The Top States for Nursing Careers

The Top States for Nursing Careers

Discover the most favorable states for nursing employment based on factors such as salary, cost of living, diversity, job opportunities, and more. The United States employs approximately 3 million registered nurses (RNs) with average annual salaries slightly exceeding $80,000. While healthcare employment prospects remain promising nationwide, specific states offer nursing professionals better job options, improved work environments, and an enhanced quality of life.

By evaluating salaries, employment prospects, living costs, and workforce diversity, nursing students and recent graduates can select the best states to meet their personal and professional needs.

This ranking of the top states is based on population and occupational data from sources like the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The rankings utilize a methodology that assesses eight distinct metrics, weighted for each of the 50 states. Additional details about the variables and sources used to compile these rankings can be found in the guide’s concluding section.

The 20 Best Nursing Career Specialties According to Salary

1. California

California provides an attractive environment for both living and professional work. It holds the top position among all 50 states for RN salaries, and the state’s diverse mixture of racial and ethnic backgrounds creates one of the most varied nursing workforces in the country.

– Weighted Average Score: 103.3
– Average Annual RN Salary: $120,560
– Cost of Living Index: 142.4
– Projected RN Employment Growth: 16.7%
– Nursing Workforce Diversity Index: 98.5

2. Washington

Washington offers higher average RN salaries compared to many states, but living expenses, including housing and transportation, are higher. However, adjusted for the cost of living, nursing salaries in Washington remain close to the national average.

– Weighted Average Score: 94.5
– Average Annual RN Salary: $91,310
– Cost of Living Index: 113
– Projected RN Employment Growth: 20.5%
– Nursing Workforce Diversity Index: 74.5

3. New York

New York provides diverse opportunities, from the vibrancy of New York City to scenic upstate regions. Nurses working in New York can anticipate substantial job growth by 2030 and higher salaries compared to other states.

– Weighted Average Score: 92
– Average Annual RN Salary: $89,760
– Cost of Living Index: 146.6
– Projected RN Employment Growth: 24.6%
– Nursing Workforce Diversity Index: 79.9

4. Texas

Texas offers a positive job outlook, workforce diversity, and reasonable living costs for nurses. When accounting for living expenses, Texas ranks in the 90th percentile for RN salaries.

– Weighted Average Score: 91.6
– Average Annual RN Salary: $76,800
– Cost of Living Index: 92
– Projected RN Employment Growth: 16.8%
– Nursing Workforce Diversity Index: 98.1

5. Arizona

Arizona presents a welcoming environment for nurses, driven by its growing population and popularity among retirees. Adjusted for the cost of living, nursing salaries in Arizona rank among the top 10 nationwide.

– Weighted Average Score: 91.3
– Average Annual RN Salary: $80,380
– Cost of Living Index: 101.3
– Projected RN Employment Growth: 35%
– Nursing Workforce Diversity Index: 73.3

6. Delaware

Despite its size, Delaware’s location in the northeastern metropolitan area makes it attractive for nursing work. However, RN salaries in Delaware are slightly below the national average.

– Weighted Average Score: 90.1
– Average Annual RN Salary: $74,330
– Cost of Living Index: 107.7
– Projected RN Employment Growth: 20%
– Nursing Workforce Diversity Index: 57.9

7. Colorado

With an aging population, Colorado’s demand for nurses consistently surpasses supply. The projected RN employment growth rate in Colorado is nearly 30% for the next decade. RN salaries in the state rank 16th in the U.S.

– Weighted Average Score: 89.8
– Average Annual RN Salary: $77,860
– Cost of Living Index: 104.2
– Projected RN Employment Growth: 29.5%
– Nursing Workforce Diversity Index: 33.1

8. Massachusetts

Massachusetts stands out as one of the best states for nursing. The state offers the fourth-highest average RN salary in the country, which helps offset its relatively high living costs.

– Weighted Average Score: 89.6
– Average Annual RN Salary: $96,250
– Cost of Living Index: 129.9
– Projected RN Employment Growth: 8.2%
– Nursing Workforce Diversity Index: 61.9

9. Maryland

Maryland ranks in the top 10 due to its strong employment prospects. The state anticipates significant RN growth over the next decade, with a high rate of job openings per population.

– Weighted Average Score: 89.5
– Average Annual RN Salary: $81,590
– Cost of Living Index: 127.2
– Projected RN Employment Growth: 21.7%
– Nursing Workforce Diversity Index: 78.7

10. Nevada

Nevada attracts nurses with rapid employment growth, workforce diversity, and high salaries. While living costs may be relatively higher, adjusted for the cost of living, Nevada’s nursing salaries rank second in the nation.

– Weighted Average Score: 89.3
– Average Annual RN Salary: $89,750
– Cost of Living Index: 108.8
– Projected RN Employment Growth: 22.3%
– Nursing Workforce Diversity Index: 100

Best States for Nursing Salaries

The BLS’ 2020 Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics Report reveals that RNs earn an average annual salary of $80,010. RN earnings vary significantly based on factors like degree level, experience, specialization, and location. The lowest 10% earn around $53,410 annually, while the top 90% earn $116,230 or more.

This table highlights the top 10 states for RN salaries when adjusted for the cost of living. California leads as the best state for nurses seeking both employment and living opportunities. States with lower compensation levels, such as Alabama, Iowa, and South Dakota, offer RNs annual salaries of $60,000 or less.

 

Best States for Nursing Salaries

The BLS’ 2020 Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics Report reveals that RNs earn an average annual salary of $80,010. RN earnings vary significantly based on factors like degree level, experience, specialization, and location. The lowest 10% earn around $53,410 annually, while the top 90% earn $116,230 or more.

This table highlights the top 10 states for RN salaries when adjusted for the cost of living. California leads as the best state for nurses seeking both employment and living opportunities. States with lower compensation levels, such as Alabama, Iowa, and South Dakota, offer RNs annual salaries of $60,000 or less.

 

 

Rank	State Name	Average RN Salary	Cost of Living Index
1	California	$120,560	142.4
2	Nevada	$91,310	113
3	Massachusetts	$89,750	108.8
4	Washington	$96,250	129.9
5	Oregon	$95,270	127.3
6	Alaska	$96,230	133.7
7	Minnesota	$80,960	100.7
8	New Jersey	$85,720	116.8
9	Arizona	$80,380	101.3
10	Texas	$76,800	92

Source: BLS and Meric.mo.gov

Considering Cost of Living and Projected Employment Growth

When assessing job opportunities, it’s crucial for job seekers to account for their essential living expenses, including housing, transportation, utilities, taxes, food, and childcare. Although employers often align salaries with the cost of living, potential employees should carefully evaluate the financial requirements for themselves and their families. For instance, while California offers the highest annual RN wages at $120,560, it also has a high cost of living. However, this significant salary might balance out the living expenses for some nurses.

Variations become evident when comparing salaries relative to living costs within specific regions of states. For instance, while California’s overall cost of living surpasses the national average by 42.4%, the urban hub of San Francisco boasts a cost of living 86.1% higher than the average. In contrast, the smaller city of Fresno presents more affordable living expenses, sitting 2.4% below the national average. Other states in the top 10 might provide nurses with annual salaries ranging from $76,800 to $96,000, but their cost of living indices could be substantially lower than California’s.

States With High Projected Employment Growth

The projected increase in RN employment between 2019 and 2029 results from various factors, such as demographic shifts, healthcare reforms, and transformations within the nursing field.

The aging U.S. population contributes to higher demand for primary and preventive healthcare services, while certain regions grapple with nursing shortages. The 2019 AMN Healthcare Survey reveals that 86% of nurses aged 55 and above intend to retire within the next five years, leading to a loss of experienced and specialized professionals from the workforce. The Affordable Care Act has also expanded access to healthcare services for previously uninsured Americans, further impacting the demand for registered nurses.

Meanwhile, nursing programs already under strain encounter difficulties in training a new wave of nurses in sufficient quantities to meet the unmet demand.

 

Rank	State Name	Projected RN Employment Growth
1	Arizona	35%
2	Colorado	29.5%
3	Utah	28.2%
4	New York	24.6%
5	Georgia	22.5%
6	Nevada	22.3%
7	Maryland	21.7%
8	Washington	20.5%
9	Delaware	20%
10	Idaho	19.9%

 

In each of the top 10 states experiencing the highest growth in RN employment, the primary driving force behind this demand is demographic shifts. The demand for nurses is significantly propelled by the higher healthcare utilization rates among individuals over the age of 65. Consequently, states with a larger percentage of elderly residents tend to see a more pronounced projected growth in RN job opportunities. Notably, Delaware has a senior citizen population of 16.3%, closely followed by Arizona at 15.9%, both surpassing the national average of 14% for the total population.

Moreover, several of these states are witnessing a growth in their young adult population, particularly those aged 25 to 29, including Utah, Washington, Arizona, Delaware, and Colorado. As these millennials enter the workforce and establish families, the demand for primary and preventive healthcare services is expected to increase.

These states also contend with rising retirement rates and turnover vacancies. For instance, Georgia is currently grappling with a nursing shortage that has escalated to a critical level, especially in the public health sector, where comparatively lower salaries impede the recruitment and retention of skilled nursing professionals.

States With a Diverse Nursing Workforce

Promoting a diverse and inclusive nursing workforce is essential for providing high-quality care to patients of all racial and ethnic backgrounds. Modern nursing education emphasizes the significance of cultural competency, preparing graduates to effectively engage with individuals from diverse backgrounds. Healthcare employers recognize that a diverse workforce, reflective of the patient community’s demographics, enhances communication and elevates the quality of services.

The rankings of states with the most racially diverse nursing workforce are based on data from the U.S. Current Population Survey and Simpson’s Diversity Index, which measures the representation of various racial groups within organizations. It’s noteworthy that Hispanics or Latinos constitute only 7.9% of the RN workforce, compared to 17.6% in other U.S. occupations. African Americans make up 13.4%, slightly surpassing their national employment rate of 12.1%. Similarly, the proportion of Asian RNs stands at 8.7%, slightly higher than their national rate of 6.4% across all occupations.

Rank	State Name	Simpson’s Diversity Index
1	Nevada	71.7
2	Hawaii	70.7
3	California	70.6
4	Texas	70.3
5	Washington D.C.	65.2
6	New Mexico	61.8
7	New Jersey	60.8
8	Florida	58.8
9	New York	57.2
10	Maryland	56.4

 

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To identify the best states for nursing employment, a comprehensive methodology was employed, which involved assessing and weighting eight distinct metrics. These metrics encompassed various aspects of nursing career prospects. The process followed these steps:

1. Data Collection: Relevant data for each metric was gathered from various sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, healthcare organizations, and official surveys.

2. Metric Calculation: For each state, values were determined for each metric. These values were aligned with the particular aspect being measured, such as RN salary adjusted for cost of living, diversity within the nursing workforce, projected annual RN job openings relative to the population, projected RN employment growth, NCLEX-RN pass rates, patient hospital ratings, RN supply and demand, and RN location quotient.

3. Index Score Assignment: The top-performing state for each metric received an index score of 100. Subsequently, the index scores for all states were established, reflecting their relative performance in each metric.

4. Weighting and Averaging: To synthesize the data, the index scores were weighted based on their significance in evaluating nursing employment prospects. Once weighted, these scores were averaged across the various states.

By following this methodology, an objective ranking of the best states for nursing employment was derived, providing valuable insights into nursing career opportunities across different regions.