Nurse Salary by State Calculator
Find out exactly what nurses earn in your state – RN, LPN, NP, CRNA, and CNA all in one place.
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Explore Healthcare Career ComparisonsFrequently Asked Questions
How accurate is this nurse salary data?
All figures are sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program, updated with 2024 data. BLS surveys over 1.1 million employer establishments annually, making it the most comprehensive source of wage data in the U.S. Individual salaries will vary based on specialty, experience, employer type, and shift differentials.
Why do nurse salaries vary so much by state?
State-level variation is driven by cost of living, unionization rates, state-specific nurse-to-patient ratio laws (California has the strictest), demand for nurses versus local supply, and whether states participate in compact licensing. California, Hawaii, Oregon, and Washington consistently pay the highest RN salaries due to strong union presence and high cost of living adjustments.
What is the difference between RN and NP salary?
Nurse Practitioners (NPs) earn significantly more than Registered Nurses – typically 40-50% more – because NPs hold a graduate degree (MSN or DNP) and have full or partial prescriptive authority depending on the state. NPs can diagnose conditions, manage treatment plans, and often practice independently. The additional 2-4 years of education required pays off substantially over a career.
Do these figures include overtime and shift differentials?
BLS mean annual wages reflect base compensation reported by employers and generally do not capture overtime, bonuses, or night/weekend shift differentials. Nurses working night shifts, overtime, or in high-demand specialties like ICU or emergency departments commonly earn 15-25% above the base figures shown here.
Which nursing role has the best return on education investment?
The CRNA (Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist) typically offers the highest ROI for advanced nursing roles, with mean salaries exceeding $195,000 nationally. For those starting from scratch, the RN pathway (2-4 years, no graduate degree required) offers strong earnings with broad job availability. NPs offer an excellent middle ground – significant salary increase with 2-3 additional years of graduate education beyond the BSN.