Nursing Salary by State: How Much Do Nurses Earn for 2025
Co-Founder and Chief Data Scientist
Nursing is one of the most in-demand professions in the U.S., offering stable career opportunities and competitive salaries. However, how much a nurse earns can vary significantly depending on location, credentials, experience, and specialty. While some states offer six-figure salaries to attract and retain healthcare professionals, others fall below the national average, making it essential for nurses to understand their earning potential based on where they work.
This guide provides a state-by-state breakdown of nursing salaries, comparing wages for registered nurses (RNs), licensed practical nurses (LPNs), and advanced practice nurses. We will also explore factors influencing pay, including cost of living, demand, and specialization. If you are a current nurse considering relocation or a student planning your career, this comprehensive salary overview will help you make informed decisions.
Key Things You Should Know About Nursing Salary by State
- Nurse salaries vary widely based on location. States with high demand for healthcare professionals, such as California, New York, and Massachusetts, tend to offer higher salaries, while states with lower costs of living, such as Mississippi and Alabama, often pay less. Understanding these differences is crucial when choosing where to work.
- A higher salary does not always mean higher purchasing power. For example, while California nurses earn the highest salaries, the state's high cost of living can offset these earnings. Comparing salary figures alongside housing, taxes, and daily expenses can help nurses determine the best financial decision.
- Nurses with additional education, such as a BSN, MSN, or DNP, generally earn more than those with an ADN or LPN certification. Specialized roles, such as Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) and Nurse Practitioners (NPs), also command significantly higher salaries than general RNs.
- Like most professions, experience directly impacts salary. Entry-level nurses start on the lower end of the pay scale, but salaries increase significantly with years of experience, additional certifications, and leadership roles. Some hospitals also offer longevity bonuses and incentives to retain experienced staff.
- States facing severe nurse shortages often increase wages or provide incentives such as signing bonuses, tuition reimbursement, and loan forgiveness programs to attract nurses. Areas with staffing crises, such as rural regions or underfunded hospitals, may also offer higher wages through travel nursing contracts or flexible scheduling options
Table of Contents
- What is the average nursing salary in the United States for 2025?
- What factors influence a nurse’s salary in the U.S.?
- How does nursing pay compare across different states?
- Which states offer the best salary-to-cost-of-living ratio for nurses?
- How does a BSN degree affect RN salary compared to an ADN?
- How do advanced nursing degrees (MSN, DNP) impact earning potential?
- What are the highest-paying nursing specialties?
- How can advanced education and certifications boost nursing salaries?
- What accelerated educational pathways can boost career growth and compensation?
- How can accelerated education influence nursing salary growth?
- How can non-nursing professionals effectively transition into nursing careers?
- What specialized certifications can boost your career earnings?
- How Can Nurses Strategically Negotiate Their Salary?
- How does the nursing shortage impact salaries in different states?
- How does the national average nursing salary compare to other healthcare professions?
- What is the long-term job outlook for the nursing profession?
- Other Things You Should Know About Nursing Salary by State
What is the average nursing salary in the United States for 2025?
Nursing salaries in the United States vary significantly based on credentials, education level, and experience. BSN-prepared registered nurses (RNs) enjoy an annual average take-home pay of $88,000 in 2024. Below is an overview of average annual salaries corresponding to different nursing roles and educational achievements:
Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs)
- Average Salary: Approximately $59,730 per year.
Registered Nurses (RNs)
- Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN): Average salary of $82,000 annually.
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN): Average salary of $88,000 annually.
Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs)
- Nurse Practitioners (NPs): Average salary of $118,000 per year.
- Clinical Nurse Specialists (CNSs): Average salary of $114,000 per year.
- Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs): Average salary of $217,000 per year.
- Nurse Midwives (NMs): Average salary of $120,000 per year.
Doctoral-Level Nurses
- Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) or PhD: Average salary of $87,238 per year.
What factors influence a nurse’s salary in the U.S.?
Several key factors influence a nurse's salary in the United States, including education, experience, geographic location, specialization, employment setting, union affiliation, and compensation structure.
- Education and Experience: Higher educational qualifications and accumulated experience typically lead to increased earnings. Nurses with advanced degrees from online nursing programs, such as a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), often earn more than those with associate degrees. Additionally, substantial pay increases are common in the early years of a nursing career, with more modest raises as experience grows.
- Geographic Location: Nursing salary varies significantly across different regions, often reflecting the local cost of living and demand for healthcare services. Urban areas or states with higher living expenses tend to offer higher wages to compensate.
- Specialization: Nurses who specialize in high-demand fields, such as anesthesia or critical care, often command higher salaries due to the advanced skills and additional training required. This means that while MSN salary is higher than BSN salary, pursuing specialized roles boost annual pay even more.
- Employment Setting: The type of healthcare facility impacts compensation. Hospitals may offer competitive salaries due to the demanding nature of the work, while outpatient clinics or educational institutions might provide more regular hours but potentially lower pay.
- Union Affiliation: Nurses working in unionized environments often receive higher wages. For example, those in facilities with collective bargaining units earn an average of $9,200 more annually than their non-union counterparts.
- Compensation Structure: How nurses are paid—salary versus hourly—also affects earnings. Salaried nurses typically earn about $2,300 more per year than those paid hourly.
- Gender and Family Considerations: Gender disparities exist, with male nurses earning approximately $3,200 more annually than female nurses. Additionally, nurses with children under 18 years old at home tend to earn $2,300 less per year than those without.
How does nursing pay compare across different states?
Nursing salary in the United States varies significantly across different states due to factors such as cost of living, demand for healthcare services, and state-specific policies. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and American Nurses Association data, the national average annual salary for BSN-prepared registered nurses (RNs) is $88,000.
The highest-paying states for RNs are:
Conversely, states with the lowest average RN salaries include:
Note that these figures represent gross income before taxes and deductions. While some states offer higher salaries, they may also have a higher cost of living, which can impact the overall financial benefit. For instance, California's cost-of-living index is 112.5, meaning expenses are 12.5% higher than the national average.
When considering employment opportunities, nurses should evaluate both the salary and the cost of living in a particular state to assess the true value of their earnings.
The following chart illustrates the median annual wages for registered nurses across various industries, providing insight into where nurses earn the most. This data highlights that significant salary variations exist not just among states but can also be dependent on the specific employment sector.
Which states offer the best salary-to-cost-of-living ratio for nurses?
When evaluating the best salary-to-cost-of-living ratios for nurses in the United States, one should take into account both the average nursing salaries and the cost of living in each state. Adjusting salaries for cost of living provides a clearer picture of the actual purchasing power and financial well-being of nurses in different regions.
According to data from Becker's Hospital Review, which adjusted registered nurse (RN) hourly mean wages by the cost of living index for each state, the top states offering the most favorable salary-to-cost-of-living ratios are:
These figures suggest that, after adjusting for cost of living, states like California, Minnesota, and Georgia offer nurses a more favorable balance between earnings and expenses. While California has a high cost of living, its substantial nursing wages compensate, resulting in a competitive adjusted wage. Conversely, states with lower nominal wages may offer better purchasing power due to a significantly lower cost of living.
When considering employment opportunities, nurses should evaluate both the nominal salary and the cost of living to determine the most advantageous locations for their professional and personal needs.
Nurses exploring specific career paths—such as those researching how to become a triage nurse—should also consider regional differences. Some states may offer better training opportunities, work-life balance, or compensation packages depending on the facility and patient volume, all of which can influence your long-term job satisfaction and financial outlook.
How does a BSN degree affect RN salary compared to an ADN?
Earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) typically leads to higher salaries for registered nurses (RNs) compared to those holding an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN). Here's a comparison based on available data:
- ADN-Prepared Nurses: Approximately $78,000
- BSN-Prepared Nurses: Approximately $88,000
This indicates that BSN-prepared nurses earn, on average, $17,000 more annually than their ADN-prepared counterparts.
- Career Advancement: A BSN not only enhances earning potential but also opens doors to advanced roles such as nurse manager, public health nurse, and nurse informaticist, which may not be as accessible to those with an ADN.
- Employer Preferences: Many healthcare employers show a strong preference for hiring nurses with a BSN. According to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN), 70% of employers prefer BSN graduates, and 25% require a BSN for new hires.
- Impact on Patient Outcomes: Studies have linked higher education levels among nurses to improved patient outcomes, including reduced mortality rates and shorter hospital stays.
Obtaining a BSN can significantly enhance a nursing salary, career opportunities, and ability to provide high-quality patient care. However, earning nursing certifications can further boost annual pay.
How do advanced nursing degrees (MSN, DNP) impact earning potential?
In 2024, 11% of licensed RNs have completed an additional degree qualifying them as an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN). Advancing your nursing education to a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) can significantly enhance your earning potential.
- MSN-prepared nurses earn approximately $94,000 annually, equating to an hourly wage of about $45.19.
- DNP-prepared nurses have an average annual salary of around $102,000, with an hourly wage of approximately $49.04.
Experience further influences earnings for both MSN and DNP holders. Below is a comparative overview:
Advanced degrees also open doors to specialized roles for highest paid nurses.
Pursuing advanced nursing degrees like the MSN or DNP can lead to substantial increases in earning potential, with a doctorate in nursing salary typically higher than their MSN counterparts. These degrees, as shown in the next chart, also provide opportunities for specialization and leadership roles within the healthcare system.
What are the highest-paying nursing specialties?
Advancing within the nursing profession can lead to significantly higher salaries, particularly when specializing in certain high-demand areas. Here are some of the top-paying nursing specialties:
Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA)
- Average Annual Salary: $212,650
- Role Overview: CRNAs administer anesthesia for surgical and other medical procedures, requiring meticulous attention to detail and extensive training.
- Educational Requirements: Master’s degree in nursing (MSN) with a focus on anesthesia and national certification from the National Board of Certification and Recertification for Nurse Anesthetists (NBCRNA).
Nursing Administrator
- Average Annual Salary: $119,840
- Role Overview: Nursing administrators oversee medical services, manage staff coordination, and handle various administrative duties within healthcare facilities.
- Educational Requirements: Advanced degrees in nursing, often coupled with business administration education.
Nurse Practitioner (NP)
- Average Annual Salary: $126,260
- Role Overview: NPs provide primary and specialized care, often with greater autonomy than registered nurses, and may focus on specific patient populations such as pediatrics or geriatrics.
- Educational Requirements: Master’s degree in nursing (MSN) and state-specific nurse practitioner licensure.
Certified Nurse-Midwife (CNM)
- Average Annual Salary: $129,650
- Role Overview: CNMs specialize in women's reproductive health, providing prenatal care, assisting with labor and delivery, and offering postpartum support.
- Educational Requirements: Master’s degree in nursing (MSN) and certification from the American Midwifery Certification Board.
Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS)
- Average Annual Salary: $100,523
- Role Overview: CNSs focus on improving patient outcomes through specialized care, research, and education within specific areas such as oncology or cardiology.
- Educational Requirements: Master’s or doctoral degree in nursing and clinical nurse specialist certification.
How can advanced education and certifications boost nursing salaries?
Advanced education and targeted certifications play a pivotal role in positioning nurses for roles with enhanced responsibilities and higher compensation. Pursuing degrees beyond the ADN, such as obtaining a BSN or an advanced degree, opens pathways to specialized and leadership positions that often offer significant salary premiums. Moreover, professional development through certification courses and specialized training can provide a competitive edge in a market that increasingly values advanced expertise. For example, enrolling in RN to MSN bridge programs enables experienced nurses to expedite their transition into graduate-level roles, thereby maximizing their earning potential without redundant coursework.
What accelerated educational pathways can boost career growth and compensation?
Accelerated programs offer a strategic route for nurses to transition rapidly into advanced roles with higher compensation. These pathways are designed to leverage clinical experience and focused academics to shorten the time required for credential attainment. For instance, enrollment in a fast track FNP program enables practitioners to expedite the process of assuming advanced practice responsibilities. By aligning education with immediate job market needs, such programs not only address evolving workforce demands but also enhance long-term career progression and earning potential.
How can accelerated education influence nursing salary growth?
Accelerated education programs provide a streamlined pathway to advanced credentials, enabling nurses to quickly enhance their clinical expertise and move into higher-responsibility roles that often command increased compensation. This approach allows professionals to meet evolving market demands without unnecessary delays in career advancement. Engaging in programs like accelerated RN to BSN can offer a strategic advantage by aligning academic progression with immediate job market opportunities, thereby optimizing long-term earning potential.
How can non-nursing professionals effectively transition into nursing careers?
For individuals without prior healthcare experience, entering nursing requires strategic planning and targeted education. Candidates should focus on accredited, accelerated programs that streamline the pathway to licensure while providing robust clinical training. Options like direct entry MSN programs for non nurses online are designed to bridge the gap between non-clinical backgrounds and advanced nursing roles. Evaluating program outcomes, curriculum rigor, and post-graduation support can ensure a smooth transition and contribute to long-term salary growth and career advancement in the nursing field.
What specialized certifications can boost your career earnings?
Specialized certifications not only validate advanced clinical expertise but also open pathways to niche roles that command premium pay. Integrating certification into your professional portfolio can enhance your competitive edge and improve negotiation leverage for salary increases. For instance, certifications tailored to psychiatric nursing have shown potential to offer significant financial advantages in specialized settings. Prospective candidates can review programs that align with career goals by considering options like the cheapest PMHNP certificate programs. This strategic investment in credentials helps meet market demands and contributes to long-term career growth without duplicating previously discussed educational pathways.
How Can Nurses Strategically Negotiate Their Salary?
Nurses can enhance their earning potential by leveraging comprehensive market research and quantifiable accomplishments during salary negotiations. Understanding regional compensation trends, demand fluctuations, and cost-of-living adjustments enables informed discussions with employers. Additionally, highlighting advanced qualifications, such as specialized certifications or further education, reinforces a nurse’s negotiation position. Exploring accelerated career paths—like enrolling in direct entry NP programs for non-nursing majors—can also provide leverage for higher starting salaries and further career advancement. Employing a data-driven approach and focusing on measurable contributions are key strategies in securing competitive salary packages.
How does the nursing shortage impact salaries in different states?
The nursing shortage in the United States significantly influences nurse salaries across various states. States experiencing acute shortages often offer higher wages to attract and retain nursing staff. For instance, California, facing a substantial demand for nurses, offers a median annual salary of $137,690, the highest in the nation. In contrast, Alabama, with a lesser demand, has a median annual salary of $65,900.
Additionally, states with pronounced nursing shortages may experience increased reliance on gig work apps to fill staffing gaps. Nurses utilizing these platforms can earn significantly higher pay rates—sometimes double the standard hourly wage—due to the urgent need for staff in understaffed facilities. This is particularly evident with labor and delivery nurse salary variations among states.
How does the national average nursing salary compare to other healthcare professions?
In the United States, registered nurses earn competitive salaries within the healthcare sector, though these figures vary when compared to other medical professions. Nursing salaries, particularly those of APRNs, are competitive within the healthcare sector. However, they generally fall below the earnings of physicians and some other specialized healthcare professionals.
The next chart shows that while RNs earn a respectable income, advanced practice roles and specialized medical professions often command higher salaries, reflecting the additional education, training, and responsibilities associated with those positions. Similarly, if you're exploring adjacent roles in healthcare environments—such as hospital security—it’s helpful to ask how do you qualify as a security guard, since requirements differ by state and employer, and often include licensing and specific training.
What is the long-term job outlook for the nursing profession?
The nursing profession is projected to experience significant growth in the coming years, driven by an aging global population and increased healthcare needs. The World Health Organization estimates that by 2030, an additional 9 million nurses and midwives will be required worldwide to meet global demands. This anticipated shortage underscores the critical need for investment in nursing education, improved working conditions, and strategies to retain existing healthcare professionals. Similar to discussions around sales representative education requirements, ensuring accessible and clearly defined pathways into nursing is essential to attract new talent into the field.
However, current trends present challenges to addressing this shortage. For instance, in England, there has been a significant decline in nursing applicants, with some regions experiencing up to a 40% drop between 2020 and 2023.
Additionally, a notable number of nurses are leaving the profession within the first decade, citing factors such as burnout, inadequate pay, and poor working conditions. These issues are not unlike those seen in other public service careers, where understanding probation officer qualifications can help clarify expectations and support retention by ensuring professionals are well-prepared and supported from the outset. They also highlight the urgency for comprehensive reforms to ensure a sustainable and robust nursing workforce capable of meeting future healthcare challenges.
Here’s What Nurses Have to Say About Nursing Salary by State
- Nursing has provided me with both financial stability and immense personal fulfillment. While salaries do vary significantly by state, the ability to make a real difference in people's lives is priceless. The flexibility and growth opportunities have made it an incredibly rewarding career path. Viktoria
- The demand for nurses is high, and I've found that my BSN has opened doors to higher-paying positions, especially in states with a higher cost of living. Beyond the financial benefits, the emotional connection with patients and the supportive community within the profession make it a truly special experience. Alvin
- Transitioning to travel nursing allowed me to explore different states and experience diverse healthcare settings, all while earning a competitive salary. The sense of purpose and the ability to provide critical care in various communities have been profoundly meaningful, and the financial rewards have supported my personal goals. Michelle
Key Findings
- The World Health Organization projects a global need for an additional 9 million nurses and midwives by 2030.
- Salaried nurses generally earn approximately $2,300 more annually compared to nurses paid hourly.
- The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported the national average annual salary for registered nurses at $86,070, or $41.38 per hour, as of May 2023.
- Nurses with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) earn, on average, $17,000 more per year than those with an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN).
- A significant 70% of employers prefer BSN graduates, and 25% require a BSN for new hires, according to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN).
- In 2024, 11% of licensed registered nurses have achieved advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) status.
Other Things You Should Know About Nursing Salary by State
What are the projected salary trends for RNs and NPs?
Based on current trends, RN salaries are projected to continue their upward trajectory, driven by the persistent nursing shortage and increasing demand for healthcare services. Advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs), particularly nurse practitioners (NPs), are expected to see even stronger salary growth due to their expanded roles and the rising need for primary care providers. Factors like location, specialization, and experience will continue to significantly influence individual earning potential.
Do LPN salaries vary significantly from state to state?
LPN salaries show significant variation across different states. Factors like cost of living, demand for healthcare services, and the prevalence of healthcare facilities greatly influence these disparities. For example, states with higher costs of living and greater healthcare needs tend to offer significantly higher LPN salaries compared to those with lower costs and less demand.
How do salaries for nurses in government hospitals compare to private facilities?
Salaries for nurses in government hospitals often differ from those in private facilities. Government hospitals may offer more stable employment and robust benefits, but private facilities sometimes provide higher base pay, especially for specialized roles or in areas with high demand. However, the overall compensation package, including benefits, can vary widely in both sectors.
Why do some states pay nurses more than others?
Several factors contribute to state-to-state variations in nursing salaries. Higher costs of living, greater demand for nurses due to shortages or aging populations, and stronger union presence often lead to increased pay. Additionally, states with more specialized healthcare facilities or a higher concentration of high-paying industries may offer more competitive salaries to attract and retain qualified nurses.
References
- American Nurses Association. (2024). 2024 nursing trends and salary survey. My American Nurse.
- Association of PeriOperative Registered Nurses. (2024). Pay increases dipped, staffing improved: 6 salary survey takeaways. AORN.
- Becker's Hospital Review. (2024). 2024 nurse salary and job satisfaction report.
- Bureau of Health Workforce. (2024). National sample survey of registered nurses: United States results fact sheet. Health Resources and Services Administration.
- Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2023). Occupational employment and wage statistics: Registered nurses. U.S. Department of Labor.
- Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2023). Registered nurses. U.S. Department of Labor.
- NurseContact. (2024). RN pay across the U.S. adjusted for cost of living: A comprehensive guide for international nurses.
- Pulse. (2024). How much do nurse specialties pay in 2024? Here's what we know. AJC.
