Which States Pay RNs the Most?
Are you a newly graduated registered nurse (RN) trying to figure out what state pays RNs the most? Or perhaps you are an experienced RN tired of being under-compensated for your hard work and ready to move to one of the top-paying states for RNs. Regardless of your experience in the field, this list of the highest-paid states for registered nurses will tell you where you can make the most money as an RN.
The data on average RN wages in this article comes from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Weekly estimates are based on 40-hour work weeks, and annual estimates are based on 2,080 work hours. Estimates do not include self-employed workers, who typically earn higher hourly wages.
How Much Do RNs Make in the US?
The national average wage for an RN is $45.42 per hour or $94,480 annually. This pay corresponds to a weekly income of $1,816.80 and a monthly income of $7,873.33. However, the average RN salary can vary due to numerous factors, including location and industry.
For instance, the national average RN wage increases to $114,860 for RNs working in government positions (excluding schools, hospitals, and the postal service). Even in more typical healthcare settings, RN wages can vary significantly. For example, RNs make, on average, $102,640 per year in outpatient care centers but only $83,110, on average, in physicians’ offices.
The most significant factor in determining RN income is, arguably, a nurse’s location. Nurses working in the highest-paid states for RNs can make nearly $70,000 more per year than registered nurses in one of the lowest-paying states for RNs, such as South Dakota. The difference in pay is equivalent to an entire year’s salary!
Read on to discover the top 10 highest-paid states for RNs. Also, read until the end to learn how registered nurses can pick up high-paying PRN RN jobs near them with Nursa and increase their pay regardless of their state of residence.
Top 10 Highest Paying States for RNs
Ready to learn what state pays RNs the most? Here are the top 10 highest-paying states for registered nurses in the United States:
- California: $137,690
- Hawaii: $119,710
- Oregon: $113,440
- Washington: $111,030
- Alaska: $109,210
- Massachusetts: $108,850
- Washington D.C.: $106,850
- New York: $106,620
- New Jersey: $101,960
- Connecticut: $101,840
1. California: $137,690
With an average salary of $137,690 annually, the Golden State is the highest-paying state for registered nurses.
How Much Does an RN Make in California?
The average RN in California can expect to earn the following income:
- Average hourly rate: $66.20
- Average weekly rate: $2,648.00
- Average monthly rate: $11,474.17
- Average annual rate: $137,690
How Much Do the Highest-Paid RNs Make in California?
Evidently, the averages don’t reflect RN entry-level salaries nor the salaries of the highest-paid RNs in the state. With this in mind, RNs can estimate the salary they might make in California by considering the following wage percentiles:
- 10th percentile: $83,510
- 25th percentile: $105,390
- 50th percentile: $133,990
- 75th percentile: $168,280
- 90th percentile: $194,240
Based on these figures, an entry-level RN position in California in one of the lowest-paying cities and industries will typically pay up to $83,510 annually. In contrast, an RN with specialized work experience in one of the highest-paying cities and industries can earn over $194,240 annually. In either case, California offers unparalleled compensation for RNs.
Registered Nurse Pay and Cost of Living in California
Many of you are probably wondering—and rightly so—whether RN income in California is still high after factoring in the elevated cost of living in this state. Based on the MIT living wage calculator, the living wage in California is $27.32 per hour or $56,825 annually for a single adult working full-time. In other words, this is how much a single adult must make to cover living expenses. In summary, even factoring in the cost of living, California appears to be an excellent state for RNs to make a high income and afford a comfortable lifestyle.
In What Cities Do RNs Make the Most Money?
Not surprisingly, the highest paying cities in the United States are all in California. Here are the top paying cities in the US for RNs and the average wages registered nurses make in these locations:
- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward: $174,370
- Vallejo-Fairfield: $171,620
- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara: $170,780
- Napa: $166,180
- Sacramento-Roseville-Arden-Arcade: $154,510
- Santa Rosa: $152,930
- Modesto: $145,190
- Santa Cruz-Watsonville: $140,880
- San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles-Arroyo Grande: $140,560
- Stockton-Lodi: $138,420
2. Hawaii: $119,710
There is more good news for beach lovers: Hawaii is the second-highest-paying state for RNs, with an average annual income of $119,710.
How Much Does an RN Make an Hour in Hawaii?
The average RN in Hawaii can expect to earn the following wages:
- Average hourly rate: $57.55
- Average weekly rate: $2,302.00
- Average monthly rate: $9,975.83
- Average annual rate: $119,710
Highest- and Lowest-Paid RNs in Hawaii
Since the average RN salary is not representative of all RNs, here are typical RN wages in Hawaii broken down into percentiles:
- 10th percentile: $81,070
- 25th percentile: $100,630
- 50th percentile: $129,210
- 75th percentile: $138,060
- 90th percentile: $145,940
Based on this data, new RNs looking for nursing jobs in Hawaii can estimate that they would initially be in the lowest percentile. However, the vast majority of RNs in Hawaii make a six-figure salary.
Registered Nurse Pay and Cost of Living in Hawaii
The average RN hourly wage in Hawaii is more than $8 below the average salary in California, but its living wage is nearly the same ($27.33 per hour or $56,841 annually). Therefore, an RN wage does not stretch as far in Hawaii as in California. Nevertheless, the average RN salary can still single-handedly support a family of five in the Aloha State.
3. Oregon: $113,440
With the enviable average RN salary of $113,440, Oregon is number three on the list of the highest-paying states for RNs.
How Much Do RNs Make in Oregon?
The average RN in Oregon can expect to earn the following wages:
- Average hourly rate: $54.54
- Average weekly rate: $2,181.60
- Average monthly rate: $9,453.33
- Average annual rate: $113,440
Typical RN Salary Range in Oregon
Although the overall average salary for RNs in Oregon is $113,440, pay can vary significantly within the state. The following percentiles show the typical wage variations in Oregon:
- 10th percentile: $86,730
- 25th percentile: $99,590
- 50th percentile: $110,940
- 75th percentile: $125,730
- 90th percentile: $136,950
Registered Nurse Pay and Cost of Living in Oregon
Although RNs typically earn less in Oregon than in Hawaii, the average RN income stretches further since the living wage is $24.30 per hour or $50,553 per year in the Beaver State.
4. Washington: $111,030
Washington is among the top 10 highest-paying states for RNs, with an average annual salary of $111,030.
How Much Do RNs Make in Washington?
The average RN in Washington can expect to earn the following wages:
- Average hourly rate: $53.38
- Average weekly rate: $2,135.20
- Average monthly rate: $9,252.50
- Average annual rate: $111,030
Highest-Paid RNs in Washington State
Interestingly, Washington offers higher pay to the lowest-earning RNs than Hawaii and higher pay to the highest-earning RNs than Oregon. All around, Washington is an excellent place to earn a high salary as a registered nurse. Here are the wage percentiles for RNs in Washington:
- 10th percentile: $82,630
- 25th percentile: $92,130
- 50th percentile: $107,720
- 75th percentile: $128,140
- 90th percentile: $139,390
If you’re not from Washington but live in a state that is part of the Nursing Licensure Compact (NLC), you can pick up RN jobs in Washington without needing to apply for a new license since this state is also an NLC member.
Registered Nurse Pay and Cost of Living in Washington
Washington is slightly behind Oregon both in terms of pay and cost of living. RNs in Washington earn about a dollar less per hour and need to make a dollar more per hour ($25.60 is the living wage) to cover basic living expenses compared with RNs in Oregon. Nonetheless, RNs in Washington can still cover living expenses more comfortably than in Hawaii.
5. Alaska: $109,210
Alaska makes the top five with an average RN salary of $109,210 annually.
How Much Do RNs Make in Alaska?
The average RN in Alaska can expect to earn the following wages:
- Average hourly rate: $52.51
- Average weekly rate: $2,100.40
- Average monthly rate: $9,100.83
- Average annual rate: $109,210
How Much Do the Highest-Paid RNs Make in Alaska?
Although Alaska is the fifth highest-paying state for RNs, it pays its lowest-earning RNs more than Washington and Hawaii. In other words, Alaska is a great state to begin your career with a high entry-level salary. Here are the average RN wages in Alaska broken down into percentiles:
- 10th percentile: $82,980
- 25th percentile: $89,530
- 50th percentile: $106,410
- 75th percentile: $125,060
- 90th percentile: $132,090
Registered Nurse Pay and Cost of Living in Alaska
Another consideration when assessing RN compensation in Alaska is the cost of living. Although Alaska offers RNs lower pay than the previous states on this list, it also requires the lowest living wage at $23.26 per hour or $48,375 per year. As in the previous states, RNs in Alaska making at least the average RN salary earn enough to support a family of five on a single income.
6. Massachusetts: $108,850
The Bay State has the sixth-highest average annual RN salary on this list, at $108,850.
How Much Do RNs Make in Massachusetts?
The average RN in Massachusetts can expect to earn the following wages:
- Average hourly rate: $52.33
- Average weekly rate: $2,093.20
- Average monthly rate: $9,070.83
- Average annual rate: $108,850
Highest- and Lowest-Paid RNs in Massachusetts
Although not a great place to earn a high entry-level RN salary, Massachusetts is second only to California when it comes to the highest-earning RNs. Here are the wage percentiles for RNs in Massachusetts:
- 10th percentile: $74,010
- 25th percentile: $82,230
- 50th percentile: $99,730
- 75th percentile: $132,120
- 90th percentile: $166,100
Registered Nurse Pay and Cost of Living in Massachusetts
Before you pack your bags and move to Massachusetts, you should factor in the cost of living in this state. The living wage in Massachusetts is $27.89 per hour or $58,009 annually. In other words, it is more expensive to live in this state than in California or Hawaii. In fact, this is the first state on this list where a typical RN salary is not quite enough to support a family of five. Nevertheless, even the lowest-paid RNs in Massachusetts can comfortably cover their personal living expenses.
7. Washington, D.C.: $106,850
Although not technically a state, Washington, D.C., certainly makes the list of the top-paying locations in the US for RNs.
How Much Do RNs Make in Washington, D.C.?
The average RN in the District of Columbia can expect to earn the following income:
- Average hourly rate: $51.37
- Average weekly rate: $2,054.80
- Average monthly rate: $8,904.17
- Average annual rate: $106,850
How Much Do the Highest-Paid RNs Make in D.C.?
Interestingly, although D.C. is farther down on the list, the lowest-earning RNs in D.C. make more than their counterparts in Massachusetts. Likewise, the highest-paid RNs in D.C. earn more than their counterparts in Alaska. Here is the breakdown of RN wages in the nation’s capital:
- 10th percentile: $75,340
- 25th percentile: $82,490
- 50th percentile: $105,220
- 75th percentile: $123,950
- 90th percentile: $136,120
RN Pay and Cost of Living in D.C.
Based on the MIT living wage calculator, a person living in the nation’s capital must make $23.90 per hour or $49,714 per year to cover living expenses. Therefore, an RN salary stretches further in Washington, D.C., than in Massachusetts. In fact, the average RN in D.C. can single-handedly support a family of five, and even the lowest-earning RNs can typically cover the living expenses of two adults.
8. New York: $106,620
With an average annual salary of $106,620, the Empire State also ranks among the top 10 highest-paying states for RNs.
How Much Do RNs Make in NY?
The average RN in New York can expect to earn the following figures:
- Average hourly rate: $51.26
- Average weekly rate: $2,050.40
- Average monthly rate: $8,885.00
- Average annual rate: $106,620
Highest-Paid RNs in the State of New York
As with other high-paying locations, such as Massachusetts and D.C., New York is not the best place for new grad RNs to make a good income. However, nurses with specialized work experience and other salary-increasing cards up their sleeves should consider RN jobs in New York since the higher-paid half of RNs in New York make a pretty juicy income. Here are the wage percentiles for RNs in the State of New York:
- 10th percentile: $69,450
- 25th percentile: $84,660
- 50th percentile: $104,570
- 75th percentile: $126,080
- 90th percentile: $136,780
RN Income and Cost of Living in New York
Although the living wage in New York ($26.86 per hour or $55,878 annually) is high, it is still lower than in California, Hawaii, and Massachusetts. RNs can still typically make a comfortable living, earning enough to support a family of five. However, the lowest-earning RNs may only make enough to cover their personal living expenses.
9. New Jersey: $101,960
With an average RN wage of $101,960 annually, New Jersey offers registered nurses one of the highest salaries nationwide.
How Much Do RNs Make in New Jersey?
The average RN in New Jersey can expect to earn the following wages:
- Average hourly rate: $49.02
- Average weekly rate: $1,960.80
- Average monthly rate: $8,496.67
- Average annual rate: $101,960
Entry-Level Salary and the Highest-Paid RNs in New Jersey
Even though New Jersey is the ninth of the top 10 highest-paying states for RNs, this state offers higher wages to the lowest-earning 10 percent of RNs than other states higher up on the list. Therefore, New Jersey is a better option for new grad RNs to find high-paying nursing jobs than higher-paying locations such as New York, Massachusetts, and the District of Columbia. The following are the wage percentiles for RNs in New Jersey:
- 10th percentile: $77,700
- 25th percentile: $87,360
- 50th percentile: $100,160
- 75th percentile: $113,630
- 90th percentile: $127,750
New Jersey is also a compact state, so RNs with a multistate license can pick up shifts in this state or any other NLC member state without needing a new nursing license.
RN Pay and Cost of Living in New Jersey
Another reason to choose New Jersey over its northern neighbor is its lower cost of living (the living wage is $24.76 per hour or $51,504 per year). However, the difference in pay makes it harder for the average RN in New Jersey to cover living expenses for a family of five than for an RN in New York. That said, the lowest-paid RNs in NJ can live more comfortably than their counterparts in NY.
10. Connecticut: $101,840
At $101,840, the average RN pay in Connecticut is only $120 less than the New Jersey average per year.
How Much Do RNs Make in Connecticut?
The average RN in Connecticut can expect to earn the following wages:
- Average hourly rate: $48.96
- Average weekly rate: $1,958.40
- Average monthly rate: $8,486.67
- Average annual rate: $101,840
Entry-Level Salary and the Highest-Paid RNs in Connecticut
Although Connecticut is last on the list, new grad RNs or those working in the lowest-paying cities or industries can still expect to earn more than their counterparts in New Jersey, New York, D.C., and Massachusetts. The following are average RN salaries in Connecticut divided into different wage-tier percentiles:
- 10th percentile: $78,370
- 25th percentile: $84,820
- 50th percentile: $100,620
- 75th percentile: $109,670
- 90th percentile: $127,150
Registered Nurse Pay and Cost of Living in Connecticut
The living wage in Connecticut is $24.13 per hour or $50,194 per year, only higher than in Alaska and D.C. Although the living wage is relatively low, the average RN cannot support a family of five, as RNs in many other states on this list can. However, even the lowest-paid RNs could comfortably cover personal living expenses and even the expenses of two adults.
Do RNs Make Good Money?
RNs make significantly more than the average full-time wage and salary worker in the United States. Therefore, RNs, objectively speaking, make good money. Not only is the average RN salary higher than the average for all workers, but registered nurses have nearly limitless opportunities for career growth and pay increases. Check out these highest-paying nurse specialties for a mind-boggling glimpse at how much nurses can make.
Additionally, without any additional education or certifications, RNs can significantly increase their hourly pay by picking up PRN jobs with Nursa.
Nursa is a healthcare platform offering nurses flexibility and competitive pay. Sign up with Nursa for free and make more money regardless of your state.
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