10 Highest-Paying States for Nurses 2025
If you’re wondering where your nursing career can earn you the biggest paycheck, this guide breaks down the highest-paying states for nurses. Our 2025 report ranks the top-paying states for nursing professionals — including certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs), certified nurse midwives (CNMs), nurse practitioners (NPs), registered nurses (RNs), licensed practical nurses (LPNs), and certified nursing assistants (CNAs) — to help you plan your next move.
Looking for the highest-paying state for nurses to advance your career? From the sun-soaked South to the fast-paced Northeast, some parts of the country are offering nurses impressive pay and plenty of room for growth. Here’s a look at the top-paying states where your nursing skills can really shine.
What Is the Average Nursing Salary?
Nursing salaries vary widely depending on your role, experience, education, and geographic location. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), here are the national average salaries for different roles within the nursing profession:
- The average CRNA salary in the U.S. is $231,700 per year.
- The average NP salary in the U.S. is $132,000 per year.
- The average CNM salary in the U.S. is $128,110 per year.
- The average RN salary in the U.S. is $98,430 per year.
- The average LPN salary in the U.S. is $64,150 per year.
- The average CNA salary in the U.S. is $41,270 per year.
10 Highest-Paying States for CRNAs
Nurse anesthetists consistently rank among the highest-paid nursing professionals thanks to their specialized training in anesthesia care. With over 58 million anesthetic procedures administered in the U.S. each year, their expertise is in great demand across hospitals, surgical centers, and outpatient clinics.
Curious which states offer the best CRNA salaries? Here’s a breakdown of the 10 highest-paying locations:
| State | Annual Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Massachusetts | $292,390 |
| Washington | $276,110 |
| Vermont | $272,180 |
| Alaska | $268,970 |
| New Jersey | $268,310 |
| South Carolina | $267,410 |
| West Virginia | $267,220 |
| New York | $266,710 |
| Wisconsin | $264,400 |
| New Hampshire | $257,980 |
10 Highest-Paying States for NPs
NPs are advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) who are trained to provide comprehensive primary care, much like doctors. They assess patients, diagnose illnesses, prescribe medications, and in states with full practice authority, work independently. Today, roughly 307,000 NPs are practicing in the U.S., and the BLS identifies the profession as one of the fastest-growing occupations in the country.
When it comes to the highest-paying states for nurses, NPs earn the most in the following locations:
| State | Annual Average Salary |
|---|---|
| California | $173,190 |
| New York | $148,410 |
| Oregon | $148,030 |
| Massachusetts | $145,140 |
| Washington | $143,620 |
| Alaska | $142,340 |
| Connecticut | $141,140 |
| New Jersey | $140,470 |
| Rhode Island | $139,600 |
| District of Columbia | $137,600 |
10 Highest-Paying States for CNMs
CNMs are at the heart of maternal and newborn health, providing expert care to families throughout pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period. With approximately 3.86 million births each year and over 98% of women receiving prenatal care, maternity providers manage more than 18 million visits annually — making skilled CNMs highly sought after.
Want to know where CNM salaries are highest? Here’s a look at the 10 highest-paying states for these professionals:
| State | Annual Average Salary |
|---|---|
| California | $179,630 |
| Arizona | $174,870 |
| Massachusetts | $165,820 |
| Washington | $149,980 |
| Iowa | $149,040 |
| New Jersey | $138,980 |
| New York | $138,570 |
| Vermont | $138,410 |
| Maine | $137,760 |
| Alaska | $137,410 |
10 Highest-Paying States for RNs
Nursing is the backbone of U.S. healthcare, and the largest segment of the nursing workforce is the 4.7 million RNs employed nationwide. And according to the BLS, employment of RNs is projected to grow 5% in the next several years, which is faster than average across all occupations.
Wondering where these professionals earn the most? Here are the 10 highest-paying states for registered nurses:
| State | Annual Average Salary |
|---|---|
| California | $148,330 |
| Hawaii | $123,720 |
| Oregon | $120,470 |
| Washington | $115,740 |
| Massachusets | $112,610 |
| Alaska | $112,040 |
| New York | $110,490 |
| District of Columbia | $109,240 |
| New Jersey | $106,990 |
| Connecticut | $103,670 |
10 Highest-Paying States for LPNs
LPNs, called licensed vocational nurses (LVNs) in California and Texas, play a vital role in the U.S. healthcare system, providing essential nursing care under the supervision of registered nurses and physicians. There are over 650,000 LPNs in the United States, with most working in nursing and residential care facilities, though many are also employed in hospitals, home healthcare settings, and government facilities.
So, where do LPNs make the most money? Here are the 10 states offering the highest LPN salaries:
| State | Annual Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Washington | $79,970 |
| California | $79,090 |
| Oregon | $78,160 |
| Alaska | $77,850 |
| Rhode Island | $77,240 |
| Massachusets | $76,400 |
| New Hampshire | $73,850 |
| Arizona | $72,840 |
| Maine | $72,600 |
| Nevada | $71,460 |
10 Highest-Paying States for CNAs
A CNA, also referred to as a state registered nurse aide (SRNA), licensed nursing assistant (LNA), and state tested nurse aide (STNA), provides basic care to patients, assisting with daily living activities such as bathing, dressing, feeding, and mobility. With an aging population and growing demand for long-term care services, CNAs continue to be an important part of the U.S. healthcare workforce.
Wondering where CNAs earn the highest pay? Here are the 10 states offering the top salaries for nursing assistants:
| State | Annual Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Oregon | $49,970 |
| Washington | $49,960 |
| California | $48,790 |
| Alaska | $48,550 |
| New York | $47,530 |
| District of Columbia | $47,480 |
| New Hampshire | $47,190 |
| Massachusets | $46,130 |
| Maine | $45,500 |
| Hawaii | $45,480 |
How Education and Training Affect Your Salary
One of the most important factors influencing nursing salaries across different states is education, which correlates with each level of nursing. Advanced degrees, professional certifications, and specialized training can significantly increase earning potential across all nursing roles. For example:
- CRNAs require a master’s or doctoral degree in nurse anesthesia, along with national certification, which positions them among the highest-paid nursing professionals.
- NPs and CNMs also typically hold a master’s or doctoral degree, which enables them to practice at advanced levels, earning higher salaries.
- RNs typically hold a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) or Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) degree, and have opportunities to boost their earnings if practicing in certain specialties like pediatric oncology, plastic surgery, or interventional radiology.
- LPNs and CNAs may earn additional pay or qualify for promotions through professional certifications, specialty training, or acquiring multiple years of experience.
Highest-Paying States for Nurses: FAQ
Which states have the highest demand for nurses?
According to a health workforce analysis conducted by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), the 10 states expected to experience the largest nursing shortages in the next decade include the following:
- Washington
- Georgia
- California
- Oregon
- Michigan
- Idaho
- Louisiana
- North Carolina
- New Jersey
- South Carolina
What determines the highest-paying states for nurses?
The highest-paying states for nurses are determined by a combination of factors that influence demand, cost of living, and healthcare infrastructure. Key factors influencing nursing salary include:
- Cost of living: States with higher living expenses, such as housing, transportation, and healthcare, typically offer higher salaries.
- Demand for healthcare services: States with a shortage of qualified nurses often offer higher salaries to attract and retain staff.
- State funding: States that invest more in healthcare facilities, hospitals, and community health programs often have the resources to offer competitive compensation.
- Unionization and collective bargaining: States with strong nursing unions or collective bargaining agreements can negotiate higher wages and better benefits.
Are there opportunities for higher pay in rural areas?
While rural areas often offer lower base salaries, the cost of living is typically lower, which can result in a comparable or even better standard of living. Additionally, rural nursing may come with the following incentives:
- Loan forgiveness programs
- Sign-on bonuses
- Housing stipends
- Relocation payoffs
For example, nurses in rural Kentucky may have lower salaries but can benefit from a lower cost of living and the Kentucky State Loan Repayment Program, effectively increasing their purchasing power.
Do nurse salaries vary by specialty?
Yes, nurse salaries can vary widely depending on their specialty. Many of the highest-paying nursing jobs are in leadership, including roles such as nurse managers and nurse administrators.
Some clinical nursing specialties command higher pay, particularly those involving complex patient care and advanced training, including the following:
- Outpatient nursing
- Nursing research
- Specialty hospital nursing (e.g., pediatric oncology, ICU, and emergency department)
Want to Give Your Nursing Salary a Boost?
Now that you know which are the highest-paying states for nurses, it’s time to explore opportunities across the nation. IntelyCare helps nurses find roles that fit their career goals and lifestyle. Discover the latest nursing jobs in your dream destination today.