Once you earn your Registered Nurse license, the world is your oyster. The opportunities are endless. As a registered nurse, you can work as a permanent staff nurse, become a travel nurse and travel the nation on a contract-to-contract basis, or pick up per diem shifts on the side. Every state varies when it comes to the number of nursing jobs available, the amount of salary earned, the cost of living, and facility satisfaction. So where are the best states for nurses to work and live? It depends on what you are looking for and what drives you! Having a comprehensive state nursing guide can help you determine where you might want to work and live.
Nursing Job Demand By State
Worried about landing a job? Does job security give you peace of mind? If you answered yes to these questions then traveling to a state with a high demand for nurses might be a good move. According to The National Center for Health Workforce Analysis, in 2025 there is a projected shortage of 78,610 FTE RNs and by 2030 a shortage of 63,720 FTE RNs. If their predictions hold, we could see an excess supply of RNs by 2035 overall, however there are ten states that are still projected to have shortages by that year.
- Washington
- Georgia
- California
- Oregon
- Michigan
- Idaho
- Louisiana
- North Carolina
- New Jersey
- South Carolina
When considering where to take your next contract, keep in mind the states that are expected to have the highest needs of nurses in the years to come. These will have more opportunities and less competition when applying vs states that have less needs.
Highest Hourly Salary for nurses by State
Make that money, honey! If you are chasing dollar bills then these states are where you want to work as a registered nurse! Keep in mind some of the highest paying states also have a high cost of living. Listed below are the highest paying states for nurses per Becker’s Healthcare:
- California
- Mean hourly: $64.10
- Hawaii
- Mean hourly: $54.43
- Oregon
- Mean hourly: $51.26
- Massachusetts
- Mean hourly: $50.07
- Alaska
- Mean hourly: $49.67
On the opposite end of the spectrum, the current lowest-paying states in the nation for registered nurses are Iowa, Mississippi, Alabama, Arkansas and South Dakota. The mean hourly for registered nurses in these states range from $31.01 to $33.35.
Best Cost Per Living States for Registered Nurses
This next list by Forbes, showcases the five cheapest states to live in for 2023. Forbes found this number by calculating the Cost of Living Index of each state. The base number for comparing locations is 100. If a city is 20% more expensive, their cost per living score would be 120. If a state is 10% less expensive than the average it would have a Cost of Living Index of 90.
Here were the top 5 states with the lowest cost of living:
- Mississippi (cost of living index: 83.3)
- Kansas (cost of living index: 86.5)
- Alabama (cost of living index: 87.9)
- Oklahoma (cost of living index: 87.9)
- Georgia (cost of living index: 88.8)
Here are the top 5 most expensive states to live in in 2023 and their cost of living index:
- Hawaii (cost of living index: 179.00)
- California (cost of living index: 134.50)
- Alaska (cost of living index: 124.40)
- Massachusetts (cost of living index: 148.40)
- Oregon (cost of living index: 115.10)
As you can see, although California, Hawaii, Oregon, Massachusetts and Alaska have the highest mean pay for nurses in the United States, they also are the most expensive states to live in. Keep this in mind when you compare jobs across the U.S.
Although these states are more expensive to live in, there are other factors that make these desirable states to work in for travel nurses.
Hawaii: Of course Hawaii is known for the beautiful islands and many beaches that surround them. This state is always a top vacation spot, but it can be a temporary home for you as well. From the food, to the rich culture to the sandy beaches, you will not be disappointed with a travel nurse assignment here.
California: Known for its diverse landscapes, California tops the list as an attractive destination for travel nurses. Boasting world-class healthcare facilities in cities like Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Diego, California, provides a plethora of job opportunities. With its stunning beaches, vibrant cultural scene, and mild climate, the state offers an exceptional quality of life for travel nurses.
Alaska: If you’re looking to escape the city and find a temporary home that offers abundant outdoor experiences and wide open spaces for miles, Alaska may be the place for you. There is no lack of wildlife and vast scenery to explore with over 3 million lakes and around 100,000 glaciers. It also is the state with the most volcanoes in the U.S.
Massachusetts: With its prestigious medical institutions and historical charm, Massachusetts offers travel nurses a unique blend of professional opportunities and cultural richness. Cities like Boston provide a dynamic healthcare environment, while the state’s diverse landscapes cater to various preferences. Massachusetts, with its rich history dating back to the Pilgrims and the American Revolution, offers travel nurses the chance to explore landmarks like Plymouth Rock, the Freedom Trail in Boston, and the Salem Witch Trials Memorial.
Oregon: Known for its lush landscapes, diverse cities, and progressive culture, Oregon is a top choice for travel nurses. Cities like Portland and Eugene offer unique healthcare experiences, and the state’s commitment to sustainability aligns with the values of many healthcare professionals. Oregon’s commitment to sustainability and environmental consciousness aligns with the values of many travel nurses. The state’s emphasis on local, organic, and eco-friendly practices permeates its lifestyle.
Best States for Nurses Satisfaction and Happiness
A high-paying nursing job is something every nurse is looking for, but what about job satisfaction and happiness? You work every shift after shift to make patients comfortable and happy, you deserve this too!
- Minnesota (Quality of life ranking #2, Hospital rating by nurses 86%)
- Wisconsin (Quality of life ranking #3, Hospital rating by nurses 88%)
- Oregon (Quality of life ranking #18, Hospital rating by nurses inconclusive)
- Alaska (Quality of life ranking #19, Hospital rating by nurses 78%)
- Colorado (Quality of life ranking #10, Hospital rating by nurses 85%)
To calculate this rating Nurse.org took into account best states for quality of life, nurse salary, nursing demand, and average hospital ratings!
Do Your Research!
We created these lists to help you with your search for the best states for nurses to live and work. Don’t just take our recommendations verbatim, do more research on locations and facilities that correspond with your values. Do you value days off spent outside or are just salary-driven? All these variables play into finding your perfect location! Happy traveling.
