,200

45. Tennessee: $64,120

46. Arkansas: $63,640

47. Iowa: $62,570

48. Mississippi: $61,250

49. South Dakota: $60,960

50. Alabama: $60,230

The 2020 Nurse Salary Research Report,  by Nurse.com and Relias, surveyed more than 7,400 Nursing professionals nationwide.

Relias Vice President of Marketplaces, Darius Matthews, said "We hope Nurses will use these survey results to examine their individual career paths and how they can make an even bigger impact — from caring for their patients to connecting with their families at home to expanding their educations and career horizons. For employers, this data is a valuable look into how they can create and support a more equitable environment for Nursing staff."

According to the report, men continue to make more than women despite male RNs reporting less education and being less likely to be certified. The median salary for all RNs in the sample is $73,000, with $80,000 for male RNs and $72,703 for female RNs.

The report also examined demographic data and found for Registered Nurses, 78% are white, 6% Hispanic, 9% Black, 5% Asian, 1% American Indian/Alaskan Native, 1% Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander, and 1% Other.

Data shows the highest-earning RN roles and median salaries are:

• Executive- $150,000
• Vice President- $150,000
• Director- $105,000
• Nurse Manager- $92,000
• Assistant Nurse Manager- $90,000
• Supervisor- $79,000

More than 38% of all Nurses surveyed are considering additional training and education. Cost, flexibility, and online options were the 3 most important factors when choosing a Nursing program.

Nurses with a Master's degree have an opportunity to earn more money in their careers. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median pay for Masters educated Nurses is $115,800/year or $55.80/hour. 

Research shows, the salary of Registered Nurses has grown, on average, by 1.51%/year since 2010.

When discussing Nursing salaries, it is important to consider the state and city. Some locations pay more due to the cost of living in that area.

According to Becker’s Hospital Review, the top 5 states paying Registered Nurses the most are California, Hawaii, Massachusetts, Alaska and Oregon.