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New York State, located in the northeastern United States, thrives as a vibrant and diverse region celebrated for its cultural, economic and historical importance. With a population of over 19 million, area hospitals offer a robust healthcare sector that appeals to both New York travel nurses and staff nurses. Home to world-class medical institutions and research centers, such as Mount Sinai Health System, New York-Presbyterian and NYU Langone Health, the state offers excellent career opportunities for nurses and allied healthcare professionals.
The state’s commitment to healthcare advancements, opportunities for specialization and remarkable urban lifestyle make it an attractive destination for healthcare workers seeking professional growth and personal fulfillment.
Top New York Hospitals
Hospitals in New York State offer top-tier medical services and innovation, catering to a diverse population. With renowned medical centers, advanced treatments and skilled healthcare professionals, these hospitals are dedicated to providing exceptional care and improving the well-being of their patients.
Mount Sinai Hospital
Source: Workhorse.investor, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Located in New York City, Mount Sinai Hospital is one of the nation’s premier medical centers renowned for its cutting-edge healthcare and groundbreaking research. With a rich history dating back to 1852, the hospital has evolved into a world-class institution. It ranked as the No. 3 hospital in New York, per U.S. News & World Report in 2023, and held national rankings in 12 adult and four pediatric specialties, including being named the best in the country for Geriatrics. It also received recognition for delivering high-quality performance in 20 adult procedures and conditions.
Mount Sinai’s commitment to patient care and innovative treatments has earned it numerous honors and top rankings in various medical specialties. Some awards it’s received include:
- Fast Company’s Annual List of the World’s Most Innovative Companies for 2021
- Magnet Accreditation for excellence in nursing from the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC)
- Recognition by the Human Rights Campaign Foundation as a national leader in LGBT healthcare quality in 2019
- Diversity and Inclusion Leadership Award in 2020
New York-Presbyterian Hospital
Situated in New York City, New York-Presbyterian Hospital features 2,455 beds, making it the largest not-for-profit, non-sectarian hospital nationwide. It delivers cutting-edge inpatient, ambulatory and preventive care across all medical domains and facilities, including these five prominent centers:
- NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Medical Center
- NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/Columbia University Medical Center
- Morgan Stanley Children’s Hospital of NewYork-Presbyterian
- NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/Allen Pavilion
- NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/Westchester Division
New York-Presbyterian Hospital made the honor roll for Best Hospitals in the 2023-2024 U.S. News & World Report and ranked as one of the best New York hospitals, holding the No. 1 place in the city and state. The hospital’s outstanding reputation is unmistakable. It holds national rankings in 14 adult and 10 pediatric specialties, as well as top 5 rankings for the following specialties:
- Cardiology & Heart Surgery
- Diabetes & Endocrinology
- Neurology & Neurosurgery
- Psychiatry
- Rheumatology
- Urology
North Shore University Hospital (NSUH)
A prominent medical institution in Manhasset, North Shore University Hospital is renowned for its excellence in patient care, cutting-edge research and exceptional medical services. As part of Northwell Health, one of the largest healthcare systems in New York, NSUH consistently achieves top-tier rankings and awards. It holds national recognition in the following specialties:
- Cardiology, Heart and Vascular Surgery
- Cancer
- Diabetes & Endocrinology
- Gastroenterology & GI Surgery
- Geriatrics
- Neurology & Neurosurgery
- Orthopedics
- Pulmonology & Lung Surgery
- Urology
NSUH earned a top spot among the nation’s Best Hospitals, per U.S. World & News Report 2023-2024. If you’re seeking RN jobs in New York, this facility is committed to quality patient care through its continued accreditation as a Magnet-designated facility for nursing excellence.
New York University (NYU) Langone Hospital – Tisch Hospital
According to the 2023-2024 U.S. News & World Report rankings, NYU Langone has secured the No. 1 spot regionally in New York City and New York State and landed on the esteemed Best Hospitals list. The exceptional nursing care provided is evident through the consecutive four-time acknowledgment of Magnet status by the ANCC. The hospital holds other prestigious honors, including:
- Vizient, Inc. ranked NYU Langone as the leading comprehensive academic medical center and the top ambulatory system for quality and safety in the United States in 2022.
- NYU Langone achieved full accreditation and received The Joint Commission’s prestigious Gold Seal of Approval in 2021, signifying its unwavering dedication to safety and quality.
- Leapfrog Group acknowledged NYU Langone as one of the top hospitals nationwide for its outstanding quality and safety standards.
- It received a five-star rating from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, acknowledging its excellence in safety, quality and patient experience.
Renowned for its exceptional expertise across various specialties, NYU Langone Medical Center has solidified its position as a premier healthcare system. U.S. News & World Report acknowledges NYU Langone in 17 specialties and recognizes its high performance in 20 conditions or procedures. Tisch Hospital ranked in the top five nationwide for the following specialties:
- Neurology & Neurosurgery
- Cardiology, Heart & Vascular Surgery
- Diabetes & Endocrinology
- Gastroenterology & GI Surgery
- Geriatrics
- Orthopedics
- Pulmonology & Lung Surgery
- Rehabilitation
- Urology
Average Nurse and Allied Health Pay Rates in New York State
As of August 2, 2023, Vivian Health had 17,102 jobs listed throughout New York for nurses and allied healthcare professionals. The table below displays the average and maximum pay rates for nursing and allied health opportunities in New York during August 2023.
| Discipline | Average Pay Rate | Max Pay Rate |
| Staff Registered Nurse | $42.93/hour | $65/hour |
| Travel Registered Nurse | $2,470/week | $4,893/week |
| Staff Allied Health Professional | $25.28/hour | $100/hour |
| Travel Allied Health Professional | $2,528/week | $4,006/week |
On average, nurses earn a little less in NY state than the rest of the country, but if you’re looking for a higher-paying job, look to Mount Vernon, Stoney Brook or Poughkeepsie, where nurses earn upwards of $45-$61/hr. Another great way to boost your wage as a nurse in NY is with a specialty, particularly as a postpartum nurse at NYU Langone, where the max pay is $65/hour.
NY is an excellent place to pursue a travel nurse career. Travel nurses here earn 11% more than the national average. In Yonkers, travel nurses earned upwards of $3,744 per week in early August 2023, and as a specialized pain management nurse, you could make $3,521 per week.
Unfortunately, staff allied health professionals earned about 34% less than the national average during this same period. However, travel allied health jobs paid about 7% above average. The highest staff allied health posting was in Mount Vernon, NY. If you’re looking for higher wages, explore specialized roles. Travel Cytotechnologists in Ithaca earned up to $4,006 per week, significantly surpassing the national average for travel allied healthcare professionals.
Cost of Living in New York State
The cost of living varies greatly throughout the state, with many regions being cheaper than the national average. Certain areas in New York State experience significant inflation, resulting in the average cost of living in NY being 21.5% higher than the national average. Getting a travel nurse position here offsets that cost, but a staff nurse’s wage is lower than the national average. Housing costs are a significant expense to NY residents, averaging 27.9% higher than the national average. Even though an extensive public transit network within NYC expands to the rest of the state, New Yorkers pay 40.7% more annually in transportation than the rest of the country.
According to Intuit Turbotax, New York is amongst the top 10 states with the highest personal income tax. In 2021 New Yorkers were paying an average rate of 8.82% for personal income tax, adding to the cost of living in the state.
Top Locations to Live in New York State
New York cities offer incredible diversity, with vibrant communities representing various cultures, languages and traditions. The vibrant mosaic of experiences and viewpoints throughout the state contributes to an inclusive and lively environment for residents and visitors. Healthcare is one of the key industries that drive the New York economy, with a steady demand for HCPs and ample employment opportunities.
Per the 2023-2024 U.S. News & World Report’s Best Places to Live in New York, the top-ranked cities are determined by reviewing factors like quality of life, value, desirability and the job market. These cities ranked as the top three locations to live within the state:
Albany
Situated on the west bank of the Hudson River, Albany holds the distinction of being New York State’s capital and serves as a midway point between the scenic Hudson Valley to the south and the majestic Adirondack Mountains to the north. Unlike major metro areas, the region offers an uncrowded, cost-effective atmosphere with an old-world charm. Featuring rows of colorful turn-of-the-century brownstones, the historic state capitol building and the iconic Empire State Plaza. The proximity to New York’s Finger Lakes wine region and Massachusetts’ Berkshire Mountains makes the area an ideal starting point for food enthusiasts and outdoor lovers. Albany is a good choice for healthcare professionals looking to make the most of their wages, as the cost of living in Albany is 3.5% lower than the U.S. average and 25% lower than the state average. As a bonus, healthcare professionals in Albany make above-average pay.
Syracuse
Located in Onondaga County, along the historic Erie Canal and near the renowned Finger Lakes region, Syracuse stands out as an affordable choice compared to other areas within the state, with an average 35% lower cost of living. The lower living costs and abundant recreational opportunities attract families, retirees and young professionals. It’s a lively city with the stunning Everson Museum of Art, popular restaurants and outdoor activities at Onondaga Lake Park or sporting events at NBT Bank Stadium. Its excellent schools and thriving businesses also make it an attractive home for many. The unemployment rate in Syracuse is higher than the national average at 8.6%, but as a healthcare worker, it’s a non-issue. A quick job search on Vivian Health shows many available positions for nurses and allied health professionals within the Syracuse region.
Rochester
Located in Northwestern New York along the banks of Lake Ontario, Rochester has ample opportunities for healthcare professionals, with many staff and travel positions available. Rochester is home to nationally ranked and high-performing hospitals such as Strong Memorial Hospital and Rochester General Hospital. It also has 3,500 acres of nationally recognized parks, providing ample green spaces for outdoor enthusiasts. Frontier Field and Seabreeze amusement park add to the city’s recreational charm. The Marketplace at Oxbridge and Pittsford Plaza cater to shopping lovers with great deals. Families are drawn to the area and tend to settle down due to the significantly lower cost of living. The only drawback is Rochester’s property taxes, which rank among the highest in the nation.
Popular New York Attractions
Adirondack Mountains
The Adirondack Mountains in New York captivate visitors with their breathtaking beauty and abundant recreational opportunities. The region offers diverse activities, including hiking, skiing, boating and wildlife viewing. Its pristine lakes, dense forests and picturesque landscapes make it a perfect escape for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.
Finger Lakes
The Finger Lakes region in New York is a remarkable destination renowned for its stunning natural beauty and unique charm. Eleven long, narrow lakes offer scenic views and water-based activities like boating and fishing. The area’s wineries, vineyards and farm-to-table dining create a delightful culinary experience, making it an ideal getaway for food and wine enthusiasts.
The Big Apple
New York City, the city that never sleeps, is a global icon and cultural melting pot. Its famous landmarks like the Statue of Liberty and Empire State Building, world-class museums, Broadway shows, diverse neighborhoods and culinary scene make it an unparalleled destination. The city’s energy, vibrancy and endless activities captivate millions of visitors annually.
New York’s Foodie Scene
The foodie scene in NY state is an enticing tapestry of flavors, reflecting its rich cultural heritage and international influences. New York City is renowned for its iconic dishes like New York-style pizza and bagels and the not-so-well-known but equally popular NYC classic chicken and waffles. The city’s vibrant neighborhoods offer diverse cuisines, with Chinatown, Little Italy and Koreatown serving authentic Asian delights.
Excitingly, farm-to-table restaurants are on the rise in New York, a state boasting over 30,000 farms, according to the United States Department of Agriculture. The state’s varied agriculture influences its farm-to-table movement, promoting locally sourced, seasonal ingredients. More and more establishments, including breweries, cideries and restaurants, prioritize farm-fresh ingredients in their dining offerings.
Getting Around New York
Getting around New York State is convenient and well-connected with various transportation options. The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) operates an extensive subway and bus system in New York City, offering easy access to different neighborhoods and attractions. Beyond the city, regional bus services like Greyhound and Megabus connect major cities and towns statewide.
Amtrak provides reliable train services for longer distances, while major cities have commuter rail systems for efficient travel within their regions. Many areas offer park-and-ride facilities, allowing commuters to drive part of the way and use public transit for the remainder of their journey. Bike-friendly infrastructure is prevalent in some cities, promoting eco-friendly commuting.
New York has multiple airports for long-distance travel, including JFK and LaGuardia in New York City, providing connections to domestic and international destinations for traveling healthcare professionals and anyone seeking an exciting getaway.
When searching for RN jobs in New York, Vivian Health is a valuable resource with its extensive database of healthcare job opportunities. Whether you’re a nurse, therapist or allied healthcare professional, Vivian can help you find the perfect match for your career in New York.
Explore job opportunities at Vivian Health and advance your career in one of the world-renowned New York hospitals today.
