Nurse Paycheck Calculator 2026
See your real RN take-home pay after federal tax, FICA, and state income tax — for all 51 states. Select your state below to get an instant breakdown with biweekly and monthly net pay.
All calculations use 2026 IRS tax brackets and run entirely in your browser. No account, no signup.
Select Your State
How This Calculator Works
Enter your state to see pre-calculated take-home pay examples for entry-level, median, and senior RN salaries. The calculator applies 2026 federal income tax brackets, 7.65% FICA (Social Security + Medicare), and your state income tax rate.
For a personalized result — including your 401(k) contributions, health insurance premiums, filing status, and pay frequency — use the full PrivatePaycheck calculator.
Highest-Paying States for Nurses in 2026
| State | Median RN Salary | State Tax | Est. Annual Net |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | $130,000 | 9.3% | ~$89,000 |
| Washington | $98,000 | None | ~$76,000 |
| Oregon | $98,000 | 9.9% | ~$71,000 |
| Massachusetts | $98,000 | 5.0% | ~$73,000 |
| New York | $98,000 | 10.9% | ~$70,000 |
| Hawaii | $106,000 | 11.0% | ~$74,000 |
| Nevada | $90,000 | None | ~$70,000 |
| Alaska | $95,000 | None | ~$74,000 |
Nurse Paycheck FAQ
What is the average nurse take-home pay in the US?
The median RN salary in the US is approximately $81,000/year in 2026. After federal tax, FICA, and average state tax, most nurses take home between $58,000 and $68,000/year depending on their state.
Which states are best for nurses after taxes?
No-income-tax states like Washington, Texas, Nevada, and Alaska offer the highest net pay for nurses. Washington RNs earning $98,000 keep approximately $76,000 after taxes — significantly more than nurses in California or New York at similar salaries.
Do travel nurses pay taxes differently?
Travel nurses receive a base taxable wage plus non-taxable stipends for housing and meals. Only the base wage is subject to federal and state income tax and FICA. Stipends are tax-free when you maintain a tax home.
How does filing status affect my nurse paycheck?
Married filing jointly uses wider tax brackets, often moving RNs from the 22% to the 12% bracket on a portion of income. This can increase annual take-home by $2,000 to $5,000 compared to filing single.
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Disclaimer: All figures are estimates based on 2026 IRS tax brackets, standard deduction, and filing single. Actual take-home depends on W-4 withholding, pre-tax deductions, local taxes, and employer benefits. Not financial or tax advice.