Complete 2026 Nurse Salary Guide: How Much Do Nurses Make by State?

Key Takeaways

• National average RN salary: $99,840 annually ($48.00/hour) in 2026

• Highest paying state: California at $149,500 average

• Cost of living matters: Mississippi nurses have more purchasing power than Hawaii nurses despite lower salaries

• Experience pays: 10+ years experience adds 35-40% to base salary

• Specialty matters: CRNAs earn 2.3x more than staff RNs

 

Introduction: Understanding Nurse Compensation in 2026

When considering how much nurses make in 2026, the answer varies dramatically based on location, experience, education, and specialty. The nursing profession has experienced unprecedented salary growth over the past five years, with the average nurse salary increasing by 52% since 2021. This comprehensive guide breaks down exactly how much does a nurse make a year across all 50 states, accounting for the factors that matter most to your earning potential.

The current nursing landscape reflects both opportunity and complexity. With over 195,000 nursing positions projected to open annually through 2034, understanding nurses salary structures has never been more critical for both aspiring and practicing nurses. Whether you're entering the field or considering relocation, this data-driven analysis provides the insights needed to maximize your earning potential.

National Nurse Salary Overview for 2026

Current Market Conditions

The question "how much do rns make" has a more optimistic answer in 2026 than ever before. The national average RN salary now stands at $99,840 annually, representing a 7.2% increase from 2025. This growth outpaces general wage inflation by nearly double, reflecting the ongoing nursing shortage and increased demand for healthcare services.

Breaking down what is a rn salary by percentiles provides deeper insight into earning potential:

• 10th percentile: $68,450 (entry-level positions)

• 25th percentile: $79,230 (early career)

• 50th percentile (median): $95,600 (mid-career)

• 75th percentile: $116,790 (experienced)

• 90th percentile: $139,450 (senior/specialized roles)

These figures demonstrate that while entry-level positions offer competitive starting salaries, there's substantial room for growth as nurses advance their careers.

Historical Salary Trends

Understanding how much does nurse make requires examining historical context. The nursing profession has seen remarkable salary progression:

This sustained growth pattern reflects several market forces: the aging population requiring more healthcare services, mass retirements among veteran nurses, and healthcare systems competing aggressively for talent.

State-by-State Nurse Salary Breakdown

Top 10 Highest Paying States

When evaluating how much does a nurse make by location, certain states consistently offer premium compensation. Here are the leaders for 2026:

1. California - $149,500 annually California maintains its position as the highest-paying state for nurses, driven by strong union presence, high cost of living, and progressive healthcare policies. San Francisco nurses average $168,420, while rural California offers $132,100.

2. Hawaii - $125,730 annually Despite paradise-like settings, Hawaii's nursing shortage drives competitive salaries. However, the cost of living significantly impacts purchasing power.

3. Oregon - $119,280 annually Oregon combines competitive pay with no state sales tax, making it attractive for nurses seeking West Coast opportunities without California prices.

4. Alaska - $117,890 annually Remote location premiums and federal incentives boost Alaska's nursing salaries, particularly in rural communities where wages can exceed $130,000.

5. Massachusetts - $116,450 annually Boston's world-renowned medical facilities and high concentration of teaching hospitals drive competitive compensation packages.

6. New York - $115,320 annually While New York City averages $122,000, upstate positions offer $98,000-105,000 with significantly lower living costs.

7. New Jersey - $114,780 annually Proximity to major metropolitan areas and dense population centers creates consistent demand for nursing professionals.

8. Connecticut - $113,670 annually Small state size allows nurses to access multiple high-paying markets while potentially living in more affordable areas.

9. Rhode Island - $112,430 annually Despite being the smallest state, Rhode Island offers competitive salaries due to its concentrated healthcare infrastructure.

10. Washington - $111,890 annually Seattle's tech-influenced economy and progressive healthcare policies support strong nursing compensation.

Cost of Living Adjusted Salaries

Raw salary figures tell only part of the story. When examining nurses salary through a cost-of-living lens, the rankings shift dramatically:

This analysis reveals that nurses in traditionally lower-paying states often enjoy greater purchasing power than their colleagues in high-cost areas. A nurse earning $68,000 in Alabama can afford a lifestyle comparable to someone earning $95,000 in California.

Regional Patterns and Trends

Understanding regional variations helps answer "how much do nurses make" more accurately:

Northeast Region: Averages $108,450 with strong union presence and established healthcare systems driving consistent wage growth.

West Coast: Leads nationally at $118,670 average, though cost of living significantly impacts real wages.

Southeast: While averaging $78,890, offers best cost-adjusted salaries and rapidly growing opportunities.

Midwest: Stable at $83,450 with excellent work-life balance and moderate living costs.

Southwest: Growing market averaging $87,230 with Texas and Arizona leading recruitment efforts.

Factors Influencing Nurse Salaries

Education Level Impact

The relationship between education and how much does a nurse make a year is significant and quantifiable:

Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)

• Starting salary: $68,000-75,000

• 10-year average: $85,000-92,000

• Career ceiling typically around $95,000 without additional education

Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)

• Starting salary: $72,000-82,000

• 10-year average: $95,000-105,000

• Opens doors to management and specialized roles

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)

• Average salary: $115,000-135,000

• Enables advanced practice roles

• 40-50% salary premium over BSN

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

• Average salary: $125,000-165,000

• Highest non-CRNA nursing salaries

• Executive and research opportunities

The "BSN in 10" movement has made bachelor's degrees increasingly important, with many hospitals now requiring BSN completion within 10 years of hire. This educational progression directly impacts lifetime earnings potential.

Experience and Career Progression

Experience profoundly affects what is a rn salary throughout a nursing career:

Years of Experience Impact:

• 0-1 years: Base salary

• 2-5 years: +15-20% over base

• 5-10 years: +25-35% over base

• 10-20 years: +35-45% over base

• 20+ years: +45-55% over base, plus leadership premiums

Real-world example: Sarah, an ICU nurse in Ohio, started at $65,000 with her BSN. After five years and critical care certification, she earns $84,000. By year 10, with charge nurse responsibilities, her salary reached $98,000—a 51% increase from starting pay.

Specialty Certifications

Specialized certifications significantly impact how much do rns make:

• Critical Care (CCRN): +$8,000-12,000 annually

• Emergency Nursing (CEN): +$7,000-10,000 annually

• Oncology (OCN): +$6,000-9,000 annually

• Pediatric (CPN): +$5,000-8,000 annually

• Wound Care (CWCN): +$7,000-11,000 annually

These certifications demonstrate expertise and commitment, often leading to automatic pay increases and preferred scheduling.

Healthcare Setting Differences

Where nurses work dramatically affects compensation. Average salaries by setting in 2026:

Hospital positions typically offer the most comprehensive benefits packages, including tuition reimbursement, retirement matching, and extensive health coverage, adding 25-30% to total compensation value.

Nursing Specialties and Their Salaries

Highest Paying Nursing Specialties

Understanding specialty salaries helps answer "how much does nurse make" for career planning:

Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA)

• Average salary: $225,890

• Education requirement: MSN or DNP plus CRNA certification

• Job growth: 45% through 2034

• Work settings: Hospitals, surgery centers, pain management clinics

Nurse Practitioner (NP)

• Average salary: $128,450

• Specialties range from $115,000 (family practice) to $142,000 (psychiatric)

• Prescriptive authority in most states

• Growing independence and practice ownership opportunities

Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS)

• Average salary: $118,670

• Focus on improving patient outcomes and nursing practices

• Often combine clinical work with education and research

• Strong demand in complex care areas

Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM)

• Average salary: $126,340

• Growing demand with maternal health focus

• Independent practice in many states

• Birth center and home birth opportunities

Mid-Range Specialty Salaries

These specialties offer strong earning potential with moderate additional education:

Operating Room Nurse

• Average: $95,000-105,000

• Requires CNOR certification

• Stable scheduling, minimal weekend work

• High demand due to specialized skills

Emergency Department Nurse

• Average: $88,000-98,000

• Shift differentials boost earnings

• Fast-paced environment suits many personalities

• Trauma center positions pay premium

ICU/Critical Care Nurse

• Average: $90,000-102,000

• Requires strong assessment skills

• Often leads to CRNA programs

• Night shifts add 15-20% differential

Benefits and Additional Compensation

Beyond Base Salary

When calculating how much nurses make, total compensation extends well beyond base salary:

Shift Differentials

• Night shift: +10-15% ($4-7/hour additional)

• Weekend: +10-20% ($4-8/hour additional)

• Holiday: +50-100% (time and a half or double time)

Example: Maria, making $48/hour base, earns $55.20/hour on nights and $62.40/hour on weekend nights, increasing her annual income by $14,000 through strategic scheduling.

Overtime Opportunities

• Mandatory overtime still common in many facilities

• 1.5x rate after 40 hours

• Some facilities offer 2x rate for critical needs

• Travel nurses report 60+ hour weeks during assignments

Sign-on and Retention Bonuses

• New graduate bonuses: $5,000-10,000

• Experienced nurse bonuses: $10,000-30,000

• Specialty area bonuses: $15,000-40,000

• Typical vesting period: 2-3 years

Comprehensive Benefits Packages

Modern nursing benefits extend beyond traditional health insurance:

Educational Benefits

• Tuition reimbursement: $3,000-10,000 annually

• Continuing education credits: $1,000-2,500 annually

• Conference attendance: $2,000-5,000 annually

• Certification exam coverage: $300-500 per exam

Retirement and Financial Benefits

• 401(k) matching: typically 3-6% of salary

• Pension plans: still available at some institutions

• Life insurance: often 1-2x annual salary

• Disability insurance: short and long-term coverage

Work-Life Balance Benefits

• PTO accumulation: 15-30 days annually

• Flexible scheduling options

• Compressed work weeks (three 12-hour shifts)

• Self-scheduling units gaining popularity

Future Outlook and Salary Projections

2027-2030 Projections

Industry analysts predict continued strong growth in nurses salary through 2030:

• 2027: $103,850 (4% projected increase)

• 2028: $107,990 (4% projected increase)

• 2029: $111,750 (3.5% projected increase)

• 2030: $115,100 (3% projected increase)

These projections assume continued nursing shortages and steady healthcare demand growth. However, several factors could accelerate or decelerate these trends.

Factors Driving Future Salaries

Positive Pressure on Salaries:

• Aging population increasing healthcare demand

• Mass retirements creating 89,000 annual RN vacancies

• Expanding scope of practice for nurses

• Technology requiring more skilled nursing professionals

• Value-based care models recognizing nursing contributions

Potential Moderating Factors:

• Increased nursing school enrollment

• International nurse recruitment programs

• Healthcare automation reducing some nursing tasks

• Telehealth changing care delivery models

The consensus among healthcare economists suggests that nursing salaries will continue outpacing general wage growth through at least 2035, making nursing an increasingly attractive career choice.

Maximizing Your Nursing Salary

Strategic Career Planning

To maximize how much does a nurse make a year, consider these evidence-based strategies:

Geographic Arbitrage: Living in a low-cost area while working in a high-paying nearby market. Example: Living in New Jersey while working in New York City, or residing in Nevada while working in California.

Education Timing: Pursuing advanced degrees while working, using employer tuition benefits. Many nurses complete MSN programs debt-free through strategic use of employer benefits.

Specialty Progression: Starting in med-surg to build foundation, then moving to ICU for experience, ultimately pursuing CRNA or NP roles for maximum earning potential.

Contract and Travel Nursing: Short-term assignments paying $2,000-4,000 weekly during peak demand periods. Some nurses alternate between travel assignments and staff positions to maximize earnings while maintaining work-life balance.

Negotiation Strategies

Understanding market rates empowers salary negotiations:

1. Research local rates using BLS data and salary surveys

2. Document your value through certifications, experience, and achievements

3. Consider total compensation, not just base salary

4. Time negotiations strategically during hiring freezes or shortages

5. Leverage competing offers respectfully and professionally

Real example: Jennifer, an experienced pediatric nurse, researched that similar positions paid $92,000 in her market. Armed with this data and her certifications, she negotiated from an $85,000 offer to $90,000 plus an additional week of PTO.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do nurses make right out of school?

New graduate RNs typically earn $65,000-75,000 annually, varying by location and degree type. BSN graduates generally start $3,000-5,000 higher than ADN graduates. High-cost areas like California offer starting salaries of $90,000-100,000, while rural areas might start at $55,000-60,000.

What is the difference between RN salary and LPN salary?

RNs earn approximately 40-50% more than LPNs nationally. The average LPN salary is $59,730 compared to $99,840 for RNs. This difference reflects the broader scope of practice, additional education requirements, and increased responsibilities of RNs.

How much does a nurse make per hour?

The national average hourly wage for RNs is $48.00 in 2026. However, this ranges from $31.75 in lower-paying states to $71.87 in California. Specialty nurses like CRNAs can earn $108.60 hourly, while new graduates might start at $31-35 hourly.

Do male nurses make more than female nurses?

Studies show a persistent 5-9% wage gap favoring male nurses, even accounting for experience and specialty. Male nurses are more likely to negotiate salaries and pursue high-paying specialties like anesthesia. However, this gap is narrowing as awareness increases and more facilities implement transparent pay scales.

Is travel nursing worth the higher pay?

Travel nurses earn $1,800-3,500 weekly, potentially doubling annual income. However, consider costs like maintaining multiple licenses, travel expenses, and lack of employer benefits. Many nurses find 1-2 years of travel nursing financially transformative, using earnings to pay off debt or save for major purchases.

How much do nurses make in retirement?

While there's no specific "retirement salary," many nurses transition to part-time or consulting roles. Per-diem nurses earn $50-75 hourly with complete schedule flexibility. Nurse consultants can earn $75-150 hourly. Some retired nurses teach, earning $60,000-80,000 annually in nursing programs.

Conclusion: Your Nursing Salary Journey

Understanding how much nurses make provides crucial insight for career planning, but salary represents just one aspect of nursing's rewards. The profession offers unmatched job security, meaningful work, and diverse career paths. Whether you're drawn to the high-tech environment of ICU nursing or the community focus of public health, nursing provides both financial stability and professional fulfillment.

The data clearly shows that investing in your nursing career—through education, certifications, and strategic positioning—pays substantial dividends. With average salaries approaching six figures nationally and specialized roles exceeding $200,000, nursing offers economic opportunity alongside the intrinsic rewards of patient care.

As healthcare continues evolving, nurses remain indispensable. The combination of competitive salaries, comprehensive benefits, and career flexibility makes nursing an excellent choice for those seeking both financial security and purposeful work. Whether you're considering nursing school or planning your next career move, use this guide to make informed decisions about your professional future.