Nurse Salary by State 2026: RN, NP & Specialization Pay
Comprehensive nurse salary data for 2026 covering RNs, nurse practitioners, and specializations with state-by-state comparisons, shift differentials, and career advancement pay.
Key Takeaways
- Average RN salary: $89,000/year ($42.80/hour) nationally in 2026
- Nurse Practitioner average: $126,000/year, up to $165,000 in psychiatric specialties
- Highest-paying states: California ($133K), Hawaii ($113K), Oregon ($106K)
- Night/weekend differentials add $3-$12/hour, boosting annual pay by $6,000-$15,000
RN Salary by State: Highest and Lowest Paying
Registered nurse salaries vary by more than $70,000 across states. Here are the top and bottom states based on BLS Occupational Employment data:
| State | Average Salary | Hourly Rate | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | $133,000 | $63.94 | 307,000 |
| Hawaii | $113,000 | $54.33 | 12,000 |
| Oregon | $106,000 | $50.96 | 36,000 |
| Massachusetts | $104,000 | $50.00 | 82,000 |
| Washington | $102,000 | $49.04 | 62,000 |
| Alabama | $63,000 | $30.29 | 42,000 |
| Mississippi | $62,000 | $29.81 | 26,000 |
Convert your nursing salary to an hourly rate with our Salary to Hourly Converter, factoring in overtime and shift differentials.
Salary by Nursing Role and Education
Nursing offers a clear salary progression tied to education and specialization. Here is how different roles compare:
| Role | Education | Avg Salary | Top 10% |
|---|---|---|---|
| LPN/LVN | Certificate (1 yr) | $55,000 | $68,000 |
| RN (ADN) | Associate's (2 yr) | $82,000 | $105,000 |
| RN (BSN) | Bachelor's (4 yr) | $89,000 | $120,000 |
| Nurse Practitioner | Master's/DNP | $126,000 | $165,000 |
| CRNA | DNP (doctoral) | $212,000 | $260,000 |
| Nurse Midwife | Master's/DNP | $120,000 | $155,000 |
CRNAs (Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists) are the highest-paid nursing specialty, earning more than many primary care physicians. The ROI on a CRNA doctoral program is among the best in healthcare.
Shift Differentials and Overtime
Nursing is one of the few professions where overtime and shift differentials can substantially boost base pay. Here is what to expect:
- Night shift (7pm-7am): $3-$8/hour additional. A nurse working full-time nights earns $6,000-$16,000 more per year
- Weekend differential: $2-$6/hour. Working every other weekend adds $2,000-$6,000 annually
- Holiday premium: 1.5x to 2x base rate. Working 6-8 holidays at double time adds $2,000-$4,000
- Overtime: 1.5x base rate after 40 hours/week (or 12 hours/shift in some states). Many hospitals offer critical staffing bonuses of $200-$500 per extra shift
- Charge nurse premium: $1-$4/hour for nurses who take on charge duties during a shift
A night-shift RN earning $42/hour base can realistically earn $100,000+ with differentials and modest overtime. Use our Overtime Calculator to model different scenarios.
Travel Nursing Pay in 2026
Travel nursing pay has stabilized after the pandemic-era surge but remains significantly higher than staff positions. A typical 2026 travel contract includes:
- Taxable hourly rate: $28-$45/hour (intentionally lower than staff to maximize tax-free stipends)
- Housing stipend: $700-$2,200/week tax-free (varies by city)
- Meals & incidentals: $200-$400/week tax-free
- Travel reimbursement: $500-$1,000 per assignment
- Total weekly package: $1,800-$3,500/week ($93,000-$182,000/year)
The key tax advantage: housing and meal stipends are tax-free if you maintain a permanent "tax home." This means you must have a primary residence you pay for (rent or mortgage) and return to between assignments.
For the tax implications of travel nursing income, read our Contractor vs Employee Pay guide and use LevyIO's Tax Bracket Calculator.
Highest-Paying Nursing Specializations
Specializing can dramatically increase your earning potential. Here are the top-paying RN specializations in 2026:
- Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA): $195,000-$260,000 (doctoral required)
- Psychiatric NP: $135,000-$165,000 (high demand, especially telehealth)
- Neonatal NP: $120,000-$150,000 (specialized NICU care)
- OR/Perioperative RN: $95,000-$120,000 (surgical nursing)
- ICU/Critical Care RN: $85,000-$115,000 (high acuity, higher differentials)
- Emergency Room RN: $80,000-$110,000 (high volume, shift differentials)
- Oncology RN: $78,000-$105,000 (certification premium)
Certification bonuses for specialties like CCRN, CEN, or OCN typically add $1,000-$5,000/year to your base salary. Use our Salary Calculator to compare take-home pay across specializations.
Nurse Benefits and Total Compensation
Nursing benefits packages are among the most generous in healthcare. A staff RN earning $89,000 typically receives an additional $20,000-$35,000 in benefits:
- Health insurance: $7,000-$12,000/yr employer contribution (often includes medical, dental, vision)
- Retirement (403b/pension): 3-6% employer match = $2,700-$5,400/yr
- Tuition reimbursement: $3,000-$10,000/yr for BSN or MSN programs
- Student loan assistance: $2,000-$5,000/yr (some hospitals offer PSLF-qualifying employment)
- Continuing education: $500-$2,000/yr for CEUs, conferences, and certifications
- Sign-on bonuses: $5,000-$30,000 for high-demand specialties (with 1-2 year commitment)
For a full benefits valuation, see our Total Compensation Guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average RN salary in 2026?
The national average RN salary is approximately $89,000/year ($42.80/hr). California pays the most at $133,000, while Mississippi and Alabama pay around $62,000-$63,000.
How much do nurse practitioners make?
NPs earn an average of $126,000 nationally, ranging from $95,000 to $165,000. Psychiatric NPs are the highest-paid specialty at $135,000-$165,000.
Is travel nursing still worth it in 2026?
Yes, at $1,800-$3,500/week. While down from pandemic peaks, the tax-free housing stipend makes total compensation significantly higher than staff positions. Maintaining a tax home is essential for the tax benefits.
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