Nurse Salary Calculator
Compare nursing salaries across all 50 U.S. states and territories. Select your state, nurse type and experience level to see hourly and annual pay powered by official Bureau of Labor Statistics 2024 data.
How the Nurse Salary Calculator Works
Our calculator uses data published by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program. Salary figures are broken down by percentile — the 10th percentile represents entry-level pay, the 25th reflects early-career earnings, the median (50th) shows mid-career compensation, and the 75th and 90th percentiles represent experienced and senior-level salaries respectively. Simply choose your state, nursing role, and experience band to get an instant comparison.
Nursing Roles Covered
- Registered Nurses (RN) — The largest nursing workforce, providing direct patient care in hospitals, clinics, and community health settings.
- Nurse Practitioners (NP) — Advanced-practice nurses who diagnose, treat, and prescribe medications, often serving as primary care providers.
- Nurse Anesthetists (CRNA) — Highly specialized nurses who administer anesthesia and are among the highest-paid professionals in nursing.
- Nurse Midwives (CNM) — Provide prenatal, labor, delivery, and postpartum care as well as gynecological services.
- Licensed Practical / Vocational Nurses (LPN/LVN) — Provide basic nursing care under the supervision of RNs and physicians in a variety of healthcare settings.
Factors That Affect Nurse Salaries
While our calculator shows official BLS averages, your actual take-home pay can vary based on several factors:
- Geographic location — Cost of living and local demand greatly influence wages. States like California, Hawaii, and Massachusetts consistently rank at the top.
- Specialty and setting — ICU, ER, and OR nurses often earn premiums over general med-surg roles.
- Shift differentials — Night, weekend, and holiday shifts can add 10-20% to base pay.
- Education and certifications — BSN-prepared nurses and those with specialty certifications (CCRN, CEN, etc.) typically command higher salaries.
- Employer type — Federal and government positions often offer higher base pay and benefits compared to private facilities.
- Travel nursing — Travel nurse assignments can significantly boost earnings through tax-free stipends and higher contract rates.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do registered nurses make per year?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (2024), the median annual salary for Registered Nurses in the United States is approximately $86,070, though pay varies significantly by state, experience level, and specialty. Entry-level RNs can expect around $61,360, while experienced nurses in high-paying states like California can earn over $140,000 annually.
Which state pays nurses the most?
California consistently offers the highest nursing salaries, with a median annual wage of around $140,330 for Registered Nurses. Other high-paying states include Hawaii, Oregon, Washington, and Alaska. However, cost of living should be considered when comparing salaries across states.
How much do Nurse Practitioners make?
Nurse Practitioners (NPs) earn a median annual salary of approximately $126,260 nationally. Salaries range from around $97,000 at the entry level to over $165,000 for experienced NPs in high-paying states. NP salaries vary by state, specialty, and practice setting.
What is the salary of a Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA)?
Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) are among the highest-paid nursing professionals, with a median annual salary exceeding $212,000 nationally. In some states, experienced CRNAs earn over $250,000 per year.
How much do LPNs and LVNs make?
Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) and Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVNs) earn a median annual salary of approximately $59,730. Salaries range from around $39,000 for entry-level positions to over $65,000 for experienced LPNs in higher-paying states.
Where does the salary data come from?
All salary data in our Nurse Salary Calculator is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program, which surveys employers across all 50 states and U.S. territories. The current dataset reflects 2024 published figures.