Registered Nurse Salaries by State (Plus High-Paying States)
Updated January 13, 2023
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Highest-paying states for registered nurses
Nationally, RNs make an average salary of $93,089 per year. In some states, you may earn a salary higher than the national average. Here are 10 high-paying states for registered nurses. For the most up-to-date salary information from Indeed, visit indeed.com/salaries.- Georgia: $119,780 per year
- South Carolina: $123,254 per year
- Arkansas: $126,190 per year
- Kentucky: $128,321 per year
- Idaho: $138,364 per year
- South Dakota: $141,455 per year
- Maine: $150,308 per year
- Hawaii: $159,804 per year
- North Dakota: $173,575 per year
- Delaware: $240,891 per year
RN salaries by state
Here are the average annual salaries for RNs in each state. For the most up-to-date salary information from Indeed, visit indeed.com/salaries.- Alabama: $75,258 per year
- Alaska: $52,077 per year
- Arizona: $85,130 per year
- Arkansas: $126,190 per year
- California: $112,080 per year
- Colorado: $84,707 per year
- Connecticut: $99,528 per year
- Delaware: $240,891 per year
- District of Columbia: $109,754 per year
- Florida: $79,343 per year
- Georgia: $119,780 per year
- Hawaii: $159,804 per year
- Idaho: $138,364 per year
- Illinois: $91,383 per year
- Indiana: $89,253 per year
- Iowa: $88,476 per year
- Kansas: $80,813 per year
- Kentucky: $128,321 per year
- Louisiana: $78,584 per year
- Maine: $150,308 per year
- Maryland: $99,631 per year
- Massachusetts: $111,667 per year
- Michigan: $98,346 per year
- Minnesota: $85,177 per year
- Mississippi: $72,029 per year
- Missouri: $85,555 per year
- Montana: $89,622 per year
- Nebraska: $90,603 per year
- Nevada: $94,555 per year
- New Hampshire: $92,688 per year
- New Jersey: $95,702 per year
- New Mexico: $79,141 per year
- New York: $104,775 per year
- North Carolina: $87,281 per year
- North Dakota: $173,575 per year
- Ohio: $87,104 per year
- Oklahoma: $100,457 per year
- Oregon: $47,241 per year
- Pennsylvania: $96,590 per year
- Rhode Island: $94,540 per year
- South Carolina: $123,254 per year
- South Dakota: $141,455 per year
- Texas: $86,243 per year
- Tennessee: $114,984 per year
- Utah: $77,720 per year
- Vermont: $32,322f per year
- Virginia: $96,219 per year
- Washington: $43,218 per year
- West Virginia: $93,045 per year
- Wisconsin: $84,963 per year
- Wyoming: $81,276 per year
FAQs about RN salaries
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about the nursing profession:Frequently asked questions
What does a registered nurse do?
An RN is a medical provider who manages patient care in health care settings, such as clinics and hospitals. They have foundational skills for providing clinical care. They often work within a nursing specialty, such as pediatrics or oncology. RNs can work in various positions, such as cardiac nurse, school nurse, neonatal nurse, nurse-midwife or infection control nurse.RNs work closely with doctors, surgeons and other providers to deliver quality care to their patients. While their duties can vary based on their health care facility or specialty, they may complete the following tasks:- Performing routine screenings, exams and tests
- Administering medications
- Recording patient vital signs
- Using diagnostic and treatment equipment
- Maintaining patient records
- Evaluating patient symptoms
- Working with other health care staff to monitor patient care
- Educating patients on health care
What education do RNs have?
RNs may have either an associate degree in nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor of Science in nursing (BSN). Full-time students typically spend two years getting their ADN. This curriculum focuses on nursing care, including pharmacology and patient assessment. Students also participate in lab work and clinical rotations to develop their skills. Typical jobs for RNs with an ADN include pediatric nurse, care coordinator, oncology nurse and emergency room nurse. Their earning potential can grow exponentially with experience, certifications and additional degrees.RNs who choose to earn BSN degrees complete similar coursework and clinical rotations, but they may take more advanced classes in clinical research, nursing theory and management. It typically takes four years to earn a BSN for full-time students. Having a BSN can help registered nurses pursue specialties or leadership positions within the nursing field, which can increase their earning potential.Read more: ADN vs. BSN: Differences and Which Degree Is Right for YouWhat factors impact salaries for RNs?
In addition to where you live, several other factors can influence the salary you may earn as a registered nurse. These factors typically include:- Education: Typically, you can earn a higher salary by continuing your education. Nurses with BSN degrees may earn more than those with ADNs, while RNs with master's degrees or doctorates may increase their earning potential even further.
- Experience: Often, you can increase your salary by gaining more experience in the nursing field. As you gain experience, you can improve your clinical skills and knowledge, which may help you earn more.
- Nursing role: It's common for RNs to specialize in an area to further their earning potential. In addition, some specific types of nurses, such as travel nurses, may earn higher salaries than other RNs.
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How to increase your RN earning potential
There are ways to increase your salary wherever you live. The following steps may help you increase your range for job opportunities and elevate your earning potential as an RN:1. Earn a master's degree
A Master of Science in nursing (MSN) can help you advance into leadership roles that offer higher salaries. Not all master's programs require you to have a bachelor's degree first, and some allow you to earn both degrees together. Many graduate programs also offer night and weekend classes so you can work while earning this degree. Obtaining your MSN may qualify you for advanced nursing roles, such as a nurse administrator or nurse practitioner.Read more: How Much Does an MSN Make in 2022? (Plus MSN Degree FAQs)2. Gain experience
Gaining experience is another way to grow your earning potential. Consider working with a variety of patients and departments because this experience can help you become a more viable candidate for leadership roles. Volunteering is another great way to gain experience in nursing.Related: How To Gain Work Experience in Nursing3. Accept different shifts
If you have a flexible schedule, consider accepting overnight shifts or overtime hours. Many health care facilities compensate nurses for working late or less desirable hours. Accepting different shifts can also show your dedication to the field, which might increase your chances of earning a promotion or raise.Related: FAQ: What Is a Typical Nurse Schedule?4. Seek leadership roles
Leadership positions, such as managerial or supervisory roles, exist in many health care settings and often result in increased salaries and benefits. Examples of managerial positions to pursue include charge nurse, head nurse and nurse manager. While working toward a leadership position, aim to develop the qualities of an effective nurse leader, including integrity, decision-making, communication and the ability to inspire others toward a common goal, such as improved quality of patient care.Related: Nursing Leadership and Management: Role Definitions and Differences5. Earn additional certifications
Another way to increase your earning potential is to gain nursing certifications to show employers your clinical knowledge and skills. Consider earning a certification through an organization, such as:- American Association of Critical Care Nurses (AACN): The AACN promotes patient health and safety through the credentialing of acute and critical care nurses. All nurses caring for acutely and critically ill patients can earn an AACN certification to emphasize their skill set.
- American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC): The ANCC offers credentialing programs that certify and recognize individual nurses in specialty practice areas. Nurses can earn an ANCC certification by passing an exam and renewing their credentials according to ANCC's guidelines.
- Pediatric Nursing Certification Board (PNCB): This board certifies nurses working in pediatrics. Being certified shows a nurse has specialty knowledge beyond RN licensure and can demonstrate their dedication to pediatrics.
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