{"id":3648,"date":"2023-04-28T11:10:28","date_gmt":"2023-04-28T11:10:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.adzuna.com\/blog\/?p=3648"},"modified":"2023-04-28T11:44:25","modified_gmt":"2023-04-28T11:44:25","slug":"best-paying-states-for-registered-nurses","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.adzuna.com\/blog\/best-paying-states-for-registered-nurses\/","title":{"rendered":"Best paying states for registered nurses"},"content":{"rendered":"

Attention, registered nurses! Are you on the hunt for a new position that pays top dollar? Well, you 100% deserve it after the years of training and education you went through to become licensed. Registered nurses (RN) are in demand countrywide, but some states are offering particularly tempting pay rates.<\/span><\/p>\n

We pulled together a list of top states in the US offering the highest salary for registered nurses, be sure to jot them down for your next job search!<\/span><\/p>\n

Delaware<\/a>\u00a0<\/b><\/h3>\n

Average advertised salary: $147,506<\/strong><\/p>\n

Job openings: 1,472<\/strong><\/p>\n

Delaware may be the second smallest state in the US, but it packs a hefty punch when it comes to nursing jobs! With an average advertised salary of $147,506 \u2013 which is almost $50K more than what an average registered nurse earns in the US, Delaware may just be the best state for registered nurses to work in!<\/span><\/p>\n

There were 1,472 openings available in March 2023, up +190% from 507 openings in March 2020, and the demand for registered nurses will continue to grow. In recent years, healthcare has been in the spotlight and the industry has been very vocal about medical talent shortage. According to <\/span>Delaware News Journal<\/span><\/a>, in October 2022, Delaware allocated $78 million in federal money to healthcare facilities struggling with staffing shortages, and the health systems in Delaware are offering big signing bonuses and significant increases in pay. According to <\/span>the newly-published data by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics<\/span><\/a>, the average annual salary for registered nurses is $85,020.<\/span><\/p>\n

Delaware has a relatively low income tax and an affordable cost of living compared to nearby states on the East Coast, making it a great place to stretch your paycheck. So, if you’re a registered nurse looking for a new job or don\u2019t mind moving to another state, consider Delaware!<\/span><\/p>\n

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Maine<\/a><\/h3>\n

Average advertised salary: $143,026<\/strong><\/p>\n

Job openings: 2,517<\/strong><\/p>\n

Maine is an excellent state for nurses who want to earn a top-dollar salary and live by the sea. With an average advertised salary of $143,026 and over 2,500 job openings, there are plenty of opportunities for registered nurses in this picturesque coastal state.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Nursing is a stressful job, both physically and mentally. <\/span>Studies<\/span><\/a> have proven that spending time in nature can be an antidote for stress and burnout. Maine is famous for its rocky coastline, <\/span>pristine <\/span>forests, and sandy beaches, which are perfect locations for decompressing after a tough week at work.<\/span><\/p>\n

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South Dakota\u00a0<\/a><\/h3>\n

Average advertised salary: $136,396<\/strong><\/p>\n

Job openings: 2,256<\/strong><\/p>\n

South Dakota may not be the first state that comes to mind when you think of nursing jobs, as it\u2019s known for tourism and agriculture. But it’s actually one of the best places to work as a registered nurse, with an average advertised salary of $136,396 and over 2,000 jobs up for grabs.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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Wisconsin<\/a><\/h3>\n

Average advertised salary: $135,408<\/strong><\/p>\n

Job openings: 6,497<\/strong><\/p>\n

Wisconsin is a fantastic state for nurses as healthcare plays <\/span>a major role<\/span><\/a> in the state\u2019s economy. Wisconsin was also <\/span>ranked fourth<\/span><\/a> in the nation for the highest overall healthcare quality among 50 states. With an average advertised salary of $135,408 and a whopping 6,497 job openings, it\u2019s definitely a brilliant idea to work as a nurse in Wisconsin. And if you happen to be a foodie, great news! Wisconsin\u2019s nickname is \u201cAmerica\u2019s Dairyland\u201d. Expect great cheese, custards, cream puffs, and butter burgers!<\/span><\/p>\n

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North Dakota\u00a0<\/a><\/h3>\n

Average advertised salary: $128,426<\/strong><\/p>\n

Job openings: 1,009<\/strong><\/p>\n

North Dakota may be sparsely populated, but the job market is strong, and the state has a low unemployment rate. The average advertised salary of a registered nurse is $128,426 and there were over 1,000 job openings in March 2023. If you prefer a tranquil lifestyle, consider getting a job in North Dakota. A bonus point if you\u2019re into maple syrups and poutine, North Dakota is really close to Canada on the map. It takes around four hours to drive from Fargo to Canada.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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Nebraska<\/a><\/h3>\n

Average advertised salary:$126,068<\/strong><\/p>\n

Job openings: 1,676<\/strong><\/p>\n

Nebraska is desperate for nurses. A recent <\/span>study<\/span><\/a> suggested that the state is on pace to be short of more than 5,000 nurses by 2025 due to burnout, aging nursing population and insufficient training funds. And there are nine counties that have zero registered nurses. This probably explains why registered nurses are well-paid in Nebraska. You can easily find job ads offering salaries of $126,068 on average. Another great bonus is that the cost of living is low in Nebraska, making it a great place to save money or pay off loans.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Iowa<\/a><\/h3>\n

Average advertised salary: $126,068<\/strong><\/p>\n

Job openings: 3,302<\/strong><\/p>\n

Iowa is a great state for nurses who have a family as it is famous for its low cost of living, affordable housing, and top-quality education. The average advertised salary for registered nurses is $126,068, and there were over 3,300 job openings up for grabs in March 2023. And when you’re not at work, you can go stargazing, explore the beautiful Mississippi River, or visit vibrant cities like Des Moines and Iowa City with your family.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Washington DC\u00a0<\/a><\/h3>\n

Average advertised salary: $118,731<\/strong><\/p>\n

Job openings: 335<\/strong><\/p>\n

The capital city is a great place for younger nurses who love a vibrant city life. Washington DC is considered as <\/span>the third best city for Millennials<\/span><\/a> in the US, and Millennials make up almost a quarter of the city\u2019s population. Registered nurses can easily find job ads advertising an average salary of $118,731. Notably, the average annual salary in Washington State is $101,670, way above the national average of $89,010. There are tons of ways to spend your paycheck as the city is home to world-class museums, theaters, bars and restaurants.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Minnesota<\/a>\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n

Average advertised salary: $117,181<\/strong><\/p>\n

Job openings: 5,815<\/strong><\/p>\n

Minnesota, \u201cthe Land of 10,000 Lakes\u201d, is a state perfect for outdoorsy nurses who love lakes and festivals. While income tax is relatively high, an average advertised salary of a registered nurse is competitive ($117,181!), and there are close to 6,000 job openings. When you’re off duty, have as many tater tot hotdishes (casserole) as you want and definitely check out the lakes.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Alaska<\/a>\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n

Average advertised salary: $116,767<\/strong><\/p>\n

Job openings: 502<\/strong><\/p>\n

Alaska may be the most remote state on this list, but it’s also one of the best places to work as a nurse. You can find jobs with an advertised salary of $116,767. What\u2019s more, Alaska will pay you to move there. You can expect to take home $800 to $1,100 from their <\/span>Permanent Fund Dividend Program<\/span><\/a>. There is also no state income tax or sales tax, making Alaska a great place to live if finance is your big concern. Expect to see the Northern Lights between September and late April and experience long light nights in summer!<\/span><\/p>\n

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Looking for more inspiration?<\/h2>\n

If you are curious about the number of RN jobs available in your state and how big of a pay packet your next employer is probably going to offer you, check out these two maps! Simply point your cursor to the state and you’ll find the answers.<\/p>\n