WASHINGTON – Nurses In Minnesota are among the best paid in the nation, according to newly published  U.S. Labor Department data. Registered nurses in the state average $84,000 – in the top 1% nationally. The best-paying state: California at $120,000. The lowest: Mississippi at $61,200.The national average: $79,000. Among Minnesota subsets:

> Nurse anesthetist: $214,000.

> Nurse practitioner: $127,000.

> Nurse midwife: $119,000.

> Physical therapist: $86,900.

>Licensed practical nurse:  541,000.

Around Minneosta

A geographical breakout for registered nurses included St. Cloud, $87,000 average; Bloomington, $86,000; Rochester, $86,000; North Mankato, $89,000; Duluth $79,000.

Neighboring states

Wisconsin, $8,000; Illinois, $82,000; Iowa, $71,000; North Dakota, $74,000; South Dakota, $67,000.