Five states are projected to have the greatest projected increase in demand for registered nurses heading toward the next decade, according to a report published in Forbes.

The states are California, Texas, New York, Florida and Pennsylvania.

“Across the board, California holds the top position for best state for nurses concerning salary, job outlook and employment level,” according to the media outlet.

The five states currently employ the most RNs in the United States, Forbes noted, and the number is expected to rise. By 2030, California is projected to add 21,200 registered nursing positions; Texas, 16,210; New York, 14,430; Florida, 13,250; and Pennsylvania, 9,280. 

RNs in California also have the potential to earn the highest average wage among all states, at $133,340 per year. RNs in Hawaii can earn $113,220 per year; Oregon, $106,610; Massachusetts, $104,150; and Alaska, $103,310.

Licensure

Forbes cautions registered nurses considering relocating to another state to look into the specific licensure requirements.

“Each state requires nurses to hold up-to-date licensure to practice as an RN. If you’re planning a move, it’s important to review your new state’s licensure requirements and identify any gaps well in advance,” Forbes noted.

Forty-one states recognize multistate licenses through the Nurse Licensure Compact, or NLC, with the limited addition of Pennsylvania on Sept. 5. In most of the states, RNs and licensed practical nurses can practice in any NLC-participating state “without jumping through the hoops of meeting a new state’s specific licensing guidelines” according to Forbes. Right now in Pennsylvania, nurses from other states in the NLC are permitted to practice; Pennsylvania-based nurses cannot yet practice elsewhere.

NLC membership from Guam, the US Virgin Islands and the states of Washington and Rhode Island is pending. 
Additionally, the Advanced Practice Registered Nurse Compact is expected to allow APRNs to move between compact states without applying for new licensure. Established in August 2020, only three states — Delaware, North Dakota and Utah — have joined the compact. Arizona has pending legislation that would make the Grand Canyon State the fourth member. The APRN Compact, however, will not go into effect until seven states have enacted the legislation.