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Healthcare

Registered Nurse

A comprehensive guide to Registered Nurse licensing requirements across all 50 states. Compare median salaries, educational prerequisites, and processing timelines to plan your next career move effectively.

Median Salary

$90,177 / yr

Min. Education

Degree required

Job Outlook

Below national median; evaluate local demand

Top Paying State

California

Coverage: 50 states

Best StatesWeighted scoreHighest PayingAnnual median salaryFastest LicenseShortest typical licensing pathLowest CostLowest parsed initial licensing fee

Downloadable Guide

The Complete Registered Nurse Career Guide

Get a focused career roadmap with licensing steps, salary context, state comparisons, and next actions in one polished guide.

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StateMedian SalaryLicense TypeEducation RequiredEst. TimelineAction
CA
CaliforniaCompact: No
$140,330High CoL Adjusted
Register with licensing agencyVaries by state boardVaries by boardDetails
HI
HawaiiCompact: Yes
$136,320High CoL Adjusted
Stand-alone licenseDegree requiredVaries by boardDetails
OR
OregonCompact: Yes
$123,990High CoL Adjusted
Register with licensing agencyVaries by state boardVaries by boardDetails
WA
WashingtonCompact: Pending
$112,180High CoL Adjusted
Stand-alone licenseDegree requiredVaries by boardDetails
AK
AlaskaCompact: Yes
$110,690High CoL Adjusted
Register with licensing agencyVaries by state boardVaries by boardDetails
NY
New YorkCompact: No
$105,600High CoL Adjusted
Stand-alone licenseDegree requiredVaries by boardDetails
Showing 1-6 of 50 states