Are you willing to relocate to another state? If so, you’ll have a lot more job opportunities to choose from! And you’re not alone.
Of 3,662 nurses surveyed in Nurse.com’s 2024 Nurse Salary and Work-Life Report, 20% said “yes” to relocating to another state and 31% said “maybe.”
Nursing is an in-demand profession throughout the U.S., offering opportunities for stable employment and career growth in all states. However, job security and stability can vary significantly from state to state. It’s influenced by factors such as healthcare infrastructure, demand for healthcare services, and state-specific policies.
Let’s explore some of the best states to be a nurse, focusing on states with the best employers offering the greatest job security and stability.
California: Growing demand
California’s large and diverse population drives a continuous need for qualified nurses in various specialties. The state’s robust healthcare infrastructure, including world-renowned hospitals and medical centers like Cedars-Sinai Medical Center and UCLA Medical Center, further enhances job security for nurses.
The Golden State is known for offering some of the highest salaries for nurses in the country. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the annual mean wage for RNs in California is $137,690 — significantly higher than the national annual mean wage of $94,480.
California has progressive nurse staffing laws that mandate specific nurse-to-patient ratios, ensuring safer working conditions and reducing burnout. California also supports the expanded scope of practice for nurse practitioners (those who meet certain requirements and apply) and allows some nurses to dispense hormonal birth control independently. This legislative support contributes to a more stable and satisfying work environment for nurses.
Texas: Diverse job opportunities
Texas is experiencing rapid population growth, leading to increased demand for healthcare services. This trend is expected to continue, signaling long-term job security. The state’s healthcare system is expanding to meet this demand, with numerous hospitals, clinics, and specialized care centers opening statewide.
Nurses in Texas enjoy competitive salaries, particularly in metropolitan areas such as Houston, Dallas, and Austin. Compared to other states, the cost of living in Texas is lower with similar salary levels. ($90,210 is the annual mean salary for RNs in Texas.)
Texas offers diverse opportunities for career advancement in nursing, including roles in management and education. Additionally, the Lone Star State is home to several top-ranked nursing schools and healthcare institutions, including the University of Texas and Baylor University. This provides nurses with ample opportunities for professional development and continuing education.
Florida: Rising healthcare needs
Florida’s aging population creates a growing need for healthcare services, particularly in geriatric and long-term care. This demographic trend ensures a steady demand for nurses, defining the Sunshine State as one of the best states to be a nurse.
While mean annual salaries for nurses in Florida ($84,760, according to the BLS) are somewhat below the annual mean wages nationally, the absence of state income tax offsets this difference. Many healthcare employers in Florida offer desirable compensation and benefits packages, including health insurance and tuition reimbursement.
Florida’s favorable climate and attractive lifestyle options make it a desirable place to live and work. Nurses can find employment opportunities in a variety of settings, from bustling urban hospitals to serene coastal clinics. A wide range of appealing work environments provides nurses with flexibility and choice, placing it on the list of best states to be a nurse.
New York: Opportunities for professional development
New York offers substantial job security for nurses, due to high population density and diverse healthcare needs. This state is home to numerous prestigious medical institutions and research centers like Mount Sinai Hospital, which constantly seek skilled nurses.
New York nurses, particularly in the New York City metropolitan area, earn some of the highest salaries in the nation. While the cost of living is high, competitive salaries and comprehensive benefits packages help to offset these expenses.
The Empire State provides a wealth of professional opportunities, including performing cutting-edge research. The state’s diverse healthcare landscape allows nurses to pursue various specialties and career paths, making it one of the best states to be a nurse.
Massachusetts: Supportive work environments
Massachusetts is well known for its advanced healthcare system and leading medical research institutions. The state’s commitment to healthcare innovation ensures ongoing demand for skilled nurses, providing excellent job security.
Nurses in Massachusetts enjoy competitive salaries and comprehensive benefits packages. The state’s strong emphasis on education and professional development provides many paths to career advancement for nurses.
The Bay State has a reputation for being a supportive environment for healthcare professionals. With the state’s progressive healthcare policies and strong focus on patient safety, Massachusetts can be considered one of the best states to be a nurse.
Pennsylvania: A place for lifelong learning
Pennsylvania boasts numerous hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities, combined with a large, diverse population. This ensures ongoing demand for healthcare services in the foreseeable future. For the state’s nurses, that means long-term job security.
Salaries for nurses in Pennsylvania are competitive, particularly in metropolitan areas such as Pittsburgh and Philadelphia. The state’s cost of living is moderate, allowing some nurses to enjoy a comfortable lifestyle.
With several top-ranked nursing schools, such as Villanova University and the University of Pennsylvania, nurses can pursue advanced degrees and specialized certifications. Nurses in the state have many prestigious healthcare institutions to choose from. The Keystone State presents ample opportunities for career development, making it one of the best states to be a nurse.
North Carolina: Collaboration and career development
The growing population and expanding healthcare sector in North Carolina make it an excellent choice for nurses looking for job security. The state is experiencing a surge in healthcare facility construction and expansion, ensuring a continuous need for nursing professionals.
In North Carolina, nurses earn competitive salaries, particularly in urban areas such as Charlotte, Durham, and Raleigh. The state’s low cost of living enhances the purchasing power of nurses, allowing for a high quality of life.
What makes The Tar Heel State one of the best states to be a nurse? Healthcare systems and institutions, such as the University of North Carolina and Duke University, emphasize collaboration and professional development, creating a positive atmosphere for nurses. Additionally, North Carolina’s mild climate and natural beauty make it an attractive place to live and work.
Washington: Progressive healthcare policies
Washington offers robust job security for nurses, due to its progressive healthcare policies and commitment to expanding access to care. The state’s diverse and growing population ensures a continuous demand for healthcare services.
Nurses in Washington enjoy competitive salaries and excellent benefits packages. The state’s progressive stance on healthcare results in a supportive work environment and professional growth opportunities.
The Evergreen State promotes a high quality of life, such as an abundance of outdoor activities and a vibrant cultural scene, sealing the deal — it’s one of the best states to be a nurse.
Find your ideal location
The question remains, what are the best states to be a nurse as for as job security and stability go? The answer depends on your personal, professional, and lifestyle preferences and goals.
The states listed here stand out for their strong healthcare infrastructure, competitive compensation, and supportive work environments.
For nurses willing to relocate for the ideal role, the possibilities are endless. By carefully evaluating data on job security, salary, benefits, work environment, and professional growth, you can narrow the search. Ultimately, you’ll identify the ideal location that ensures a rewarding, successful career in nursing.
Whether actively seeking a new role or assessing your next steps, explore Nurse.com's talent marketplace to help match your experience and skills to the best-fitting role.
