Attention, registered nurses! Are you on the hunt for a new position that pays top dollar? Well, you 100% deserve it after the years of training and education you went through to become licensed. Registered nurses (RN) are in demand countrywide, but some states are offering particularly tempting pay rates.
We pulled together a list of top states in the US offering the highest salary for registered nurses, be sure to jot them down for your next job search!
Delaware
Average advertised salary: $147,506
Job openings: 1,472
Delaware may be the second smallest state in the US, but it packs a hefty punch when it comes to nursing jobs! With an average advertised salary of $147,506 – which is almost $50K more than what an average registered nurse earns in the US, Delaware may just be the best state for registered nurses to work in!
There were 1,472 openings available in March 2023, up +190% from 507 openings in March 2020, and the demand for registered nurses will continue to grow. In recent years, healthcare has been in the spotlight and the industry has been very vocal about medical talent shortage. According to Delaware News Journal, in October 2022, Delaware allocated $78 million in federal money to healthcare facilities struggling with staffing shortages, and the health systems in Delaware are offering big signing bonuses and significant increases in pay. According to the newly-published data by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average annual salary for registered nurses is $85,020.
Delaware has a relatively low income tax and an affordable cost of living compared to nearby states on the East Coast, making it a great place to stretch your paycheck. So, if you’re a registered nurse looking for a new job or don’t mind moving to another state, consider Delaware!
Maine
Average advertised salary: $143,026
Job openings: 2,517
Maine is an excellent state for nurses who want to earn a top-dollar salary and live by the sea. With an average advertised salary of $143,026 and over 2,500 job openings, there are plenty of opportunities for registered nurses in this picturesque coastal state.
Nursing is a stressful job, both physically and mentally. Studies have proven that spending time in nature can be an antidote for stress and burnout. Maine is famous for its rocky coastline, pristine forests, and sandy beaches, which are perfect locations for decompressing after a tough week at work.
South Dakota
Average advertised salary: $136,396
Job openings: 2,256
South Dakota may not be the first state that comes to mind when you think of nursing jobs, as it’s known for tourism and agriculture. But it’s actually one of the best places to work as a registered nurse, with an average advertised salary of $136,396 and over 2,000 jobs up for grabs.
Wisconsin
Average advertised salary: $135,408
Job openings: 6,497
Wisconsin is a fantastic state for nurses as healthcare plays a major role in the state’s economy. Wisconsin was also ranked fourth in the nation for the highest overall healthcare quality among 50 states. With an average advertised salary of $135,408 and a whopping 6,497 job openings, it’s definitely a brilliant idea to work as a nurse in Wisconsin. And if you happen to be a foodie, great news! Wisconsin’s nickname is “America’s Dairyland”. Expect great cheese, custards, cream puffs, and butter burgers!
North Dakota
Average advertised salary: $128,426
Job openings: 1,009
North Dakota may be sparsely populated, but the job market is strong, and the state has a low unemployment rate. The average advertised salary of a registered nurse is $128,426 and there were over 1,000 job openings in March 2023. If you prefer a tranquil lifestyle, consider getting a job in North Dakota. A bonus point if you’re into maple syrups and poutine, North Dakota is really close to Canada on the map. It takes around four hours to drive from Fargo to Canada.
Nebraska
Average advertised salary:$126,068
Job openings: 1,676
Nebraska is desperate for nurses. A recent study suggested that the state is on pace to be short of more than 5,000 nurses by 2025 due to burnout, aging nursing population and insufficient training funds. And there are nine counties that have zero registered nurses. This probably explains why registered nurses are well-paid in Nebraska. You can easily find job ads offering salaries of $126,068 on average. Another great bonus is that the cost of living is low in Nebraska, making it a great place to save money or pay off loans.
Iowa
Average advertised salary: $126,068
Job openings: 3,302
Iowa is a great state for nurses who have a family as it is famous for its low cost of living, affordable housing, and top-quality education. The average advertised salary for registered nurses is $126,068, and there were over 3,300 job openings up for grabs in March 2023. And when you’re not at work, you can go stargazing, explore the beautiful Mississippi River, or visit vibrant cities like Des Moines and Iowa City with your family.
Washington DC
Average advertised salary: $118,731
Job openings: 335
The capital city is a great place for younger nurses who love a vibrant city life. Washington DC is considered as the third best city for Millennials in the US, and Millennials make up almost a quarter of the city’s population. Registered nurses can easily find job ads advertising an average salary of $118,731. Notably, the average annual salary in Washington State is $101,670, way above the national average of $89,010. There are tons of ways to spend your paycheck as the city is home to world-class museums, theaters, bars and restaurants.
Minnesota
Average advertised salary: $117,181
Job openings: 5,815
Minnesota, “the Land of 10,000 Lakes”, is a state perfect for outdoorsy nurses who love lakes and festivals. While income tax is relatively high, an average advertised salary of a registered nurse is competitive ($117,181!), and there are close to 6,000 job openings. When you’re off duty, have as many tater tot hotdishes (casserole) as you want and definitely check out the lakes.
Alaska
Average advertised salary: $116,767
Job openings: 502
Alaska may be the most remote state on this list, but it’s also one of the best places to work as a nurse. You can find jobs with an advertised salary of $116,767. What’s more, Alaska will pay you to move there. You can expect to take home $800 to $1,100 from their Permanent Fund Dividend Program. There is also no state income tax or sales tax, making Alaska a great place to live if finance is your big concern. Expect to see the Northern Lights between September and late April and experience long light nights in summer!
Looking for more inspiration?
If you are curious about the number of RN jobs available in your state and how big of a pay packet your next employer is probably going to offer you, check out these two maps! Simply point your cursor to the state and you’ll find the answers.
If you’re up for a new adventure and want to earn top dollar as a registered nurse, definitely look for jobs in these ten states during your job search on Adzuna.
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