Nursing remains one of the most trusted and rewarding professions in the U.S. — but it’s also one of the most varied when it comes to pay. Salaries for nurses differ significantly depending on location, experience, and specialization.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), nursing salaries have grown steadily over the past decade, reflecting the rising demand for skilled healthcare professionals. With 2025 seeing even more emphasis on advanced practice roles and hospital leadership, understanding nursing salary by state can help aspiring and current nurses make smarter career choices.
One nurse who embodies the dedication of the profession is Betty Jo Rocchio, Senior Vice President and Chief Nursing Officer at Mercy, a multistate health system based in St. Louis, Missouri. With over 32 years of experience, Rocchio begins her day before dawn and balances leadership with patient advocacy. Her mission? To create workplaces where “nurses and patients can thrive.”
If you’re exploring the most lucrative paths in nursing, here’s your complete guide to nursing salaries by state in 2025, from entry-level to advanced practice roles.
Nursing Career Levels and Salary Overview
Before diving into the state-by-state breakdown, let’s understand how roles differ in both responsibility and pay.
1. Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)
- Median Annual Salary (2025): $54,620
- Education: Diploma or certificate (about 1 year)
- Workplace: Clinics, long-term care, home health
- Role: Basic patient care, wound dressing, vital signs monitoring, assisting physicians
2. Registered Nurse (RN)
- Median Annual Salary (2025): $81,220
- Education: Associate or Bachelor’s degree in Nursing (ADN or BSN)
- Workplace: Hospitals, schools, outpatient centers
- Role: Direct patient care, medication administration, care coordination
3. Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN)
- Median Annual Salary (2025): $120,000+
- Education: Master’s or Doctorate in Nursing (MSN/DNP)
- Specializations: Nurse Practitioner, Nurse Midwife, Nurse Anesthetist
- Role: Advanced diagnostics, prescribing medication, managing patient treatment
Nursing Salary by State 2025
Below is a summary of average nursing salaries by state, based on the latest BLS data and 2025 projections.
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) Salaries
| State | Average Annual Salary (USD) |
|---|---|
| Washington | $69,950 |
| California | $69,930 |
| Massachusetts | $68,170 |
| Rhode Island | $66,770 |
| Alaska | $66,710 |
| Oregon | $66,190 |
| Nevada | $63,910 |
| Connecticut | $62,620 |
| District of Columbia | $62,010 |
| New Jersey | $61,990 |
| (U.S. Average) | $54,620 |
Top States: Washington and California
Lowest Salaries: Mississippi ($45,020) and Puerto Rico ($26,170)
Registered Nurse (RN) Salaries
| State | Average Annual Salary (USD) |
|---|---|
| California | $133,340 |
| Hawaii | $113,220 |
| Oregon | $106,610 |
| Massachusetts | $104,150 |
| Alaska | $103,310 |
| Washington | $101,670 |
| New York | $100,130 |
| New Jersey | $96,670 |
| Nevada | $96,310 |
| District of Columbia | $98,230 |
| (U.S. Average) | $81,220 |
Top States: California and Hawaii
Lowest Salaries: Puerto Rico ($37,360) and South Dakota ($64,500)
Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) Salaries
| State | Certified Nurse Practitioner (CNP) | Certified Nurse-Midwife (CNM) | Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | $158,130 | $169,530 | $246,510 |
| Massachusetts | $138,700 | $143,870 | $204,690 |
| Texas | $124,660 | $93,280 | $208,940 |
| Washington | $135,590 | $135,780 | $222,610 |
| West Virginia | $106,790 | $165,780 | $229,430 |
| Florida | $110,310 | $97,690 | $174,390 |
| New Jersey | $143,250 | $119,760 | $232,630 |
| Oregon | $136,250 | $136,150 | $205,920 |
| Vermont | $116,610 | — | $228,710 |
| Wisconsin | $121,210 | $118,430 | $230,270 |
Top-Paid APRNs: Nurse Anesthetists in California, Texas, and West Virginia, often exceeding $220,000+ annually.
Highest Growth Roles: Psychiatric and Family Nurse Practitioners due to mental health demand.
Factors Affecting Nursing Salaries
Several key factors influence how much nurses earn in each state:
- Cost of Living: States like California and Hawaii pay more to match living expenses.
- Demand for Healthcare Workers: States with aging populations (like Florida and Maine) offer incentives for nurses.
- Education Level: Advanced degrees lead to specialized and higher-paying positions.
- Work Setting: Hospitals typically pay more than schools or clinics.
- Union Presence: States with strong nursing unions tend to have higher average pay.
How to Increase Your Nursing Salary?
Want to boost your earnings? Here’s how:
- Advance Your Education: Earn an MSN or DNP to qualify for APRN roles.
- Get Certified: Specializations like Critical Care (CCRN) or Pediatrics (CPN) add salary premiums.
- Negotiate Smartly: Research your region’s average salary before accepting an offer.
- Consider Relocation: Moving from a low-paying state (like Mississippi) to a high-paying one (like California) can double your income.
- Gain Experience: Senior nurses and managers often see exponential pay growth over time.
Future Outlook for Nursing Pay in 2025 and Beyond
The U.S. nursing workforce is projected to grow 6% from 2025 to 2030, faster than most occupations. As hospitals battle shortages, nurses with advanced training and leadership experience will be in even higher demand.
Betty Jo Rocchio emphasizes the evolving purpose of nursing — balancing patient care with well-being:
“What nurses care about most is providing great patient care and leaving with enough energy for their families.”
With this mindset and the right qualifications, nursing isn’t just a stable job — it’s a career that grows with you, both emotionally and financially.
Conclusion
Whether you’re starting as an LPN, growing as an RN, or leading as an APRN, understanding nursing salary by state helps you plan your future strategically.
While California, Massachusetts, and Washington top the charts for pay, every state offers opportunities for growth and advancement — especially for nurses who continue their education and specialize in high-demand fields.
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