Navigating RN Salaries Across States: Cost of Living Adjustments and NurseContact’s Role
California Leads the Way in RN Hourly Mean Wage, Even After Adjusting for Cost of Living
As the demand for registered nurses (RNs) continues to grow, understanding the variations in RN pay across different states is crucial. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) provides valuable data on RN wages, but it’s essential to consider the cost of living when comparing salaries.
California: Highest Hourly Mean Wage
California stands out as the state with the highest hourly mean wage for RNs, even after adjusting for cost of living. The BLS reports an impressive hourly mean wage of $66.20 for RNs in California. However, when accounting for the state’s high cost of living (with a cost of living index of 134.5), the adjusted hourly wage comes to $49.22.
State-by-State Comparison
Below, we’ve compiled the mean hourly wages for RNs in all 50 states and Washington, D.C., adjusted for cost of living:
| State | RN hourly mean wage | Cost of living index | RN hourly mean wage, adjusted by cost of living |
| California | $66.20 | 134.5 | $49.22 |
| Minnesota | $45.59 | 94.1 | $48.45 |
| Georgia | $43.27 | 91 | $47.55 |
| Oregon | $54.54 | 115.1 | $47.38 |
| New Mexico | $44.30 | 94.2 | $47.03 |
| Texas | $43.37 | 93 | $46.63 |
| Illinois | $42.14 | 90.8 | $46.41 |
| Washington | $53.38 | 115.1 | $46.38 |
| Nevada | $46.97 | 101.3 | $46.37 |
| Oklahoma | $39.48 | 86 | $45.91 |
| Michigan | $41.45 | 92.7 | $44.71 |
| Delaware | $45.51 | 102.6 | $44.36 |
| Wisconsin | $41.93 | 95 | $44.14 |
| Wyoming | $40.38 | 92.8 | $43.51 |
| Indiana | $39.76 | 91.5 | $43.45 |
| Connecticut | $48.96 | 113.1 | $43.29 |
| Ohio | $40.59 | 94 | $43.18 |
| New Jersey | $49.02 | 114.1 | $42.96 |
| Nebraska | $38.36 | 90.1 | $42.57 |
| Mississippi | $36.30 | 85.3 | $42.56 |
| Pennsylvania | $42.08 | 99 | $42.51 |
| Alaska | $52.51 | 124.4 | $42.21 |
| Louisiana | $38.83 | 92 | $42.21 |
| Missouri | $37.30 | 88.4 | $42.19 |
| Kentucky | $39.31 | 93.8 | $41.91 |
| Colorado | $44.10 | 105.5 | $41.80 |
| Kansas | $36.65 | 87.7 | $41.79 |
| Tennessee | $37.61 | 90.4 | $41.60 |
| Rhode Island | $45.71 | 110.5 | $41.37 |
| North Carolina | $39.68 | 96.1 | $41.29 |
| Virginia | $42.48 | 103.1 | $41.20 |
| Arizona | $43.96 | 107.2 | $41.01 |
| New York | $51.26 | 125.1 | $40.98 |
| South Carolina | $39.13 | 96.5 | $40.55 |
| West Virginia | $36.53 | 90.3 | $40.45 |
| North Dakota | $38.07 | 94.6 | $40.24 |
| Iowa | $35.87 | 89.7 | $39.99 |
| Florida | $40.75 | 102.3 | $39.83 |
| Utah | $39.95 | 101.5 | $39.36 |
| Arkansas | $35.05 | 90.3 | $38.82 |
| Alabama | $34.31 | 88.8 | $38.64 |
| Montana | $39.88 | 103.7 | $38.46 |
| Idaho | $39.95 | 106.1 | $37.65 |
| New Hampshire | $42.98 | 115 | $37.37 |
| Maryland | $44.27 | 119.5 | $37.05 |
| Vermont | $42.49 | 114.9 | $36.98 |
| Maine | $40.55 | 111.5 | $36.37 |
| South Dakota | $33.19 | 93.8 | $35.38 |
| Massachusetts | $52.33 | 148.4 | $35.26 |
| District of Columbia | $51.37 | 148.7 | $34.55 |
| Hawaii | $57.55 | 179 | $32.15 |
The Importance of Cost of Living Adjustments
While California offers the highest RN wages, it’s essential to consider the overall quality of life. A higher cost of living may offset the higher wages, affecting an RN’s purchasing power. Nurses considering relocation should weigh both salary and cost of living factors to make informed decisions.
NurseContact: Connecting International Nurses with U.S. Employers
At NurseContact, we understand the unique needs of international nurses seeking employment in the United States. Our digital marketplace connects qualified nurses with U.S. employers, offering a streamlined hiring process. Whether you’re an RN looking for new opportunities or an employer seeking skilled nursing professionals, NurseContact is here to bridge the gap.