Choosing where to work as a nurse isn’t just about salary—it’s about cost of living, job satisfaction, and overall quality of life. Some states offer higher wages but come with high expenses, while others provide a better work-life balance with lower pay. So, where should nurses consider moving, and which states might they want to avoid? Let’s break it down.
Best States for Nurses
1. California
- Average RN Salary: $133,340 (highest in the nation)
- Cost of Living: High
- Job Satisfaction: Moderate to high (due to strong nurse unions and safe staffing laws)
- Why It’s a Great Choice: Despite high living costs, California offers some of the best salaries and legal protections for nurses, ensuring better working conditions.
2. Washington
- Average RN Salary: $101,670
- Cost of Living: Above average
- Job Satisfaction: High (strong union presence)
- Why It’s a Great Choice: Washington provides competitive wages, excellent career growth opportunities, and strong labor laws that benefit nurses.
3. Oregon
- Average RN Salary: $99,640
- Cost of Living: Above average
- Job Satisfaction: High
- Why It’s a Great Choice: Oregon has progressive nurse staffing laws and high salaries, making it a top destination for RNs.
4. Minnesota
- Average RN Salary: $87,840
- Cost of Living: Moderate
- Job Satisfaction: High (good work-life balance and strong hospital networks)
- Why It’s a Great Choice: Minnesota has a strong healthcare infrastructure, low burnout rates, and good overall quality of life.
5. Texas
- Average RN Salary: $84,320
- Cost of Living: Low
- Job Satisfaction: High (fast-growing job market, no state income tax)
- Why It’s a Great Choice: Texas offers competitive salaries, a booming healthcare industry, and a lower cost of living than many other states.
Worst States for Nurses
1. Alabama
- Average RN Salary: $66,910
- Cost of Living: Low
- Job Satisfaction: Low (high patient loads, fewer protections)
- Why It’s Challenging: While Alabama has a low cost of living, the wages for nurses are among the lowest, and staffing shortages make working conditions difficult.
2. South Carolina
- Average RN Salary: $74,330
- Cost of Living: Moderate
- Job Satisfaction: Low (nurse shortages, high turnover rates)
- Why It’s Challenging: High patient-to-nurse ratios and lack of strong union protections make this state less favorable for nurses.
3. Mississippi
- Average RN Salary: $63,130 (one of the lowest in the U.S.)
- Cost of Living: Very low
- Job Satisfaction: Low (high stress, poor hospital funding)
- Why It’s Challenging: While Mississippi is affordable, low wages and underfunded healthcare facilities contribute to nurse dissatisfaction.
4. Florida
- Average RN Salary: $79,910
- Cost of Living: High
- Job Satisfaction: Moderate (burnout issues due to nursing shortages)
- Why It’s Challenging: Despite decent salaries, Florida’s high cost of living and staff shortages make it difficult for nurses to thrive.
5. Kentucky
- Average RN Salary: $74,920
- Cost of Living: Low
- Job Satisfaction: Low (few career growth opportunities)
- Why It’s Challenging: Many hospitals in Kentucky struggle with funding and understaffing, leading to poor working conditions for nurses.
Key Takeaways
- If you’re looking for high salaries and strong job protections, California, Washington, and Oregon are top choices.
- If you want a balance of salary and affordability, Texas and Minnesota offer great opportunities.
- Avoid states with low wages and difficult work environments, like Alabama and Mississippi, unless the low cost of living makes up for the lower pay.
Before making a move, consider job satisfaction, career growth, and overall quality of life. Want to stay updated on nursing salaries and career insights, download Map my pay for currents trends.