Nursing professionals play an essential role in the healthcare system, and their compensation varies widely by state.
Comparing average incomes across the country provides useful insight for career planning, relocation, and evaluating economic value.
Pay differences reflect regional factors and policy decisions that affect how healthcare resources are distributed.
National Overview
In 2025, the national average salary for registered nurses reached $98,430 per year, translating to approximately $47.32 per hour.
Pay rates depend on multiple elements, including:
- Geographical region
- Cost of living
- Years of experience
- Education level
- Specialty
- Work environment
Nurses in urban centers tend to earn higher nominal wages, but these gains may be offset by elevated housing and living costs.
Experience contributes to earning potential, with seasoned nurses often commanding higher salaries.
Specializations such as critical care or oncology bring additional compensation.
Work settings also influence income, with hospital-based roles generally offering higher wages than outpatient or home care positions.
Salary Tables by State
Compensation for registered nurses across the United States reflects a patchwork of:
- Regional conditions
- Policy structures
- Labor demand
- Cost-of-living disparities
While a national average offers a basic benchmark, a closer look at each state’s raw wage data and adjusted purchasing power reveals major differences.
For professionals in the field or those considering relocation, evaluating both nominal income and adjusted wages provides a clearer financial picture.
Raw Salary Data
Wages for nurses vary significantly depending on where they practice. High-population states with expansive healthcare systems tend to offer larger salaries, driven by demand and operational scale.
Other states may present moderate wages that still offer substantial value due to lower costs and less competition.
Annual mean salary and hourly wage statistics have been gathered to help illustrate these disparities.
States like California, for instance, lead the nation in nominal compensation, but the actual benefit of that wage may be diluted by the high expense of living in urban areas.
In contrast, some less populous states provide lower nominal wages but offer nurses a greater degree of financial comfort relative to their expenses.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Wages
Raw numbers alone don’t capture the full picture of income value. Adjusting wages based on a cost-of-living index allows for a more accurate measure of financial advantage.
A nurse earning a moderate wage in a low-expense area can potentially afford more than one earning a high salary in a high-expense area.
For example, when hourly wages are adjusted for living costs, the value shifts dramatically in favor of certain states:
- Oregon: $51.71/hour (adjusted)
- Minnesota: $50.28/hour (adjusted)
- Oklahoma: $48.13/hour (adjusted)
Highest vs Lowest Paying States
Some regions offer outstanding pay in raw terms, but the actual benefits vary once living expenses are factored in.
Based on the unadjusted figures, the five highest paying states for registered nurses by annual salary are:
- California: $148,330
- Hawaii: $123,720
- Oregon: $120,470
- Massachusetts: $112,610
- Alaska: $112,040
However, once the cost of living is considered, a new set of top performers emerges.
The following states provide the highest value in adjusted hourly wages:
- Oregon
- Minnesota
- Georgia
- Washington
- Nevada
At the other end of the spectrum, states like Hawaii, South Dakota, and Massachusetts show some of the lowest adjusted wages.
Despite offering competitive nominal salaries, their high housing, utility, and general living costs reduce the practical financial benefit to nurses working there.
Salary by Experience Level
Nurse compensation is shaped by more than geography or specialization. Experience level plays a direct role in salary progression and professional credibility.
As registered nurses build time in the field, they develop refined skills, clinical judgment, and expanded responsibilities.
Employers recognize those gains with salary increases that mirror impact and reliability.
Pay structures often align with seniority, rewarding consistency and continued contributions to patient outcomes.
Entry-Level Nurses (0–3 years)
Newly licensed nurses typically begin their careers with modest earnings.
Facilities often offer base compensation packages that provide stability while evaluating the nurse’s growth and performance.
Key characteristics of entry-level compensation:
- Modest salary with fixed raises dependent on performance evaluations
- Emphasis on foundational competencies such as time management and patient communication
- Limited bonuses or shift differentials at this stage
Growth in this period depends on reliability, adaptation to fast-paced clinical environments, and eagerness to learn.
Mid-Career Nurses (3–10 years)
Between three and ten years of experience, most nurses see meaningful increases in compensation.
Clinical skillsets are well-developed, and many begin branching into specialized areas such as ICU, NICU, oncology, or perioperative care.
Common salary growth drivers at this level:
- Board certifications like Certified Emergency Nurse or Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support
- Increased responsibilities, including mentorship roles or charge nurse assignments
- Additional pay for floating between departments or working in specialized units
Employers view mid-career nurses as dependable professionals who can lead, teach, and deliver consistent patient outcomes.
Senior-Level Nurses (10+ years)
Veteran nurses with over a decade of experience often reach the top salary tiers. Their expertise allows for independent practice, strategic decision-making, and often eligibility for management, educator, or advanced clinical roles.
Factors contributing to high earnings in this category:
- Academic advancements: BSN, MSN, DNP, or MHA programs
- Negotiated contracts based on reputation and institutional need
- Bonuses for shift leadership, precepting, and high-need schedules (e.g., weekends or nights)
Facilities often depend on senior nurses to uphold standards, lead initiatives, and improve training outcomes for junior staff.
State Spotlights
California offers the highest nominal salaries in the country, but high living costs reduce effective income. Nurses relocating to California should weigh housing and taxes against potential salary benefits.
Oregon stands out for its balanced offer of good wages and manageable living costs, making it an attractive destination for many RNs.
Arizona and Nevada provide moderate cost environments with competitive salaries. Nevada’s absence of a state income tax enhances take-home pay.
Mississippi and Alabama show lower nominal wages, yet cost-adjusted figures indicate more favorable living conditions compared to high-cost regions.
Specialty and Work Environment Impact
Nurses working in high-acuity or advanced roles frequently command elevated salaries. Among the most lucrative specializations are:
- Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA)
- Emergency Room (ER) Nurse
- Intensive Care Unit (ICU) Nurse
- Oncology Nurse
Hospitals remain the top-paying environments, particularly for night shifts or critical care departments.
Outpatient and home health positions offer more flexibility but may not match hospital pay levels.
Nurses who pursue advanced degrees such as BSN, MSN, or DNP increase their earning potential significantly and gain access to more specialized roles.
The Bottom Line
Income for registered nurses in 2025 reflects a mix of regional cost variations, professional experience, specialization, and work setting.
States offering high salaries don’t always deliver the best value due to living expenses.
Evaluating wages in context helps nurses make informed decisions about where to work or move for career advancement and financial growth.
