How much does a Charge Nurse make?
Charge Nurses play a crucial role in healthcare settings. They coordinate patient care and supervise other nursing staff. On average, a Charge Nurse earns about $87,860 per year. This salary can vary based on experience and location. For example, those with more experience and in certain states may earn more.
Some Charge Nurses work in hospitals and earn between $59,000 to $117,000 annually. Others may work in outpatient care centers and earn between $78,000 and $136,000. This range shows the flexibility and potential growth in the field. It also highlights the importance of a Charge Nurse's role in different healthcare environments.
What are the highest paying cities for a Charge Nurse?

-
San Diego, CA
Average Salary: $131,947
In San Diego, nurses find a thriving environment for their careers. The city's diverse medical facilities offer great opportunities for those who excel in patient care. Hospitals such as Scripps Health and UC San Diego Health provide a dynamic setting for professional growth.
Find Charge Nurse jobs in San Diego, CA
-
San Francisco, CA
Average Salary: $122,400
San Francisco stands out for its innovative healthcare solutions. Nurses here enjoy working in state-of-the-art medical centers. UCSF Health and Kaiser Permanente are top employers, offering extensive career development resources.
Find Charge Nurse jobs in San Francisco, CA
-
Anchorage, AK
Average Salary: $120,681
Anchorage offers a unique healthcare landscape with its focus on outdoor activities and sports. Nurses in this city value the close-knit community and the chance to work in modern facilities. Alaska Native Medical Center and Providence Alaska Medical Center are key employers.
Find Charge Nurse jobs in Anchorage, AK
-
Honolulu, HI
Average Salary: $118,877
Honolulu's healthcare sector benefits from its island culture. Nurses enjoy a supportive community and beautiful surroundings. The Queen’s Medical Center and Straub Medical Center provide excellent opportunities for professional advancement.
Find Charge Nurse jobs in Honolulu, HI
-
Colorado Springs, CO
Average Salary: $115,614
Colorado Springs provides a blend of urban and outdoor lifestyles. Nurses find rewarding careers in its well-regarded hospitals. HealthONE and St. Francis Health System are known for their quality care and employee support.
Find Charge Nurse jobs in Colorado Springs, CO
-
Seattle, WA
Average Salary: $114,401
Seattle's progressive healthcare system offers a vibrant work environment. Nurses can thrive in world-renowned institutions like Seattle Children’s Hospital and Virginia Mason Medical Center. The city's tech-savvy culture enhances job opportunities.
Find Charge Nurse jobs in Seattle, WA
-
Sacramento, CA
Average Salary: $113,006
Sacramento offers a stable job market with a mix of urban and rural healthcare settings. Nurses benefit from working in institutions like UC Davis Medical Center and Kaiser Permanente. The city's growing population increases demand for healthcare services.
Find Charge Nurse jobs in Sacramento, CA
-
New Haven, CT
Average Salary: $109,635
New Haven's healthcare sector is supported by Yale New Haven Hospital, a leading medical center. Nurses here enjoy a rich history of medical innovation and a strong educational environment. The community's commitment to health care provides ample opportunities.
Find Charge Nurse jobs in New Haven, CT
-
Los Angeles, CA
Average Salary: $109,300
Los Angeles offers a diverse and dynamic healthcare environment. Nurses can work in top facilities like Cedars-Sinai Medical Center and UCLA Health. The city's large population and variety of medical needs make it an exciting place to practice nursing.
Find Charge Nurse jobs in Los Angeles, CA
-
Portland, OR
Average Salary: $109,258
Portland is known for its progressive healthcare approaches. Nurses enjoy a supportive work environment and strong community ties. Legacy Health and Providence Portland Medical Center are prominent employers, providing excellent career growth prospects.
Find Charge Nurse jobs in Portland, OR
What are the best companies a Charge Nurse can work for?

-
Sutter Health
Average Salary: $182,357
Sutter Health offers competitive salaries for Charge Nurses. They have many locations across California, providing diverse job opportunities. Their Charge Nurses manage patient care and coordinate nursing activities.
-
Kaiser Permanente
Average Salary: $162,385
Kaiser Permanente is known for its high salaries for Charge Nurses. They operate throughout the West Coast. Charge Nurses here oversee patient care and lead nursing staff in providing top-quality service.
-
Scripps Health
Average Salary: $155,692
Scripps Health provides attractive salaries for Charge Nurses. They have facilities in San Diego. Charge Nurses work in various departments, ensuring smooth operations and excellent patient care.
-
Providence
Average Salary: $153,855
Providence offers good pay for Charge Nurses. They serve patients in several states across the western U.S. Charge Nurses here focus on patient care and manage teams of nurses effectively.
-
MemorialCare
Average Salary: $149,075
MemorialCare provides a good salary for Charge Nurses. Their locations are mainly in Southern California. Charge Nurses here coordinate patient care and support their nursing teams.
-
Sierra View Medical Center
Average Salary: $148,074
Sierra View Medical Center offers competitive pay for Charge Nurses. They are based in Visalia, California. Charge Nurses work in a smaller community setting while providing quality care.
-
Gurwin Jewish Nursing & Rehabilitation Center
Average Salary: $140,435
Gurwin Jewish Nursing & Rehabilitation Center offers solid compensation for Charge Nurses. They are located in New York. Charge Nurses here manage long-term and rehabilitation care for patients.
-
Seattle Children's
Average Salary: $139,463
Seattle Children's provides a good salary for Charge Nurses. They operate in Washington state. Charge Nurses here focus on pediatric care, ensuring young patients receive excellent treatment.
-
Corona Regional Medical Center
Average Salary: $138,819
Corona Regional Medical Center offers a competitive salary for Charge Nurses. They are based in California. Charge Nurses coordinate patient care and manage staff in an acute care setting.
-
Samaritan Health Services
Average Salary: $136,712
Samaritan Health Services provides a good pay for Charge Nurses. They operate in Oregon and Washington. Charge Nurses here manage patient care and support nursing teams in various facilities.
How to earn more as a Charge Nurse?
A Charge Nurse plays a crucial role in overseeing the day-to-day operations of a nursing unit. This responsibility often comes with higher earnings. Increasing your salary as a Charge Nurse involves several key strategies. One important step is gaining more experience in the field. This allows a nurse to handle complex situations with confidence, thereby justifying a higher pay.
Another effective strategy involves pursuing advanced certifications. These can include specialized nursing skills, management training, or certifications in critical care. These credentials make a Charge Nurse more valuable and able to command higher wages. Networking with other professionals also helps. Building relationships within the industry can lead to new opportunities and higher-paying positions.
Additionally, seeking leadership roles in professional organizations can enhance career prospects. Leading committees or participating in important projects shows initiative and capability. Finally, negotiating salary during job offers is essential. Being prepared to discuss your value and contributions ensures that you receive fair compensation for your skills and experience.
Consider these key factors to boost your earnings as a Charge Nurse:
- Gain experience and become skilled in various nursing areas.
- Pursue advanced certifications to increase your qualifications.
- Network with peers to find new job opportunities.
- Take on leadership roles in professional organizations.
- Negotiate salary confidently during job offers.



