The best U.S. states for foreign nurses to live and work in

If you’re a foreign-educated nurse who is looking to move to the U.S. for work, there are plenty of exciting opportunities to explore. But where should you go?

The United States is a vast country made up of unique regions, offering you everything from culture-filled, bustling cities to stunning, natural landscapes. With the choice of 50 federal states, trying to decide which U.S. state is best to relocate to can be overwhelming.

In this article, we give you our pick of the four best U.S. states for a nurse from abroad to work and live in. You will find an overview of the key benefits of each, making it easier for you to compare and start your relocation journey.

The top 4 states for foreign nurses in the U.S.

New York

New York is on the east coast of the United States and is one of the best states for foreign nurses because of its many opportunities, welcoming environment and vibrant lifestyle.

Key benefits:

• High earning potential: Nurses can expect to earn a median hourly rate of $51 in New York according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. This makes it one of the highest paying states for nurses in the country. Although, across the state, the average can differ between regions.
• Opportunities for growth: New York state has over 200 hospitals and is one of the oldest healthcare systems in the USA. It has many healthcare organisations, including integrated delivery networks (IDNs) and community-based health centres.
• Diverse communities and lifestyle: Across the state, there’s a diverse population. The ‘melting pot’ of culture and lifestyle can most clearly be seen in New York City.

New York’s diversity offers nurses the chance to work with patients from different cultural backgrounds and from all over the world, while earnig a highly competitive salary.

Before you move, you should consider that neighbourhoods close to New York City will be more expensive to live in. Explore other parts of the state, such as towns and villages further away from large cities, for more affordable housing options.

Kansas

Kansas, in the midwestern region of the USA, is an excellent choice for foreign nurses looking for stability and affordability.

Key benefits:

• Affordable cost of living: Housing costs in Kansas are 31% lower than the national average. Food, transportation and goods and services are also lower compared to the rest of the country. Overall, the cost of living is 14% less than the rest of the USA.
• Job availability: There is a growing need for skilled nurses in Kansas. Nursing shortages are anticipated in the future as 29% of registered nurses and 23% of licensed practical nurses in Kansas are planning to retire within the next five years. Enrolments in nursing education programmes are also down 39% over the last 10 years.
• Competitive salaries: Skilled nurses in Kansas can earn an hourly rate of $37. Depending on their speciality and experience, this rate can increase, making it a good paying state for nurses.
• Community support: If you’re looking for an easy-going and family-friendly lifestyle, Kansas is a great place to live. The smaller healthcare system allows for close-knit relationships to be built, making it a rewarding place to grow a career.

The geographical location of Kansas means that it can experience humid continental ranges in temperature. Summer days can be wonderfully warm and sunny, while winter temperatures come with snow and frost. Building a new life in a different environment to the one you have known can be overwhelming. Espirita is available to you for anything you may need, helping you to settle into your new life.

Texas

The second largest state in the U.S., Texas is one of the best states for foreign nurses to live and work in.

Key benefits:

• Demand for skilled nurses: Texas has a significant number of nursing vacancies. With 407 hospitals in the state, the most in the country, the demand for nurses is high, especially in larger metropolitan areas.
• No state income tax: There is no state income tax in Texas, meaning you keep more of your gross pay. This can help with savings and financial stability, allowing you to better plan for your future.
• Competitive pay: Nurses in Texas earn a median hourly rate of $43, making it one of the highest paying states.
• Diverse environments: Because of its size, Texas is a diverse state with many different communities. The state’s second biggest city, San Antonio, is steeped in history, named after a Spanish explorer. Cities like Houston and Austin are the centre of development and host large cultural events while peaceful suburban neighbourhoods offer a slower pace of life.

The Texas healthcare system is growing rapidly. Its wide network of hospitals and clinics offers nurses competitive salaries and a chance to grow in their career. Across the state, the cost of living is varied compared to the national average. San Antonio’s cost of living is 9% lower than the rest of the country, while a more popular city like Dallas has a 2% higher cost of living than the national average. A growing community of skilled foreign workers makes Texas a great state to relocate to.

Much like most of the south-central region, Texas experiences a range of temperatures throughout the year. Temperatures can reach highs of 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit) in the summer and lows of 0 degrees Celsius (32 degrees Fahrenheit) in the winter. And, if being a homeowner in Texas is a goal, you should also consider the state’s high property taxes before deciding to relocate.

Alaska

The state at the very top of North America, Alaska offers a unique relocation experience, combining rewarding professional opportunities and stunning natural beauty.

Key benefits:

• High salaries: Alaska is one of the highest paying states, with a median hourly rate of $49. It recognises the increased challenges the remote locations pose to nurses working in the state.
• Significant job opportunities: Alaska is the largest state in the USA, meaning that communities are spread across area. The largest healthcare network in Alaska is the Alaska Tribal Organization, which manages healthcare facilities for native Alaskans. This presents a unique opportunity to explore different medical practices.
• Adventure and natural beauty: Known for wide, open spaces and its natural beauty, residents of Alaska greatly enjoy outdoor sports. Dog mushing or dog sledding is the official state sport and the city of Fairbanks is known as the dog mushing capital of the world. Alaska is also home to 17 of the 20 highest mountain peaks in the USA. If you’re a fan of astronomy, the northern cities of Alaska will give you a picture-perfect view of the Aurora Borealis.

Alaska offers international nurses a truly unique experience, ideal for anyone craving an adventure-filled lifestyle away from densely populated places. Even with its wide-open spaces, the community experience in Alaska makes you feel at home.

Why you should do your research before moving to the U.S.

We strongly recommend doing your research on the best and most suitable states before you take the leap to move your entire life to the U.S. Relocating to another country as an international nurse is a major decision that should not be taken lightly for a few reasons:

Finding the right place to live

Imagine spending precious time, energy and resource moving just to realise the area you’ve chosen does not suit your lifestyle or preferences. That’s why you should consider your options of states and regions carefully before committing to one. Think of earning potential, career opportunities, cost of living, housing options, education system and recreational activities outside of work.

Visa restrictions

Depending on the visa you have, you may not be able to change jobs easily to move within the U.S. Unless you have a Green Card, your visa may be tied to the employer who sponsored your visa application. If you want to move to another employer, you will have to check that your current visa offers portability, i.e. the ability to file a petition and change your employment while maintaining legal status.

Avoiding unexpected costs

International nursing agencies will typically help with aspects of the relocation process. This can range from booking flights and accommodation to helping you get settled in your new community. In some cases, agencies will even cover the cost of flights, licensure and visa applications, and temporary accommodation. So, if you decide to move once you’re in the U.S., you will have to self-fund the cost of moving and securing new accommodation.

At Espirita, you get a specialised concierge service that includes support with relocation. You’ll have a single point of contract for everything you may need, from finding a home to identifying a place of worship.

So, what are the best states for foreign nurses in the U.S.?

If you ask us, Texas, Alaska, New York and Kansas are some of the best U.S. states for foreign nurses to move to. But ultimately, you will have to assess each state and what it has to offer against your priorities, needs and goals for the future.

Here are key factors to consider:

1. Nursing pay in the area
2. Opportunities for career progression
3. Affordability of housing and everyday expenses
4. Licensure requirements
5. Availability of good schools and family-friendly neighbourhoods
6. Diversity and inclusiveness of the local population
7. Access to cultural or outdoor activities

Explore nursing careers in the U.S with Espirita

Espirita provides international career opportunities for healthcare professionals from around the world. We have the expertise to help you realise your dream of relocating abroad for work. Our focus is on you. We empower you to make the decisions that best suit your lifestyle and that help with your career growth.

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