The need for healthcare workers is greater than ever, particularly for nurses and allied health professionals who play a crucial role in delivering patient care. Knowing the right geographical location can improve your chances for career advancement and open more doors. There is a difference between some states regarding which states are hiring nurses. This blog helps professionals like you make better choices about where to live and practice or work as a nurse or allied health professional.
Geographical location can impact your job availability, pay rates, and work-life balance. Some regions have significantly more staffing shortages than others, making them less attractive areas for healthcare professionals seeking stability and competitive pay. If you are looking for a nursing job by state and want to be aware of the trends, including the top states hiring nurses, then you have an advantage in choosing your career path.
Why location impacts your job
Location will directly impact your job availability, pay rates, and career growth. In areas with shortages of healthcare workers, demand is typically greater and hiring is faster. Therefore, when considering long-term career planning, focusing on states that hire nurses will likely make certain areas more attractive than others.
For example, when looking at the top states for nurses, you often find places that offer good pay, steady population growth, and strong healthcare systems. Facilities in those areas are also more likely to offer more benefits, sign-on bonuses, and accommodate flexible work schedules. Essential aspects that set some states apart include:
- Population growth is accelerating patient volumes
- Regional shortages that lead to heightened demand for qualified professionals
- Knowing where the nursing jobs by state are most plentiful helps you target your job search in the most appropriate area
For roles such as registered nurses (RNs), researching the top states hiring nurses with the highest number of openings can make the job search process more effective before you start. An infographic image is added for better understanding.
Source: www.bls.gov
5 high-paying states for nurses
When planning your career, knowing the highest-paying states for nurses can significantly impact both your salary and lifestyle. Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) continue to see competitive wages in certain regions, making these states especially attractive for those considering relocation or planning to apply for LPN job opportunities. Beyond salary, many employers and federal systems offer robust benefits, and as per BLS data, these further enhance the overall value of working in these states.
- California – $64,090 annually
- Nevada – $59,700 annually
- Washington – $59,780 annually
- Alaska – $67,620 annually
- Massachusetts – $60,400 annually
5 high-paying states for allied health professionals
Allied healthcare roles are vital to patient care, and physician assistants (PAs) are among the most in-demand professionals in the nation. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, salary levels vary widely by state, with some regions offering significantly higher pay due to higher demand, a higher cost of living, or specialized healthcare needs.
If you are planning to apply for physician assistant job opportunities, considering the top-paying states can give you both financial stability and strong career growth. In addition to salary, PAs often enjoy valuable perks and benefits that make their roles more rewarding and sustainable.
- Connecticut – $149,300 annually
- Alaska – $148,480 annually
- New York – $138,410 annually
- North Carolina – $123,860 annually
- Pennsylvania – $119,760 annually
Along with high salaries, physician assistants benefit from a wide range of perks. According to VA.org, these benefits include continuing education opportunities, life insurance, the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS), Thrift Savings Plans (a federal 401(k) plan), the VHA National Child Care Program, the Education Debt Reduction Program, and a health insurance premium subsidy. These benefits make the physician assistant career path especially rewarding, both financially and personally.
Strategic steps for a successful healthcare job
Choosing where to begin working is about more than pay. Job satisfaction, opportunities for job growth, and lifestyle can influence how or if you relocate. However, if you focus on the top states hiring nurses, including roles such as registered nurses (RNs), you can keep your career ambitions aligned with your personal needs.
Using state data on nursing jobs allows applicants to think strategically about whether they seek higher pay, better benefits, or a more specialized field. Those aiming to build a long-term career should consider retention rates, career enhancements, and workplace culture. When reviewing options, healthcare professionals should consider:
- Community support and quality of life
- Certifications that you need to complete
- Training programs that develop career enhancements
Professionals should also be aware of the requirements needed for practicing as a registered nurse (RN) in their chosen state to ensure a smooth transition into their new role. An infographic below explains the renewals required for practicing in California.
Overcoming challenges to secure your ideal job with MedCadre
If you are an experienced healthcare professional seeking a job change or transition, it is essential to consider the various aspects that contribute to your career move, such as top states hiring nurses, certifications, licensing, and compensation.
For example, which state pays better? should be taken into consideration before you commit to preparing for a new role.
As a working healthcare professional, you might try free job portals such as LinkedIn, but these typically do not deliver results that align with your skills and career aspirations. Many professionals then turn to traditional staffing agencies for better results; however, these traditional agencies have a few unwanted hurdles, such as longer hiring timelines, high fees, and little transparency about what portion of the bill rate reaches your paycheck.
MedCadre, an AI-powered healthcare staffing platform, is designed for healthcare professionals, supporting your personal and professional trajectory with speed, transparency, and advantages that traditional agencies cannot provide. Some of the key benefits include:
- A streamlined application process that keeps your job search simple
- Transparent pricing model that directs a significant portion of the bill rate to your pay
- Faster credentialing by 30%, timesheets with timely approvals to ensure accurate, on-schedule payments
With these advantages, MedCadre answers many of the challenges posed by traditional staffing agencies. Many healthcare professionals have found that it simplifies the process and helps secure a better job with fair pay and less hassle. Be a regular visitor to our website and check the current openings page for updates, and you can also submit your resume. directly for jobs you did not find on the list to be considered for upcoming opportunities.
FAQs
Which states offer the highest-paid nurses?
The highest-paid nurses by state are often located in areas with higher living costs or persistent staffing shortages. Comparing pay and cost of living ensures you select a financially viable location.
How can I find nursing jobs by state?
You can review state-specific healthcare job boards, professional associations, and government workforce portals to find detailed nursing jobs by state. This helps you compare opportunities, pay, and benefits across different locations.
What factors should I consider besides salary when moving?
Job satisfaction, workplace culture, career advancement opportunities, and community support are key factors to consider when evaluating a job. Location choice affects both professional growth and personal lifestyle.
Can I view nursing jobs by state on MedCadre?
Yes, MedCadre allows you to filter by location and role, showing a detailed list of nursing jobs by state. This helps you plan your next career move efficiently.
How fast is the hiring process with MedCadre?
The platform’s AI-driven system accelerates credentialing by 30%, enabling faster job placements. This reduces delays typically experienced with traditional staffing agencies.
