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 |
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 rank 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 contracts demand significantly higher income. Check our Travel Nurse Salary guide for more details.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the source of the data?
The salary data displayed in our Nurse Salary Calculator is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The current dataset reflects the latest data available as of March 2026.
How much do registered nurses make per year?
As per the latest BLS data, the median annual salary for Registered Nurses in the U.S. is approximately $86,070.
Entry-level RNs in some statescan 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. 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 top paid nursing professionals, with a median annual salary around $212,000 nationally.
In some states, experienced CRNAs earn more than $250,000 per year.
How much do LPNs and LVNs make?
As per the data, Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) and Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVNs) earn a median annual salary of $59,730.