How much does a Graduate Nurse make?
A graduate nurse, fresh from their nursing program, can expect a competitive salary. On average, they earn about $90,395 per year. This starting salary can vary based on several factors. These include the specific hospital, the city, and the state where the nurse works.
Graduate nurses often see their salaries increase as they gain experience. Many hospitals offer training programs that help new nurses develop their skills. These programs can lead to higher pay over time. Some nurses also choose to specialize in areas like pediatrics or surgery. These specializations can lead to higher salaries as well. The nursing field offers many opportunities for growth and advancement. This can make it a rewarding career choice for many.
What are the highest paying cities for a Graduate Nurse?

-
Sacramento, CA
Average Salary: $149,336
In Sacramento, new nurses find a vibrant healthcare environment. Hospitals like UC Davis Medical Center offer excellent training and career growth. The city's diverse population provides rich learning experiences.
Find Graduate Nurse jobs in Sacramento, CA
-
Stockton, CA
Average Salary: $140,314
Stockton offers a welcoming atmosphere for new nurses. St. Joseph's Medical Center provides top-notch facilities and support. The community's diversity enhances the learning experience for new nurses.
Find Graduate Nurse jobs in Stockton, CA
-
Riverside, CA
Average Salary: $123,607
Riverside is a great place for new nurses to start their careers. Loma Linda University Medical Center offers excellent training programs. The city's growing population provides many opportunities for professional development.
Find Graduate Nurse jobs in Riverside, CA
-
Peoria, IL
Average Salary: $120,904
Peoria offers a supportive environment for new nurses. OSF Saint Francis Medical Center provides excellent training and resources. The city's healthcare facilities are well-regarded, offering a solid foundation for new nurses.
Find Graduate Nurse jobs in Peoria, IL
-
Fargo, ND
Average Salary: $117,464
Fargo provides a friendly setting for new nurses. Sanford Health offers comprehensive training and support. The city's healthcare system is well-organized, making it easy for new nurses to thrive.
Find Graduate Nurse jobs in Fargo, ND
-
Los Angeles, CA
Average Salary: $116,940
Los Angeles offers a dynamic environment for new nurses. Cedars-Sinai Medical Center provides top-tier training and opportunities. The city's diverse population offers rich and varied experiences for new nurses.
Find Graduate Nurse jobs in Los Angeles, CA
-
Des Moines, IA
Average Salary: $114,809
Des Moines offers a supportive environment for new nurses. MercyOne Des Moines Medical Center provides excellent training. The city's healthcare facilities are well-regarded, offering a solid foundation for new nurses.
Find Graduate Nurse jobs in Des Moines, IA
-
Rochester, NY
Average Salary: $112,223
Rochester provides a vibrant setting for new nurses. Strong Memorial Hospital offers excellent training and resources. The city's healthcare system is well-organized, making it easy for new nurses to thrive.
Find Graduate Nurse jobs in Rochester, NY
-
Yuma, AZ
Average Salary: $112,128
Yuma offers a welcoming environment for new nurses. Yuma Regional Medical Center provides excellent training and support. The city's healthcare facilities are well-regarded, offering a solid foundation for new nurses.
Find Graduate Nurse jobs in Yuma, AZ
-
Cleveland, OH
Average Salary: $111,409
Cleveland offers a dynamic environment for new nurses. The Cleveland Clinic provides top-tier training and opportunities. The city's diverse population offers rich and varied experiences for new nurses.
Find Graduate Nurse jobs in Cleveland, OH
What are the best companies a Graduate Nurse can work for?

-
Winston Resources
Average Salary: $121,287
Winston Resources offers Graduate Nurse jobs with a focus on patient care. They operate in multiple states, including California, Texas, and Florida. The company values a supportive environment and professional growth.
-
Epsilon Solutions
Average Salary: $118,917
Epsilon Solutions provides Graduate Nurse positions with a strong emphasis on teamwork. They have locations in New York, Illinois, and Pennsylvania. The company offers a variety of opportunities for career advancement.
-
GHR Healthcare
Average Salary: $118,304
GHR Healthcare offers Graduate Nurse jobs with a commitment to patient care. They operate in states like Ohio, Michigan, and New Jersey. The company provides a supportive work environment and professional development.
-
Health Carousel
Average Salary: $116,568
Health Carousel provides Graduate Nurse positions with a focus on quality care. They have locations in Arizona, Colorado, and Georgia. The company offers a collaborative environment and opportunities for growth.
-
NTG (Nationwide Therapy)
Average Salary: $112,155
NTG offers Graduate Nurse jobs with a commitment to patient care. They operate in multiple states, including North Carolina, Virginia, and Maryland. The company provides a supportive work environment and professional development.
-
Clover Health Services
Average Salary: $110,126
Clover Health Services provides Graduate Nurse positions with a focus on patient care. They have locations in Massachusetts, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. The company offers a collaborative environment and opportunities for growth.
-
VHC Health
Average Salary: $102,130
VHC Health offers Graduate Nurse jobs with a commitment to patient care. They operate in Virginia. The company provides a supportive work environment and professional development.
-
Titan Medical (Nebraska)
Average Salary: $101,291
Titan Medical offers Graduate Nurse positions with a focus on quality care. They operate in Nebraska. The company provides a collaborative environment and opportunities for growth.
-
Infojini Inc
Average Salary: $99,863
Infojini Inc provides Graduate Nurse jobs with a commitment to patient care. They operate in multiple states, including California, Texas, and Florida. The company offers a supportive work environment and professional development.
-
Ascension
Average Salary: $96,174
Ascension offers Graduate Nurse positions with a focus on patient care. They operate in multiple states, including Illinois, Missouri, and Wisconsin. The company provides a supportive work environment and professional development.
How to earn more as a Graduate Nurse?
Graduate nurses can take several steps to increase their earnings. By focusing on these areas, they can enhance their skills and marketability. This leads to better job opportunities and higher pay.
First, consider gaining experience in a specialized area. Specializations like pediatrics, oncology, or critical care often pay more. Second, pursue advanced certifications. These can include certifications in areas like emergency nursing or trauma care. Third, seek out positions in high-demand locations. Urban areas or regions with fewer healthcare providers often offer higher wages. Fourth, look for roles that offer night shifts, weekends, or holidays. These shifts usually come with higher pay. Lastly, continue education through advanced degrees. A Master’s in Nursing or a Doctor of Nursing Practice can lead to higher-paying roles.
Graduate nurses can also improve their earnings by networking and seeking mentorship. Building relationships with experienced nurses can open doors to better job opportunities. Attending conferences and joining professional organizations can also help in finding higher-paying positions.
- Gain experience in a specialized area.
- Pursue advanced certifications.
- Seek out positions in high-demand locations.
- Look for roles with night shifts, weekends, or holidays.
- Continue education through advanced degrees.