When you're looking for a new job, there are so many factors to consider. In addition to the salary, benefits, and work environment, you also have to think about where you'll be living.
If you're a nurse looking for the best states to work as a nurse, then this article is for you. We've researched the top places where nurses can enjoy a good quality of life, great pay and benefits, and ample job opportunities.
In this article, we'll take a look at each of these states and what makes them such great places to work as a nurse.
How We Ranked the Best States for Nurses?
We ranked the best states for nurses by looking at data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, which includes information on the number of jobs available in each state, as well as average pay and other factors
We first considered overall job opportunities for nurses, including both hospital nurses and nurse practitioners. We also looked at how much money a nurse could expect to make in each state.
Additionally, we also considered other factors that might affect a nurse's quality of life in each state: population density, crime rate, access to healthcare providers, and more.
The Top 11 States for Nurses To Work
1. California
California is home to some of the best nursing opportunities in the country.
With an average salary of $97,522 per year, California’s registered nurses are earning nearly $90,000 more than the national average of $75,330 for RNs.
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The ten-year job outlook for California’s registered nursing industry anticipates a 16.70% increase in employment opportunities. In addition to great pay and a promising future,
California also has one of the largest unions and professional associations for registered nurses in the United States.
2. Washington
Washington is a beautiful state that is also known for its high-quality healthcare.
Nurses make up one of the largest components of Washington's healthcare workforce. With a ten-year job outlook predicting a 20.48% increase and an average annual income of more than $91,000 for registered nurses, it’s no surprise that RNs like working in Washington.
Many nurses and nurse advocates in Washington argue that choosing not to join the Nurse Licensure Compact means there is less competition for resident nurses.
3. New York
New York is at the top of the charts in terms of its nursing jobs, with a projected job growth rate of 17,000 per year.
The ten-year job outlook for nurses in New York is 24.63%.
New York does not currently have the legislation needed to become part of the Nurse Licensure Compact.
Therefore, nurses who wish to practice in the state must apply for and receive a New York nursing license.
4. Texas
Texas also has none, as Lone Star state is home to the highest employment level of registered nurses in the U.S.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are currently over 61,800 RNs working in Texas, and their annual average salary is $ 82,750.
And with an expected 16.75% increase in RN jobs over the next ten years, it's safe to say that this is one place you'll want to head if you're looking for a career change.
5. Arizona
Arizona, which is part of the Nurse Licensure Compact, has implemented legislation that designates a nurse-to-patient ratio. This means that there are more opportunities for nurses to work at hospitals and other healthcare facilities within this state.
There is an anticipated 35.01% increase in registered nurse job opportunities, with approximately 2,110 new or replacement jobs opening up by 2022.
If you're looking for a place where your skills will be put to good use, consider moving to Arizona!
6. Delaware
If you're looking for a state that's small enough to be still comfortable and big enough to have all the amenities of a major city, Delaware is the place for you.
This small state has been ranked as one of the best states for nurses because of its location within a central metropolitan area—which means there will always be jobs available in nursing.
Although registered nurse salaries in Delaware are slightly lower than the national average, it's still an excellent place to live and work as a nurse.
7. Colorado
The state has an aging population, which means there will be an increased need for nurses in the coming years.
Colorado was the fourth state in the nation to join the Nurse Licensure Compact and has since seen dramatic growth in its nursing population.
Nurses who wish to practice in Colorado must declare a Primary State of Residence (PSOR) in a Nursing Licensure Compact state.
According to Careeronestop.org, Colorado should anticipate a 6% growth in registered nursing jobs over the next ten years, equal to 203,200 new RN job openings each year
8. Massachusetts
It's a state that's both known for being one of the best places to live and one of the best states to be a nurse.
According to Indeed.com, the average annual salary of registered nurses in Massachusetts is around $97,000.
That means there are plenty of opportunities for you to make your mark on this state, whether you're just starting out or you're looking for an opportunity to grow your career.
9. Maryland
Maryland is one of the best states for nurses!
Nurses in Maryland have it pretty well. The state has over 50,000 registered nurses, and it's projected that the number of nurse jobs will increase by 21.66% over the next ten years.
According to Indeed.com, the average nurse salary in Maryland is around $94,000.
Nurses who live in Maryland can enjoy excellent pay and benefits, so if you're looking for a new state to call home, consider moving to Maryland!
10. Nevada
If you’re looking for a place where you can earn a ton of money, Nevada might just be your top pick.
The state ranks in the lower five percent of states regarding nurses per capita, but RNs who practice there still report satisfaction with their decision to work there, and it continues to rank as one of the best states to be a registered nurse.
That’s because the average RN makes an annual salary of nearly $90,000—much higher than the national average.
11. Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania is a state that's got it all—great nursing schools, great weather, and an incredible job outlook.
With 148,520 registered nurses currently in the state, there's no doubt that Pennsylvania is a hotbed of nursing activity.
And with its ten-year job outlook predicting a 13.04% increase in RN jobs, it's clear that Pennsylvania is just getting started!
If you're looking for some of the best nursing schools in the country, look no further than programs like those at the University of Pennsylvania, Lasalle University, and the University of Pittsburgh.
The Best States for Nursing Salaries
1) Hawaii
If you're looking for a state that offers the best nursing salaries, look no further than Hawaii.
According to Indeed.com, average registered nurses earn around $88,000 in this state. While nurses with less than one year of experience can earn about $79,000 in this state, nurses with more than ten years of experience can earn up to $104,000 annually.
Moreover, Hawaii is home to some of the most beautiful scenery in America. Aloha State is also known for its high cost of living and low crime rate. It's no surprise, then, that it's considered one of the best states in which to live.
2) California
California is an excellent place to be a nurse. In fact, it's the very best!
The average salary for a nurse in California is $45.69 per hour, and that's not all. Nurses with more than five years of experience earn around $60 per hour.
Moreover, California nurses also get life insurance coverage, which can be especially valuable if you're married with children.
And if you're looking to advance your career, there are plenty of opportunities in California.
3) Oregon
Oregon is one of the best states for nursing salaries, as well as other benefits.
Oregon is a great state to work in because it offers an employee stock purchase plan, which means that you can invest in your own retirement fund to have a stake in the company's future.
According to Indeed.com, the freshly graduated nurse earns around $42 per hour in this state.
Also, if you're looking for advancement, Oregon has several programs in place to help you get there. For example, Oregon offers loan forgiveness for nurses who stay in the program for at least four years.
Finally, Oregon offers dental insurance and other benefits that are hard to come by elsewhere.
The States With the Largest Projected Employment Growth
1) Illinois
Illinois’s unemployment rate just keeps on going up.
The Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) announced today that the unemployment rate increased by +0.1 percentage points to 4.6 percent, which is still a relatively low figure compared to that of other states.
Illinois has continued to exhibit positive long-term employment trends, with considerable improvement in the state’s unemployment rate.
2) Nevada
In the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, Nevada has experienced a tremendous amount of growth.
The state has regained all of the positions lost throughout the pandemic and achieved a record-breaking amount of 1,452,600 jobs during August 2021. This is an increase of 3,000 compared to the prior highest tally reported in April 2020.
Nevada's economic report revealed that during the month, 7,600 new jobs were created, and the total number of employed persons was 90,400, higher than in June 2021, representing a yearly growth rate of 6.6%.
3) New Jersey
In the wake of the pandemic, unemployment rates are high. But there are plenty of jobs for people who want to work. One state that has been able to keep its unemployment rate fairly low in New Jersey.
The unemployment rate in New Jersey was 3.05% in October of 2022, according to the United States Federal Reserve. Historically, the Unemployment Rate in New Jersey reached a record high of 15.80 in May 2020 and a record low of 3.20 in April 2019.
New Jersey's unemployment rate has been lower than the national average since October 2021. Due to the historic nature of the pandemic, some people are choosing not to return to work, leading to a high unemployment rate.
Which states have the highest need for nurses?
1) California
California is one of the most diverse and populous states in the country. It's also one of the most expensive places to live, which means that many Californians can't afford healthcare. That's where nurses come in.
It is calculated that almost 40,567 equivalent RNs in full-time positions are lacking, a deficit of 13.6%, which is projected to remain until 2026, according to the 2020 Survey of California Registered Nurses and the 2019-20 Annual RN Schools Survey's last findings.
Nurses are a vital part of the healthcare system, but they're often underpaid and overworked. This has led to an acute shortage of nurses throughout California.
2) Texas
It's no surprise that Texas is home to the highest need for nurses in the country.
With its large population, Lone Star State is constantly in need of qualified healthcare professionals.
According to a 2021 study, Texas will experience a shortfall of 57,000 registered nurses, leaving 16% of positions unfilled. The most significant deficiency is projected to be in hospital settings.
3) Arizona
Arizona nurses are the hardest-working, most dedicated nurses in the United States.
They work long hours and often do not get paid enough for their efforts.
Arizona is currently one of the top 5 states with the most extreme staff deficit as a result of exhaustion and an excess of work.
The typical national vacancy rate for Registered Nurses in hospitals is roughly 10%. Before the pandemic, between 33% and 57% of newly-graduated nurses abandoned their initial employment within two to three years.
In fact, Arizona nurses are so dedicated to the field that they often don't even take time off to rest and recuperate, instead choosing to keep working through their breaks.
This is why Arizona nurses have some of the highest turnover rates in the country.
4) Georgia
If you're looking to start a new career in nursing, Georgia may be the state for you.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics has predicted an increase in the number of nurses in the U.S. by 9% by 2030. An estimated 276,800 new nurses are expected to join the workforce over that time period, with around 194,500 job openings expected annually for the remaining years of the decade.
It also has one of the highest unemployment rates, so if you're looking for a job and are qualified as a nurse, this is an excellent opportunity to get started.
What are some benefits of moving to a new state for nursing jobs?
Here are some of the benefits of moving to a new state for your new nursing job:
1) Salary
One of the biggest benefits of moving to a new state for nursing jobs is the higher salary you'll be able to earn.
Nursing jobs are typically highly sought-after and competitive, so if you're willing to move somewhere that can offer you a higher salary, then it's likely that you will be able to find something that works for your needs.
2) Specialty Possibilities
The second major benefit of moving is that it will open up some new opportunities for specialists in your field.
There are many different specialties within nursing, and sometimes these specialties are more common in certain areas than others.
By moving to a new state, you'll be able to find work that suits your skillset better than what was available before.
3) Flexibility
Moving to a new state for nursing jobs can provide you with much flexibility.
You may be able to choose between working in an urban or rural area or even decide on your own schedule. This can be a great way to get out of a job that doesn't suit you but still work in the same field.
4) Meeting New People
One of the best parts about moving to a new state is the chance to meet new people! You'll be able to make some great new friends who can help you get settled in your new environment, and you'll be able to get a fresh start with your career.
You may also have access to better job opportunities in your new state. The demand for nurses is higher in some states than others, so you may have more options when it comes time to find work.
Let’s Wrap It - Best States To Work As A Nurse!
Nursing is a career that can offer you the chance to make a real difference in people's lives. But it's also a career that comes with its fair share of challenges.
The best states to work as a nurse are those that provide opportunities for growth while also making it possible for you to have time off to focus on your personal life.
If you're considering taking the leap into nursing, make sure you consider these factors—and don't forget about the cost of living!
FAQs - Best States To Work As A Nurse!
What are the highest-paying jobs in the medical field?
The highest-paying jobs in the medical field are those of anesthesiologists, surgeons, and physicians.
Anesthesiologists are doctors who provide anesthesia to patients during surgery. Surgeons are doctors who perform operations on patients. Physicians are doctors who treat illnesses and injuries.
What is the happiest career in the medical field?
The happiest career in the medical field is one that combines a passion for helping others with a sense of fulfillment. For example, a pediatrician has the opportunity to improve the lives of young patients and their families every day.
By providing physical examinations, vaccinations, and other treatments, they can help prevent illnesses and injuries before they occur.
Additionally, they can provide emotional support to families and be instrumental in helping children develop healthy habits. Not only do pediatricians have the satisfaction of seeing their patients improve over time, but they can also experience joy when hearing stories of success from their former patients.
Pediatricians often make lifelong relationships with their patients, creating an incredibly rewarding experience for them personally as well as professionally. It is clear to see why this profession is considered one of the happiest careers in the medical field.
Does the United States have a shortage of nurses?
Yes, the United States has a shortage of nurses. The nurse shortage is caused by many factors, including the aging of the population, increased demand for healthcare services, and lack of funding for training programs.
Nurses are in high demand because they are the backbone of healthcare. They provide medical care, administer medications, and teach patients how to manage their illnesses.
