How much does a Public Health Nurse make?
A Public Health Nurse plays a crucial role in keeping communities healthy. This job is both rewarding and stable financially. The average yearly salary for a Public Health Nurse stands at $77,442. This income can vary based on factors such as experience, location, and the specific employer.
The salary range for Public Health Nurses can be quite broad. The lower end of the spectrum shows nurses earning around $45,841 per year. At the higher end, some earn more than $154,561 annually. Most nurses fall somewhere in between these numbers. This range reflects the diverse responsibilities and settings in which they work, from local health departments to community clinics and beyond.
What are the highest paying cities for a Public Health Nurse?

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San Francisco, CA
Average Salary: $159,259
In San Francisco, nurses work in a dynamic public health sector. They collaborate with local health departments and nonprofits to improve community health. The city’s diverse population makes it a rich environment for healthcare innovation.
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Santa Rosa, CA
Average Salary: $138,453
Santa Rosa offers a rewarding career for public health nurses. These professionals support various health initiatives and partner with local hospitals. The city’s focus on wellness creates many opportunities to make a difference.
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Bakersfield, CA
Average Salary: $123,166
Bakersfield has a growing need for public health nurses. They help manage public health programs and work closely with local clinics. The city’s expanding healthcare sector provides ample career growth.
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Boston, MA
Average Salary: $121,948
Boston’s public health nurses are at the forefront of healthcare innovation. They work in well-equipped facilities and collaborate with top research institutions. The city’s commitment to health education offers many enriching experiences.
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Stockton, CA
Average Salary: $113,808
Stockton offers a supportive environment for public health nurses. They engage in community health projects and work with local schools. The city’s focus on improving health outcomes provides a fulfilling career path.
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San Diego, CA
Average Salary: $111,896
San Diego is a vibrant place for public health nurses. They contribute to health programs and work with various organizations. The city’s emphasis on quality healthcare offers many professional opportunities.
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Phoenix, AZ
Average Salary: $108,573
Phoenix offers diverse opportunities for public health nurses. They work on health education and collaborate with local health departments. The city’s growing healthcare needs create many career prospects.
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Portland, OR
Average Salary: $106,335
Portland is known for its progressive healthcare system. Public health nurses here work on community health projects and support local initiatives. The city’s focus on wellness offers a rewarding career.
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Modesto, CA
Average Salary: $101,650
Modesto provides a nurturing environment for public health nurses. They engage in health education and work with community organizations. The city’s dedication to improving health outcomes makes it a great place to work.
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Salt Lake City, UT
Average Salary: $99,682
Salt Lake City has a strong public health sector. Nurses here work on various health programs and collaborate with local health organizations. The city’s focus on health innovation provides many career opportunities.
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What are the best companies a Public Health Nurse can work for?

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Advantmed
Average Salary: $178,333
Advantmed is known for its innovative healthcare solutions. They offer Public Health Nurse positions with an emphasis on technology and data. They operate in multiple states across the U.S.
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Molina Healthcare
Average Salary: $136,355
Molina Healthcare provides comprehensive healthcare services to underserved communities. Their Public Health Nurse roles focus on community health outreach and education. They have locations in several states.
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Solano County
Average Salary: $131,765
Solano County offers robust healthcare services in California. Public Health Nurses here work on initiatives aimed at improving community health. They focus on preventive care and health education.
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SureHealth Solutions
Average Salary: $125,256
SureHealth Solutions is a healthcare management company. They hire Public Health Nurses for roles that focus on patient care and community health programs. They operate in multiple locations nationwide.
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ArchCare
Average Salary: $116,209
ArchCare provides a variety of healthcare services, including public health nursing. They focus on elder care and community wellness. They have locations in various states.
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Able Health Care Service - Mer
Average Salary: $110,000
Able Health Care Service offers a range of health services with a focus on community health. Their Public Health Nurse roles emphasize outreach and education. They are located in several states.
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Valley Health System
Average Salary: $106,127
Valley Health System provides quality healthcare services. They seek Public Health Nurses for roles that involve community health and education. They operate in multiple states.
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Fairfax County Government
Average Salary: $104,432
Fairfax County Government offers various public health services. They hire Public Health Nurses to focus on community health initiatives and education. They operate within Fairfax County, Virginia.
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IQVIA
Average Salary: $100,985
IQVIA is a global leader in using data and technology to help healthcare companies make better decisions. They hire Public Health Nurses for roles focused on data-driven health initiatives. They operate in multiple countries.
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King County, WA
Average Salary: $98,950
King County, WA offers various public health services to residents. Public Health Nurses here work on community health programs and initiatives. They operate within King County, Washington.
How to earn more as a Public Health Nurse?
A Public Health Nurse can explore various avenues to increase their earnings. With dedication and strategic career moves, nurses can see significant salary growth. One effective way is to gain advanced certifications and specializations. For example, obtaining a certification in a niche area such as infection control or public health administration can lead to higher-paying roles.
Another factor to consider is gaining experience in high-demand areas. Public health nurses who work in underserved or rural communities may find better compensation opportunities. Specialized skills in areas like disaster response or mental health can attract positions with higher salaries. Networking within the field also plays a crucial role. Building professional relationships with other healthcare providers can lead to job referrals and new opportunities. Lastly, pursuing a master’s degree in public health can open doors to administrative roles that offer higher pay. These steps can help a Public Health Nurse earn more and advance their career.
Here are some key factors to consider:
- Obtain advanced certifications in niche areas.
- Gain experience in high-demand or underserved areas.
- Network with other healthcare professionals.
- Pursue a master’s degree in public health.
- Seek roles with specialized skills in disaster response or mental health.



