State-by-State Analysis
Best States for Registered Nurses
Compare salaries, employment, and opportunities across all 50 states
California
Top State
$109,290
Avg Salary
1,502,910
Total Jobs
$55k
Salary Range
State Rankings by Salary
Raw salary data without cost-of-living adjustments
Data organized by SOC code 29-1141. Learn about SOC codes
SOC: 06 | $150,280 | $150,280 | $72 | 338,940 |
| $124,340 | $124,340 | $60 | 12,940 | |
| $123,140 | $123,140 | $59 | 39,730 | |
SOC: 53 | $121,540 | $121,540 | $58 | 69,260 |
SOC: 25 | $117,960 | $117,960 | $57 | 88,200 |
| Find Massachusetts Jobs | ||||
| $114,870 | $114,870 | $55 | 7,510 | |
| $113,440 | $113,440 | $55 | 205,810 | |
SOC: 34 | $110,100 | $110,100 | $53 | 92,680 |
| $106,980 | $106,980 | $51 | 11,440 | |
| $105,710 | $105,710 | $51 | 27,070 | |
| Find Nevada Jobs | ||||
SOC: 09 | $105,250 | $105,250 | $51 | 40,110 |
| $103,420 | $103,420 | $50 | 70,110 | |
SOC: 44 | $101,260 | $101,260 | $49 | 10,090 |
| $99,730 | $99,730 | $48 | 73,150 | |
| $99,460 | $99,460 | $48 | 14,290 | |
| Find Delaware Jobs | ||||
| $99,370 | $99,370 | $48 | 54,490 | |
| $99,010 | $99,010 | $48 | 52,910 | |
SOC: 33 | $97,900 | $97,900 | $47 | 15,390 |
| $96,650 | $96,650 | $46 | 7,410 | |
| $95,380 | $95,380 | $46 | 271,380 | |
Move Smart, Earn More
Compare cost of living against salary across states, then explore open roles. All of our salary tools and comparisons are free to use.
Market Analysis & Insights
Top Markets
California leads in Registered Nurses salaries with $150,280 average compensation.
- High concentration of tech companies
- Strong job market demand
- Competitive benefit packages
Decision Factors
When choosing where to work as a Registered Nurses, consider both salary and cost of living. The raw salary data shows market rates before cost adjustments.
- Cost of living variations
- Job market competition
- Industry concentration
- Remote work policies
State rankings are based on nominalsalaries using 2026 Bureau of Labor Statistics data. Employment figures reflect full-time equivalent positions.
Related Metrics
Viewing: Registered Nurses (SOC: 29-1141)