Best States to Work as an RN

Whether you're dissatisfied with the available options for Registered Nurses (RNs) in your state or simply want to live where RNs have the most opportunities, familiarizing yourself with the best states to work as an RN is a wise strategy. However, the best state for any given RN may vary depending on their priorities. For instance, some are most concerned with earning the most money; others care more about having less competition, which may allow them to advance more quickly in their fields.

States Where RNs Face the Least Competition

Many states are experiencing nurse shortages, making RNs in high demand. If you've been struggling to find a nursing job, moving to one of these states could be a viable solution. Also, working in one of the following states means facing less competition, which may allow you to progress in your career more quickly:

• Nevada
• Alaska
• California
• Hawaii
• Utah

States with the Most Healthcare Facilities

If you want to choose from the greatest variety of work environments, seek out states with the most healthcare facilities. These facilities include hospitals, nursing homes, clinics, and private practices. By moving to a state that ranks near the top in terms of healthcare facilities, you won't have to compromise when it comes to your work environment.

The five states with the most healthcare facilities are:

• Oregon
• Maine
• Minnesota
• South Dakota
• Iowa

States with the Highest RN Salaries when Adjusted for Cost of Living

All too often, Registered Nurses look at the earning potential of a particular state without considering the cost of living there. For example, nurses in San Francisco command very high salaries, but the Bay Area is notoriously expensive. While a nurse in a different area may earn less, they may enjoy a better standard of living simply because the cost of living there is much lower.

When adjusted for cost of living, the five states with the highest RN salaries are:

• Texas
• Michigan
• Nevada
• Idaho
• New Mexico

States with the Most Job Openings for RNs

If you're in dire need of a nursing job right now, it might be smart to relocate to a state that ranks near the top in terms of RN job openings. Of course, salaries in some of these states may not suit your needs; similarly, work environments may not be quite what you want. Still, if you need to start earning money as quickly as possible, heading to a state with lots of job openings for RNs is a smart move.

The top states in terms of job openings for RNs are:

• Washington, D.C.
• New Hampshire
• New Mexico
• North Dakota
• Maine

States Projected to Have the Most Elderly Populations by 2030

Forward-thinking RNs may want to relocate to states where the populations will be the most elderly by 2030. This ensures job security for the foreseeable future.

The states that are expected to have the most elderly populations by 2030 are:

• Florida
• Maine
• Wyoming
• New Mexico
• Montana

Should You Relocate to Enhance Your Job Prospects as an RN?

Moving to a new state is not a decision to take lightly. However, if you can't seem to find what you want in your current state, moving to one of the states above may be the best way to go.