How much does a Charge Nurse make?
Charge Nurses play an important role in healthcare settings. They oversee patient care and manage the nursing staff. This position often comes with a competitive salary. On average, Charge Nurses earn about $86,673 a year. This figure can change based on many factors. For example, experience, education, and location can all impact earnings.
The salary range for Charge Nurses can vary. Some Charge Nurses start around $48,000 a year. Others, with more experience, can earn up to $145,000 annually. The following list shows a breakdown of salaries:
- 5.24% earn $48,000 or less
- 10.83% earn between $48,000 and $56,818
- 11.67% earn between $56,818 and $65,636
- 15.12% earn between $65,636 and $74,455
- 16.27% earn between $74,455 and $83,273
- 14.55% earn between $83,273 and $92,091
- 8.54% earn between $92,091 and $100,909
- 5.78% earn between $100,909 and $109,727
- 3.67% earn between $109,727 and $118,545
- 1.71% earn between $118,545 and $127,364
- 1.62% earn between $127,364 and $145,000
What are the highest paying cities for a Charge Nurse?

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San Diego, CA
Average Salary: $128,023
In San Diego, experienced nursing professionals thrive as nursing leaders in top-tier hospitals. Rady Children’s Hospital and UC San Diego Health are prominent employers. Their vibrant community and sunny weather enhance work-life balance.
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San Francisco, CA
Average Salary: $122,721
San Francisco offers diverse opportunities for nursing leaders in its advanced healthcare facilities. UCSF Health and Kaiser Permanente provide excellent platforms for professional growth. The city's dynamic environment fuels innovation in nursing care.
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Honolulu, HI
Average Salary: $118,877
Hawaii’s capital presents unique challenges and rewards for nursing leaders. Straub Medical Center and Kapiolani Medical Center for Women & Children are leading healthcare providers. The island lifestyle offers a relaxed yet fulfilling work environment.
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Anchorage, AK
Average Salary: $117,870
Anchorage provides a challenging but rewarding experience for nursing leaders. Providence Alaska Medical Center and Alaska Native Medical Center offer excellent opportunities. The city’s stunning natural beauty provides a unique backdrop to daily work.
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Sacramento, CA
Average Salary: $114,481
Sacramento’s healthcare sector offers dynamic roles for nursing leaders. UC Davis Health and Kaiser Permanente are key employers. The city’s central location and affordable living make it a desirable place to work.
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Colorado Springs, CO
Average Salary: $113,348
Colorado Springs boasts a vibrant community and excellent healthcare facilities for nursing leaders. UCHealth and Memorial Hospital offer rewarding opportunities. The city’s outdoor lifestyle enhances work-life balance.
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Seattle, WA
Average Salary: $110,558
Seattle offers a blend of urban living and natural beauty for nursing leaders. Swedish Medical Center and Virginia Mason Medical Center are prominent employers. The city’s progressive environment supports innovative nursing practices.
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Los Angeles, CA
Average Salary: $107,431
Los Angeles provides diverse opportunities for nursing leaders in its large healthcare network. Cedars-Sinai Medical Center and UCLA Health are top employers. The city’s cultural diversity enhances the nursing experience.
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New Haven, CT
Average Salary: $107,294
New Haven offers a mix of academic and community healthcare settings for nursing leaders. Yale New Haven Hospital and Connecticut Children’s Medical Center are leading employers. The city’s rich history adds to the professional experience.
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Visalia, CA
Average Salary: $106,642
Visalia provides a supportive environment for nursing leaders in its healthcare facilities. Kaweah Delta Medical Center and Adventist Health are key employers. The city’s affordable living and community spirit enhance the work experience.
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What are the best companies a Charge Nurse can work for?

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Sutter Health
Average Salary: $187,234
Sutter Health offers rewarding Charge Nurse positions across Northern California. The company provides comprehensive benefits and a supportive work environment. Opportunities exist in various locations, including Sacramento, San Francisco, and the Bay Area.
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Scripps Health
Average Salary: $155,498
At Scripps Health, Charge Nurses can expect competitive salaries and a chance to work in beautiful San Diego. The company emphasizes patient care and professional growth. Locations include Encinitas, La Jolla, and Chula Vista.
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Kaiser Permanente
Average Salary: $154,194
Kaiser Permanente is known for its excellent benefits and professional development for Charge Nurses. The company operates across California and Oregon, providing diverse opportunities in cities like Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Portland.
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Gurwin Jewish Nursing & Rehabilitation Center
Average Salary: $139,786
This Long Island-based center offers Charge Nurse positions with a focus on compassionate care. Employees enjoy a collaborative work environment and opportunities to advance their careers in and around New York.
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Corona Regional Medical Center
Average Salary: $138,349
Corona Regional Medical Center provides rewarding Charge Nurse positions with a strong focus on teamwork. Located in Corona, California, this hospital offers a supportive setting for career growth and patient care.
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Seattle Children's
Average Salary: $138,194
Seattle Children's offers Charge Nurse positions with a commitment to pediatric care. The company is known for its innovative treatments and supportive work environment. Locations include Seattle, Washington, and the surrounding areas.
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Loma Linda University Health
Average Salary: $137,907
Loma Linda University Health provides Charge Nurses with a chance to work in a cutting-edge medical environment. The company operates in Loma Linda, California, offering opportunities for professional growth and patient care excellence.
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PIH Health
Average Salary: $137,355
PIH Health offers competitive salaries for Charge Nurses in Southern California. The company emphasizes a patient-centered approach and provides opportunities for career advancement in cities like Whittier and Downey.
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Samaritan Health Services
Average Salary: $135,233
Samaritan Health Services provides Charge Nurse positions with a focus on community care. The company operates across Oregon and Washington, offering diverse opportunities for professional growth and patient care.
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Palmdale Regional Medical Center
Average Salary: $134,722
Palmdale Regional Medical Center offers Charge Nurse positions with a supportive work environment. The company focuses on patient care and offers opportunities in Palmdale, California, and the surrounding areas.
How to earn more as a Charge Nurse?
Being a Charge Nurse involves managing a team and ensuring smooth operations on a nursing unit. This role not only provides leadership but also offers opportunities to earn more. Here are some ways to increase earnings as a Charge Nurse:
Pursuing advanced certifications can lead to higher pay. Certifications like Certified Nurse Manager and Leader (CNML) or Clinical Nurse Leader (CNL) are highly valued. These credentials show a commitment to professional growth and can make a Charge Nurse more competitive in the job market. Specialization in areas such as critical care or emergency nursing can also lead to higher-paying positions.
Here are some key factors that can help a Charge Nurse earn more:
- Advanced Certifications: Obtain certifications in specialized areas.
- Leadership Skills: Develop strong management and team-building skills.
- Continuing Education: Attend workshops and seminars to stay updated.
- Geographic Location: Work in areas with higher demand for nurses.
- Experience: Gain years of experience in various nursing environments.



