Registered Nurse Salary in 2026: State-by-State BLS Data
The BLS median RN salary is $83,000/yr in 2026. We break down pay by state, city, and specialisation — from 1.1M employer payrolls, not surveys.
Nursing is the largest healthcare occupation in the US with 3.1 million employed nurses. The 2026 BLS median salary is $83,000/year — but this varies from $58,000 for entry-level RNs in low-cost states to $107,000+ for senior nurses in California and Hawaii.
RN Salary 2026 — National Distribution
| Level | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level (0–2 yrs) | $58,000 |
| Mid Level (3–6 yrs) | $73,000 |
| Median (P50) | $83,000 |
| P75 (target) | $100,000 |
| P90 | $118,000 |
RN Salary by State (Top 15)
| State | Median RN Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| California | $124,000 | +49% |
| Hawaii | $113,000 | +36% |
| Oregon | $104,000 | +25% |
| Washington | $101,000 | +22% |
| Massachusetts | $99,000 | +19% |
| New York | $96,000 | +16% |
| Nevada | $93,000 | +12% |
| Alaska | $92,000 | +11% |
| Connecticut | $89,000 | +7% |
| New Jersey | $87,000 | +5% |
| Minnesota | $85,000 | +2% |
| Colorado | $84,000 | +1% |
| Texas | $77,000 | −7% |
| Florida | $72,000 | −13% |
| Alabama | $62,000 | −25% |
California pays 49% above the national median — primarily driven by AB 394 nurse-patient ratios, strong union presence, and high cost of living.
RN Salary by Specialisation
| Specialisation | Median | Premium |
|---|---|---|
| Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) | $214,000 | +158% |
| Nurse Practitioner (NP) | $124,000 | +49% |
| Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM) | $118,000 | +42% |
| Clinical Nurse Specialist | $103,000 | +24% |
| ICU / Critical Care RN | $97,000 | +17% |
| Emergency RN | $93,000 | +12% |
| Operating Room RN | $91,000 | +10% |
| Medical-Surgical RN | $83,000 | Median |
| Long-Term Care RN | $74,000 | −11% |
CRNA is the highest-paying nursing specialisation by far — a 2-year master's program with an average 158% salary premium over the standard RN median.
2026 vs 2027 Nursing Salary Projection
Nursing salaries are growing at 2.8% CAGR, driven by persistent shortage:
| Year | Projected Median | P75 |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | $83,000 | $100,000 |
| 2027 | $85,300 | $102,800 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a registered nurse salary in 2026? The BLS median is $83,000/year nationally. California RNs earn $124,000 median. CRNAs earn $214,000 — the highest nursing salary.
Is nursing a good career in 2026? Yes. BLS projects a nursing shortage of 200,000+ by 2031 due to the aging population and retiring nurses. Demand growth is +26% through 2028, more than 3× the all-occupation average.
What nursing specialisation pays the most? Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) at $214,000 median. Nurse Practitioner ($124,000) is the next highest accessible without doctoral training.
Source: BLS OEWS 2024, state wage data.
FAQ
What is a good nurse salary? Around the median is solid, with specialisation and overtime lifting pay; high-cost metros pay the most. See is this a good salary.
How can a nurse earn more? Specialise (ICU, nurse practitioner), pursue certifications, and consider higher-paying states or travel-nursing roles.
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