Nurse Salary Statistics by Specialty, State, Experience & Demand (2026)
These statistics are compiled from Bureau of Labor Statistics, professional nursing organizations, and healthcare industry surveys current as of April 2026.
Salary by Nursing Specialty
1. Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) earn an average annual salary of $203,000, making them the highest-paid nursing specialty in 2026.
2. Nurse Practitioners average $134,500 annually, representing a 12% increase since 2024.
3. Critical Care/ICU nurses earn an average of $89,750 per year, with shift differentials adding 15-20% to base pay.
4. Psychiatric nurses have seen salary growth to $84,200 annually, driven by increased mental health demand.
5. Oncology nurses earn approximately $87,300 annually, with specialty certifications adding $3,000-$5,000 to base salary.
6. Emergency Department nurses average $88,950 per year, with hazard pay and overtime frequently available.
7. Operating Room nurses earn $86,400 annually, with premium pay for after-hours and weekend surgeries.
8. Perioperative nurses command $85,600 per year, reflecting specialized certification requirements.
9. Med-Surg (Medical-Surgical) nurses earn an average of $79,850 annually, serving as the baseline for general nursing roles.
10. Home Health nurses average $72,300 per year, offering flexible scheduling but lower compensation than hospital settings.
| Nursing Specialty | Average Annual Salary | Year-over-Year Growth |
|---|---|---|
| Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) | $203,000 | +8.5% |
| Nurse Practitioner | $134,500 | +12% |
| Critical Care/ICU Nurse | $89,750 | +6.2% |
| Emergency Department Nurse | $88,950 | +5.8% |
| Oncology Nurse | $87,300 | +7.1% |
| Operating Room Nurse | $86,400 | +6.3% |
| Perioperative Nurse | $85,600 | +5.9% |
| Psychiatric Nurse | $84,200 | +9.4% |
| Medical-Surgical Nurse | $79,850 | +4.2% |
| Home Health Nurse | $72,300 | +3.1% |
Salary by State (Top 10 Highest-Paying)
11. Nurses in California earn an average of $127,800 annually, maintaining the highest state average despite rising cost of living.
12. New York ranks second with average nurse salaries of $118,950 per year, with New York City metro areas exceeding $130,000.
13. Massachusetts nurses average $116,400 annually, supported by a strong healthcare and biotech industry presence.
14. Washington State offers average nurse salaries of $113,200 per year, driven by Seattle’s competitive healthcare market.
15. Hawaii nurses earn approximately $112,750 annually, with cost-of-living adjustments and isolation pay included.
16. New Jersey nurses average $111,300 per year, benefiting from proximity to major medical centers in the Northeast.
17. Connecticut nurses earn $109,600 annually, ranking seventh among states with the highest nurse compensation.
18. Illinois nurses average $104,200 per year, with Chicago’s healthcare sector driving competitive salaries across the state.
19. Oregon nurses earn $103,850 annually, showing a 10.2% increase since 2024 due to union advocacy efforts.
20. Alaska offers $102,500 average annual salary for nurses, with remote location premiums and hazard pay contributing significantly.
| State | Average Nurse Salary | Cost of Living Index |
|---|---|---|
| California | $127,800 | 152.4 |
| New York | $118,950 | 135.7 |
| Massachusetts | $116,400 | 128.9 |
| Washington | $113,200 | 119.3 |
| Hawaii | $112,750 | 179.2 |
| New Jersey | $111,300 | 126.5 |
| Connecticut | $109,600 | 121.8 |
| Illinois | $104,200 | 110.2 |
| Oregon | $103,850 | 112.6 |
| Alaska | $102,500 | 125.8 |
Salary by Experience Level
21. New graduate nurses (0-2 years experience) earn an average of $62,400 annually in 2026, with significant variability by location and employer.
22. Nurses with 5-10 years of experience earn approximately $78,950 per year, representing a 26.5% increase over entry-level wages.
23. Experienced nurses with 10-15 years in the profession average $91,300 annually, with leadership opportunities emerging at this level.
24. Senior nurses with 15+ years of experience earn an average of $104,200 per year, often transitioning into management or specialist roles.
| Years of Experience | Average Annual Salary | Salary Increase from Entry Level |
|---|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $62,400 | Baseline |
| 3-5 years | $70,800 | +13.5% |
| 5-10 years | $78,950 | +26.5% |
| 10-15 years | $91,300 | +46.2% |
| 15+ years (Senior) | $104,200 | +66.9% |
Travel Nursing Statistics
25. Travel nurses earn an average of $98,500 annually plus housing, food, and travel allowances worth $25,000-$35,000 per year.
26. ICU travel nurses command the highest pay at $135,000 per year plus benefits, driven by critical staffing shortages.
27. 34% of travel nursing assignments in 2026 are in rural or underserved areas, with premium compensation reaching $105,000+ base salary.
28. Average travel nurse contract length is 13 weeks, with renewal rates of 68% indicating high satisfaction with assignment quality.
Nursing Shortage and Demand Trends for 2026
29. The U.S. faces a projected shortage of 450,000 nursing positions by 2026, according to updated Bureau of Labor Statistics forecasts.
30. Demand for nurses is projected to grow 6.9% through 2026, faster than average for all occupations, driven by aging baby boomer population requiring increased healthcare services.
Frequently Asked Questions
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