How Much Do Nurses Earn Across the U.S.? A State-by-State Guide to RN Salaries in 2025
By Salary Research Team
Nursing is one of the most respected and essential professions in healthcare. With increasing demand, a variety of specializations, and opportunities across all 50 states, nursing offers both job security and a stable income. But how much do registered nurses (RNs) actually earn—and how much does it vary depending on where you live?
In this post, we dive into the average RN salary by state, explore the highest and lowest paying regions, and help you understand how cost of living impacts take-home pay. Whether you're a nursing student, a practicing RN, or just curious, this guide will give you the insights you need.
National Average Nurse Salary (2025)
According to recent data, the national average salary for a Registered Nurse in the U.S. is $81,220 per year, which breaks down to about $39 per hour.
However, your actual salary will depend on several factors:
- State of employment
- Years of experience
- Nursing specialty
- Work setting (e.g., hospital, clinic, school, telehealth)
- Education and certifications
You can get an accurate hourly breakdown for your role using our free tool at HowMuchForAnHour.com.
Top 10 Highest Paying States for Nurses
If you're looking to boost your income, these are the states where RNs are earning the most in 2025:
| Rank | State | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | California | $124,000 | $59.62 |
| 2 | Hawaii | $106,530 | $51.22 |
| 3 | Oregon | $98,630 | $47.42 |
| 4 | Alaska | $97,230 | $46.74 |
| 5 | Massachusetts | $96,250 | $46.27 |
| 6 | Washington | $94,850 | $45.60 |
| 7 | New York | $92,130 | $44.30 |
| 8 | New Jersey | $91,270 | $43.88 |
| 9 | Nevada | $89,700 | $43.12 |
| 10 | Connecticut | $88,640 | $42.62 |
Pro Tip: While California leads in pay, it also ranks among the highest in living costs. It's crucial to weigh salary against expenses when planning your career.
States with the Lowest Nurse Salaries
On the opposite end of the scale, here are some of the states where nurses tend to earn less than the national average:
| State | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|
| South Dakota | $64,500 | $31.00 |
| Mississippi | $65,130 | $31.31 |
| Alabama | $66,360 | $31.91 |
| Iowa | $67,490 | $32.45 |
| Arkansas | $68,180 | $32.78 |
While the salaries are lower, some of these states also have significantly lower costs of living, making them attractive options for a more affordable lifestyle.
How Much Do Nurses Earn in Your State?
Curious about RN pay where you live? Try our free real-time comparison tool:
Compare Nurse Salaries Now
You can look up:
- Hourly wage vs. yearly salary
- Regional trends
- Differences in cost of living
- How experience affects pay
- Which specializations earn more
Specialization = Higher Pay
Not all nurses earn the same. Here are a few in-demand specializations that command higher salaries:
Nurse Practitioner (NP)
Average Salary: $120,000/yearCertified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA)
Average Salary: $200,000+/yearCritical Care Nurse (ICU)
Average Salary: $95,000/yearOncology Nurse / ER Nurse
Average Salary: $90,000/year
Investing in advanced certifications and gaining experience in a specialty area can significantly boost your income over time.
Cost of Living: The Missing Variable
It's not just about how much you make—it's also about how far that money goes.
For example:
- A nurse earning $90,000 in New York might struggle with high rent, taxes, and living costs.
- The same salary in North Carolina or Texas could offer a more comfortable lifestyle with lower housing and transportation costs.
Use our Cost of Living calculator (coming soon!) to compare where your salary will stretch the furthest.
Final Thoughts: Know Your Worth
Whether you're a new grad looking for your first role, or a seasoned RN planning a relocation or promotion, knowing the salary landscape helps you make smarter decisions.
Don't settle for guesswork. Visit HowMuchForAnHour.com to explore RN salaries, compare career paths, and plan your next move.
How Nursing Salaries Compare to Other Healthcare Professions
Registered Nursing offers competitive compensation compared to many other healthcare careers requiring similar education levels. Here's how RN salaries stack up against other healthcare professions:
| Healthcare Profession | National Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Registered Nurse (RN) | $81,220 |
| Physical Therapist | $95,620 |
| Occupational Therapist | $89,470 |
| Respiratory Therapist | $68,190 |
| Radiologic Technologist | $66,490 |
| Dental Hygienist | $78,110 |
Nursing also offers significant growth potential through specialization and advanced practice roles, with Nurse Practitioners earning an average of $120,000 annually and CRNAs commanding salaries well over $200,000.
Future Outlook for Nursing Salaries
The nursing profession continues to experience high demand, with the Bureau of Labor Statistics projecting job growth of 6% through 2031. This ongoing demand, combined with nursing shortages in many regions, suggests continued upward pressure on salaries.
Several factors are likely to influence nursing compensation in the coming years:
- Aging population: Increasing healthcare needs will drive demand for nursing services
- Retirement wave: Many experienced nurses are nearing retirement age
- Technological advances: Specialized skills for telehealth and digital health tools may command premium pay
- Geographic shortages: Rural and underserved areas may offer incentives to attract qualified nurses
For nurses looking to maximize earning potential, combining geographic strategy with specialization and advanced education remains the most effective approach.
Want to explore specific salary data for your nursing specialty and location? Use our salary comparison tool to get accurate, up-to-date information based on the latest employment data.