The Highest-Paying States for New Nurse Graduates
Are you ready to earn your online nursing degree?
Credit: Getty ImagesWhether you are a nursing student or recent graduate, you may wonder about entry-level nurse salaries. This guide explores median nursing salaries in the U.S. by experience level and breaks down data into the highest-paying states for new nurses. We also list the median earnings two years post-graduation in all 50 states.
This information can help you decide on the best state to launch your nursing career.
What Is the Starting Salary for New Nurses?
As shown in the table below, the median annual nurse starting salary during year one of licensure totals $60,00. After the first year, nurse annual earnings increase by by an average of $8,000 as you gain more job experience. New nurses can expect their first year or two to include becoming familiar with the workplace and its systems, caring for patients, working on teams of health professionals, and updating patient charts.
The table below lists median nationwide salaries as reported by participants in the 2022 National Nursing Workforce Survey. However, earnings can vary quite a bit depending on where you work (geographic location and setting), your degree level (associate or bachelor’s), your residency experience, and your specialization area, if applicable.
| 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 |
The Highest-Paying States for New Nurses
This section lists the highest-paying states for nursing graduates, offers reasons why these states pay higher salaries, and discusses other factors that contribute to each state’s positive environment for nurses.
1 California – $104,000
California nursing salaries rank high primarily because of the shortage of an estimated 36,000 RNs—a decade-long shortage worsened by the COVID-19 pandemic. The strong unionization of nurses in the state and the high cost of living keep salaries competitive. California features beautiful beaches, mountains, deserts, and world-class cities, including Los Angeles and San Francisco, along with state-mandated RN-to-patient ratios.
2 Hawaii – $100,000
Hawaii is also one of the most expensive states to live in. Due to the island’s geographical location, almost every necessity is considerably more expensive in Hawaii than in other states. Even when adjusted for the cost of living, Hawaii nursing salaries still rank high among all states. Hawaii has two major metropolitan areas: Honolulu and the Kahului-Wailuku-Lahaina area. Honolulu is the capital city, known for its beaches and modern skyscrapers. Lahaina houses some of the most expensive real estate in Hawaii. Both areas offer a wide variety of entertainment and cultural activities, as well as the outdoor recreation opportunities that make Hawaii so famous.
3 Oregon – $91,500
Oregon faces a nursing shortage due to the barriers in nursing education. New nurse graduates can help meet demand as the state works to eliminate these barriers. Even after being adjusted for the state’s high cost of living, Oregon RN salaries still average above $90,000. Oregon is home to many outdoor attractions, sure to gain the attention of new nurses coming to the area.
4 District of Columbia – $90,000
Despite not having formal statehood, Washington, D.C. ranks among the highest-paying geographic areas for nurses in the nation. Our nation’s capital is home to some of the best hospitals and healthcare facilities in the country, presenting career opportunities in numerous settings for new nurse graduates. The capital also has many attractions to visit, including historic sites and museums.
5 New York – $90,000
New York City is home to some of the most prestigious hospitals and health systems in the world. Rent and housing are notably expensive in New York City and surrounding areas, but many use public transportation to help reduce expenses. New York RN salaries are high to help meet the state’s cost of living. Even if you don’t live in the city, there is much culture and entertainment to experience throughout the Empire State.
New Nurse Graduate Salaries by State
The following table lists the median new nursing graduate salaries earned two years after graduation for all 50 states. The data was compiled from College Scorecard and bases the post-graduation salaries on the highest level of education attained. Alaska tops the list with wages over $89,000, and Kansas nurses log the lowest earnings at just under $55,000.
| 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 |
Sources and Methodology
The median annual salary of nurses by the number of years licensed as a registered nurse is collected from the 2022 National Nursing Workforce Survey. Salary figures include overtime and bonuses. Salary figures do not include sign-on bonuses.
Annual nursing salary data by state is collected from the U.S. Department of Education’s College Scorecard‘s most recent data by field of study, last updated on June 13, 2024. Data reflects the median earnings of graduates two years after earning their highest level of education in the field of registered nursing, nursing administration, nursing research, and clinical nursing. Data is calculated at the institutional level.
Both data sources are subject to limitations. Due to the difficulties of conducting national surveys, certain groups or regions may be under or overrepresented.
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