There is a projected need for 1,001,000 nurses needed in the United States by 2016. Nurses are one of the most in demand professions in America, but with so many job openings, it begs the question: Where should you work? NursingLink is committed to providing its members with the most most pertinent career research available. Below is the 10 best and worst places to be a Nurse based on salary and job openings.

Top 10 Highest Nurse Paying States

State Salary (hourly)

1. California $25.45

2. Hawaii $24.76 

3. Massachusetts    $23.38 

4. New Jersey  $23.33 

5. Alaska $23.09

6. Delaware $22.98

7. Oregon $22.91

8. Nevada $22.83

9. Maryland $22.79

10. Connecticut $22.62

Top 10 Lowest Nurse Paying States

State Salary (hourly)

1. North Dakota $17.60

2. Louisiana $17.50

3. Wyoming $16.88

4. Oklahoma $16.76

5. Kansas $16.74

6. West Virginia $16.52

7. Arkansas $16.44

8. Mississippi $16.42

9. Iowa $16.36

10. South Dakota    $16.35