A registered nurse earns a national median of $81,220 — but after state taxes, take-home pay varies by more than $12,000 a year depending on where you live. Here is where your RN salary goes furthest in 2026.
Top 10 States for Nurses by Take-Home Pay
| State | Median RN Wage | Est. Take-Home | State Tax |
|---|---|---|---|
| Washington | $103,340 | ~$78,200 | None |
| California | $124,000 | ~$85,100 | 9.3%+ |
| Oregon | $102,990 | ~$73,600 | 9.9% |
| Nevada | $91,470 | ~$71,200 | None |
| Hawaii | $104,830 | ~$76,400 | 8.25% |
| Alaska | $97,230 | ~$75,600 | None |
| Texas | $77,510 | ~$60,300 | None |
| New Jersey | $94,360 | ~$70,100 | 6.37% |
| Massachusetts | $99,180 | ~$74,200 | 5% |
| New York | $98,850 | ~$70,400 | 6.85%+ |
Take-home estimates for single filer, standard deduction, no additional deductions. Actual results vary.
The No-State-Tax Advantage for Nurses
Nine states have no income tax — and for nurses, this is a significant benefit. A nurse in Texas earning $77,510 takes home roughly $60,300. Move that same nurse to California with the state median of $124,000 and take-home climbs to ~$85,100 — but California's 9.3%+ state tax takes a real bite.
Washington state offers the best of both worlds: high wages ($103,340 median) and no state income tax, giving nurses roughly $78,200 take-home — one of the best combinations in the country.
States to Watch: High Wages but High Taxes
California pays the highest RN median in the country at $124,000 — but its progressive state income tax (up to 13.3%) means a significant chunk goes to Sacramento. A nurse in California earning $124,000 pays roughly $38,900 in total taxes, leaving ~$85,100 take-home. Compare that to the same salary in Texas (hypothetically): take-home would be ~$91,200 — a $6,100 annual difference from state tax alone.
Nursing Demand by State
Take-home pay is only part of the equation. States with the highest nursing demand often offer sign-on bonuses, relocation packages, and overtime pay that can significantly boost total compensation. California, Texas, and Florida have consistently high demand driven by population size. Washington and Oregon benefit from strong healthcare systems and high union representation.
See exact take-home pay for a registered nurse in every state with full tax breakdown.
RN Salary by State →