How much does a Public Health Nurse make?
Public health nurses play a vital role in promoting community health. They work in various settings, including schools, hospitals, and government agencies. The average yearly salary for a public health nurse is $88,264. This figure can vary based on experience, location, and the specific employer.
The salary range for public health nurses can be quite broad. The lowest 10% earn less than $49,060, while the top 10% earn more than $195,369. Most public health nurses fall in the middle, earning between $63,691 and $122,215. These figures show that with more experience and specialized skills, public health nurses can earn a very good living.
What are the highest paying cities for a Public Health Nurse?

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San Francisco, CA
Average Salary: $174,359
In San Francisco, nurses work in a vibrant environment with top-tier healthcare facilities. They collaborate with local health organizations to improve community health. Prominent employers include UCSF Health and San Francisco Department of Public Health.
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Santa Rosa, CA
Average Salary: $134,032
Santa Rosa offers a mix of urban and rural settings for nurses. They focus on preventive care and community outreach. Key employers are Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital and Sonoma County Health Department.
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Bakersfield, CA
Average Salary: $127,130
Bakersfield provides a dynamic work environment with a strong emphasis on community health. Nurses here engage in various public health initiatives. Major employers include Kern County Public Health Services and Adventist Health Bakersfield.
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Stockton, CA
Average Salary: $123,317
Stockton offers a supportive environment for nurses to make a difference. They work on improving health outcomes in underserved communities. Stockton's key employers include San Joaquin County Public Health Services and Kaiser Permanente.
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Gainesville, FL
Average Salary: $115,798
Gainesville is a hub for healthcare innovation. Nurses here focus on community health and education. Prominent employers include UF Health and Alachua County Health Department.
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Portland, OR
Average Salary: $112,719
Portland offers a progressive environment for nurses. They work on various public health projects to enhance community well-being. Key employers include Kaiser Permanente and Multnomah County Health Department.
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Los Angeles, CA
Average Salary: $111,494
Los Angeles provides a diverse and dynamic setting for nurses. They engage in a wide range of public health initiatives. Major employers include County of Los Angeles Public Health and Cedars-Sinai.
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Phoenix, AZ
Average Salary: $109,771
Phoenix offers a growing environment for nurses. They focus on improving public health in a rapidly expanding city. Key employers include Maricopa County Department of Public Health and Banner Health.
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Salt Lake City, UT
Average Salary: $105,050
Salt Lake City provides a supportive environment for nurses. They work on various public health projects to improve community health. Major employers include Utah Department of Health and Intermountain Healthcare.
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San Diego, CA
Average Salary: $103,952
San Diego offers a vibrant environment for nurses. They focus on community health and wellness. Key employers include Sharp HealthCare and County of San Diego Health and Human Services Agency.
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What are the best companies a Public Health Nurse can work for?

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A Plus Care
Average Salary: $175,000
A Plus Care offers rewarding Public Health Nurse jobs. They work in various locations, including California, Florida, and New York. Nurses here focus on community health and wellness.
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Advantmed
Average Salary: $141,447
Advantmed provides Public Health Nurse positions with a strong focus on patient care. They operate in multiple states, including Texas and Illinois. Nurses here work to improve public health outcomes.
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Molina Healthcare
Average Salary: $136,271
Molina Healthcare offers Public Health Nurse jobs with a focus on community health. They serve areas across the U.S., including Washington and Ohio. Nurses here play a key role in public health initiatives.
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NYU Langone Health
Average Salary: $132,243
NYU Langone Health provides Public Health Nurse jobs with a focus on research and community health. They operate in New York and New Jersey. Nurses here contribute to public health advancements.
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The IMA Group
Average Salary: $131,596
The IMA Group offers Public Health Nurse positions with a focus on community health. They serve areas in California and Arizona. Nurses here work to enhance public health services.
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HealthCare Support Staffing
Average Salary: $127,269
HealthCare Support Staffing provides Public Health Nurse jobs with a focus on community health. They operate in multiple states, including Florida and New York. Nurses here focus on improving public health.
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Solano County
Average Salary: $125,190
Solano County offers Public Health Nurse jobs with a focus on community health. They serve areas in California. Nurses here work to promote public health and wellness.
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Option Care Health
Average Salary: $120,740
Option Care Health provides Public Health Nurse positions with a focus on patient care. They operate in multiple states, including Pennsylvania and Illinois. Nurses here focus on improving public health outcomes.
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ArchCare
Average Salary: $117,750
ArchCare offers Public Health Nurse jobs with a focus on community health. They serve areas in New York and New Jersey. Nurses here work to enhance public health services.
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Revival Home Health
Average Salary: $116,250
Revival Home Health provides Public Health Nurse positions with a focus on patient care. They operate in multiple states, including Texas and Florida. Nurses here focus on improving public health.
How to earn more as a Public Health Nurse?
Public health nurses play a vital role in promoting community health. They can increase their earnings by taking several steps. One way is to gain more experience and specialize in a high-demand area. Another way is to pursue higher education and advanced certifications. Networking with other professionals can also open up higher-paying opportunities. Continuing education and staying updated on the latest health trends can make a nurse more valuable. Lastly, seeking positions in areas with higher demand for public health services can lead to better pay.
Here are some key factors to consider for earning more as a public health nurse:
- Specialization: Focus on areas like epidemiology, community health, or school nursing.
- Advanced Degrees: Consider earning a Master’s in Public Health (MPH) or a Doctor of Public Health (DrPH).
- Certifications: Obtain certifications such as Certified Public Health (CPH) or Certified in Public Health Nursing (CPH-N).
- Networking: Join professional organizations and attend conferences to connect with other professionals.
- Location: Look for job opportunities in areas with higher demand for public health services.



