Registered Nurse Salaries by State: 2024 BLS Data

Registered nurses (RNs) are the backbone of the U.S. healthcare system and, with over 3 million employed, one of the largest single occupations in the country. BLS OEWS data provides detailed wage estimates for RNs in every state and metropolitan area.

National Median Wage

The national median annual wage for registered nurses reflects strong demand across all care settings — hospitals, outpatient clinics, schools, and home health. Median hourly wages in nursing are also well above the overall workforce median.

Highest-Paying States

California consistently ranks as the top-paying state for RNs by a wide margin, driven by both high cost of living and strong union representation. Hawaii, Oregon, and Washington round out the top tier. Southern states like Mississippi and Alabama tend to show lower median wages.

Travel Nursing Premium

The BLS OEWS figures reflect base employment wages and may not fully capture travel nurse contract rates, which surged dramatically during the COVID-19 pandemic and have since moderated. Travel nursing remains a premium option for experienced RNs seeking higher short-term earnings.

Nursing Specialties and Related Roles

Higher specialization generally means higher pay. See wages for nurse midwives and compare them to the broader nursing picture. For those considering advancing into an NP or CRNA role, the pay premium is substantial.

Browse Healthcare Wages

Explore the full Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations group for salary data on physicians, therapists, pharmacists, and more.