Question of the Week: Where Do Nurses Make the Most Money in America?
There are four professions that will never go out of business and they are farmers, because people won’t stop eating, plumbers because people won’t stop using the bathroom, funeral homes because people won’t stop dying, and nurses because people won’t stop getting sick.
Nursing continues to be one of the most popular fields in the country and as the baby boomer generation has aged, the demand for nurses has increased accordingly.
Many of the reasons people choose nursing is the helping of others, but to be frank, the pay isn’t terrible either.
That being said, it’s important to understand the value of a nurse in a given area.
This article will take a dive into some of the locations where nurses make the most money.
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What states have the highest paid nurses?
Below are the top three paying states for nurses in America according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics:
1. California
Easily one of the most expensive states to live in, California also tops the chart as one of the most well-paying states for nurses.
With earnings averaging around $137,690 a year, this is one of the best states where nurses get paid the most money in America, but remember that cost of living is higher so your dollar may not be as effective as it would be elsewhere.
While the state as whole is known for a higher cost of living, keep in mind there are pockets that may be less affected by cost of living.
Just make sure that you research the areas to fully understand what your dollar can buy.
2. Hawaii
In Hawaii, you can expect to be paid significantly for your nursing skills, with average salaries around $120,000 annually.
However, the paradise-like setting comes with a steep cost of living, which can diminish the appeal of those high salaries. Nurses must weigh these factors carefully.
For instance, while a paycheck may seem generous on paper, housing and daily expenses in places like Honolulu can quickly erode financial gains.
So, understanding both salary and cost dynamics is essential for nurses considering opportunities in Hawaii or any other state where economic conditions vary widely.
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3. Oregon
In Oregon, you can expect to be paid a competitive salary averaging around $113,440 per year for nursing positions making it one of the best places where nurses get paid the most money in America.
The state’s robust healthcare system and increasing demand for nurses contribute to these attractive figures.
However, potential applicants should also assess the cost of living in cities like Portland, where housing prices have surged in recent years.
This juxtaposition raises questions about the overall financial benefits of working there.
Power Tip: Exploring local benefits such as tuition reimbursement and flexible scheduling can enhance job satisfaction and financial stability, ultimately guiding nurses toward a more fulfilling career path in Oregon or beyond.
4. Washington
In Washington, you can expect to also be paid a competitive average salary of approximately $111,030 annually for nursing roles.
Seattle, in particular, stands out with its thriving healthcare sector and diverse opportunities.
Also, nurses should be mindful of the region’s high living expenses, which can diminish financial gains.
Additionally, the state’s initiative is aimed at increasing nurse salaries and improving working conditions may further enhance the appeal of Washington as a nursing destination for you.
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5. Alaska
If you are willing to travel and don’t mind being cold, then Alaska may be a choice for you. Nearing pay of $109,210 a year, this pay is matched with a higher cost of living due to the logistical location of the state.
While this may not be for everyone, it can certainly be a new adventure filled with stories and experiences you can take with you anywhere.
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6. Massachusetts
Another state that pays well if you are nurse is Massachusetts. With an average pay scale around $108,850 a year, this is another great option for nursing professionals.
Keep in mind also that on the East Coast, there are many schools that are highly regarded in the medical field and with those come research hospitals.
Depending on where you live within the state can also come into play because if you live in the middle of nowhere, you are likely to experience more competition for few employment slots, where as in the city there are many more opportunities to become employed.
What Cities Pay Nurses the Most Money Annually?
According to U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the best paying cities for registered nurses in America are all located in California.
- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA – $174,370
- Vallejo-Fairfield, CA – $171,620
- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA – $170,780
- Napa, CA – $166,180
- Sacramento-Roseville-Arden-Arcade, CA – $154,510
- Santa Rosa, CA – $152,930
- Modesto, CA – $145,190
- Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA – $140,880
- San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles-Arroyo Grande, CA – $140,560
- Stockton-Lodi, CA – $138,420
What Cities Pay Nurses the Most Money Hourly?
Below is where nurses get paid the most by hourly wages:
- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA – $83.83
- Vallejo-Fairfield, CA – $82.51
- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA – $82.11
- Napa, CA – $79.89
- Sacramento-Roseville-Arden-Arcade, CA – $74.29
- Santa Rosa, CA – $73.52
- Modesto, CA – $69.80
- Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA – $67.73
- San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles-Arroyo Grande, CA – $67.58
- Stockton-Lodi, CA – $66.55
Keep track of your nursing expenses through a bookkeeping software such as FreshBooks!
What Nurse Specialty Pays the Most?
While these are some of the locations, it is important to also consider which field of nursing you plan on going into. There are many different specialties to choose from and each has their own benefits.
Beyond location, the specialty you choose as a nurse can significantly impact your salary.
Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) are among the highest-paid, with salaries often exceeding $200,000 annually.
Other high-paying specialties include Nurse Practitioners and Nurse Midwives. Specializing not only increases earning potential but also opens up opportunities for career advancement and job satisfaction.
The next part of this article, we’ll go over where nurses can make the most money within their field. All of these statistics were derived from the NurseJournal.org.
1. Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist Salary
If you’ve been in any sort of situation that has required surgery then you have likely worked with a nurse who specializes in anesthesia.
With a median annual salary of $189,190, this is a solid pay rate, especially if you’ve had a few years of experience.
Remember though, when a nurse chooses to specialize their skills become more valuable to that respective field, but also the competition increases.
This can cause the pay ranges to change but also, you have to factor in the cost of living.
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2 . Neonatal Nurse Practitioner Salary
Next on our list is a Neonatal Nurse Practitioner, which is exactly as it sounds.
Typically working with hospitals or medical facilities, an individual going into this particular niche can look to make on average $122,500 annually.
3. Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner Salary
Rounding out our list is a mental health nurse practitioner, which is becoming more in demand and mental health awareness is on the rise.
As technology and information is learned at rapid speed, people are becoming affected mentally in ways that even 10 years ago were not yet realized.
Individuals within this field can expect to make around $120,000 annually, which is a very respectable income. Combine that with overtime and other work experience, you can look for that number to continue rising.
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My Final Thoughts Regarding Nurses Salaries
Overall, finding the right combination of location and practice can open up a new set of doors.
The cost of living in some places may be higher but that should be taken into account when your salary is decided.
Keep in mind also, that many nurses are hourly, which allows the possibility of overtime and more income.
Earning money isn’t everything but it certainly is a large factor in deciding where to begin or advance your career. Nurses will always be needed and continue to be an extremely noble profession.
If you enjoyed this article, then you’ll love these:
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Get started on your taxes early TODAY!
Until the next money adventure, take care!
Disclaimer Statement: All data and information provided on this site is for informational purposes only. The Handy Tax Guy makes no absolute representation of the correctness, mistakes, omissions, delays, appropriateness, or legitimacy of any information on this site. **Note: Each client circumstance will vary on a case-by-case basis**
(Original Article Date: January 2, 2019/Updated On: December 12, 2024)
