Which states have the happiest nurses?

Washington, New Hampshire, and Oregon are often cited as having the happiest nurses, leading recent rankings by WalletHub/Advisory Board, based on compensation, opportunities, and working conditions, while other states like California and New York also rank high due to strong job markets, good pay, and patient safety measures. Factors like high salaries, manageable nurse-to-patient ratios (like in California), lower cost of living (Arizona, Texas), and work-life balance contribute to higher job satisfaction.

Where do the happiest nurses work?

Top 10 Happiest Nursing Jobs

• Labor and delivery nurse.
• Radiology nurse.
• Gastrointestinal nurse.
• Cardiac nurse.
• Gynecology nurse.
• Pulmonary/respiratory nurse.
• Critical care nurse.
• Psychiatric nurse.

What state is known for nursing?

Another thing that makes California the top state is its nurse-to-patient ratio. Moreover, it is the only state that has a staffing mandate of registered nurses. Hence, the state's overall ranking and healthcare system quality also contribute to its ranking.

Which US state needs nurses the most?

California tops the list with an estimated 44,500 deficit in registered nurses, nearly three times the deficit in the next shortest state. Texas, New Jersey, and South Carolina will lack more than 10,000 RNs; Alaska, Georgia, and South Dakota will each be short several thousand.

What state has the worst nursing shortage?

While several states face significant shortages, California is consistently cited as having the largest projected deficit in sheer numbers, with tens of thousands of nurses needed, though states like North Carolina, Washington, and South Carolina often show higher percentage shortfalls relative to demand by 2037. Other states like Texas, New Jersey, and Georgia also face major shortages, while some regions struggle more with low nurse-to-population ratios.
 

Top 5 Best States in USA for Nurses (2026)

What state pays RN the most?

California consistently pays Registered Nurses (RNs) the most, with average annual salaries often exceeding $130,000, followed by Hawaii, Oregon, and Washington, though high pay in these states often correlates with a high cost of living, notes. 

Which state has the happiest nurses?

Top Happiest 5 states for nurses in the US

• #5 Colorado. Quality of life ranking: #10. Average RN salary: $69,990.00. ...
• #4 Alaska. Quality of life ranking: #19. Average RN salary: $88,510.00. ...
• #3 Oregon. Quality of life ranking: #18. ...
• #2 Wisconsin. Quality of life ranking: #3. ...
• #1 Minnesota. Quality of life ranking: #2.

Can an RN make $200,000?

While the median registered nurse salary sits at $93,600 per year according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the highest-paid nurses are earning well over $200,000 annually, proving that nursing can be both personally fulfilling and financially rewarding. The nursing salary landscape has evolved dramatically.

What type of RN is most in demand?

Here are the most popular nursing specialties that are expected to grow rapidly in coming years:

• Neonatal Nurse. Babies who are born prematurely commonly experience a variety of health issues early on, and this is where a neonatal nurse comes in. ...
• Clinical Nurse. ...
• Dialysis Nurse. ...
• Nurse Practitioner. ...
• Nurse Advocate.

Who do most nurses marry?

Female registered nurses are most likely to marry male managers or female registered nurses. Male registered nurses are most likely to marry female or male registered nurses. Nurse practitioners and midwives are most likely to marry miscellaneous managers, physicians and surgeons.

What's the hardest nurse to be?

The "hardest" nursing specialty is subjective, but Critical Care (ICU/ER), Neonatal/Pediatric ICU, Oncology, and Psychiatric Nursing are frequently cited due to intense emotional strain, high acuity, complex technology, and significant burnout risk, with roles like Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) also seen as extremely demanding due to extensive education. The difficulty often stems from high-stakes decisions, unpredictable situations (like Labor & Delivery), patient suffering, and managing complex technology or unstable patients. 

How to make $300,000 as a nurse?

To earn $300,000 as a nurse, you need a strategic combination of high-paying roles (like travel nursing, CRNA, or APRN), location (California, high-demand areas), significant overtime, shift differentials (nights/weekends), and potentially a side business or income streams like YouTube, with Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) and Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) having the highest earning potential. 

What state pays nurses the lowest?

The lowest paying states for Registered Nurses (RNs) consistently include Alabama, South Dakota, Mississippi, Arkansas, and Iowa, with Alabama often topping lists for lowest median pay, followed closely by South Dakota and Mississippi, though exact figures vary slightly by source and year. These states generally have lower average salaries, but also lower costs of living, meaning adjusted pay can change the ranking.
 

How to make $100,000 as an RN?

To make $100k as a nurse, specialize in high-demand areas (ER, OR, ICU), pursue advanced degrees (NP, CRNA), become a travel nurse for high rates, work per diem/overtime for extra pay, specialize with certifications, or move to high-paying locations like California, leveraging roles like Nurse Anesthetist or Nurse Practitioner to significantly boost income. 

What city has the best cost of living for nurses?

1. Oakland, California. Oakland ranks highest in nurse salaries when adjusted for the cost of living.

What type of nurse gets paid the most?

The highest-paid nurses are Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs), who administer anesthesia and manage pain for patients, earning well over $200,000 annually due to extensive education and specialized skills. Other top earners include Nurse Practitioners (NPs) in specialties like Psychiatric Mental Health or Orthopedics, Certified Nurse Midwives (CNMs), Clinical Nurse Specialists, and Nurse Administrators, all requiring advanced degrees (Master's or Doctorate) and specialized certifications.
 

What is the easiest job that pays 100K a year?

The "easiest" $100k job is subjective, but roles in tech sales, skilled trades (like elevator mechanics, power line installers), specialized sales, and certain IT management or security roles often reach this income with experience, certifications, or strong performance, sometimes without a traditional 4-year degree, focusing on practical skills and demand. "Easy" often means high reward for skill/effort, but most high-paying jobs require significant training, demanding periods, or high responsibility, such as software sales, IT management, or becoming a fire chief. 

Does it take 4 years to be a nurse?

Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)

Takes 4 years. Also referred to as Baccalaureate degree. Offered at many California State Universities and some private colleges. Prepares you to provide registered nursing care in numerous settings and to move to administrative and leadership positions.

What states need nurses most?

Which States Need Nurses the Most?

• California – 44,500 FTEs.
• Texas – 15,900 FTEs.
• New Jersey – 11,400 FTEs.
• South Carolina – 10,400 FTEs.
• Alaska – 5,400 FTEs.

Where are nurses most happy?

Outpatient case managers and office nurses are some of the happiest in the field, while school nurses and hospital staff nurses are some of the unhappiest in the field due to understaffing and the pandemic.

What city needs nurses the most?

Best Places for Nursing Jobs

• New York (173,570)
• Los Angeles (109,790)
• Chicago (95,730)
• Philadelphia (70,530)
• Boston (62,260)
• Dallas (60,140)
• Houston (56,520)
• Miama (53,900)

What is the best state to work in as an RN?

The best states for Registered Nurses (RNs) often include California, Washington, Massachusetts, and Colorado, balancing high salaries (especially California/Hawaii), strong job growth (WA, AZ, CO), good work environments (WA's mandatory overtime limits), and quality of life, though high pay in CA/HI comes with a high cost of living. Other strong contenders are Oregon, New Hampshire, Minnesota, and Arizona, offering a mix of opportunities and favorable conditions. 

Do travel RNs make more money?

Historically speaking, the highest-paying states for travel nurses include California, Washington, New York, Alaska, and Massachusetts. Southern states tend to have lower living costs and, in turn, lower travel nurse pay. Areas that are considered “destination locations” (like, Hawaii and Florida) may pay lower.

Where in America do nurses make the most money?

Known for its competitive salaries and high demand for healthcare professionals, California tops the list as the highest-paying state for nurses. With a diverse healthcare landscape and bustling metropolitan areas, nurses in California enjoy excellent compensation and abundant job opportunities.