Programs Near You
To Select a program of interest to explore trade schools that match your goals.
Medical Career Salaries by State (2026)
Healthcare salaries vary significantly by state, driven by cost of living, demand, unionization, and state-specific licensing requirements. A registered nurse in California can earn 40% more than the national median, while the same role in Mississippi may pay 20% below it.
This guide covers how location affects pay for the most common medical careers.
National Median Salaries for Healthcare Careers
| Career | National Median | Typical Education |
|---|---|---|
| Nurse Practitioner | $126,260 | Master’s degree |
| Healthcare Administrator | $110,680 | Bachelor’s degree |
| Nuclear Medicine Technologist | $92,500 | Associate’s degree |
| Ultrasound Technician | $79,150 | Associate’s degree |
| Radiologic Technologist | $65,140 | Associate’s degree |
| Medical Lab Technician | $57,380 | Associate’s degree |
| LPN / LVN | $54,620 | Postsecondary certificate |
| Medical Coder | $48,780 | Postsecondary certificate |
| Phlebotomy Technician | $40,580 | Postsecondary certificate |
| Pharmacy Technician | $39,680 | High school diploma |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2024 data.
Highest Paying States for Healthcare Workers
States with the highest medical salaries tend to have high cost of living and strong demand. Consistently top-paying states include:
- California — Highest pay for RNs, LPNs, and most clinical roles. State mandated nurse-to-patient ratios drive demand.
- New York — Strong hospital systems and unionized positions push wages above national averages.
- Massachusetts — Major academic medical centers and a high cost of living support above-average salaries.
- Washington — Growing healthcare sector with competitive wages, especially in the Seattle metro area.
- Hawaii — High cost of living translates to higher wages, though the gap narrows when adjusted for expenses.
Factors That Affect Medical Pay by Location
Cost of living is the biggest driver. A $65,000 salary in rural Texas provides more purchasing power than $85,000 in San Francisco. Always compare salaries relative to local housing, transportation, and living costs.
Facility type matters. Hospitals and outpatient surgical centers typically pay more than physicians’ offices or nursing homes for the same role.
Rural vs. urban. Some rural areas offer signing bonuses and higher pay to attract healthcare workers to underserved regions. Federal programs like the National Health Service Corps offer loan repayment in exchange for service in shortage areas.
Unionization. States with stronger healthcare unions (California, New York, Oregon) tend to have higher wages and better benefits for clinical staff.
Tips for Maximizing Your Healthcare Salary
- Research your target state. Check BLS state-level data for your specific occupation before relocating or accepting a position.
- Consider total compensation. Benefits (health insurance, retirement, tuition reimbursement) can add 20–30% to your effective compensation.
- Earn certifications. Specialized certifications consistently command pay premiums across all states.
- Look at shortage areas. States and regions with workforce shortages often pay above-average wages and offer incentives.
Explore Healthcare Programs
- Nursing programs
- Medical assisting programs
- Phlebotomy programs
- Pharmacy tech programs
- Browse all healthcare careers
Browse all resource guides for more career planning tools and information.
Notice an update we should make?
We strive for accuracy. Contact us here if you see incorrect or outdated info on this page.