RN Salary by State: Where US Nurses Earn the Most in 2026
Registered nursing remains one of the largest healthcare professions in the United States, with millions of registered nurses working across hospitals, outpatient facilities, nursing care facilities, and other healthcare settings.
If you are considering becoming an RN or thinking about relocating for a nursing job, salary is an important factor to consider. However, RN pay can vary considerably depending on the state, location, employer, experience, specialty, and working conditions.
According to the latest data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the national median annual wage for registered nurses was $97,550 in May 2025. The national mean annual wage was $101,420. These are the latest official BLS wage figures available in 2026.
Which State Pays RNs the Most?
California is widely recognized as one of the highest-paying states for registered nurses. However, salary should always be considered alongside the cost of living, taxes, housing expenses, and local job opportunities.
The BLS provides state-level occupational wage estimates through its Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program. The latest available state dataset is for May 2025 and was published on May 15, 2026.
Because BLS salary estimates are updated periodically, it is important to distinguish between the latest available official wage data and an actual salary offered by an employer in 2026.
What Is the Average RN Salary in the United States?
In May 2025, registered nurses had a national mean annual wage of $101,420, according to the BLS.
The national median annual wage was $97,550. The median means that half of registered nurses earned more than this amount and half earned less.
RN salaries can differ significantly from one nurse to another. A nurse's actual compensation may depend on factors such as experience, specialty, employer, location, shift, overtime, and additional compensation.
Why Does RN Salary Vary by State?
RN salaries are not the same across the country. Several factors contribute to differences in pay.
Cost of Living
States with higher housing and living expenses may offer higher nursing salaries. However, a higher salary does not necessarily mean greater purchasing power.
Demand for Nurses
Areas experiencing strong demand for registered nurses may offer more competitive wages, sign-on bonuses, shift differentials, or other incentives.
Experience and Education
Experienced RNs may qualify for positions with greater responsibilities and higher compensation. Additional education and professional certifications can also help nurses qualify for specialized roles.
Nursing Specialty
Registered nurses work in many specialties, including critical care, emergency nursing, operating rooms, oncology, pediatrics, and other areas. Compensation can vary depending on specialty and employer.
Employer and Healthcare Setting
RNs can work in hospitals, outpatient healthcare services, nursing and residential care facilities, government organizations, and educational settings. Pay can vary between these workplaces.
Is Nursing a Good-Paying Career in 2026?
Yes. Registered nursing remains a relatively well-paid healthcare occupation in the United States.
The BLS reports that the median annual wage for all occupations was $50,980 in May 2025, compared with $97,550 for registered nurses. This means the median RN wage was substantially higher than the median wage across all occupations.
The BLS also projects employment of registered nurses to grow 6% from 2025 to 2035, with approximately 180,800 openings per year, on average, over that period.
What Should Nurses Consider Besides Salary?
Salary is important, but it should not be the only consideration when comparing nursing jobs or states.
Before accepting a position, nurses may want to compare:
Base salary
Health and retirement benefits
Overtime and shift differentials
Paid time off
Staffing and working conditions
Cost of housing
State taxes
Commute and transportation costs
Career advancement opportunities
Local demand for registered nurses
A state with a lower average RN salary may sometimes provide better overall purchasing power because of lower living expenses.
Final Thoughts
RN salaries in the United States vary significantly by location and employment conditions. The latest official BLS data show a national median RN wage of $97,550 and a national mean wage of $101,420 for May 2025.
For anyone planning a nursing career in 2026, state salary data can be a useful starting point, but it should be combined with information about local living costs, job availability, benefits, and career opportunities.
Data source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025. The BLS state wage estimates were published on May 15, 2026.
