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Average RN salary in every U.S. state
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Highest paying states for nurses
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Hourly wage comparisons
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Cost-of-living insights
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Factors that impact RN income
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Salary comparison tables
Whether you're a nursing student, working RN, or planning relocation, this data-driven breakdown will help you make informed decisions.
Quick Answer: What Is the Average RN Salary in 2026?
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National average annual RN salary: $86,000 – $95,000
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Average hourly wage: $41 – $46 per hour
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Top states exceed: $120,000 per year
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Entry-level RN salary: $60,000 – $75,000
RN wages vary widely depending on location, specialization, experience, and healthcare demand.
Highest Paying States for Registered Nurses (2026)
Below is a comparison of the highest-paying states based on projected 2026 averages.
RN Salary Comparison Table (Top Paying States)
| State | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Wage | Cost of Living | Job Demand |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| California | $125,000 | $60/hr | High | Very High |
| Hawaii | $115,000 | $55/hr | Very High | Moderate |
| Oregon | $110,000 | $53/hr | High | High |
| Washington | $108,000 | $52/hr | High | High |
| Massachusetts | $105,000 | $50/hr | High | High |
| Alaska | $103,000 | $49/hr | High | Moderate |
| New York | $102,000 | $49/hr | Very High | Very High |
Why California Pays the Most
California consistently ranks #1 due to:
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Strong nursing unions
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Strict nurse-to-patient ratios
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High cost of living
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Large hospital systems
However, high pay often offsets expensive housing and taxes.
Registered Nurse Salary by State (Full Breakdown)
Below is a broader salary range across the U.S.
$100K+ States
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California
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Hawaii
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Oregon
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Washington
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Massachusetts
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Alaska
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New York
$85K–$100K States
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Texas
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Colorado
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Illinois
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Arizona
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Nevada
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New Jersey
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Maryland
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Minnesota
$70K–$85K States
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Florida
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Georgia
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North Carolina
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Tennessee
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Missouri
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Ohio
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Michigan
Under $70K States
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Alabama
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Mississippi
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Arkansas
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West Virginia
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South Dakota
Southern states typically offer lower wages but also have lower living costs.
RN Hourly Wage by State (2026)
The national hourly average for RNs ranges between $41–$46 per hour.
Highest hourly rates:
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California: $60+
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Hawaii: $55+
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Oregon: $53+
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Washington: $52+
Lower hourly ranges:
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Southern states: $30–$38 per hour
Hourly wage matters more than annual salary for nurses working overtime or per diem shifts.
What Affects Registered Nurse Salary?
1. Experience Level
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New Grad RN: $60K–$75K
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5–10 Years Experience: $80K–$100K
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15+ Years: $95K–$120K+
2. Education
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ADN vs BSN salary differences can range from $5,000–$10,000 annually.
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Advanced degrees significantly increase income.
3. Specialty
Higher-paying specialties:
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ICU Nurse
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ER Nurse
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Labor & Delivery Nurse
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Oncology Nurse
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Travel Nurse
4. Certifications
Certifications like CCRN or trauma certifications can boost pay.
Travel Nurse Salary by State
Travel nurses often earn significantly more due to:
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Housing stipends
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Sign-on bonuses
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Short-term demand contracts
High-demand states:
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California
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Texas
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Florida
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Arizona
RN Salary vs Cost of Living
High salary does not always mean higher take-home value.
For example:
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California offers top pay but high housing costs.
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Texas offers competitive wages with no state income tax.
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Florida has no state income tax and growing healthcare demand.
When comparing states, consider:
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Rent/mortgage costs
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State income tax
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Healthcare demand
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Overtime opportunities
States With the Fastest RN Job Growth
Healthcare expansion and aging populations drive demand.
High growth areas include:
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Texas
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Florida
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Arizona
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North Carolina
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Colorado
These states combine job growth with relatively strong salaries.
Entry-Level RN Salary by State
New graduate nurses typically earn:
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California: $80K–$95K
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Texas: $65K–$75K
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Florida: $60K–$70K
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New York: $75K–$85K
Urban hospitals tend to pay more than rural facilities.
Frequently Asked Questions
What state pays registered nurses the most in 2026?
California continues to lead in RN compensation.
What is the lowest paying state for nurses?
Southern states such as Mississippi and Alabama typically report lower wages.
Is RN salary increasing?
Yes. Ongoing nursing shortages continue to drive upward wage adjustments nationwide.
Do nurses make over $100K?
Yes. In multiple states, experienced RNs and specialty nurses exceed $100,000 annually.
Salary Summary Snapshot (2026)
| Category | Salary Range |
|---|---|
| National Average | $86K–$95K |
| Highest Paying State | $120K+ |
| Entry-Level | $60K–$75K |
| Travel Nurse | $100K–$140K |
The registered nurse salary by state in 2026 shows strong earning potential nationwide, with top-paying states exceeding six figures and steady demand across healthcare systems.
If maximizing income is your goal, consider:
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Relocating to high-paying states
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Pursuing specialty certifications
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Exploring travel nursing
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Advancing to nurse practitioner roles
Nursing remains one of the most financially stable and geographically flexible healthcare careers in the U.S.
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