Whether you’re looking for your first nursing job, considering travel nursing, or simply ready for a change of scenery, there’s a lot to know about working in different regions of the country. If you’re a nurse, whether you’re working on the eastern seaboard or the west coast, you’re working in one of the most stable industries in the United States.
Location can be just as important as specialty when you’re looking for a new nursing opportunity. The right region can offer higher earning potential, a lower cost of living, exciting career opportunities, or the chance to experience a completely different part of the country.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for registered nurses is projected to grow 5% between 2024 and 2034, which is faster than the average for all occupations. Approximately 189,100 RN job openings are expected each year due to growth and workforce turnover. Nurses are in high demand for dozens of specialties and job types in the US. Salaries are reflecting this demand, too. The median annual salary for registered nurses ranges from $98,000 to $101,000.
Here’s what to know about working in different regions of the country. Keep in mind salaries vary by state/metropolitan area and are based on the most recent salary guides available:
Northeast: High salaries and world-class healthcare facilities
Average RN salary: Approximately $100,000–$115,000 annually
The Northeast is home to some of the nation’s leading academic medical centers and teaching hospitals. Nurses often find opportunities in specialties such as:
Critical Care (ICU)
Emergency Nursing
Oncology
Cardiac Care
Neonatal ICU (NICU)
Cities like Boston and New York City may have a higher cost of living, but they also tend to offer higher wages and opportunities for career advancement. If you’re looking for more affordability but still want the New England lifestyle, consider cities like Burlington, VT, Lebanon, NH and Bangor, ME. You’ll find charming coastal towns, historic cities and easy access to scenic destinations like Acadia National Park, the Adirondacks, and the White Mountains.
Southeast: affordable living and rapid growth
Average RN salary: Approximately $78,000–$92,000 annually
The Southeast has more than a friendly culture and warm weather. States in the southeast continue to experience significant population growth, creating demand for healthcare professionals across hospitals, outpatient clinics, and long-term care facilities.
Popular specialties include:
Medical-Surgical Nursing
Labor & Delivery
Pediatrics
Home Health
Rehabilitation
Many nurses appreciate the region’s relatively affordable housing, warm climate, and access to beaches, mountains, and vibrant cities like Atlanta, Nashville, and Charlotte. Outside of these large cities, there are solid healthcare opportunities in affordable cities like Birmingham, AL, Columbus, GA, and Knoxville, TN. These growing cities have lots to do and vibrant culture for arts and music.
Midwest: A good balance between pay and cost of living
Average RN salary: Approximately $82,000–$96,000 annually
The Midwest has a lot to offer and affordability is one of its best value propositions. While salaries may be slightly lower than coastal markets, housing costs are generally much more affordable. Plus, with growing and diverse cities like Madison, WI, Omaha, NE, and Columbus, OH, you’re close to major airports and have a lot to do in each area. From outdoor activities like hiking and skiing to living in local downtown communities where dining and nightlife are within reach.
Growing specialties include:
Surgical Nursing
Orthopedics
Behavioral Health
Telemetry
Intensive Care
The Midwest is home to some of the country’s largest healthcare systems, as well as smaller, independent hospitals and facilities where you can strengthen your skills as a nurse.
Southwest: A hot job market that continues to heat up
Average RN salary: Approximately $88,000–$105,000 annually
For the last twenty years, states such as Arizona, Nevada, New Mexico, and Texas have continued to add hundreds of thousands of residents, increasing demand for healthcare workers across nearly every specialty.
Common areas of need include:
Emergency Medicine
Trauma
Operating Room (OR)
Progressive Care (PCU)
Case Management
Beyond work, the Southwest offers year-round sunshine, national parks including the Grand Canyon, desert landscapes, and vibrant cultural experiences. Additionally, cities like Phoenix, AZ, Dallas, TX and Salt Lake City, UT attract millions of new residents annually due to their booming job markets, unique culinary scenes and rich cultural heritage.
West/Northwest: high demand and endless adventure
Average RN salary: often exceeds $120,000 annually in many major cities
The West Coast consistently ranks among the country’s highest-paying regions for nurses. Many employers also offer competitive benefits, professional development, and opportunities to work with cutting-edge technology.
High-demand specialties include:
Operating Room
Cardiovascular ICU
Labor & Delivery
Oncology
Informatics
Although housing costs can be higher, many nurses are drawn to the beautiful Pacific coast, with its beaches and mountainous terrain. Plus, you can enjoy outdoor activities in national parks such as Yosemite and Olympic, which are accessible from cities like San Francisco and San Diego in California to Olympia and Seattle in Washington.
The best nursing jobs don’t stay open for long
The most desirable positions like those with competitive pay, flexible schedules, excellent benefits, or sought-after locations often receive applications quickly. Keeping your resume updated, maintaining current certifications and responding promptly to recruiters can help you stay ahead of the competition when the right opportunity becomes available.
Remember that every region of the country offers something unique. You might prioritize higher pay, a lower cost of living, professional growth, or the chance to experience a new part of the United States. Whatever your career goals are as a nurse, with demand remaining strong and opportunities available across every region and specialty, there’s never been a better time to explore where your next healthcare career could take you.
