Nurse salary by state
Estimated annual pay for every state and DC. Switch credential, search, sort, and adjust for cost of living to see where your paycheck goes furthest.
| State ↕ | Code | Annual ↕ | Hourly ↕ | COL index ↕ | Relative |
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Figures are rounded estimates compiled from public U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OEWS) data and regional price indexes; credential figures apply national ratios to state RN pay. They are for research only. Always confirm with employers and bls.gov.
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Enter your offer and compare it with the estimated state average.
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Travel and crisis contracts often pay well above staff rates. Ask vetted partners for full pay breakdowns — free, and no obligation.
Get travel pay packages →5 proven ways nurses raise their pay
- Add a specialty certification (CCRN, CEN, RNC-OB)
- Pick up nights and weekends for differentials
- Take travel or local contracts
- Finish your BSN, then an MSN, NP or CRNA degree
- Negotiate using market data like this page
Understanding nurse pay
Where you work matters about as much as what you do. West Coast and Northeast states lead on raw pay. After adjusting for housing and everyday costs, the ranking changes: several mid-cost states pull ahead because each dollar goes further.
Base pay vs. total compensation
Your hourly base is only part of the picture. Shift differentials (often $2–$8/hr for nights), weekend premiums, overtime at 1.5×, sign-on bonuses, and tuition reimbursement can add 10–25% to annual earnings. Travel contracts add tax-free housing and meal stipends when you keep a qualifying tax home.
Credentials that change the curve
Moving from LPN to RN, or from RN to NP or CRNA, is the biggest pay lever in nursing. Use our school match to compare accredited bridge programs, including online RN-to-BSN and NP tracks.