Find a Job You Really Want In
Registered Nurses (RNs) remain one of the most sought-after professions in the United States. With a demand that spans across all 50 states, RNs are not just concentrated in major urban areas like California or the Southern states, but are vital to healthcare systems nationwide.
Given the critical role that Registered Nurses play in healthcare, we at Zippia have analyzed recent data to identify the best states for RNs to thrive in their careers, considering factors such as job availability and competitive salaries.
By examining data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and other reputable sources, we have compiled a list showcasing the top states where Registered Nurses can find rewarding job opportunities and fair compensation.
Here are the best states for Registered Nurses in 2026:
These states provide a combination of high salaries, a healthy job market, and opportunities for career advancement, making them ideal for Registered Nurses.
Curious about how we arrived at this list? Read on to discover our methodology and insights into the top ten states for Registered Nurses.
For further career insights, check out the following articles:
- Top 100 Highest Paying Jobs in Detroit
- Top 100 Highest Paying Jobs in Warren
- Top 100 Highest Paying Jobs in Michigan
How We Determined the Best States for Registered Nurses
At Zippia, we engage with job seekers from various backgrounds and have identified two essential factors that influence job satisfaction:
- Job Availability
- Competitive Pay
To determine the best states for Registered Nurses, we focused on job availability and salary metrics. The criteria evaluated include:
- Location Quotient: A measure of how prevalent nursing jobs are in a given state.
- Average Annual Salary.
- Average Annual Salary for Entry-Level Positions.
- Average Annual Salary for Experienced Professionals.
To ensure fair comparisons across states, we adjusted salary data based on the cost of living in each state. For instance, while Registered Nurses in California earn an average of $106,950, the salary in Illinois, at $73,890, often provides a better quality of life due to lower living costs.
Each state was ranked on these criteria from 1 to 50, with the lowest overall score indicating the best state for Registered Nurses.
Now, let’s delve into what makes each of these states exceptional for Registered Nurses.
1. Michigan
Total Jobs: 96,680
Average Annual Salary: $71,330
Average Entry Level Salary: $53,750
Average Experienced Salary: $93,590
Location Quotient: 1.1
2. Minnesota
Total Jobs: 69,000
Average Annual Salary: $78,920
Average Entry Level Salary: $56,150
Average Experienced Salary: $102,680
Location Quotient: 1.18
3. Delaware
Total Jobs: 11,840
Average Annual Salary: $74,800
Average Entry Level Salary: $55,280
Average Experienced Salary: $100,060
Location Quotient: 1.29
4. Illinois
Total Jobs: 129,400
Average Annual Salary: $73,890
Average Entry Level Salary: $51,190
Average Experienced Salary: $101,650
Location Quotient: 1.06
5. Oregon
Total Jobs: 36,020
Average Annual Salary: $91,080
Average Entry Level Salary: $66,830
Average Experienced Salary: $121,120
Location Quotient: 0.94
6. Texas
Total Jobs: 210,350
Average Annual Salary: $72,890
Average Entry Level Salary: $52,590
Average Experienced Salary: $98,170
Location Quotient: 0.85
7. Nevada
Total Jobs: 22,560
Average Annual Salary: $85,620
Average Entry Level Salary: $64,720
Average Experienced Salary: $111,690
Location Quotient: 0.82
8. Arizona
Total Jobs: 54,690
Average Annual Salary: $77,000
Average Entry Level Salary: $55,580
Average Experienced Salary: $100,720
Location Quotient: 0.96
9. Wisconsin
Total Jobs: 59,030
Average Annual Salary: $71,470
Average Entry Level Salary: $54,290
Average Experienced Salary: $94,290
Location Quotient: 1.02
10. New Mexico
Total Jobs: 16,730
Average Annual Salary: $71,730
Average Entry Level Salary: $53,620
Average Experienced Salary: $95,320
Location Quotient: 1.01
There You Have It – The Best States for Registered Nurses
If you’re starting your nursing career, consider these states for their high salaries, abundant job opportunities, and strong potential for career growth.
For those interested in the challenges, here are the states where being a Registered Nurse may be less advantageous:
For more insights, explore:
Detailed List of the Best States for Registered Nurses
| Rank | State | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Michigan | $71,330 |
| 2 | Minnesota | $78,920 |
| 3 | Delaware | $74,800 |
| 4 | Illinois | $73,890 |
| 5 | Oregon | $91,080 |
| 6 | Texas | $72,890 |
| 7 | Nevada | $85,620 |
| 8 | Arizona | $77,000 |
| 9 | Wisconsin | $71,470 |
| 10 | New Mexico | $71,730 |
| 11 | Ohio | $66,820 |
| 12 | Missouri | $65,130 |
| 13 | Washington | $82,670 |
| 14 | Indiana | $64,860 |
| 15 | Pennsylvania | $70,390 |
| 16 | Georgia | $68,950 |
| 17 | Idaho | $67,110 |
| 18 | California | $106,950 |
| 19 | Nebraska | $64,470 |
| 20 | Wyoming | $67,360 |
| 21 | Colorado | $74,240 |
| 22 | Kentucky | $63,100 |
| 23 | North Carolina | $64,850 |
| 24 | Mississippi | $58,490 |
| 25 | Massachusetts | $92,140 |
| 26 | Arkansas | $60,780 |
| 27 | Oklahoma | $63,080 |
| 28 | Montana | $67,450 |
| 29 | Utah | $65,670 |
| 30 | West Virginia | $61,780 |
| 31 | North Dakota | $65,740 |
| 32 | Tennessee | $61,320 |
| 33 | Alabama | $59,470 |
| 34 | Louisiana | $63,970 |
| 35 | Kansas | $61,030 |
| 36 | Rhode Island | $78,420 |
| 37 | New Jersey | $82,750 |
| 38 | Virginia | $69,790 |
| 39 | Florida | $66,210 |
| 40 | Alaska | $89,310 |
| 41 | Iowa | $59,130 |
| 42 | South Carolina | $64,940 |
| 43 | Maine | $67,610 |
| 44 | South Dakota | $58,340 |
| 45 | New York | $85,610 |
| 46 | New Hampshire | $72,760 |
| 47 | Vermont | $69,160 |
| 48 | Maryland | $76,820 |
| 49 | Connecticut | $81,220 |
| 50 | Hawaii | $98,080 |
Author
Chris Kolmar is a co-founder of Zippia and the editor-in-chief of the Zippia career advice blog. He has hired over 50 people in his career, been hired five times, and wants to help you land your next job. His research has been featured on the New York Times, Thrillist, VOX, The Atlantic, and a host of local news. More recently, he's been quoted on USA Today, BusinessInsider, and CNBC.
