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Average Nurse Salary in Utah: 2026 Guide by License, Specialty, and City

Average Nurse Salary in Utah (2026) & More

Whether you are considering becoming a nurse, exploring academic programs, or are already licensed, it is important to know your earning potential in the state in which you are preparing to practice. If you want to find out what the average nurse salary is in Utah, we will provide you with updated information on your earning potential—and more.

Discover all the essential details on working as a nurse in Utah, from current salary estimates to nursing job demand, benefits of working as a nurse in the state, and how to improve your earning potential.

Average Nurse Salary in Utah: 2026 Earnings Estimates

According to the latest official data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the average registered nurse salary in Utah is $86,975 per year, equivalent to $41.81 per hour, with wages ranging from $67,980 per year (10th percentile) to $106,960 per year (90th percentile).

According to more recent snapshot estimates, the actual average nurse salary in Utah is somewhere between $79,992 and $88,000. Compared with national earnings estimates, Utah nurse salaries are 8-14% lower than the national average. After adjusting for the cost-of-living index, the average nurse salary in Utah is $80,499 per year.

Generally, registered nurse salary estimates vary based on the specialty, experience, and region in which you will practice.

How We Estimated Nurse Salaries in Utah

We calculate the average nurse salary in Utah using the latest raw data published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, based on a weighted average of registered nurse salaries across all healthcare occupations and positions.

While we prioritize official BLS-published data, salary estimates are released with a lag. The 2026 salary estimates presented in this article use the latest available official BLS/OEWS wage data, supplemented and contrasted with current 2026 job-posting data from sources such as Indeed, Vivian, ZipRecruiter, and Glassdoor.

Utah Nurse Salaries vs. Other States

Utah ranks 48th among US states, below Florida ($87,617 per year) and above Maine ($86,950 per year). After adjusting for the cost of living, Utah ranks 41st with $85,102.2 per year, above Arizona ($84,779 per year) and under Iowa ($85,305 per year). It is worth noting that state-level salary rankings do not account for differences by area, specialty, experience, or level of certification. 

For more comprehensive information on wage estimates across the United States, consult our nurse salary-by-state report.

Nursing Starting Salary in Utah

According to ZipRecruiter, the current average starting nurse salary in Utah is $73,122 per year, or about $35 per hour, which roughly corresponds to the 10th percentile salary estimate.

However, based on the distribution of average earnings, Utah offers a faster path to increasing your base pay by accumulating experience and specializing, thereby possibly reaching the statewide median salary.

Notably, overall data does not account for the type of certification you have when starting to practice. According to BSNedu, nurses with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) are 25% top earners in their field. Below are estimated Utah nurse salaries based on your certification, specialty, and license type.

BSN Nurse Salary in Utah

Based on the 75th percentile estimate, the salary of nurses with a BSN in Utah is $101,530 per year. While Utah is still below the national average at the 25th percentile, the difference between the median salary and the BSN salary estimate in Utah is larger than the nationwide difference. In other words, your BSN is “worth” more in Utah than in many other states.

Discover all the reasons to earn your BSN, as well as what the process of getting your BSN degree entails.

If you want to advance your career and education and increase your earning potential in a convenient way, you can enroll in Nightingale College’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program. This hybrid learning option blends online instruction with supervised in-person field experiences to be completed in one of the many SOFE Areas throughout Utah and the US. The program culminates in a Capstone Leadership project that takes you from the student level to the ready-to-practice level. With Nightingale College, you can earn your BSN and go on to practice as a nurse in just 3 years.

Additionally, to help aspiring nurses from Utah, we launched a pilot program to reduce tuition for Utah BSN students by 30% for the duration of the BSN Program. We aim to make high-quality nursing education affordable and accessible, particularly in our home state, which has seen one of the highest rates of nurse shortages in the US in recent years.

Your nursing career is within reach. Discover more about attending the BSN Program at Nightingale College as a Utah learner.

Average nurse salary in Utah

Your Prospective Nurse Salary in Utah by Specialty

While the registered nurse's salary is a good estimate of the overall earning potential of nurses in a state, considerable differences arise by specialty. Below, you can see a comparison of the average nurse salary estimates in Utah for the most popular specialties:

Nursing Specialty / Role

Average Nurse Salary (Utah)

Adjusted Nurse Salary (Utah)

In-depth salary comparisons

Registered Nurse (RN)

$82,270[]

$80,499

Nurse salaries by state

Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)

$61,710[]

$60,382

LPN salaries by state

Nurse Practitioner (NP)

$125,700

$122,994

  

Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)

$111,820

$109,413

FNP salaries by state

Psychiatric Mental Health NP (PMHNP)

$146,632

$143,476

PMHNP salaries by state

Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) 

$125,046

$122,354

Nurse anesthetist salaries by state

Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM)

$138,020

$135,049

CNM salaries by state

Travel Nurse (Travel RN)

$118,404

$115,855

Travel nurse salaries by state

Operating Room Nurse (OR Nurse)

$117,884

$115,346

–

Labor and Delivery Nurse

$113,360

$110,920

–

Intensive Care Unit Nurse (ICU Nurse)

$99,840

$97,691

ICU nurse salaries by state

Emergency Room Nurse (ER Nurse)

$105,976

$103,695

ER nurse salaries by state

Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Nurse (NICU Nurse)

$114,088

$111,632

Neonatal nurse salaries by state

Neonatal Nurse Practitioner (Neonatal NP)

$133,056

$130,192

–

Pediatric Nurse

$68,619

$67,142

Pediatric nurse salaries by state

Home Health Nurse

$92,600

$90,607

–

Hospice Nurse

$97,903

$95,795

–

Flight Nurse

$90,800

$88,845

–

School Nurse

$72,280

$70,724

–

Aesthetic Nurse / Cosmetic Nurse

$73,112

$71,538

–

Charge Nurse

$89,861

$87,927

–

Nurse Manager

$98,876

$96,748

Nurse manager salaries by state

Nurse Practitioner Salary in Utah

The average salary in Utah for nurse practitioners (who make up the majority of MSN-level nurses) is $125,700 per year or $60.43 per hour, according to the latest estimates. Although they earn slightly less in Utah ($3,510), most percentile groups have higher annual salaries than the national average. Here is a comparison of the estimated nurse practitioner salary in Utah vs. the entire US:

Location

United States

Utah

Difference Utah vs US
 

Annual

Hourly

Annual

Hourly

Annual

10th Percentile (Lowest: entry-level)

$97,960

$47.10

$95,570

$45.95

$2,390 less

25th Percentile

$109,940

$52.86

$111,700

$53.70

$1,760 more

Median (Average salary)

$129,210

$62.12

$125,700

$60.43

$3,510 less

75th Percentile

$149,570

$71.91

$151,010

$72.60

$1,440 more

90th Percentile (Highest)

$169,950

$81.71

$172,850

$83.10

$2,900 more

In other words, although you may start with a lower earning potential than other nurse practitioners throughout the nation, accumulating experience will quickly place you above the national average when it comes to salaries.

Find out more about MSN nurse salaries by state, and learn what you can do with a Master’s in Nursing and what MSN degrees you can pursue to advance your career.

If you want to advance your career and increase your earning potential, Nightingale College offers two MSN programs: the MSN FNP for aspiring family nurse practitioners and the MSN PMHNP for those who want to work as psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioners. These certified 2-year learning programs combine online instruction with in-person preceptorship experiences and seminars, allowing you to advance your education without sacrificing your personal responsibilities.

Explore the programs at Nightingale College and enroll today.

Licensed Practical Nurse Salaries in Utah

Licensed practical nurses in Utah make, on average, $61,710 per year or $29.67 per hour, according to the latest data, $630 less than the national average. Regionally, if you work as an LPN in metropolitan areas such as Salt Lake City or St. George, your average earning potential will be higher than the national average: $66,440 in Salt Lake City ($5,100 over the national average), and $63,090 in Saint George ($750 over the national average).

If you want to become a licensed practical nurse easily and effectively, enroll in the PN Diploma Program at Nightingale College. The blended distance education program allows you to learn via online didactic instruction, complete your practical experiences in one of the many SOFE Areas around the state, and graduate within 12 months of learning.

Enroll in the PN Diploma Program and start your nursing career.

Highest-Paying Cities and Regions for Registered Nurses in Utah

Highest-Paying Cities and Regions for Registered Nurses in Utah

Nurse salaries in Utah vary greatly by area, with annual differences ranging from $2,950 below the state-level median to $1,660 above it. Generally, nonmetropolitan areas and smaller cities fall below the state median, while major metropolitan areas and surrounding areas, such as Salt Lake City, rank above the median. Here is an overview of the regional median nurse salaries and their differences from the Utah median, according to data from O*NET :

Location

Median Salary per Region

State-Region Difference

High Desert, Utah nonmetropolitan area

$79,620

$2,650 below median

Logan, UT-ID

$83,100

$830 above median

Ogden, UT

$79,320

$2,950 below median

Provo-Orem-Lehi, UT

$79,630

$2,640 below median

Salt Lake City-Murray, UT

$83,140

$870 above median

St. George, UT

$83,360

$1,090 above median

Wasatch Front Fringe, Utah nonmetropolitan area

$83,930

$1,660 above median

Similarly, BSN nurse salaries vary from one statistical region to another, with the lowest falling $5,570 below the state average, and the highest exceeding it by $2,650. Here is a brief presentation using the same statistical areas:

Location

Median BSN Salary per Region

Amount Earned More with a BSN

State-Region Difference

High Desert, Utah nonmetropolitan area

$95,960

$16,340

$5,570 below BSN median

Logan, UT-ID

$104,180

$21,080

$2,650 above BSN median

Ogden, UT

$98,430

$19,110

$3,100 below BSN median

Provo-Orem-Lehi, UT

$98,010

$18,380

$3,520 below BSN median

Salt Lake City-Murray, UT

$103,650

$20,510

$2,120 above BSN median

St. George, UT

$100,380

$17,020

$1,150 below BSN median

Wasatch Front Fringe, Utah nonmetropolitan area

$103,080

$19,150

$1,550 above BSN median

Read more about BSN salaries by state and region.

How Many Nursing Job Openings Are There in Utah? Workforce Projections

The job outlook for nurses in Utah is much better than the national projections. This is particularly the case given the state's recent nursing shortage.

Utah is projected to have about 2,170 registered nurse job openings per year through 2032. These openings include both newly created jobs and replacement openings as nurses retire, change roles, or leave the occupation. During the same period, Utah RN employment is projected to grow from 25,300 to 31,710, a 25% increase, which is 5 times the growth rate nationally (5%).

Demand is also strong for related nursing roles. Utah is projected to have about 430 nurse practitioner openings per year, with NP employment expected to grow 60% through 2032, faster than the national growth rate (40%). Nursing assistants are projected to see about 2,470 annual openings, making them one of the highest-volume nursing-support roles in the state.

Similarly, licensed practical nurses have a good job outlook, with 180 projected annual job openings and 25% growth over the next six years, more than eight times the national rate (3%).

Here is a comprehensive comparison of the three most popular nursing roles and their respective workforce projections and job outlook in Utah:

Roles

Registered nurses

Licensed practical nurses

Nurse practitionrs

Employment (most recent)

25,300

3,680

1,670

Projected employment (2032)

31,710

5,900

2,080

Numeric increase

6,410

2,220

410

Growth rate in Utah

25%

60%

25%

National growth rate

5%

40%

3%

Annual openings

2,170

430

180

Read more about the current nursing shortage rates in the US.

Benefits of Becoming a Nurse in Utah

Aside from the earning potential, there are many other benefits of working as a nurse in Utah. Below, you can discover the most popular reasons to become a nurse in Utah:

  • Utah is a state with strong job growth for nurses: RN employment is projected to grow 25% in the next six years, which is 5 times the national rate. In other words, you are likely to find opportunities in Utah. Additionally, a similarly high projected employment rate for higher-level nursing roles means that you will always have opportunities for advancement.
  • Population growth means a higher healthcare demand: With Utah being projected to grow from nearly 3.6 million residents to 5.6 million by 2065, healthcare is among the leading growth industries. A larger population also means more demand for healthcare services and provision.
  • Higher education comes with higher rewards: The salary increase correlated with earning a BSN is much higher than the BSN and non-BSN nurse salary estimates in other states. Similarly, accumulating experience as a nurse practitioner not only comes with a higher salary increase rate than the US average, but also places your earning potential above national projections for the same percentiles. In other words, advancing your nursing career will effectively improve your salary.
  • You have increased mobility thanks to the compact license: The Nurse Licensure Compact allows nurses to practice across compact states with a single multistate license. With Utah being a compact state, becoming a nurse in the state means that you can go on to practice across multiple compact states, depending on your personal and professional priorities.
  • Utah provides increased autonomy for nurse practitioners: According to the AANP, Utah became the 27th state to adopt full practice authority for nurse practitioners, which provides greater autonomy in nursing practice for students who study, get certified, and work in the state. 
  • It can be cheaper to study nursing in Utah: The cost of nursing school in Utah can be relatively lower than the national average, depending on which institution and program you choose to pursue, particularly so for in-state residents. At Nightingale College, for instance, Utah BSN students receive a 30% tuition reduction for the duration of their BSN Program. 

start your nursing journey in Utah with Nightingale College

Start Your Nursing Journey with Nightingale College

Studying to become a nurse in Utah can open the door to a wide range of professional benefits that go beyond your first paycheck. In addition to strong earning potential, nursing can offer long-term job stability, clear opportunities for career advancement, licensure mobility, and multiple pathways into higher-level roles with greater autonomy.

Still, choosing the right nursing program is one of the most important steps in turning those opportunities into a career. If you want a flexible pathway to RN licensure and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Nightingale College’s BSN Program offers a blended-distance option designed to combine online instruction with hands-on learning. All didactic instruction is delivered online, with supervised on-site field experiences being completed in one of the many SOFE Areas in the state, including in Logan, the Salt Lake City-Ogden Area, the Provo Area, and St. George. 

The program also includes leadership-focused learning, culminating in the Capstone Leadership Project, which prepares you to transition from a nursing learner to a practice-ready graduate and potential leader in the nursing field.

Nightingale College has also introduced a tuition-reduction pilot program for Utah residents enrolled in the BSN Program, with eligible Utah learners receiving a 30% tuition reduction for the duration of their program.

Your nursing career in Utah is within reach. Discover more about attending the BSN Program at Nightingale College as a Utah learner and take the next step toward becoming a registered nurse.

FAQs

How Much Does a Nurse Earn in Utah?

The average registered nurse salary in Utah is between $82,270 and $86,975 per year, depending on the method used to estimate, based on the most recent data published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Other sources place the average salary between $79,992 and $88,000 per year. Your potential nursing salary is also affected by the degree you hold, with BSN nurse salaries being estimated to be approximately $101,530 per year.

Is Utah a Good State for Nursing?

Yes, Utah offers many benefits for those who choose to study and practice nursing, including competitive salaries, increased job security, a rewarding career ladder, lower tuition costs, career advancement opportunities, and greater mobility thanks to the state's compact status.

What Is a Good Nurse Salary in Utah?

Based on the latest estimates, the median salary for the 90th percentile of registered nurses in Utah is $106,960, the highest median salary estimate among the state's workforce. However, your earning potential may reach $150,000, depending on your level of education and chosen specialty.

Is There a Nurse Shortage in Utah?

While Utah has historically faced one of the highest nursing shortage rates in the country, recent estimates suggest the state is poised to improve workforce adequacy and healthcare delivery. High-quality and accessible nursing education plays a key role in tackling not only the statewide shortage but also the nurse-pool imbalance between rural and urban regions in Utah.

References

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