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Nursing Salary by State (US)
When considering a career in nursing, understanding the potential salary range across different states in the USA is crucial. The nursing profession is not only diverse in its roles but also in the compensation it offers depending on where you work. Factors such as the cost of living, demand for healthcare services, and state-specific regulations can significantly impact how much nurses earn. In this article, we’ll explore nursing salaries by state, providing insights into the highest and lowest-paying regions and what this means for nurses looking to maximize their earnings while pursuing their passion for healthcare.
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A Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) Salary
A licensed practical nurse (LPN) plays a crucial role in providing essential daily care to patients, such as monitoring vital signs, changing bandages, and documenting patient concerns. Working under the supervision of physicians in settings like hospitals, clinics, or doctor’s offices, LPNs may also assist with at-home visits. Additionally, they are responsible for maintaining medical records, coordinating care among the medical team, and ensuring patients and their families understand proper care procedures after leaving the healthcare facility.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual wage for LPNs in 2022 was $54,620. Below are the top-paying states for licensed practical nurses in 2022:
- Washington: $69,950
- California: $69,930
- Massachusetts: $68,170
- Rhode Island: $66,770
- Alaska: $66,710
Licensed Practical Nurse Salary by State
Similar to other nursing fields, LPN salaries vary depending on geographic location, according to 2022 BLS data. Curious about where your state ranks? Here’s a state-by-state breakdown:
| State | Salary (USD) | State | Salary (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $45,260 | Montana | $52,420 |
| Alaska | $66,710 | Nebraska | $52,080 |
| Arizona | $61,920 | Nevada | $63,910 |
| Arkansas | $45,990 | New Hampshire | $63,550 |
| California | $69,930 | New Jersey | $61,990 |
| Colorado | $60,310 | New Mexico | $59,400 |
| Connecticut | $62,620 | New York | $57,560 |
| Delaware | $57,360 | North Carolina | $53,010 |
| District of Columbia | $62,010 | North Dakota | $53,080 |
| Florida | $53,780 | Ohio | $52,330 |
| Georgia | $50,830 | Oklahoma | $48,090 |
| Guam | $41,810 | Oregon | $66,190 |
| Hawaii | $55,730 | Pennsylvania | $54,520 |
| Idaho | $54,710 | Puerto Rico | $26,170 |
| Illinois | $58,840 | Rhode Island | $66,770 |
| Indiana | $55,850 | South Carolina | $51,060 |
| Iowa | $51,400 | South Dakota | $46,000 |
| Kansas | $51,700 | Tennessee | $46,540 |
| Kentucky | $49,570 | Texas | $52,850 |
| Louisiana | $47,430 | Utah | $55,790 |
| Maine | $55,830 | Vermont | $57,150 |
| Maryland | $60,180 | Virgin Islands | $48,380 |
| Massachusetts | $68,170 | Virginia | $52,790 |
| Michigan | $57,180 | Washington | $69,950 |
| Minnesota | $54,870 | West Virginia | $45,530 |
| Mississippi | $45,020 | Wisconsin | $52,610 |
| Missouri | $49,500 | Wyoming | $54,880 |
A registered nurse (RN) is a licensed healthcare professional responsible for providing patient care across various environments, including hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, and schools. RNs specialize in areas such as oncology, pediatrics, or geriatrics, diagnosing and treating conditions within their focus. Earning a bachelor’s degree in nursing, even through online programs, can help prepare you for a successful career in this field.
According to 2022 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the average annual salary for registered nurses was $81,220. The top five highest-paying states for RNs were:
- California: $133,340
- Hawaii: $113,220
- Oregon: $106,610
- Massachusetts: $104,150
- Alaska: $103,310
Registered Nurse Salary by State (2022)
| State | Salary (USD) | State | Salary (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | $133,340 | New Jersey | $96,670 |
| Hawaii | $113,220 | North Dakota | $75,000 |
| Oregon | $106,610 | Ohio | $78,450 |
| Massachusetts | $104,150 | Oklahoma | $76,920 |
| Alaska | $103,310 | Oregon | $106,610 |
| Washington | $101,670 | Pennsylvania | $80,630 |
| New York | $100,130 | Puerto Rico | $37,360 |
| District of Columbia | $98,230 | Rhode Island | $88,250 |
| Nevada | $96,310 | South Carolina | $74,330 |
| Connecticut | $94,260 | South Dakota | $64,500 |
| Maryland | $87,990 | Tennessee | $72,480 |
| Arizona | $86,740 | Texas | $84,320 |
| Colorado | $86,590 | Utah | $76,400 |
| Delaware | $85,020 | Vermont | $79,990 |
| Georgia | $85,180 | Virgin Islands | $69,200 |
| New Mexico | $85,580 | Virginia | $81,860 |
| New Hampshire | $83,420 | West Virginia | $72,230 |
| Illinois | $82,220 | Wisconsin | $81,000 |
| Virginia | $81,860 | Wyoming | $81,010 |
| Wisconsin | $81,000 | Kansas | $71,990 |
| Wyoming | $81,010 | Missouri | $71,860 |
| Michigan | $80,660 | Nebraska | $73,510 |
| Vermont | $79,990 | Idaho | $78,610 |
| Florida | $79,910 | North Carolina | $77,420 |
| Maine | $77,410 | Kentucky | $77,620 |
| Mississippi | $67,930 | Montana | $78,350 |
| Alabama | $66,910 | Indiana | $75,580 |
| Arkansas | $66,530 | Louisiana | $75,920 |
| South Dakota | $64,500 | Iowa | $69,370 |
To become an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN), one must pursue higher education, specialize in a particular area, and obtain additional certifications. This often involves earning a master’s degree in nursing. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), there are three main types of advanced practice nurses:
- Certified Nurse Practitioner (CNP): Provides care to patients of all ages, diagnosing and treating illnesses, and promoting health. They may focus on areas such as acute care, psychiatric mental health, women’s health, or family health.
- Certified Nurse-Midwife (CNM): Specializes in caring for pregnant women and their families, assisting with prenatal care, labor, and delivery, and helping new mothers adjust to life with a newborn.
- Certified Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA): Administers anesthesia before and after surgery, monitors patients’ vital signs, and provides pain management.
Advanced Practice Nurse Salaries by State (2022)
| State | Nurse Practitioner (USD) | Nurse-Midwife (USD) | Nurse Anesthetist (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | $158,130 | $169,530 | $246,510 |
| Georgia | $115,440 | $122,990 | $190,800 |
| Texas | $124,660 | $93,280 | $208,940 |
| Florida | $110,310 | $97,690 | $174,390 |
| New York | N/A | $129,610 | $238,710 |
| Washington | $135,590 | $135,780 | $222,610 |
| Alaska | $116,390 | $115,060 | N/A |
| Illinois | $122,310 | $123,200 | $238,440 |
| Massachusetts | $138,700 | $143,870 | $204,690 |
| Virginia | $116,980 | $106,790 | $215,530 |
| Nevada | $136,230 | N/A | N/A |
| North Carolina | $114,450 | $113,890 | $214,740 |
| Oregon | $136,250 | $136,150 | $205,920 |
| Hawaii | $128,310 | $156,020 | N/A |
| Indiana | $121,730 | $113,900 | $220,020 |
| Kentucky | $109,290 | N/A | $235,260 |
| Ohio | $117,440 | $124,560 | $197,630 |
| Arizona | $121,410 | $108,190 | $179,730 |
| Maine | $118,300 | $134,440 | $214,930 |
| South Carolina | $109,130 | $88,680 | $195,840 |
| Pennsylvania | $120,550 | $113,580 | $203,620 |
| Michigan | $113,780 | $118,420 | $199,690 |
| Minnesota | $128,160 | $116,780 | $222,540 |
| Colorado | $116,440 | $113,950 | $185,860 |
| New Jersey | $143,250 | $119,760 | $232,630 |
| Wisconsin | $121,210 | $118,430 | $230,270 |
| Tennessee | $99,330 | $97,920 | $174,170 |
| Louisiana | $118,210 | $119,520 | $179,140 |
| West Virginia | $106,790 | $165,780 | $229,430 |
| Vermont | $116,610 | N/A | $228,710 |
| New Mexico | $129,560 | $112,600 | $215,240 |
| Maryland | $119,650 | $120,170 | $182,710 |
| Rhode Island | $125,250 | $120,120 | N/A |
| South Dakota | $115,610 | N/A | $223,200 |
| Kansas | $111,670 | N/A | $169,410 |
| Arkansas | $107,110 | N/A | N/A |
| Montana | $119,960 | N/A | $203,430 |
| Nebraska | $118,970 | N/A | $225,590 |
| Mississippi | $117,260 | N/A | $184,390 |
| Utah | $115,610 | N/A | N/A |
| Idaho | $117,720 | $59,080 | $181,110 |
| Delaware | $120,570 | $109,180 | $198,070 |
| North Dakota | $113,940 | N/A | N/A |
| Alabama | $106,610 | N/A | $191,200 |
| District of Columbia | $131,270 | $96,320 | N/A |
| Puerto Rico | N/A | N/A | $63,570 |
| Guam | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Advanced practice nurses, including nurse practitioners, nurse-midwives, and nurse anesthetists, are highly skilled professionals whose salaries vary significantly by state. These roles require specialized education and certification, reflecting their critical responsibilities in the healthcare system. As demand for these advanced nursing roles continues to grow, understanding the salary landscape across different states can be valuable for those considering or advancing in an APRN
