Top 10 States For High Nursing Salary

If earning top-pay is one of the most appealing features when choosing a state to travel to as a nurse, then we’ve got some news for you! The Bureau of Labor Statistics just released their list of highest grossing salaries from state to state for Registered Nurses. Some of these options are a bit more obvious, like California, but it’s important to keep in mind about Cost of Living for some of these states. Finding that sweet spot between your ideal state, a high-end salary, and a moderate cost-of-living is the trick! All that being said, let’s take a look at the list.

1. Top States

At the top of this list is California, coming in at $106,950 average for salary. California’s cost of living can vary from region to region, and so will the salary. Nonetheless, California continues to be a key state to travel to for many RNs. Other highly desirable states like New York, Washington and Hawaii make this list too. 

1. California: $106,950
2. Hawaii: $98,080
3. Massachusetts: $92,140
4. Oregon: $91,080
5. Alaska: $89,310
6. New York: $85,610
7. Nevada: $85,620
8. New Jersey: $82,750
9. Washington: $82,670
10. Connecticut: $81,220

2. Above Average States for Nursing Salary 

11. Minnesota: $78,920
12. Rhode Island: $78,420
13. Arizona: $77,000
14. Maryland: $76,820
15. Delaware: $74,800
16. Colorado: $74,240
17. Illinois: $73,890
18. Texas: $72,890
19. New Hampshire $72,760
20. New Mexico: $71,730

3. Average States for Nursing Salary

21. Wisconsin: $71,470
22. Michigan: $71,330
23. Pennsylvania: $70,390
24. Virginia: $69,790
25. Vermont: $69,160
26. Georgia: $68,950
27. Maine: $67,610
28. Montana: $67,450
29. Wyoming: $67,360
30. Idaho: $67,110

4. Below Average States for Nursing Salary

31. Ohio: $66,820
32. Florida: $66,210
33. North Dakota: $65,740
34. Utah: $65,670
35. Missouri: $65,130
36. South Carolina: $64,940
37 Indiana: $64,860
38. North Carolina: $64,850
39 Nebraska: $64,470
40. Louisiana: $63,970

5. Lowest States for Nursing Salary

41. Kentucky: $63,100
42. Oklahoma: $63,080
43. West Virginia: $61,780
44. Tennessee: $61,320
45. Kansas: 61,030
46. Arkansas: $60,780
47. Alabama: $59,470
48. Iowa: $59,130
49. Mississippi: $58,490
50. South Dakota: $58,340

So what do you think? Did all the states measure up to the salary average you expected? Or is there more to a travel assignment for you than just salary? Let us know in the comments! 

Ready to find your next great travel assignment from one of these awesome states? Search Open Jobs Now!