Registered Nurse Salary by State in 2026: Where Nurses Earn the Most
RN salaries range from $58,000 in Mississippi to $130,000+ in California. But after taxes and cost of living, the highest-paying state for nurses might surprise you.
Registered Nurse Salaries: The National Picture
The national median salary for a registered nurse in 2026 is $82,000 per year, according to BLS OES data. But state-by-state variation is dramatic — the difference between the highest and lowest paying states exceeds $70,000.
Highest Paying States for RNs
California leads with a median RN salary of approximately $124,000. Strong union representation, high cost of living, and nurse-to-patient ratio laws drive compensation upward. After California's 9.3% state income tax, take-home is reduced but still the highest nationally.
Washington follows at $98,000 median, with the significant advantage of no state income tax. Seattle-area nurses benefit from both high wages and no state tax burden.
Massachusetts offers $95,000 median. Boston's concentration of world-class hospitals and academic medical centers creates competitive compensation.
Oregon pays $92,000 median with no sales tax, though the state income tax rate is among the higher in the nation.
Alaska offers $92,000 median plus Alaska Permanent Fund dividends and no state income tax.
Best States for RN Purchasing Power
When adjusting for cost of living and taxes, the picture shifts:
Texas offers $78,000 median with no state income tax and a low cost of living index. Houston RNs in particular benefit from the Texas Medical Center — the world's largest medical complex — which creates both high wages and a diversity of specialty options.
Arizona ($76,000 median, 2.5% flat tax, COL index 100) offers a strong balance of compensation and affordability.
Specialty Pay Premiums
RN salaries vary significantly by specialty. ICU and emergency department nurses earn 10–20% above the base RN median. Travel nurses earn $90,000–$150,000 in peak demand periods, though benefits are reduced.
Outlook
RN employment is projected to grow 6% through 2032, faster than average. The nursing shortage — driven by an aging population and retiring Baby Boomer nurses — keeps compensation rising consistently above inflation.