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.
How the Nurse Salary Calculator Works
Our calculator uses data published by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) as of March 2026. Simply choose your state, nursing role, and experience band to get an instant comparison.
Top 25 Highest-Paying States for Registered Nurses
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) 2024.
( Latest data available as of March 2026 )
| # | State | Median Annual Salary | Median Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | California | $140,330 | $67.47/hr |
| 2 | Hawaii | $136,320 | $65.54/hr |
| 3 | Oregon | $123,990 | $59.61/hr |
| 4 | Washington | $112,180 | $53.93/hr |
| 5 | Alaska | $110,690 | $53.22/hr |
| 6 | New York | $105,600 | $50.77/hr |
| 7 | District of Columbia | $104,550 | $50.27/hr |
| 8 | New Jersey | $102,730 | $49.39/hr |
| 9 | Nevada | $101,990 | $49.03/hr |
| 10 | Massachusetts | $101,970 | $49.03/hr |
| 11 | Connecticut | $101,590 | $48.84/hr |
| 12 | Minnesota | $100,870 | $48.50/hr |
| 13 | Rhode Island | $99,960 | $48.06/hr |
| 14 | Arizona | $96,890 | $46.58/hr |
| 15 | Maryland | $96,830 | $46.55/hr |
| 16 | New Hampshire | $96,830 | $46.55/hr |
| 17 | Colorado | $96,520 | $46.40/hr |
| 18 | Delaware | $92,610 | $44.53/hr |
| 19 | Texas | $90,010 | $43.27/hr |
| 20 | Virginia | $88,820 | $42.70/hr |
| 21 | New Mexico | $88,260 | $42.43/hr |
| 22 | Pennsylvania | $87,610 | $42.12/hr |
| 23 | Georgia | $86,560 | $41.61/hr |
| 24 | Illinois | $86,410 | $41.54/hr |
| 25 | Idaho | $86,100 | $41.39/hr |
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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 consistently ranks at the top.
- Specialty and setting — ICU, ER, and OR nurses often earn premiums over general nursing 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.
- Travel nursing — Travel nurse projects demand significantly higher income. Check our Travel Nurse Salary Calculator for more details.
Frequently Asked Questions
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). The current dataset reflects latest data available (2024) as of March 2026.
How much do registered nurses make per year?
According to the latest data from Bureau of Labor Statistics available (2024), the median annual salary for Registered Nurses in the USA is approximately $86,070. 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.
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.