Which US state is best for international nurses?

The "best" US state for international nurses depends on priorities, but top contenders often include California (high volume/pay), New York (high demand/acuity), Texas (growing jobs, lower COL, no state tax), and Massachusetts/Oregon (strong nurse-to-patient ratios, safety). Other great options offer good pay with lower costs like Minnesota or strong communities like Wisconsin, balancing income, workload, and lifestyle.

What is the best state for foreign nurses?

So, what are the best states for foreign nurses in the US? If you ask us, Texas, Alaska, New York and Kansas are some of the best US states for foreign nurses to move to.

Which state is easiest to take NCLEX for foreign nurses?

Florida's healthcare system is one of the largest and most dynamic in the country, making it an ideal state for foreign-trained nurses to practice. The state's Board of Nursing has streamlined the application process, making it easier and faster for foreign nurses to get their NCLEX results and start working.

What state is in high demand for nurses?

California will add the newest positions by 2030 – more than 110,000 – but is still estimated to be more than 40,000 nurses short. Likewise, Texas, New Jersey, South Carolina, Alaska, Georgia, and South Dakota are all projected to experience shortages in registered nurses.

Which agency is best for international nurses in the US?

Leading Agency for International Nurses in the U.S. O' Grady Peyton International has over 40 years of experience placing nurses into rewarding careers across the United States. We pride ourselves in connecting the World's Best nurses with some of America's finest healthcare institutions.

Top 5 Best States in USA for Nurses (2026)

What type of nurse is most in demand in the USA?

See below for 14 of the most in-demand nursing specialties, for many of which nurses can work day or night shifts or pursue certifications.

1. Inpatient Care Nurse. ...
2. Critical Care Nurse. ...
3. Emergency Nurse. ...
4. Surgical Nurse. ...
5. Travel Nurse. ...
6. Long-Term Care Nurse. ...
7. Obstetric Nurse. ...
8. Nurse Educator.

Which hospitals hire foreign nurses?

For example, Highmark Health, Geisinger Health System, Trinity Health, and Kindred Hospital have all prioritized a program for hiring foreign medical professionals to provide excellent patient care.

Which U.S. state pays nurses the most?

California consistently offers the highest average Registered Nurse (RN) salaries, often exceeding $130,000 annually, followed closely by Hawaii, Oregon, Washington, and Massachusetts, though figures vary slightly by source and date, with some showing Alaska high on the list too. Factors like the cost of living heavily influence these rankings, with California's high salaries offset by high living expenses.
 

What city needs nurses the most?

Best Places for Nursing Jobs

• New York (173,570)
• Los Angeles (109,790)
• Chicago (95,730)
• Philadelphia (70,530)
• Boston (62,260)
• Dallas (60,140)
• Houston (56,520)
• Miama (53,900)

Which state has the happiest nurses?

Top Happiest 5 states for nurses in the US

• #5 Colorado. Quality of life ranking: #10. Average RN salary: $69,990.00. ...
• #4 Alaska. Quality of life ranking: #19. Average RN salary: $88,510.00. ...
• #3 Oregon. Quality of life ranking: #18. ...
• #2 Wisconsin. Quality of life ranking: #3. ...
• #1 Minnesota. Quality of life ranking: #2.

Which state is hardest to get an RN license?

While there's no single "hardest" state, California, New York, Massachusetts, and Hawaii are frequently cited as challenging due to lengthy processes, extensive documentation (fingerprints, background checks), non-compact status (requiring separate licenses), and unique requirements, with California often noted for its long processing times, even for experienced nurses. Ohio also appears on lists for slow processing, requiring fingerprints and specific documentation before licensure, making the initial hurdle high, according to SkillGigs.
 

What is the fastest state to apply for NCLEX?

While each state has its own requirements, New York, Connecticut, and Montana stand out as the easiest states to apply for NCLEX to obtain a nursing compact license. We highly recommend considering these options if you want to make your journey easier.

Can I use my RN license in another state?

Nurses are required to be licensed in the state where the patient is located at the time service is provided. A multistate license allows the nurse to practice in all compact states/territories with one license issued by the home state.

Where do the happiest nurses live?

Nurses tend to be happiest in roles offering autonomy, work-life balance, and purpose, like home health, hospice, informatics, or case management, often outside high-stress hospitals, while states like New York, California, and southern states like Georgia & Utah are cited for high satisfaction due to strong systems, community, or better pay/cost-of-living balance, though specific locations vary by individual preference for lifestyle and setting.
 

What is the best state in the US for nurses?

California tops our list of best states to work as a nurse primarily due to its exceptionally high wages for nurses. Despite the high cost of living, the salary often compensates for this. Another thing that makes California the top state is its nurse-to-patient ratio.

What state has a shortage of nurses?

Still, California's shortage of registered nurses is expected to grow from 3.7% in 2024 to 16.7% by 2033, or more than 61,000 nurses, due to inadequate recruitment, training, and retention, according to Kathryn Phillips, associate director of the Improving Access team at the California Health Care Foundation, a ...

Can an RN make $200,000?

Yes, Registered Nurses (RNs) can absolutely make $200,000 or more, especially through avenues like travel nursing, specializing in high-demand fields (ICU, OR, ER), working in high-cost-of-living areas (California, NYC), taking night shifts/overtime, or moving into advanced roles like Nurse Practitioner (NP) or Chief Nursing Officer (CNO). While not the average, experienced RNs and those in specialized or leadership positions, particularly in lucrative locations or travel contracts, can reach this income level.
 

Why are nurses quitting in 2025?

Nurses are quitting in 2025 primarily due to persistent burnout, overwhelming workloads, and severe understaffing, exacerbated by the pandemic, leading to emotional fatigue and moral distress. Other key factors include concerns about patient safety and license jeopardy, workplace violence, inadequate pay, lack of leadership support, and poor work-life balance, pushing many to retire or seek less stressful roles, despite efforts to improve retention. 

Which type of nurse is most in demand?

The most in-demand nursing roles include Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) like Nurse Practitioners (NPs) and Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs), alongside critical care specialties such as ICU, ER, OR (Operating Room), Cardiac, Telemetry, and Oncology nursing, driven by an aging population and rising healthcare needs. Home Health, Psychiatric/Mental Health, and Medical-Surgical (Med-Surg) nurses are also experiencing significant demand due to evolving healthcare settings and increased focus on mental wellness. 

How can a RN make $100,000?

An RN can make $100,000+ by specializing (CRNA, NP, Midwifery), choosing high-paying locations (California, NYC), working high-demand shifts (nights, weekends, travel nursing), getting certifications (CCRN, CEN), or moving into leadership/education roles, with options for remote work in areas like Clinical Documentation or Informatics. 

Is Texas a good state for nurses?

Average Annual RN Salary: $84,320

According to BLS data, Texas nurses reported lower injury and illness rates than nurses in other states. Nurses in Texas also benefit from a robust job market and competitive salaries.

Which agency is best for international nurses in the USA?

TRS International is a leading international direct hire agency, offering recruitment and staffing services for healthcare organizations seeking non-U.S. based registered nurses (RNs) and medical technologists (MTs) for direct hire and permanent placement in the USA.

Do hospitals sponsor green cards for nurses?

Can a hospital sponsor a bedside Registered Nurse for a work visa in the United States? Most bedside RN positions do not qualify for the H1B, but they can be sponsored for the EB3 Schedule A green card.

Which hospital has the happiest nurses?

There's no single "happiest" hospital, but top contenders often cited for high nurse satisfaction include UC Medical Centers (UCLA, UCSF), Cleveland Clinic, Memorial Sloan Kettering, and systems like NYU Langone Health, known for supportive environments, professional development, and high ratings from nurses in reviews. Factors like strong leadership, Magnet recognition, shared governance, and positive culture drive high morale, with institutions like Hoag Memorial also noted for nurturing environments.