NURSE SALARY BY STATE IN 2021: WHICH US STATES & SPECIALTIES PAY THE BEST?
The decisions you make when you are starting or furthering your nursing career can be heavily influenced by how much you can potentially earn. Figuring out how much you can make as a nurse is important for planning your education, as well as deciding in which state you will practice.
Searching for nursing job salaries by state can get tedious very quickly, so we at Nightingale College created a list with all the pay information about the average nurse salary per state, for you to access in one place.
In this article, you will find out the average nursing pay scale, how much you can make per month and per hour as a nurse, the salary differences between Licensed Practical Nurses, Registered Nurses, RNs with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, and Registered Nurses with a Master’s of Science in Nursing.
While knowing your earning potential is incredibly important when choosing a career, it’s just as useful to know how your paycheck will hold up in terms of where you live. That’s why your nursing salary adjusted to the cost of living is a criteria you also need to consider. We want you to have all the facts, which is why we included in our guide the adjusted salaries, so that you realistically know how much money you will earn when you factor in the cost of living in your state.
The Average Nursing Salaries in the US
Salary is one of the biggest concerns most working professionals have prior to embarking on a specific job journey. It can also be the defining factor when determining if additional education or a career switch is the right decision. Let’s look at average nursing salaries across the U.S.
Below you will find an interactive map that shows you an overview of annual nursing salaries throughout the United States. We have included salaries for LPNs, Registered Nurses, BSN RNs, as well as the salaries for some of the most sought-after MSN nursing roles.
Use the drop-down menu to select the average salary for each of the nursing roles we mentioned. You can also select the option to view the nursing wages adjusted for the local cost of living.
Next, let us discuss different levels of nursing and their corresponding salary expectations. As a general rule, the more you advance your education, the higher your income potential will be. Here are some of the most common nursing levels and the national average salaries for each of them:
| Nursing Role | 2020 Hourly wage | 2020 Annual wage |
|---|---|---|
| Licensed Practical Nurses | $23.75 | $49,409 |
| Registered Nurses | $35.97 | $74,811 |
| Nurse Educator | N/A | $78,758 |
| Nurse Midwives | $52.11 | $108,395 |
| Nurse Practitioners | $53.92 | $112,159 |
| Nurse Anesthetists | $89.59 | $186,351 |
Nurses can make anywhere from close to $50,000 per year to six figures. Let’s see how each of these nursing jobs gets paid by state, at a local level.
RN SALARY BY STATE: How Much Does a Registered Nurse Make in the United States?
As of 2022, The US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported that between May 2020 and May 2021, RNs brought in a mean salary of $82,750 per year – a 3.1% increase compared to the previous year.
There are some projected employment figures that are favorable to highly trained nurses. Reports predict a rise of 9% in the employment of nurses, equaling an extra 276,800 job openings for Registered Nurses each year, on average, over the decade.
Read more about job outlook for Registered Nurses.
Highest and Lowest Paying States for RNs
The highest and best-paying state to work as a Registered Nurse in 2021 is California, with an average annual RN salary of $124,000, followed by Hawaii with $106,530 per year, Oregon with $98,630 per year, Alaska with $97,230 annually, and Massachussets with 96,630. Washington, New York, New Jersey, Nevada, and Connecticut also make the list of the highest paying states for RNs. In Washington, Registered Nurses make on average $95,330; in NY, they earn $93,320. In New Jersey the mean salary for RNs is $89,690. In Nevada and Connecticut nurses also bring home wages above the national average: $88,800 and $88,530 respectively.
In 2021, South Dakota was the lowest paying state for nurses, with an average RN salary of $60,540. Alabama and Mississippi are also on the lower paying side of the spectrum. Here, Registered Nurses have an average annual income of $61,920 and $63,130.
If you didn’t find your state among the highest nor the lowest-paying states in the nursing field, don’t worry. Below you can find detailed information about the Registered Nurse Salary in each state:
Alabama
The average RN salary in Alabama (AL) is $61,920 which is well below the national average. The monthly salary is $5,160, equaling an average of $29.77 hourly wage.
Alaska
The average Registered Nurse salary in Alaska (AK) is $97,230 which is well above the national average. The monthly salary is $8,102 or an average of $46.74 per hour.
Arizona
The average Registered Nurse salary in Arizona (AZ) is $81,600 which is only slightly below the national average. The monthly salary is $6,800 or an average of $39.23 hourly wage.
Arkansas
The average Registered Nurse salary in Arkansas (AR) is $65,810 which is below the national average. The monthly salary is $5,484 or an average of $31.64 per hour.
California
The average Registered Nurse salary in California (CA) is $124,000 which is well above the national average. The monthly salary is $10,333 or an average of $59.63 per hour.
Colorado
The average Registered Nurse salary in Colorado (CO) is $80,670 which is below the national average for RNs – $82,750. The monthly salary here is $6,723 and it breaks down as an average of $38.79 hourly wage.
Connecticut
The average Registered Nurse salary in Connecticut is $88,530 which is above the national average for Registered Nurses. The monthly salary is $7,377 and it breaks down as an average of $42.57 per hour.
Delaware
The average, or mean, Registered Nurse salary in Delaware is $77,760. The monthly salary is $6,480 and it breaks down as an average of $37.39 per hour.
District of Columbia
The average annual salary for RNs in District of Columbia (DC) is $98,540, which breaks down to a $8,211 monthly salary or $47.38 per hour.
For BSN-trained nurses, the salary is $101,650 per year or $48.87 per hour.
Florida
The average Registered Nurse salary in Florida (FL) is $72,000 which is below the national average for RNs. The monthly salary is $6,000 and it breaks down as an average of $34.62 per hour.
Georgia
The average Registered Nurse salary in Georgia (GA) is $75,380 which is below the national average for RN’s, $82,750. The monthly salary is $6,282 and it breaks down as an average of $36.25 per hour.
Hawaii
The average Registered Nurse salary in Hawaii (HI) is $106,530 which is well above the national average. The monthly salary is $8,878 and it breaks down as an average of $51.23 per hour.
Idaho
The average Registered Nurse salary in Idaho (ID) is $73,640 which is below the national average for RN’s. The monthly salary is $6,137 and it breaks down as an average of $35.41 per hour.
Illinois
The average Registered Nurse salary in Illinois (IL) is $78,260 which is below the national average figure for RNs, $82,750. The monthly salary is $6,522 and it breaks down as an average of $37.63 per hour.
Indiana
The average salary for a Registered Nurse in Indiana (IN) is $68,890 which is almost $13,900 below the national average for RN’s viewed across all U.S. states, $82,750. The monthly salary is $5,741 and it breaks down as an average of $33.13 per hour.
Iowa
The average salary for a Registered Nurse in Iowa (IA) is $64,990, which is below the national average. The monthly salary is $5,416 and it breaks down as an average of $31.25 per hour.
Kansas
The average salary for a Registered Nurse in Kansas (KA) is $66,560, which is well below the national average for RNs viewed across all U.S. states, $82,750. The monthly salary is $5,547 and it breaks down as an average of $32.01 per hour.
Kentucky
The average salary for a Registered Nurse in Kentucky (KY) is $67,260, which is below the national average for RN’s. The monthly salary is $5,605 and it breaks down as an average of $32.34 per hour.
Louisiana
The average salary for a Registered Nurse in Louisiana (LA) is $70,380 which is below the national average for RNs viewed across all U.S. states, $82,750. The monthly salary is $5,865 and it breaks down as an average of $33.84 per hour.
Maine
The average salary for a Registered Nurse in Maine (ME) is $73,630, which is below the national average for RN’s. The monthly salary is $6,136 and it breaks down as an average of $35.41 per hour.
Maryland
The average salary for a Registered Nurse in Maryland (MA) is $82,660, which is only slightly below the national average for RN’s. The monthly salary is $6,888 and it breaks down as an average of $39.75 per hour.
Massachusetts
The average salary for a Registered Nurse in Massachusetts (MA) is $96,630, which is above the national average for RNs. The monthly salary is $8,053 and it breaks down as an average of $46.47 per hour.
Michigan
The average salary for a Registered Nurse in Michigan (MI) is $75,930, which is below the national average for RNs. The monthly salary is $6,328 and it breaks down as an average of $36.51 per hour.
Minnesota
The average salary for a Registered Nurse in Minnesota (MN) is $84,030, which is slightly above the national average for RN’s viewed across all U.S. states, $82,750. The monthly salary is $7,003 and it breaks down as an average of $40.41 per hour.
Mississippi
The average salary for a Registered Nurse in Mississippi (MS) is $63,130, which is more than $19,000 below the national average for RNss, $82,750. The monthly salary is $5,261 and it breaks down as an average of $30.36 per hour.
Missouri
The average salary for a Registered Nurse in Missouri (MO) is $67,790, which is below the national average for RNss viewed across all U.S. states. The monthly salary is $5,649 and it breaks down as an average of $32.59 per hour.
Montana
The average salary for a Registered Nurse in Montana (MT) is $73,610, which is below the national average for RNs viewed across all U.S. states, $82,750. The monthly salary is $6,134 and it breaks down as an average of $35.39 per hour.
Nebraska
The average salary for a Registered Nurse in Nebraska (NE) is $69,850 which is below the national average for RNs viewed across all U.S. states. The monthly salary is $5,821 and it breaks down as an average of $33.59 per hour.
Nevada
The average salary for a Registered Nurse in Nevada (NV) is $88,800, which is above the national average for RNs viewed across all U.S. states, $82,750. The monthly salary is $7,400 and it breaks down as an average of $42.70 per hour.
New Hampshire
The average salary for a Registered Nurse in New Hampshire (NH) is $78,270, which is below the national average for RN’s viewed across all U.S. states, $82,750. The monthly salary is $6,523 and it breaks down as an average of $37.63 per hour.
New Jersey
The average salary for a Registered Nurse in New Jersey (NJ) is $89,690, which is above the national average. The monthly salary is $7,474 and it breaks down as an average of $43.13 per hour.
New Mexico
The average salary for a Registered Nurse in New Mexico (NM) is $77,590, which is below the national average. The monthly salary is $6,466 and it breaks down as an average of $37.31 per hour.
New York
The average salary for a Registered Nurse in New York (NY) is $93,320, which is above the national average for RNs viewed across all U.S. states, $82,750. The monthly salary is $7,777 and it breaks down as an average of $44.87 per hour.
North Carolina
The average salary for a Registered Nurse in North Carolina (NC) is $71,200, which is below the national average for RN’s viewed across all U.S. states. The monthly salary is $5,933 and it breaks down as an average of $34.24 per hour.
North Dakota
The average salary for a Registered Nurse in North Dakota (ND) is $71,200, which is below the national average. The monthly salary is $5,933 and it breaks down as an average of $34.24 per hour.
Ohio
The average salary for a Registered Nurse in Ohio (OH) is $71,640, which is below the national average for RN’s viewed across all U.S. states, $82,750. The monthly salary is $5,970 and it breaks down as an average of $34.45 per hour.
Oklahoma
The average salary for a Registered Nurse in Oklahoma (OK) is $68,180, which is below the national average for RN’s viewed across all U.S. states. The monthly salary is $5,682 and it breaks down as an average of $32.79 per hour.
Oregon
The average salary for a Registered Nurse in Oregon (OR) is $98,630, which is above the national average for RN’s viewed across all U.S. states – $82,750. The monthly salary is $8,219 and it breaks down as an average of $47.43 per hour.
Pennsylvania
The average salary for a Registered Nurse in Pennsylvania (PA) is $76,000, which is below the national average for RN’s viewed across all U.S. states. The monthly salary is $6,333 and it breaks down as an average of $36.54 per hour.
Rhode Island
The average salary for a Registered Nurse in Rhode Island is $85,270, which is above the national average for RN’s viewed across all U.S. states – $82,750. The monthly salary is $7,106 and it breaks down as an average of $41 per hour.
South Carolina
The average salary for a Registered Nurse in South Carolina (SC) is $69,580, which is below the national average for RNs viewed across all U.S. states. The monthly salary is $5,798 and it breaks down as an average of $33.46 per hour.
South Dakota
The average salary for a Registered Nurse in South Dakota (SD) is $60,540, which is below the national average for RNs viewed across all U.S. states. The monthly salary is $5,045 and it breaks down as an average of $29.11 per hour.
Tennessee
The average salary for a Registered Nurse in Tennessee (TN) is $66,680, which is below the national average for RNss viewed across all U.S. states. The monthly salary is $5,557 and it breaks down as an average of $32.06 per hour.
Texas
The average salary for a Registered Nurse in Texas (TX) is $79120, which is below the national average for RN’s viewed across all U.S. states – $82,750. The monthly salary is $6,593 and it breaks down as an average of $38.04 per hour.
Utah
The average salary for a Registered Nurse in Utah (UT) is $72,790, which is well below the national average for RN’s viewed across all U.S. states – $82,750. The monthly salary is $6,066 and it breaks down as an average of $35 per hour.
Vermont
The average salary for a Registered Nurse in Vermont (VT) is $75,160, which is below the national average for RN’s viewed across all U.S. states. The monthly salary is $6,263 and it breaks down as an average of $36.14 per hour.
Virginia
The average salary for a Registered Nurse in Virginia (VA) is $76,680, which is below the national average for RN’s viewed across all U.S. states – $82,750. The monthly salary is $6,390 and it breaks down as an average of $36.87 per hour.
Washington
The average salary for a Registered Nurse in Washington (WA) is $95,350, which is above the national average for RN’s viewed across all the U.S. The monthly salary is $7,946 and it breaks down as an average of $45.85 per hour.
West Virginia
The average salary for a Registered Nurse in West Virginia (WV) is $67,640, which is below the national average for RN’s viewed across all U.S. states. The monthly salary is $5,647 and it breaks down as an average of $32.53 per hour.
Wisconsin
The average salary for a Registered Nurse in Wisconsin (WI) is $76,850, which is below the national average for RN’s viewed across all U.S. states. The monthly salary is $6,404 and it breaks down as an average of $36.95 per hour.
Wyoming
The average salary for a Registered Nurse in Wyoming (WY) is $73,130, which is below the national average for RN’s viewed across all U.S. states, $82,750. The monthly salary is $6,094 and it breaks down as an average of $35.16 per hour.
BSN SALARY BY STATE: What Is the Average Salary of a BSN Prepared Nurse?
Although the Bureau of Labor Statistics does not provide specific information about the salaries of BSN-educated nurses, as the BSN Nursing portal points out, BSN-educated nurses are the top 25% earners in the field. Therefore, the data showing the 75th percentile salary range is a good indicator of the average annual salary of BSN nurses.
According to 2021 BLS 75th percentile wage estimates, the average salary of BSN nurses is $97,580. This breaks down to an average of $46.91 per hour. This puts the difference between RN salaries and BSN salaries at around $14,830. The more you learn, the more you earn.
In addition to enjoying higher salaries, BSN RNs also have tremendous job prospects. Over 80% of employers in the healthcare industry have a strong preference for hiring BSN trained nurses, while over 42% already require that their new hires have a BSN degree under their belt. BSN Nurses are typically associated with better patient outcomes and fewer medical mistakes, so the need for them will only increase over the decade.
Highest & Lowest Paying States for BSN RNs
BSN prepared nurses will earn the highest wages in California, Hawaii, Massachusetts, Alaska, and Oregon. In California, Register Nurses who have a Bachelor’s Degree can expect to make up to $155,930. Hawaii is second in the list of top-paying states for BSN Nurses, with salaries of around $126,800. Next in line is Massachusetts, where BSN RNs earn $120,240. In Oregon, the earnings round up to $107,270, followed by Washington – $103,210.
Among the states where BSNs will earn the lowest salaries are South Dakota, Alabama, and Mississippi. In South Dakota, the income of a Nurse with a Bachelor’s Degree will be around $67,580. In Alabama, BSN RNs make $74,280 yearly, while in Mississippi the paycheck stands at an average of $75,220.
Registered Nurses and BSN Registered Nurses: Salaries Side by Side
The data was gathered from the latest Bureau of Labor Statistics and Numbeo, which is a platform we used to adjust salaries to the cost of living in each state. Below, you will find the average annual and hourly salaries for Registered Nurses and BSN Registered Nurses in all 50 states, as well as the salaries adjusted for the cost of living in each state in an easy-to-search table format:
| Abbr. | State | Avg RN Salary | Avg RN Salary (Adjusted) |
Avg BSN Salary (75th %ile) |
Avg BSN Salary (75th %ile) (Adjusted) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AL | Alabama | $60,230 | $67,827 | $68,960 | $77,658 |
| AK | Alaska | $95,270 | $75,432 | $110,890 | $87,799 |
| AZ | Arizona | $80,380 | $78,496 | $92,920 | $90,742 |
| AR | Arkansas | $63,640 | $71,425 | $73,630 | $82,637 |
| CA | California | $120,560 | $86,796 | $147,830 | $106,429 |
| CO | Colorado | $77,860 | $73,871 | $90,410 | $85,778 |
| CT | Connecticut | $84,850 | $69,379 | $99,040 | $80,981 |
| DE | Delaware | $74,330 | $68,824 | $84,070 | $77,843 |
| DC | District of Columbia | $90,050 | $57,540 | $105,180 | $67,208 |
| FL | Florida | $69,510 | $68,822 | $79,630 | $78,842 |
| GA | Georgia | $71,510 | $79,989 | $82,500 | $92,282 |
| HI | Hawaii | $104,830 | $54,204 | $124,880 | $64,571 |
| ID | Idaho | $71,640 | $75,570 | $81,450 | $85,918 |
| IL | Illinois | $74,560 | $78,155 | $86,280 | $90,440 |
| IN | Indiana | $67,490 | $74,165 | $77,470 | $85,132 |
| IA | Iowa | $62,570 | $68,683 | $69,960 | $76,795 |
| KS | Kansas | $64,200 | $73,708 | $74,220 | $85,212 |
| KY | Kentucky | $64,730 | $68,935 | $74,890 | $79,755 |
| LA | Louisiana | $68,010 | $72,816 | $78,020 | $83,533 |
| ME | Maine | $71,040 | $60,979 | $80,970 | $69,502 |
| MD | Maryland | $81,590 | $65,012 | $94,760 | $75,506 |
| MA | Massachusetts | $96,250 | $72,642 | $117,310 | $88,536 |
| MI | Michigan | $73,980 | $80,941 | $84,010 | $91,915 |
| MN | Minnesota | $80,960 | $80,000 | $95,310 | $94,180 |
| MS | Mississippi | $61,250 | $73,529 | $71,190 | $85,462 |
| MO | Missouri | $65,900 | $73,141 | $78,290 | $86,892 |
| MT | Montana | $70,530 | $70,319 | $80,510 | $80,269 |
| NE | Nebraska | $69,480 | $73,994 | $79,330 | $84,483 |
| NV | Nevada | $89,750 | $83,025 | $104,560 | $96,725 |
| NH | New Hampshire | $75,970 | $69,379 | $88,170 | $80,521 |
| NJ | New Jersey | $85,720 | $74,216 | $99,080 | $85,784 |
| NM | New Mexico | $75,700 | $83,370 | $85,070 | $93,689 |
| NY | New York | $89,760 | $61,522 | $106,330 | $72,879 |
| NC | North Carolina | $68,950 | $71,451 | $79,770 | $82,663 |
| ND | North Dakota | $69,630 | $71,342 | $79,200 | $81,148 |
| OH | Ohio | $69,750 | $75,815 | $79,230 | $86,120 |
| OK | Oklahoma | $66,600 | $75,169 | $77,060 | $86,975 |
| OR | Oregon | $96,230 | $72,957 | $110,220 | $83,563 |
| PA | Pennsylvania | $74,170 | $72,010 | $84,240 | $81,786 |
| RI | Rhode Island | $82,790 | $69,455 | $96,300 | $80,789 |
| SC | South Carolina | $67,140 | $69,647 | $77,630 | $80,529 |
| SD | South Dakota | $60,960 | $61,576 | $70,020 | $70,727 |
| TN | Tennessee | $64,120 | $71,563 | $74,330 | $82,958 |
| TX | Texas | $76,800 | $82,937 | $89,080 | $96,199 |
| UT | Utah | $70,370 | $71,369 | $79,470 | $80,598 |
| VT | Vermont | $72,140 | $61,764 | $83,410 | $71,413 |
| VA | Virginia | $74,380 | $73,425 | $86,750 | $85,637 |
| WA | Washington | $91,310 | $81,020 | $107,740 | $95,599 |
| WV | West Virginia | $65,130 | $70,108 | $76,210 | $82,034 |
| WI | Wisconsin | $74,760 | $77,072 | $84,280 | $86,887 |
| WY | Wyoming | $72,600 | $76,021 | $81,790 | $85,644 |
MSN SALARY BY STATE: What Is the Average Salary of an MSN Prepared Nurse?
The average salaries, as well as job outlook for MSN Nurses, vary greatly among specialties. Below, we will give a closer look at some of the most sought after MSN jobs.
Average Salary & Projected Growth
The national average salary for Nurse Educators is $82,040. Nursing Instructors are in particularly high demand. The nursing faculty shortage is one of the leading causes of the countrywide nursing shortage, making the job outlook for Nurse Educators all the more promising.
Nurse Practitioners are some of the highest-paid MSN Nurses. On average, NPs earn around $118,040 annually. Nurse Practitioners are easily the nursing specialty with the best career outlook. The NP employment rate is expected to grow by 52% by 2030, creating more than 114,900 jobs.
Nurse Midwives make an average yearly salary of $114,210. That breaks down to $54.91 per hour. They also have great job prospects. BLS projections indicate that the job outlook for midwifery will grow 11% throughout the decade.
Nurse Anesthetists are by far the best paid Advanced Practice Registered Nurses. On a national level, Nurse Anesthetists earn an average of $202,470 annually. Also, they have excellent job prospects. BLS estimates indicate that there will be around 5,600 job openings on average for Nurse Anesthetists every year, over the decade.
Highest & Lowest Paying States for MSN RNs
Nurse Educators have the highest annual mean wages in California, Hawaii, Connecticut, and Nevada. In California, Nursing Instructors make $99,000. Hawaii offers salaries of around $98,940, fairly close to Connecticut’s wages for Nurse Educators – $97,340. Among the states where Nurse Educators make the least money are Kansas – $60,030; Oklahoma – $60,410, and Georgia – $60,460.
Nurse Practitioners have the best chance of making the most money in California, Hawaii, New Jersey, Washington, and New York. The highest annual mean wage is offered by the Golden State – $149,910. In Hawaii, Nurse Practitioners make around $131,000, followed by New Jersey – $129,240. The lowest salaries for Nurse Practitioners will be encountered in Tennessee, Alabama, and Arkansas. On average, in Tennessee, NPs earn $99,630; in Alabama – $99,750 and in Arkansas, the mean wages are $99,910.
The best states to work as a Nurse Midwife in, from a financial standpoint, are West Virginia, California, Colorado, Massachusets, and New York. In West Virginia, Nurse Midwives earn on average $167,310 annually. California is second among the top paying states for NMs – $154,690. In Colorado, your earning potential in this role is also way above average – $128,690. On the other side of the coin, Kansas, Idaho, and Texas offer the lowest salaries for Nurse Midwives. In Kansas, you can expect to earn on average $44,240, in Idaho, $61,410 and in Georgia, $95,970.
The top-paying states for Nurse Anesthetists are South Carolina, Maine, Iowa, Pennsylvania, and Texas. In South Carolina, as a Nurse Anesthetist your earning potential is as high as $205,820 yearly. Maine is not too far behind. Here, NAs can make up to $202,080. In Iowa, the average salaries for Nurse Anesthetists are $201,660. Arkansas, Kansas, and Colorado are on the other end of the list, offering the lowest salaries for NAs. In Arkansas, the average salary is $154,580, while in Kansas and Colorado the wages for Nurse Anesthetists are slightly higher: $154,640 and $164,830 respectively.
Below, you can find the salaries for all these MSN jobs across the U.S.:
| Abbr. | State | Avg MSN - Nurse Educator Salary | Avg MSN - Nurse Midwife Salary | Avg MSN - Nurse Practitioner Salary | Avg MSN - Nurse Anesthetist Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AL | Alabama | $71,950 | $99,790 | $170,560 | |
| AK | Alaska | $86,970 | $93,080 | $110,270 | |
| AZ | Arizona | $73,210 | $121,530 | $117,480 | $173,460 |
| AR | Arkansas | $60,790 | $106,210 | $167,030 | |
| CA | California | $106,420 | $159,590 | $145,970 | $205,360 |
| CO | Colorado | $87,580 | $106,280 | $109,760 | $175,760 |
| CT | Connecticut | $96,620 | $104,200 | $116,780 | $217,360 |
| DE | Delaware | $96,090 | $112,230 | ||
| DC | District of Columbia | $111,940 | $85,740 | $116,150 | |
| FL | Florida | $116,650 | $67,530 | $101,060 | $176,760 |
| GA | Georgia | $72,090 | $92,840 | $106,220 | $179,630 |
| HI | Hawaii | $76,540 | $118,780 | $201,930 | |
| ID | Idaho | $81,050 | $72,150 | $113,890 | $156,250 |
| IL | Illinois | $74,870 | $109,310 | $112,060 | $194,950 |
| IN | Indiana | $91,310 | $112,510 | $109,940 | $169,620 |
| IA | Iowa | $77,170 | $102,830 | $107,910 | $198,480 |
| KS | Kansas | $69,550 | $104,530 | $167,700 | |
| KY | Kentucky | $70,320 | $102,460 | $163,700 | |
| LA | Louisiana | $71,050 | $111,880 | $161,310 | |
| ME | Maine | $70,350 | $119,030 | $111,580 | $198,940 |
| MD | Maryland | $94,080 | $107,670 | $115,240 | $182,780 |
| MA | Massachusetts | $106,950 | $113,910 | $126,050 | $195,900 |
| MI | Michigan | $83,020 | $103,870 | $109,150 | $199,870 |
| MN | Minnesota | $72,590 | $123,600 | $118,900 | $216,050 |
| MS | Mississippi | $72,840 | $127,960 | $109,550 | $174,540 |
| MO | Missouri | $68,420 | $113,320 | $106,870 | $189,610 |
| MT | Montana | $76,520 | $114,370 | $216,420 | |
| NE | Nebraska | $72,570 | $107,330 | $176,880 | |
| NV | Nevada | $82,560 | $119,890 | $223,680 | |
| NH | New Hampshire | $72,690 | $115,760 | $112,460 | $197,570 |
| NJ | New Jersey | $91,400 | $117,070 | $130,890 | $207,500 |
| NM | New Mexico | $75,790 | $105,980 | $117,050 | $164,980 |
| NY | New York | $98,850 | $125,780 | $126,440 | $217,050 |
| NC | North Carolina | $73,320 | $102,020 | $108,370 | $192,830 |
| ND | North Dakota | $74,280 | $111,070 | $192,050 | |
| OH | Ohio | $73,220 | $105,960 | $105,630 | $190,120 |
| OK | Oklahoma | $63,690 | $112,750 | $179,410 | |
| OR | Oregon | $80,610 | $105,600 | $118,600 | $236,540 |
| PA | Pennsylvania | $78,360 | $103,230 | $111,560 | $185,090 |
| RI | Rhode Island | $87,700 | $107,510 | $117,300 | |
| SC | South Carolina | $77,650 | $101,190 | $185,850 | |
| SD | South Dakota | $69,880 | $103,080 | $190,660 | |
| TN | Tennessee | $73,750 | $93,690 | $99,370 | $171,020 |
| TX | Texas | $65,970 | $109,510 | $116,700 | $180,380 |
| UT | Utah | $81,640 | $133,680 | $113,550 | $127,130 |
| VT | Vermont | $71,370 | $97,240 | $108,280 | $189,780 |
| VA | Virginia | $73,060 | $109,660 | $179,180 | |
| WA | Washington | $86,850 | $112,310 | $126,480 | $197,740 |
| WV | West Virginia | $61,140 | $123,450 | $105,220 | $187,430 |
| WI | Wisconsin | $83,520 | $110,380 | $113,030 | $231,520 |
| WY | Wyoming | $67,620 | $118,810 | $231,250 |
LPN SALARY BY STATE: What Is the Average Salary of a Licensed Practical Nurse?
According to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average salary for Licenced Practical Nurses (called in some states Licensed Vocational Nurses) is $51,850. Employment of LPNs is also expected to grow steadily throughout the decade. BLS projections indicate a 9% growth from 2020 to 2030, much faster than the average for all occupations.
Learn more about LPN salaries in the United States.
Highest & Lowest Paying States for LPNs
The states with the highest salaries for Licensed practical nurses are Alaska ($61,680), California ($61,600), and Washington ($61,160). LPNs also earn above the national average salaries in Oregon and Rhode Island. In Oregon, LPN wages are around $60,240, and in Nevada, Licensed Practical Nurses earn a similar salary. On the other side of the spectrum are West Virginia ($37,790), South Dakota ($38,480), and Mississippi ($38,610).
In the table below you can explore the hourly and annual wages for Licensed Practical Nurses across the country. You will also find the salaries adjusted to the cost of living in each of the states:
| Abbr. | State | Avg Hourly Wage | Avg LPN Salary | Avg LPN Salary (Adjusted) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AL | Alabama | $19.56 | $40,680 | $45,811 |
| AK | Alaska | $32.51 | $67,620 | $53,539 |
| AZ | Arizona | $26.84 | $55,820 | $54,512 |
| AR | Arkansas | $20.08 | $41,760 | $46,869 |
| CA | California | $30.81 | $64,090 | $46,141 |
| CO | Colorado | $26.11 | $54,310 | $51,528 |
| CT | Connecticut | $28.09 | $58,430 | $47,776 |
| DE | Delaware | $25.92 | $53,920 | $49,926 |
| DC | District of Columbia | $27.80 | $57,810 | $36,939 |
| FL | Florida | $22.46 | $46,710 | $46,248 |
| GA | Georgia | $21.48 | $44,690 | $49,989 |
| HI | Hawaii | $26.04 | $54,160 | $28,004 |
| ID | Idaho | $23.38 | $48,640 | $51,308 |
| IL | Illinois | $26.24 | $54,580 | $57,212 |
| IN | Indiana | $23.02 | $47,890 | $52,626 |
| IA | Iowa | $22.05 | $45,860 | $50,340 |
| KS | Kansas | $21.66 | $45,050 | $51,722 |
| KY | Kentucky | $21.23 | $44,160 | $47,029 |
| LA | Louisiana | $20.16 | $41,920 | $44,882 |
| ME | Maine | $23.27 | $48,390 | $41,536 |
| MD | Maryland | $27.03 | $56,220 | $44,797 |
| MA | Massachusetts | $29.04 | $60,400 | $45,585 |
| MI | Michigan | $25.10 | $52,220 | $57,133 |
| MN | Minnesota | $23.96 | $49,840 | $49,249 |
| MS | Mississippi | $19.39 | $40,340 | $48,427 |
| MO | Missouri | $21.39 | $44,490 | $49,378 |
| MT | Montana | $22.12 | $46,010 | $45,872 |
| NE | Nebraska | $21.98 | $45,710 | $48,679 |
| NV | Nevada | $28.70 | $59,700 | $55,227 |
| NH | New Hampshire | $27.12 | $56,400 | $51,507 |
| NJ | New Jersey | $27.69 | $57,590 | $49,861 |
| NM | New Mexico | $24.27 | $50,480 | $55,595 |
| NY | New York | $24.66 | $51,300 | $35,161 |
| NC | North Carolina | $22.65 | $47,120 | $48,829 |
| ND | North Dakota | $23.10 | $48,060 | $49,242 |
| OH | Ohio | $22.40 | $46,590 | $50,641 |
| OK | Oklahoma | $20.79 | $43,250 | $48,815 |
| OR | Oregon | $27.56 | $57,320 | $43,457 |
| PA | Pennsylvania | $24.16 | $50,250 | $48,786 |
| RI | Rhode Island | $28.41 | $59,090 | $49,572 |
| SC | South Carolina | $20.97 | $43,630 | $45,259 |
| SD | South Dakota | $18.95 | $39,420 | $39,818 |
| TN | Tennessee | $20.35 | $42,330 | $47,243 |
| TX | Texas | $23.26 | $48,380 | $52,246 |
| UT | Utah | $22.86 | $47,550 | $48,225 |
| VT | Vermont | $24.64 | $51,240 | $43,870 |
| VA | Virginia | $22.79 | $47,410 | $46,802 |
| WA | Washington | $28.74 | $59,780 | $53,043 |
| WV | West Virginia | $18.72 | $38,940 | $41,916 |
| WI | Wisconsin | $23.11 | $48,070 | $49,557 |
| WY | Wyoming | $23.55 | $48,980 | $51,288 |
Are you interested in an LPN Career? Enroll in Nightingale College’s Practical Nurse Diploma Program today!
Nursing Salary Factors that Influence a Nurse’s Pay
It’s no surprise that nurses’ salaries depend on a variety of factors. Supply and demand influences and other popular factors listed below explain the variations in pay:
- Location – The state where a nurse works has a big impact on their income. Dense metropolitan areas will always offer a better pay compared to rural environments, even if the demand is high.
- Career specialization – Nurses who work in a specialized field of nursing can earn significantly more. Specialized fields usually welcome registered nurses that already hold a Bachelor of Science in Nursing Degree or a MSN.
Read more about the best nursing certifications – a great way to pursue specialization in the nursing field.
- Experience and work hours – Nobody can underestimate the power of acquired years of valuable experience, which is why senior nurses make more than those just entering the workforce.
One rule of thumb that generally applies to nursing salaries is that the more you learn, the more you earn. So, every step you take on the educational ladder will propel you toward higher wages. You probably noticed this trajectory even through this article. LPNs make on average $51,850; RNs earn up to $82,750, while RNs that have a Bachelor’s Degree have average salaries of $97,580. By climbing even higher on the academic ladder and pursuing an MSN you unlock your potential to earn APRN level salaries that range from $118,040 (Nurse Practitioners) to $202,470 (Nurse Anesthetists).
However, keep in mind that these factors are always intertwined and you need to consider them all when trying to determine your earning potential.
Enroll in Nightingale College’s RN-to-BSN Program and take your career – and your paycheck – one step forward!
The Best Paying Nursing Jobs Specialties in the US
As we’ve mentioned, salaries depend largely on geography, employer, experience, and other aspects. But there are some nursing specialties that are generally recognized as some of the best paying in the industry. Here are some of them:
Nurse Anesthetist
Nobody should be surprised by Nurse Anesthetists being at the top of the list as long as high salaries for RNs go. Their main task is prescribing and administering anesthesia to patients during medical procedures, but they also provide pain management and oversee patient recovery. And big responsibilities come with big paychecks. Nurse Anesthetists take home annually $202,470, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Geriatric Nurse Practitioner
Geriatric NPs focus on older patients who require specialized care. Usually, they work in private practices, hospitals or treatment centers. As Advanced Practice Nurses, they also enjoy more independence, are able to prescribe drugs, order diagnostics tests and develop and implement treatment plans for patients. Geriatric Nurse Practitioners earn about $153,319 per year.
Cardiac Nurse Practitioner
Cardiac Nurse Practitioners also make the list of high-paying nursing jobs. Their yearly wages are around $132,219. Their job description revolves around treating patients who suffer from diseases of the heart, blood vessels, and circulatory system.
Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Mental health practitioners have a very delicate job that integrates both psychology and psychiatry knowledge. Their work implies treating patients diagnosed with mental illnesses, and in order to do that they work side by side with psychiatrists and other physicians. Their salary is in the ballpark of $139,154.
Nurse Manager
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Medical and Health Services Managers, Nurse Managers included, earn a mean salary of $119,840, making this administrative role one of the best paying in the nursing field.
Find out how much Nurse Managers earn in all 50 states.
Orthopedic Nurse Practitioner
On average, Orthopedic Nurse Practitioners earn around $112,026 annually. Among their duties are conducting physical exams, taking patient’s history, analyzing test results, and prescribing treatments and medication.
Pain Management Nurse
A relatively new field, Pain Management Nursing has risen to the top of the highest paying in the nursing field. Pain Management Nurses earn about $116,981 a year. They care for patients who suffer from chronic, crippling pain. Pain Management Nurses are indispensable in helping patients alleviate or manage their pain.
Nurse Midwife
Nurse midwifery is a top choice for RNs with a high interest in women’s reproductive health and childbirth. It’s also a great option for Nurses who want to earn well while doing something they love. As it is an advanced nursing specialty, the earnings fall in line. Certified Nurse Midwives enjoy an average salary of $114,210.
Discover more about Nurse Midwives’ earning potential across the US.
Informatics Nurse
For nurses who are also passionate about technology, this might be the perfect career track, especially since Nurse Informaticians earn about $101,628 a year. In this role, you will bridge the worlds of nursing and IT.
Clinical Nurse Specialist
Clinical Nurse Specialists tend to work in specialized units or clinics, and more often than not they also specialize in particular areas of medicine. CNSs are viewed as experts in their field, and as such, their salaries are also reasonably high: $122,628.
Find out more of the highest-paid nursing jobs.
Key Takeaways for Nurses
Registered Nurses with a BSN degree and an MSN degree will be in high demand in the next decade. And not only is demand growing – so are salaries. Of course, alongside the salary, there are many other things to consider when picking a career. The location, the job benefits, the schedule, the cost of living in the area – these are just a few of the characteristics you have to take into account when pursuing a nursing job. Keep them in mind while planning your career path and you will get the most personal and professional satisfaction out of your career as a Registered Nurse.
Do you want to broaden your horizon, your education and most importantly, your salary? Enroll in Nightingale College’s BSN program and take your career to the next level!
Already a working professional? Get ahead of the game by pursuing a fully online RN-to-BSN degree.