Where to Earn the Most: Highest Paying States for RNs in 2025

Quick Note: This guide includes detailed salary information for permanent RN roles.

Nurses working in top-paying states earn almost double what their colleagues make in other parts of the country. Like all professionals, healthcare workers are always seeking opportunities to increase their earnings while continuing to provide exceptional patient care.

Your choice of state can make a big difference in your take-home pay. We’ve done our homework and gathered detailed information about states offering the highest salaries for Registered Nurses (RNs).

Highest Paying States for RNs

Whether you’re a new graduate or an experienced RN considering relocation, this guide is a must-read. It provides valuable salary information for permanent RN roles, helping you discover which states offer the highest salaries for RNs, along with the necessary requirements to practice and important considerations if you’re planning to relocate.

Top 10 highest-paying states for Registered Nurses in 2025

Here are the states offering the highest salaries for Registered Nurses (RNs) in permanent roles. Keep in mind, the yearly and hourly salaries mentioned are average figures.

State

RNs Yearly

Salary 

RNs Hourly

Salary

California 

$133,990  

$64.42  

Hawaii   

$129,210  

$62.12

Oregon   

$110,940  

$53.34

Washington  

$107,720  

$51.79 

Alaska   

$106,410  

$51.16

New York   

$104,570  

$50.28

Connecticut 

$100,620

   $48.37  

Massachusetts   

$99,730  

$47.95

Minnesota 

$97,300  

$46.78  

Nevada 

$96,210  

$46.25  

Top 10 States for RNs: Pay, Cost of Living, and Job Growth

Now that you’ve seen which states offer the highest salaries for RNs, it’s time to think about other key factors. We’ll look at the cost of living, projected job growth, and what qualifications you’ll need to work in each state. Let’s break it all down and help you make the best choice.

Quick Tip: The cost-of-living index shows how expenses compare to the national average: 100 is average, above 100 means higher costs, and below 100 means lower costs.

1. California

Yearly Salary for RNs in California: $133,990

Hourly Rate: $64.42

Cost of living: 134.5

RN projected growth by 2030: 11%

RN requirements to work in California

  • Education: Graduate from a state-approved or accredited nursing program. 
  • Examination: Pass the NCLEX-RN. 
  • License Application: Complete a background check and submit fingerprints. 
  • Continuing Education: 30 contact hours every two years for license renewal. 
  • License Renewal: California RN licenses are issued for two birthdays, expire on the last day of the birthday month and are renewed every two years online. 

Will California be your next move?

Consider this before you go… 

The demand for RNs is high, particularly in specialty fields such as ICU and Emergency Nursing. 

To Keep in Mind: California has some of the highest nurse wages in the U.S., but also a higher cost of living, especially in cities like San Francisco and Los Angeles. The state’s diverse geography offers everything from beaches to mountains. 

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2. Hawaii

Hawaii RN salary 2025

Yearly Salary for RNs in Hawaii: $129,210 

Hourly Rate: $62.12  

Cost of living: 179 

RN projected growth by 2030: 9% 

RN requirements to work in Hawaii

  • Education: Graduate from an accredited nursing program. 
  • Examination: Pass the NCLEX-RN. 
  • License Application: Submit fingerprints, pass a background check, and a valid Social Security card. 
  • Continuing Education: No continuing education requirements for RNs. 
  • License Renewal: RNs renew licenses every two years by June 30 in odd years. 

Will Hawaii be your next move?

Consider this before you go… 

Nurses in Hawaii often experience a higher patient-to-nurse ratio, especially in rural areas and on smaller islands. 

To Keep in Mind: Moving to Hawaii means living in paradise, but housing costs are among the highest in the U.S., and importing goods means higher prices on everyday items. 

3. Oregon

Oregon RN salary 2025

Yearly Salary for RNs in Oregon: $110,940 

Hourly Rate: $53.34 

Cost of living: $115.1 

RN projected growth by 2030: 12% 

RN requirements to work in Oregon

  • Education: Graduate from an accredited nursing program. 
  • Examination: Pass the NCLEX-RN. 
  • License Application: Submit fingerprints for a criminal background check. 
  • Continuing Education: 960 practice hours every five years or 400 practice hours and 20 hours of continuing education. 
  • License Renewal: RN licenses renew every two years, expiring the day before the birthday in even or odd years based on the birth year. 

Will Oregon be your next move?

Consider this before you go… 

Oregon is known for emphasizing holistic care and patient-centered approaches in healthcare settings. 

To Keep in Mind: Oregon has no sales tax, making everyday purchases a bit cheaper. The state is known for its lush forests, craft breweries, and outdoor activities. 

4. Washington

Washington RN salary 2025

Yearly Salary for RNs in Washington: $107,720 

Hourly Rate: $51.79 

Cost of living: 115.1 

RN projected growth by 2030: 16% 

RN requirements to work in Washington

  • Education: Graduate from an accredited nursing program. 
  • Examination: Pass the NCLEX-RN. 
  • License Application: Complete an FBI fingerprint background check. 
  • Continuing Education: 8 hours yearly, plus 96 hours of practice every three years. 
  • Important: Washington is part of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC).  

Will Washington be your next move?

Consider this before you go… 

Washington has a growing demand for RNs, particularly in Seattle and rural healthcare systems. 

To Keep in Mind: Washington is a tech hub, and the state is one of the most eco-friendly, known for its green energy initiatives. Seattle is also known for its coffee culture and stunning views of the Puget Sound. 

5. Alaska

Alaska RN salary 2025

Yearly Salary for RNs in Alaska: $106,410 

Hourly Rate: $51.16 

Cost of living: 124.4 

RN projected growth by 2030: 14% 

RN Requirements to work in Alaska

  • Education: Graduate from an accredited nursing program. 
  • Examination: Pass the NCLEX-RN. 
  • License Application: Submit fingerprints for a criminal background check. 
  • Continuing Education: 30 contact hours every two years. 
  • License Renewal: Licensure renewal for RNs ends on November 30 of even-numbered years. 

Will Alaska be your next move?

Consider this before you go… 

RNs in Alaska may work in remote areas with limited medical resources, offering unique challenges and rewards. 

To Keep in Mind: Alaska is famous for its stunning wilderness, and healthcare professionals often get unique opportunities to work with indigenous populations and experience the northern lights. 

6. New York

New York RN salary 2025

Yearly Salary for RNs in New York: $104,570 

Hourly Rate: $50.28 

Cost of living: 125.1 

RN projected growth by 2030: 17% 

RN requirements to work in New York

  • Education: Graduate from an accredited nursing program and complete coursework in child abuse identification and infection control. 
  • Examination: Pass the NCLEX-RN. 
  • License Application: Submit fingerprints for a background check. 
  • Continuing Education: No specific continuing education requirements. 
  • License Renewal: RN licenses need to be renewed every three years in the licensee’s birth month. 

Will New York be your next move?

Consider this before you go… 

New York offers a range of opportunities, from urban hospitals to rural healthcare centers, but the job market is competitive. 

To Keep in Mind: New York City is known for its world-class healthcare institutions, while upstate New York offers a slower pace of life and stunning natural beauty, including the Adirondack Mountains. 

7. Connecticut

Connecticut RN salary 2025

Yearly Salary for RNs in Connecticut: $100,620 

Hourly Rate: $48.37 

Cost of living: 113.1 

RN projected growth by 2030: 4% 

RN requirements to work in Connecticut

  • Education: Graduate from an accredited nursing program. 
  • Examination: Pass the NCLEX-RN. 
  • License Application: Submit to a criminal background check. 
  • Continuing Education: 12 contact hours every two years, including at least one hour related to infectious diseases. 
  • License Renewal: Licenses need to be renewed annually. 

Will Connecticut be your next move?

Consider this before you go… 

Connecticut has a strong demand for RNs, particularly in specialized fields like oncology and geriatrics. 

To Keep in Mind: Connecticut is home to some of the oldest cities in the U.S., offering a rich colonial history and quaint New England charm. It also boasts a strong healthcare system with many prestigious hospitals. 

8. Massachusetts

Massachusetts RN salary 2025

Yearly Salary for RNs in Massachusetts: $99,730 

Hourly Rate: $47.95 

Cost of living: 148.4 

RN projected growth by 2030: 12% 

RN requirements to work in Massachusetts

  • Education: Graduate from an accredited nursing program. 
  • Examination: Pass the NCLEX-RN. 
  • License Application: Submit fingerprints and pass a background check. 
  • Continuing Education: 15 contact hours every two years. 
  • License Renewal: RN licenses expire on your birthday in even years. 
  • Important: You must be licensed in another state or the District of Columbia and have a valid Social Security number to apply. 

Will Massachusetts be your next move?

Consider this before you go… 

The state is home to some of the best hospitals in the country, particularly Boston. The healthcare system is innovative and offers many research opportunities. 

To Keep in Mind: Massachusetts is home to the world-renowned Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School. Boston is also known for its sports culture and historic landmarks. 

9. Minnesota

Minnesota RNs salary 2025

Yearly Salary for RNs in Minnesota: $97,300 

Hourly Rate: $46.78 

Cost of living: 94.1 

RN projected growth by 2030: 7% 

RN requirements to work in Minnesota

  • Education: Graduate from an accredited nursing program. 
  • Examination: Pass the NCLEX-RN. 
  • License Application: Submit to a criminal background check. 
  • Continuing Education: 24 contact hours every two years. 
  • License Renewal: Licenses renew every two years on the birthday month. 
  • Important: There are non-refundable application fees. 

Will Minnesota be your next move?

Consider this before you go… 

Minnesota has an extensive healthcare system, including the Mayo Clinic, one of the top hospitals in the world. 

To Keep in Mind: Minnesota’s “Land of 10,000 Lakes” nickname is no joke—it’s a great state for outdoor activities year-round. The cost of living is relatively affordable compared to other states with top-tier healthcare systems. 

10. Nevada

Nevada RNs salary in 2025

Yearly salary for RNs in Nevada: $96,210 

Hourly rate: $46.25 

Cost of living: 101.3 

RN projected growth by 2030: 23%  

RN requirements to work in Nevada

  • Education: Graduate from an accredited nursing program. 
  • Examination: Pass the NCLEX-RN. 
  • License Application: Submit fingerprints and pass a background check. 
  • Continuing Education: 30 contact hours every two years. 
  • RN License Renewal: Nursing licenses expire every two years on the licensee’s birthdate, with renewals opening 60 days prior. 
  • Important: There are non-refundable application fees. 

Will Nevada be your next move?

Consider this before you go… 

Nevada offers a variety of nursing opportunities, from Las Vegas hospitals to rural healthcare, but competition can be strong in the urban areas. 

To Keep in Mind: Nevada is known for its desert landscapes and 24-hour cities like Las Vegas. The state has no personal income tax, making it a popular destination for those looking to save on taxes. 

In a Glance: Top States for Registered Nurses (RNs)

In conclusion, when it comes to maximizing your earning potential as an RN, location plays a crucial role. States like California, Hawaii, and Oregon offer some of the highest salaries for Registered Nurses, but it’s important to balance salary with the cost of living and specific state requirements.  

Whether you are just starting your nursing career or considering a move to a new state, the right location can provide not only a higher paycheck but also unique opportunities for professional growth.  

Take time to research the requirements and benefits of each state to ensure that your next career move aligns with both your financial goals and lifestyle preferences. 

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