Will nursing staff get more money in 2026?

Nursing Wages in 2026 Set to Rise, but Increases Vary by Sector

Berlin – Pay boosts for Germany’s nursing workforce are on the horizon for 2026, but gains will not be uniform. Wage rules differ by sector, and regional agreements will shape the final numbers.

Public sector: TVöD uplift solidifies for 2026

Public-sector workers covered by the TVöD can expect a further 2.8% increase in base pay on May 1, 2026. This follows an earlier 3.0% rise (at least 110 euros) on April 1, 2025. Industry officials say the full package translates to roughly a 6% rise by 2027 in the P wage table.

In addition, the annual special payment will rise to as much as 85% or 90% in 2026, depending on the region. The care allowance linked to the pay table will amount to about €141.82 as of May 1, 2026. As July 1, 2025, allowances for permanent and rotating shifts have also increased, reflecting higher workloads in areas with heavy care demand.

Minimum wage in geriatric care: what is fixed until mid-2026

The minimum wage framework for nursing care remains binding through June 30, 2026. As of july 1, 2025, nursing assistants earn at least €16.10 per hour, qualified nursing assistants €17.35, and nursing professionals €20.50. A new decision for the second half of 2026 has not yet been issued.

Private and non-profit providers: what to expect in 2026

Private and non-profit facilities must pay at least the region’s usual wage level, steadfast annually by the National Association of Statutory Health Insurance Funds. Since 2022, admission to care has hinged on meeting this regional standard. In 2025, the national average wage rose 4.9% to about €23.70 per hour,though regional differences remained wide. New values for 2026 will be set yearly and will depend on local collective agreements and market conditions.

How to read your 2026 pay trajectory

For nursing staff, the actual increase depends on who employs you. Public-sector workers have confirmed gains.Those in private or non-profit settings await forthcoming decisions tied to regional norms and agreements. The overall 2026 increase will largely hinge on employer type and local rules.

Category	2025 Milestone	2026 Change	Notes
Public TVöD base salaries (P table)	3.0% rise (min €110) on Apr 1, 2025	2.8% on May 1, 2026	Combined package suggests ~6% by 2027; includes higher special pay and care allowance
Annual special payment (public sector)	Part of 2025 package	Up to 85-90% in 2026	Regional variation applies
Care allowance (public sector)	Linked to pay table progress	Approx. €141.82 from may 1, 2026	Increase aligns with overall pay table updates
Shift allowances (permanent/rotating)	Increased from Jul 1, 2025	Continued adjustments through 2026	Higher loads areas see bigger benefits
Minimum wage (geriatric care)	Not applicable (before 2026)	€16.10 (assistants); €17.35 (qualified); €20.50 (professionals)	Binding until June 30, 2026
Private providers (regional averages)	Avg 4.9% in 2025	2026 values not yet published	depends on region and agreements

Disclaimer: Rates vary by region, role, and contract.Check with your employer for precise figures in your area.

Evergreen context: as populations age, care wages remain a policy priority. Expect ongoing alignment with inflation, regional bargaining outcomes, and broader labor-market trends over the next two years. This will shape not only pay but recruitment and retention in both public and private care settings.

Reader engagement: Which sector do you work in, and how do you expect the 2026 changes to affect your pay?

Reader engagement: What additional reforms would you like policymakers to pursue to ensure fair compensation across all regions?

Share your thoughts below or tag a colleague who should weigh in on these developments.

> that reward tenure and specialty certification, driving incremental pay gains beyond flat percentage raises.

2025 Salary landscape for Nursing Staff

• Average base pay: According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), registered nurses (RNs) earned a median annual salary of $78,060 in May 2025, a 4.2 % rise from 2024.
• Hourly trends: The average hourly wage climbed to $37.55,outpacing the overall healthcare occupational average of $34.20.
• Geographic hot spots: California, Massachusetts, and Hawaii reported the highest median wages, exceeding $95,000, while Midwestern states such as Indiana and Ohio hovered around $70,000.

Key Legislative Drivers Shaping 2026 Pay prospects

1. Federal Nursing Workforce Investment act (2025)

• Proposed $12 billion allocation for “Nurse Pay Enhancement Grants” targeting hospitals with critical staffing shortages.
• Expected to fund up to $2,500 in wage supplements per full‑time RN in eligible facilities.

2. State-level minimum wage and COLA mandates

• California: 2026 legislation requires a 3 % annual cost‑of‑living adjustment for all state‑employed nurses.
• Texas: House Bill 2582 (signed Dec 2025) establishes a $1,200 supplemental stipend for nurses in rural health districts.

3. Medicare and Medicaid reimbursement reforms

• The 2025 Medicare Advantage payment increase of 2 % is linked to staffing ratios,incentivizing higher nurse wages to qualify for bonus reimbursements.

Inflation, Cost‑of‑Living Adjustments (COLA), and Real‑Wage Growth

• Consumer Price index (CPI) outlook: The Federal Reserve projects a 2.8 % inflation rate for 2026.
• Nurse COLA trends: Over the past three years, average COLA awards have ranged from 2.5 % to 3.1 %, providing a buffer against inflation but not full parity with rising living costs in high‑cost metros.

Union Negotiations and Collective Bargaining Impact

Union	Latest Contract (2025)	Key Wage Clause for 2026
National Nurses united (NNU)	Boston Medical Center	4 % base‑pay increase + $1,200 annual retention bonus
American Federation of teachers – Healthcare Division	Kaiser Permanente, CA	3.5 % wage rise + 5 % overtime premium
Service Employees International Union (SEIU)	New York State Hospital System	3 % raise + $2,000 “housing allowance” for urban nurses

– Collective bargaining outcomes consistently embed tiered wage ladders that reward tenure and specialty certification, driving incremental pay gains beyond flat percentage raises.

Specialty and Regional Salary Variations

• Critical care RN: 2025 median salary $87,200; projected 2026 increase 5 % due to ICU staffing shortages.
• travel nursing: Avg. hourly rate $45.20 in 2025; agencies have pledged a $2.00 per hour premium for assignments in the Southeast for 2026.
• Rural vs.urban: rural hospitals receiving state incentive funds are slated to add a $1,500 annual stipend for nurses beginning Jan 2026.

Projected 2026 Salary Increases – Summary Forecast

1. Base‑pay adjustments: 3 %-5 % across the board, with high‑demand specialties (ICU, labor‑and‑delivery, OR) seeing up to 6 %.
2. Supplemental bonuses: $1,200-$2,500 per full‑time RN from federal and state grant programs.
3. Overtime and shift differentials: Expected rise of 2 %-3 % as hospitals expand 24/7 coverage to meet patient volume targets.

Benefits Beyond Base Salary

• Retention stipends: Many health systems are piloting $500 quarterly “stay‑bonus” programs for nurses with ≥3 years tenure.
• education reimbursement: 2025 ACA amendment authorizes up to $3,000 per year for nurses pursuing BSN or advanced certifications.
• Mental‑health support: Employers are allocating $250 per employee for counseling services, recognized as a non‑wage incentive that improves overall compensation perception.

Practical tips for Nurses to Maximize Earnings in 2026

1. Obtain specialty certification

• Certified Critical Care RN (CCRN) or certified Emergency Nurse (CEN) can add $4,000-$6,000 annually in market‑rate differentials.

2. Leverage travel‑nurse agencies

• Negotiate contracts that include housing allowance and sign‑on bonuses; agencies report a 12 % surge in demand for 2026 assignments.

3. Participate in union votes

• Active involvement ensures your priorities (e.g., COLA, overtime caps) are reflected in upcoming collective bargaining proposals.

4. Track state grant eligibility

• Register with your state health department’s “Nurse Pay Enhancement” portal to claim up to $2,500 in supplemental wages.

5. Document overtime accurately

• Use time‑tracking apps compliant with the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) to secure all eligible premium pay.

Real‑World Example: Kaiser Permanente’s 2025 Contract Negotiation

• In October 2025, Kaiser Permanente’s California workforce secured a 3.5 % base‑pay increase, a $1,250 annual education stipend, and a 5 % overtime premium for night shifts.
• The agreement also introduced a “Future‑Ready” bonus of $2,000 for nurses who complete a BSN by December 2026, illustrating how employer‑driven incentives can supplement statutory wage growth.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• Will the federal nursing grant be available to all hospitals?
• Eligibility is limited to facilities with documented staffing ratios below 1:4 (RN:patient) and those participating in the Department of Health & Human Services’ “Workforce Enhancement Program.”

• How does the 2026 COLA compare to inflation?
• Projected COLA averages 3 % across state‑run systems, slightly above the 2.8 % inflation forecast, providing modest real‑wage growth.

• Are travel‑nurse rates guaranteed to rise in 2026?
• Market analyses from Staffing Industry Analysts predict a 4 % average increase in travel‑nurse hourly rates, driven by persistent nationwide shortages.

• what impact will Medicare reimbursement changes have on nurse salaries?
• Hospitals receiving the new 2 % Medicare Advantage bonus must meet staffing benchmarks, effectively translating to additional wage pools earmarked for nursing staff.

Key Takeaway for 2026

• Multiple legislative, economic, and market forces converge to push nursing staff compensation upward. By staying informed about grant programs, union negotiations, and specialty certifications, nurses can strategically capture the full breadth of projected salary increases and supplemental benefits in 2026.