Nursing Trends
Being a nurse is a highly rewarding career, both emotionally and financially. Nurses are in high demand across the United States, and their salaries reflect this demand. They are some of the most influential people in the world. They help us when we’re sick, care for us when we’re vulnerable, and support us through difficult times.
Nurses are truly unsung heroes. But what does a nurse make in different states across America? How much do nurses earn in California compared to Texas? Or New York? Or Florida? Read on to find out more about nurse salaries by state in the USA!
A Breakdown Of Nurse Salaries By State
Nurses make a lot of money. That much is clear. But how much they make can vary quite significantly from state to state. Here are the top 10 highest paying states for nurses in 2022.
1. California-$124,000
California is the highest paying state for nurses by a long shot. The average nurse salary in California is an impressive $124,000 per year. That’s almost double the national average! With the state’s high cost of living, this salary is even more impressive.
Many people venture to California in search of high-paying jobs, and nursing is one of the best options. With some of the best nursing schools in the States, it’s unsurprising that California is a hub for skilled nurses.
2. Hawaii-$106,500
Hawaii is the second highest paying state for nurses, with an average salary of $106,500. Hawaii is a beautiful state with plenty of opportunities for adventure. It’s also a great place to settle down and raise a family.
And with a high nurse salary, it’s no wonder many people are moving to the island state. The salary will, of course, depend on the area you work in and your experience but on average, nurses in Hawaii make an excellent wage.
3. Oregon-$98,630
Third on the list is Oregon, with an average nurse salary of $98,630. Oregon is a great state for outdoor enthusiasts. With its many national parks and hiking trails, it’s the perfect place to escape the city life’s hustle and bustle. And if you’re a nurse, you can enjoy this while still earning an excellent salary. There are many reputable hospitals and healthcare facilities in Oregon that are always in need of talented nurses.
4. District of Columbia-$98,540
The District of Columbia is next on the list, with an average nurse salary of $98,540. The District of Columbia is home to our nation’s capital, Washington D.C. It’s a bustling city with plenty of opportunities for career growth. And as a nurse, you can expect to earn a very good salary.
Several top-rated hospitals and healthcare institutions in the District of Columbia are constantly looking for competent nurses. So if you’re looking for an exciting and rewarding career, then nursing in the District of Columbia is a great option.
5. Alaska-$97,230
Alaska is fifth on the list, with an average nurse salary of $97,230. Alaska is a beautiful and unique state that offers nurses plenty of opportunities. There are many rural areas in Alaska that require competent and caring nurses. And if you’re looking for an adventure, Alaska is the perfect place. The salary may not be as high as some other states on this list, but it’s still perfect. You cannot beat the scenery and the lifestyle that Alaska offers.
6. Massachusetts-$96,630
The average yearly salary for nurses in Massachusetts is $96,930, which ranks it sixth on our list. Massachusetts is an excellent state for nurses looking for an exciting and challenging career. There are many renowned hospitals and healthcare facilities in Massachusetts that are always in need of talented nurses. These hospitals offer competitive salaries and benefits packages that make working in Massachusetts very attractive.
7. Washington-$95,330
Washington is seventh on the list, with an average nurse salary of $95,330. Washington is popularly known as the “Evergreen State,” and it’s no wonder why. Its lush forests and scenic mountains make it a great place to live and work. As a nurse, you can anticipate earning a very good salary.
Nurses in this state enjoy all the benefits of working in a high-demand occupation. There are many reputable hospitals and healthcare facilities in Washington, so you’ll have no shortage of opportunities.
8. New York-$93,320
New York is eighth on the list, with an average nurse salary of $93,320. New York is another great state that offers nurses plenty of opportunities. New York is home to some of the country’s best hospitals and healthcare facilities. Many of these hospitals offer excellent salary options and benefits packages. New York is a beautiful city in which to work and reside, with its many cultural attractions. It is also a great place to pursue a nursing career.
9. New Jersey-$89,690
New Jersey also makes a list with an average nurse salary of $89,690. New Jersey is an idyllic destination for those seeking top-rated hospitals and world-renowned healthcare facilities.
With all that the state has to offer, it’s no wonder many nurses choose to work here. Nurses in New Jersey have one of the most lucrative compensation and benefits packages available. And with all of the opportunities for career advancement, it’s easy to see why New Jersey is such a popular choice.
10. Connecticut-$88,800
Connecticut is tenth on the list, with an average nurse salary of $88,800. Connecticut is a beautiful state with plenty to offer nurses. The hospital has become a popular destination for nurses seeking a difficult and gratifying career. With such many top-rated hospitals and healthcare facilities in Connecticut, it’s no surprise that so many nurses choose to work here. The state’s beautiful landscape offers nurses plenty of opportunities to advance their careers.
11. Delaware-$74,330
Delaware rounds out our list with an average nurse salary of $74,330. Many individuals feel that Delaware is a great place to work as a nurse, and it’s understandable why. Delaware has a large number of excellent hospitals and health care institutions, many of which pay excellent salaries and provide benefits to nurses.
Not only is Delaware a great place to work, but it’s an even better place to live! The scenery here is absolutely stunning, and the people are so friendly. All these add up to make Delaware an ideal destination for nurses.
12. Georgia-71,510
Nurses in Georgia earn an average salary of $71,510. Georgia offers a variety of hospitals and healthcare facilities, many of which are nationally renowned. Georgia is a great place to work if you’re looking for an exciting and challenging career.
In addition, the state has a lot to offer in terms of lifestyle. With its mild climate and beautiful scenery, people love living in Georgia. The high-demand field of nursing does not have to be stressful since nurses here enjoy all the advantages of working in a high-demand occupation.
13. Florida-69,510
Florida is another state that didn’t make it into the top 10 but deserves an honorable mention. The typical nursing salary in Florida is $69,510, which is still reasonable. Unlike other states on this list, Florida has a much lower cost of living.
So, although the salary may not be as high, nurses can still enjoy a good standard of living. Florida is also a great place to live, with its warm climate and beautiful beaches. It is now the third most populous state in the U.S., so there is a lot of opportunity for nurses here.
14. Indiana-67,490
Indiana is definitely worth considering if you’re a nurse looking for good opportunities. The average salary for nurses in the state is $67,490, which puts it among the top states in terms of compensation. Indiana is the place for you if you’re looking for a state that has it all – great lifestyle options, top-rated hospitals, and healthcare facilities.
The state is well known for its friendliness and hospitality, so you’ll be sure to feel right at home here. With so many chances for professional development, it’ll be simple to discover a position that is perfect for you.
15. Arkansas-65,800
Arkansas is ranked fifteenth among the 50 states and Washington, DC, regarding nurse salaries. Nurses in Arkansas make an average salary of $65,800 per year. Because there is so much demand for nurses in the state, many employment possibilities exist.
And with a low cost of living, you can be sure that your paycheck will go a long way. Arkansas is, without a doubt, a great place to pursue a nursing career. Furthermore, the state offers nurses a chance to enjoy a high quality of life.
16. Lowa-64,990
Lowa is sixteenth on the list, with an average nurse salary of $64,990. Lowa is a beautiful state with a vibrating nursing community. The state has several hospitals and healthcare facilities, all always searching for skilled nurses. Lowa is also home to many prestigious universities offering excellent nursing programs.
With a high demand for nurses and a low cost of living, it’s no mystery why so many people in the field choose to work here. So, if you’re considering starting a nursing career, you can consider Lowa as one of your top options.
17. Mississippi-$63,130
With an average nurse salary of $63,130, Mississippi falls in 17th place on the list. The state is popularly known as the “Hospitality State,” and it’s no wonder why. Its friendly people and Southern charm make it a great place to work and live. As a nurse, you can expect plenty of opportunities in Mississippi.
There is never a shortage of work for competent and caring nurses. And the state offers a fairly competitive salary, good enough to attract the best and the brightest. No wonder Mississippi is such a popular destination for nurses.
18. Guam-62,200
Guam is a small island in the Western Pacific Ocean, and it’s one of the U.S. territories. Although it’s not a state, it still made it on our list because it offers some of the best nursing salaries. The average nurse salary in Guam is $62,200 per year.
Guam nurses also receive several perks in addition to the high pay. For example, living costs are inexpensive, and there are no state income taxes. Guam is definitely worth checking out if you want to work in a location that pays well and has minimal expenses. Additionally, Guam is a beautiful place to live and work, with its sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters.
19. Alabama-$61,920
Although Alabama’s average nurse salary of $61,920 doesn’t rank in the top 10, it’s still a good place to work. There are numerous opportunities for nurses in the many hospitals and healthcare facilities throughout the country.
And the state offers a variety of lifestyle options, from bustling city life to the more laid-back rural lifestyle. Additionally, the state has a stunningly beautiful landscape. Alabama is a great choice whether you’re looking for an exciting career or a more relaxed lifestyle.
20. South Dakota-$60,540
Even though it falls at the bottom of our list, South Dakota still offers a very good salary for nurses. The average nurse salary in South Dakota is $60,540. Nurses in South Dakota have a lot of possibilities to work in a range of health care facilities. With the state’s many rural areas, there is always a demand for nurses.
South Dakota is the place to go if you’re searching for a new adventure. Although the compensation in this state isn’t as high as others on our list, it’s still quite good. There are many reasons why nurses choose to work in this state, including the great opportunities for career advancement and professional development.
That brings us to the end of our list of the states with the highest nurse salaries. As you can see, there are several great places to pursue a nursing career. With so many options available, it shouldn’t be too difficult to find a state that’s a good fit for you.
Be sure to do your research and explore all of your options before making a decision. Whichever state you choose, you can be sure that you’ll be well-compensated for your hard work. With the demand for nurses still high, now is a great time to enter the field. So if you’re thinking of becoming a nurse, check out the states on this list. You might find the perfect place to start your career.
