How much does a Charge Nurse make?
A Charge Nurse plays a crucial role in healthcare settings. They coordinate patient care and oversee other nursing staff. This responsibility comes with a respectable salary. The average yearly salary for a Charge Nurse is around $87,905. This figure represents a blend of salaries from various regions and experiences.
The salary range for Charge Nurses can vary widely. The lowest 10% earn about $37,571 annually. On the other end, the top 10% earn over $148,500 each year. Most Charge Nurses fall in the middle, earning between $67,824 and $118,247 annually. These figures show that with experience and expertise, there is potential for significant salary growth in this field.
What are the highest paying cities for a Charge Nurse?

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San Diego, CA
Average Salary: $130,356
In San Diego, a Charge Nurse manages hospital wards and ensures high-quality patient care. Well-known hospitals like UC San Diego Health provide many opportunities. Nurses benefit from a thriving job market and diverse patient population.
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San Francisco, CA
Average Salary: $122,133
Working in San Francisco means overseeing skilled nursing teams at top facilities like UCSF Health. Charge Nurses in this city enjoy a strong sense of community and professional growth. The healthcare sector here is vibrant and competitive.
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Anchorage, AK
Average Salary: $121,472
In Anchorage, a Charge Nurse plays a key role in managing healthcare services for a unique and diverse population. Hospitals such as Providence Alaska Medical Center offer rewarding experiences. The city's outdoor lifestyle adds to the appeal.
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Honolulu, HI
Average Salary: $118,654
In Honolulu, Charge Nurses enjoy a laid-back yet dynamic work environment. They work with skilled staff at places like The Queen's Medical Center. The beautiful surroundings and rich culture provide a unique experience for nurses.
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Seattle, WA
Average Salary: $116,130
Seattle offers Charge Nurses a chance to lead at renowned facilities such as Seattle Children's Hospital. The city's tech-driven economy provides excellent job opportunities. The emphasis on health and wellness makes this a desirable place to work.
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Colorado Springs, CO
Average Salary: $115,398
In Colorado Springs, Charge Nurses ensure exceptional patient care at hospitals like Memorial Hospital. This city offers a blend of urban and outdoor activities. The healthcare system here values professional development and community service.
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Sacramento, CA
Average Salary: $111,681
Sacramento provides Charge Nurses with stable employment opportunities at institutions like UC Davis Medical Center. The city's growing healthcare sector offers many chances for advancement. Affordability and quality of life are high.
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New Haven, CT
Average Salary: $109,885
In New Haven, Charge Nurses work with experienced teams at Yale New Haven Hospital. This city's rich academic environment enhances professional development. Opportunities for research and education add to the appeal.
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Portland, OR
Average Salary: $109,744
Portland offers Charge Nurses a chance to lead at top medical centers like Oregon Health & Science University. The city's progressive culture and outdoor lifestyle create a unique work environment. Career growth and community support are strong.
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Los Angeles, CA
Average Salary: $109,673
In Los Angeles, Charge Nurses work with diverse patient populations at facilities such as Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. The city’s vast healthcare network provides numerous opportunities. The vibrant culture and job market make it an attractive place to work.
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What are the best companies a Charge Nurse can work for?

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Sutter Health
Average Salary: $182,375
Sutter Health offers Charge Nurse jobs across its many locations in Northern California. This large health system provides a variety of healthcare services. Charge Nurses here coordinate patient care and lead teams effectively. Sutter Health operates several hospitals and clinics in cities like Sacramento, San Francisco, and Palo Alto.
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Scripps Health
Average Salary: $155,708
Scripps Health provides rewarding Charge Nurse positions in San Diego. This organization focuses on patient-centered care and innovation in medical treatment. Charge Nurses at Scripps Health manage nursing staff and ensure high-quality care. Scripps has multiple hospitals and medical centers throughout San Diego County.
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Providence
Average Salary: $154,105
Providence offers Charge Nurse jobs with competitive salaries across the Western United States. This large health system values compassionate care and professional development. Charge Nurses at Providence oversee patient care and supervise nursing staff. Providence operates hospitals and clinics in states like Washington, Oregon, and California.
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Adventist Health
Average Salary: $151,684
Adventist Health offers Charge Nurse positions with a focus on holistic care. This organization operates in several Western states. Charge Nurses at Adventist Health lead nursing teams and ensure top-notch patient care. Adventist Health has facilities in states like California, Oregon, and Hawaii.
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Sierra View Medical Center
Average Salary: $148,074
Sierra View Medical Center provides Charge Nurse roles with a focus on community healthcare in Porterville, California. This hospital offers a range of medical services. Charge Nurses here manage nursing staff and ensure excellent patient care. Sierra View Medical Center serves the local community with dedication.
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Loma Linda University Health
Average Salary: $141,825
Loma Linda University Health offers Charge Nurse positions in Loma Linda, California. This health system combines medical care with education and research. Charge Nurses at Loma Linda University Health lead nursing teams and ensure high standards of care. This organization serves the Southern California area.
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Gurwin Jewish Nursing & Rehabilitation Center
Average Salary: $140,579
Gurwin Jewish Nursing & Rehabilitation Center offers Charge Nurse jobs in New York. This facility provides long-term and skilled nursing care. Charge Nurses here manage nursing staff and ensure patient well-being. Gurwin focuses on providing compassionate care to its residents.
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Samaritan Health Services
Average Salary: $140,125
Samaritan Health Services offers Charge Nurse positions in Oregon. This health system focuses on providing quality care to its communities. Charge Nurses at Samaritan lead nursing teams and ensure excellent patient care. The organization operates several hospitals and clinics in the region.
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Seattle Children's
Average Salary: $140,093
Seattle Children's offers Charge Nurse jobs focusing on pediatric care. This renowned children's hospital provides specialized care for young patients. Charge Nurses here lead nursing teams and ensure top-quality care. Seattle Children's serves children from across the Pacific Northwest.
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Corona Regional Medical Center
Average Salary: $137,912
Corona Regional Medical Center provides Charge Nurse roles in Corona, California. This hospital offers a range of medical services to the local community. Charge Nurses here manage nursing staff and ensure high standards of patient care. Corona Regional Medical Center serves residents in and around Corona.
How to earn more as a Charge Nurse?
Becoming a Charge Nurse can open the door to earning more. This role comes with great responsibility and requires a blend of clinical skills and leadership abilities. A Charge Nurse not only provides care to patients but also manages the nursing staff and ensures that the unit runs smoothly. Several factors can help a Charge Nurse increase their earnings.
First, gaining more experience in nursing and taking on charge nurse duties can lead to higher pay. Experience helps in managing teams and making quick decisions during critical situations. Continuing education and certifications also play a role. Specializing in areas such as critical care or emergency nursing can make a Charge Nurse more valuable. Working in high-demand areas, such as urban hospitals or specialized units, often means higher salaries. Pursuing advanced degrees, like a Master's in Nursing, can further boost earnings. Networking and seeking out leadership roles within professional organizations can open doors to higher-paying positions.
Here are some key factors to consider:
- Increase experience in nursing.
- Obtain relevant certifications.
- Choose high-demand work areas.
- Pursue advanced nursing degrees.
- Network with professional organizations.



