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The Highest-Paying States for New Nurses
Where you launch your career affects what you earn. This guide breaks down median nursing salaries by experience level, ranks the highest-paying states for ne…
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Where you launch your career affects what you earn. This guide breaks down median nursing salaries by experience level, ranks the highest-paying states for new nurses, and lists median earnings two years after graduation in all 50 states.
What Is the Starting Salary for New Nurses?
The median starting salary in your first year of licensure is about $60,000. After that first year, earnings climb by roughly $8,000 as you gain experience. Expect your first year or two to be about learning the workplace and its systems, caring for patients, working on interprofessional teams, and charting.
The table below shows median nationwide salaries from the 2022 National Nursing Workforce Survey. Your actual pay depends on where you work (location and setting), your degree level (associate or bachelor's), your residency experience, and your specialty.
Median Annual Salary by Number of Years Licensed as an RN
| Number of Years Licensed as an RN | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 0-1 Year | $60,000 |
| 2-5 Years | $68,000 |
| 6-10 Years | $75,000 |
| 11 Years or More | $82,000 |
Source: 2022 National Nursing Workforce Survey
The Highest-Paying States for New Nurses
These states pay new graduates the most, and each combines high demand with a high cost of living.
1. California, $104,000
California pays high largely because of a nursing shortage estimated at 36,000 RNs, worsened by the COVID-19 pandemic. Strong unionization and a high cost of living keep wages competitive, and the state mandates RN-to-patient ratios. It also offers beaches, mountains, deserts, and major cities like Los Angeles and San Francisco.
2. Hawaii, $100,000
Hawaii is among the most expensive states to live in. Because of its location, nearly every necessity costs more than it does on the mainland. Even adjusted for cost of living, Hawaii nursing salaries rank high. The two major metro areas are Honolulu and Kahului-Wailuku-Lahaina, both offering entertainment, culture, and the outdoor recreation the islands are known for.
3. Oregon, $91,500
Oregon faces a shortage tied to bottlenecks in nursing education, and new graduates help meet demand as the state works to clear them. Even adjusted for the high cost of living, Oregon RN salaries average above $90,000, and the state's outdoor attractions are a draw.
4. District of Columbia, $90,000
Despite not being a state, Washington, D.C. ranks among the highest-paying areas for nurses. It is home to some of the best hospitals and health systems in the country, with openings across many settings, plus historic sites and museums.
5. New York, $90,000
New York City has some of the most prestigious hospitals and health systems in the world. Rent and housing are expensive, though many rely on public transit to cut costs. RN salaries are high to match the cost of living, and the rest of the state offers plenty of culture and entertainment beyond the city.
New Nurse Graduate Salaries by State
The table below lists median earnings two years after graduation for all 50 states, compiled from College Scorecard and based on the highest level of education attained. California tops the list at $80,734, and Alabama logs the lowest at $53,178.
Median Earnings of New Nurse Graduates
| State | Median Earnings 2 Years After Graduation |
|---|---|
| California | $80,734 |
| Oregon | $71,982 |
| New Jersey | $71,387 |
| Nevada | $70,799 |
| District of Columbia | $70,578 |
| Connecticut | $70,527 |
| New York | $70,400 |
| Alaska | $70,300 |
| Delaware | $68,773 |
| Rhode Island | $67,695 |
| Massachusetts | $67,193 |
| Hawaii | $66,927 |
| Washington | $66,050 |
| New Mexico | $65,587 |
| Arizona | $64,502 |
| New Hampshire | $63,787 |
| Maryland | $63,496 |
| Texas | $63,164 |
| Pennsylvania | $62,789 |
| Minnesota | $61,754 |
| Montana | $61,550 |
| Idaho | $61,289 |
| Vermont | $61,072 |
| North Dakota | $60,419 |
| Louisiana | $60,286 |
| Illinois | $59,472 |
| Nebraska | $59,123 |
| Georgia | $59,053 |
| Colorado | $58,849 |
| Michigan | $58,515 |
| Wisconsin | $58,324 |
| Oklahoma | $58,198 |
| Virginia | $58,154 |
| South Carolina | $57,496 |
| West Virginia | $57,058 |
| Indiana | $56,961 |
| Florida | $56,593 |
| Wyoming | $56,580 |
| Utah | $56,353 |
| Arkansas | $56,350 |
| Maine | $56,243 |
| South Dakota | $56,078 |
| North Carolina | $55,797 |
| Ohio | $55,649 |
| Missouri | $55,529 |
| Kentucky | $55,422 |
| Iowa | $54,483 |
| Tennessee | $54,462 |
| Kansas | $53,652 |
| Mississippi | $53,548 |
| Alabama | $53,178 |