RN Nursing Salary 2026 in the USA: State-Wise Pay
Registered Nursing (RN) continues to be one of the most stable and well-paid healthcare careers in the United States. As healthcare demand rises and nurse shortages persist, many professionals and students are asking a crucial question: what will RN nursing salaries look like in 2026?
In this in-depth guide, we break down RN nursing salary 2026 projections, including average pay, state-wise salary comparisons, hourly vs annual wages, and the factors that influence how much registered nurses earn across the U.S. If you are planning your career, considering relocation, or evaluating future earning potential, this article is designed to give you clear, up-to-date insights.
What Is the Average RN Nursing Salary in the USA for 2026?
While official 2026 salary data is not yet published, RN nursing salary projections for 2026 can be estimated using recent U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) trends, inflation adjustments, and healthcare workforce demand.
Based on these factors, the average RN nursing salary in the USA for 2026 is projected to range between $89,000 and $94,000 per year, depending on location and experience.
Estimated RN Salary Range (2026)
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Average Annual Salary: $89,000 – $94,000
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Average Hourly Wage: $42 – $45 per hour
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Entry-Level RNs: $65,000 – $72,000
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Experienced RNs (10+ years): $105,000 – $120,000
These figures reflect nationwide averages and can vary significantly by state and metropolitan area.
RN Nursing Salary by State (2026 Projections)
RN salaries differ widely across states due to cost of living, nurse demand, union presence, and healthcare funding. Below is a state-wise RN nursing salary projection for 2026, adjusted using recent wage growth trends.
Highest-Paying States for Registered Nurses (2026)
| State | Estimated Annual RN Salary |
|---|---|
| California | $135,000 – $142,000 |
| Hawaii | $118,000 – $123,000 |
| Oregon | $112,000 – $118,000 |
| Washington | $110,000 – $115,000 |
| Alaska | $108,000 – $112,000 |
California remains the highest-paying state for RNs, largely due to strong unions, strict nurse-to-patient ratios, and high healthcare demand.
Lowest-Paying States for RNs (2026)
| State | Estimated Annual RN Salary |
|---|---|
| Mississippi | $67,000 – $71,000 |
| Alabama | $66,000 – $70,000 |
| South Dakota | $68,000 – $72,000 |
| Arkansas | $69,000 – $73,000 |
| West Virginia | $70,000 – $75,000 |
Although salaries are lower in these states, the cost of living is often significantly lower, which can balance overall purchasing power.
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RN Hourly Wage vs Annual Salary in 2026
Most registered nurses in the U.S. are paid hourly rather than on a fixed salary. In 2026, RN hourly wages are expected to continue rising due to overtime demand and staffing shortages.
Average RN Hourly Pay (2026)
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National Average: $42 – $45/hour
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High-pay states: $55 – $68/hour
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Low-pay states: $32 – $38/hour
Hourly pay can increase substantially with:
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Night shifts
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Weekend shifts
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Overtime hours
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Union contracts
Cost of Living and Its Impact on RN Nursing Salary
A higher RN salary does not always mean better financial outcomes. States like California and New York offer high wages, but housing, taxes, and daily expenses are also higher.
Best Salary-to-Cost-of-Living States for RNs
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Minnesota
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Georgia
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Wisconsin
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North Carolina
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Ohio
These states often provide a strong balance between RN salary and living costs, making them attractive for long-term financial stability.
How Experience Affects RN Nursing Salary in 2026
Experience remains one of the biggest salary drivers for registered nurses.
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0–2 years: $65,000 – $72,000
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3–5 years: $75,000 – $85,000
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6–10 years: $90,000 – $105,000
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10+ years: $105,000 – $120,000+
Hospitals also reward long-term staff with bonuses, leadership roles, and specialty pay differentials.
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Does Education Increase RN Salary?
Yes. While all RNs must be licensed, education level still impacts pay.
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ADN-prepared RNs: Lower starting salaries
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BSN-prepared RNs: Earn $10,000–$18,000 more annually on average
Many U.S. hospitals now prefer or require BSN-prepared nurses, especially in urban and teaching hospitals.
Travel Nursing and RN Salary Growth
Travel RNs often earn significantly more than permanent staff nurses due to short-term contracts and urgent staffing needs.
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Travel RN annual equivalent: $110,000 – $150,000
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Housing stipends: Often tax-free
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High demand areas: California, Texas, New York, Arizona
While travel nursing can be lucrative, income may fluctuate between contracts.
Why RN Nursing Salaries Are Expected to Rise in 2026
Several long-term trends support continued RN salary growth:
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Aging U.S. population
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Increased chronic disease rates
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Nurse retirements outpacing new graduates
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Ongoing nurse shortages in rural and urban hospitals
According to workforce projections, RN demand will remain strong throughout 2026 and beyond.
RN Nursing Salary 2026: Frequently Asked Questions
What is the highest RN salary in the USA in 2026?
Top-earning RNs in states like California can earn over $140,000 per year, excluding overtime and bonuses.
Is RN nursing still a good career in 2026?
Yes. RN nursing offers strong job security, competitive pay, and long-term career growth across the U.S.
Which state is best for RN salary and lifestyle?
States with moderate living costs and solid RN wages—such as Minnesota or North Carolina—often offer the best balance.
Final Thoughts: RN Nursing Salary Outlook for 2026
The RN nursing salary 2026 outlook remains highly positive across the United States. With rising healthcare demand and ongoing workforce shortages, registered nurses are well-positioned for steady income growth, job security, and geographic flexibility.
Whether you are entering the profession or planning your next career move, understanding RN salary trends by state and experience level can help you make smarter financial and professional decisions.
