The nurse salary varies dramatically by role, specialty, state, and years of experience. A new-grad RN in Mississippi might earn $52,000 while a 10-year ICU RN in California earns $150,000+. This tool uses 2026 BLS data to show realistic salary ranges for RN, NP, CRNA, and LPN across all specialties and experience levels.
Nursing Role & Specialty
Location
Salary by Experience Level
Role Comparison (Same State)
How to Compare Nurse Salaries by State and Specialty
Nursing compensation varies by a factor of 3x or more depending on role, specialty, location, and experience. A 2026 nursing salary comparison can help you decide between specialties, states, or whether the additional education for NP or CRNA is worth the investment.
Choosing Your Specialty
ICU, OR, and CRNA command the highest premiums due to critical skill requirements. ICU nurses at 5+ years earn $88,000-$110,000 nationally, while OR nurses average $82,000-$105,000. Med-Surg is typically the baseline — all other specialties carry a 5-20% premium above Med-Surg rates.
State-by-State Salary Differences
California's mandatory nurse-patient ratios (RNs may have only 2 ICU patients, 5 Med-Surg patients) create higher demand and wages. A California Med-Surg RN earns 40-50% more than the national average. However, after adjusting for California's cost of living (particularly housing), the purchasing power advantage narrows to 10-20%.
Is Advanced Practice (NP/CRNA) Worth It?
NPs earn 30-50% more than RNs but require 2-3 additional years of school and often $40,000-$80,000 in additional student debt. At a $35,000 annual pay bump, break-even on a $60,000 debt is under 3 years. CRNAs earn $175,000-$220,000 — the investment pays back even faster given the salary premium.
Travel Nursing Consideration
Travel nurses can earn 30-70% more than staff nurses through tax-free stipends for housing and meals. A staff RN earning $75,000 might earn $100,000-$120,000 as a travel nurse. However, travel income is less stable and benefits vary. This calculator shows staff/perm salaries — use it as your baseline for negotiating travel contracts.
FAQ
Is this nurse salary comparison tool free?
Yes, completely free with no signup required. All calculations run locally in your browser using 2026 BLS salary reference data. No personal information is ever transmitted.
What is the average RN salary in 2026?
Registered nurses (RNs) earn a national average of approximately $75,000-$85,000 per year in 2026. Entry-level RNs with 0-2 years experience typically start at $58,000-$68,000, while experienced RNs with 10+ years can earn $90,000-$115,000. California RNs earn significantly more, averaging $130,000+.
Which nursing specialty pays the most?
CRNAs (Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists) are the highest-paid nursing role at $175,000-$220,000+ annually. Among RN specialties, ICU, OR, and NICU nurses earn the most at $80,000-$110,000. ER and cardiac step-down nurses also command premiums. Med-surg and home health tend to be at the lower end.
Which state pays nurses the most?
California pays nurses far more than any other state — RNs average $130,000+ due to strict mandated ratios (lower workload), high cost of living, and strong union representation. Other high-paying states include Massachusetts, Oregon, Hawaii, and Washington. Texas, Mississippi, and Alabama are among the lowest-paying states.
How much more does a Nurse Practitioner (NP) make than an RN?
NPs typically earn 30-50% more than RNs. While experienced RNs average $75,000-$90,000, NPs earn $105,000-$140,000 nationally. The extra education (Master's degree, typically 2-3 years) usually pays back within 3-4 years of practice.
Does this tool account for cost of living?
Yes. The tool includes a cost-of-living adjustment toggle that shows purchasing power-adjusted salary. A $130,000 salary in California may have lower purchasing power than an $85,000 salary in Tennessee after adjusting for housing, taxes, and living costs.