Highest Paying States for Registered Nurse in 2026
As we look towards 2026, the salary landscape for registered nurses across the United States presents a varied picture, influenced by factors such as geographic location, local economies, and the specific healthcare needs of each state. With an average salary of $86,652 and a national median of $95,410, registered nurses can see significant differences in compensation depending on where they choose to work.
Top 5 Highest Paying States
California leads with an annual salary of $133,990, likely due to its high cost of living and strong union presence which typically negotiates better wages. Hawaii follows with $129,210 annually, where high living costs and isolated geography drive up salaries. Oregon, with its salary of $110,940, benefits from a growing healthcare sector amidst a general shortage of healthcare professionals. Washington and Alaska, offering $107,720 and $106,410 respectively, also see higher wages due to similar factors of cost of living and localized demand for healthcare services.
5 Lowest Paying States
On the other end of the spectrum, Alabama offers the lowest annual salary at $65,900, reflecting its lower cost of living and different economic conditions. South Dakota and Mississippi follow, with salaries of $67,030 and $69,370 respectively, impacted by rural settings and lower healthcare funding. Iowa and Arkansas round out the bottom five, where salaries of $71,570 and $72,920 align with the general affordability of these states.
What Affects Registered Nurse Salary?
Several factors influence RN salaries including experience, work setting, and specialization. Nurses with more experience or those in specialized fields tend to earn higher wages. Additionally, those who work overtime or are in high-demand settings like intensive care or surgery can expect higher pay.
Salary Comparison Table
Below is a detailed comparison of registered nurse salaries across the states:
| State | Median Annual Salary | Median Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| California | $133,990 | $64.42 |
| Hawaii | $129,210 | $62.12 |
| Oregon | $110,940 | $53.34 |
| Washington | $107,720 | $51.79 |
| Alaska | $106,410 | $51.16 |
| District of Columbia | $105,220 | $50.59 |
| New York | $104,570 | $50.27 |
| Connecticut | $100,620 | $48.37 |
| New Jersey | $100,160 | $48.15 |
| Massachusetts | $99,730 | $47.95 |
| Minnesota | $97,300 | $46.78 |
| Nevada | $96,210 | $46.25 |
| Rhode Island | $94,840 | $45.60 |
| Delaware | $93,200 | $44.81 |
| Maryland | $89,340 | $42.95 |
| Arizona | $88,310 | $42.46 |
| Colorado | $86,900 | $41.78 |
| New Hampshire | $86,620 | $41.64 |
| Texas | $85,110 | $40.92 |
| Virginia | $84,100 | $40.43 |
| New Mexico | $83,970 | $40.37 |
| Georgia | $83,620 | $40.20 |
| Wisconsin | $83,300 | $40.05 |
| Pennsylvania | $82,780 | $39.80 |
| Illinois | $82,470 | $39.65 |
| Vermont | $81,900 | $39.38 |
| Michigan | $81,710 | $39.28 |
| Maine | $81,610 | $39.23 |
| Florida | $80,960 | $38.92 |
| Idaho | $80,130 | $38.53 |
| Wyoming | $79,970 | $38.45 |
| Ohio | $79,940 | $38.43 |
| Utah | $79,790 | $38.36 |
| North Carolina | $79,580 | $38.26 |
| Montana | $79,170 | $38.06 |
| Oklahoma | $78,760 | $37.87 |
| West Virginia | $78,730 | $37.85 |
| Indiana | $78,530 | $37.75 |
| South Carolina | $78,380 | $37.68 |
| Nebraska | $78,100 | $37.55 |
| Kentucky | $77,830 | $37.42 |
| Missouri | $77,190 | $37.11 |
| Louisiana | $76,650 | $36.85 |
| Tennessee | $76,200 | $36.63 |
| Kansas | $75,780 | $36.43 |
| North Dakota | $74,930 | $36.03 |
| Arkansas | $72,920 | $35.06 |
| Iowa | $71,570 | $34.41 |
| Mississippi | $69,370 | $33.35 |
| South Dakota | $67,030 | $32.22 |
| Alabama | $65,900 | $31.68 |
Regional Patterns
Examining regional trends, the West Coast and Northeast generally offer higher salaries, attributed to higher living costs and stronger healthcare systems. Conversely, the South and Midwest tend to have lower wages, which correlate with lower costs of living and different healthcare system dynamics.
Maximizing Your Earning Potential
To maximize earning potential, nurses should consider advancing their education, gaining specialized certifications, and possibly relocating to states with higher demand and salaries. Networking and continuous professional development also play crucial roles in career advancement.
Bottom Line
The salary of a registered nurse in 2026 continues to be influenced by a variety of factors including geographic location, experience, and the specific demands of the healthcare industry in different regions. Understanding these factors can help nurses make informed decisions about their careers and potential earnings.
Related Credentials
CredentialGuide Editorial Team
Data-driven career guidance for vocational professionals.
Ready to Get Started?
Talk to a career counselor who can help you choose the right credential and training program for your goals.
Want to Talk to a Career Counselor?
Get personalized guidance on training programs, licensing requirements, and career opportunities.
Are You a Training Provider?
List your programs on CredentialGuide and connect with students actively researching training options in your area.