Nursing MasteryCareer companion for nurses

Where should you live?

Pick two states. See the posted pay side by side, then what each median actually buys — the comparison a headline number can’t make for you.

Compare two states

Posted-pay percentiles, same dollar scale.

25th percentile$96k vs $75k

Median$115k vs $88k

75th percentile$140k vs $107k

90th percentile$162k vs $128k

California: median $115,000/yr ($49/hr) across 686 priced postings · Texas: median $87,500/yr ($36/hr) across 520.

What the money buys

The same dollars, translated to national purchasing power.

California

Cost of living runs 45% above the national average.

Posted median in national dollars

$79,420/yr

from the $115,000 posted median

Pay in California →Open roles →

Texas

Cost of living runs 7% below the national average.

Posted median in national dollars

$94,391/yr

from the $87,500 posted median

Pay in Texas →Open roles →

After cost of living, Texas stretches further — $94,391/yr vs $79,420/yr in national dollars.

Cost-of-living translation uses Becker's Hospital Review (BLS OEWS May 2024 wages · World Population Review 2024 cost index) (checked 2025-04-02). Colorado is excluded by the source for data-quality reasons. Posted offers are what employers advertise — a market read, not take-home pay or a promise of what any individual will earn.