How much does a Staff Nurse make?
A staff nurse provides patient care and support in various healthcare settings. Their earnings can vary based on many factors, such as location, years of experience, and type of employer. On average, a staff nurse makes about $101,346 per year.
Looking at the salary data, you can see that staff nurses have a broad range of salaries. The lowest 10 percent earn about $46,189 a year. The highest 10 percent make over $197,000 annually. Here are some key points from the data:
- 12.20% of staff nurses earn between $106,818 and $121,976.
- 2.32% earn between $152,290 and $167,448.
- 0.72% earn more than $197,763 per year.
What are the highest paying cities for a Staff Nurse?

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Modesto, CA
Average Salary: $197,931
In Modesto, nursing offers a rewarding career with plenty of opportunities. Major healthcare providers like Memorial Medical Center and Doctors Medical Center are always looking for skilled nurses. The city's growing population makes it a dynamic place to work.
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Vallejo, CA
Average Salary: $186,538
Vallejo provides a great environment for nursing professionals. With the presence of Kaiser Permanente and other healthcare facilities, there is a high demand for nurses. The city’s focus on community health makes it a fulfilling place to work.
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Sacramento, CA
Average Salary: $185,903
Sacramento offers a vibrant healthcare scene. Nurses can find excellent opportunities at major institutions like UC Davis Health and Sutter Health. The city’s diverse population enriches the nursing experience.
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San Francisco, CA
Average Salary: $185,808
San Francisco is a bustling city with many opportunities for nurses. UCSF Health and other top hospitals offer cutting-edge care. The city’s progressive environment makes it an exciting place to work.
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Santa Rosa, CA
Average Salary: $176,535
Santa Rosa provides a balanced lifestyle for nurses. With healthcare facilities like Sutter Santa Rosa Regional Hospital, there are plenty of opportunities. The city’s relaxed pace offers a great work-life balance.
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San Jose, CA
Average Salary: $175,384
San Jose is a tech hub with many healthcare options. Major employers like Stanford Health Care and Kaiser Permanente offer diverse experiences. The city’s innovation extends to healthcare, making it an exciting place to work.
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Fresno, CA
Average Salary: $164,431
Fresno offers a welcoming environment for nursing careers. With institutions like UCSF Fresno and Community Regional Medical Center, there are ample opportunities. The city’s strong community spirit adds to the nursing experience.
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Salinas, CA
Average Salary: $155,565
Salinas provides a serene environment for nursing professionals. Hospitals like Salinas Valley Memorial Healthcare System offer a range of experiences. The city’s agricultural roots create a unique healthcare landscape.
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Stockton, CA
Average Salary: $138,443
Stockton offers a dynamic nursing field. With hospitals like St. Joseph’s Medical Center and San Joaquin General Hospital, there are plenty of opportunities. The city’s growing population makes it an exciting place to work.
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Seattle, WA
Average Salary: $124,437
Seattle is a thriving city for nursing careers. Major healthcare providers like Seattle Children’s Hospital and Virginia Mason Medical Center offer excellent opportunities. The city’s innovation in healthcare makes it an exciting place to work.
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What are the best companies a Staff Nurse can work for?

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Washington Hospital Healthcare System
Average Salary: $199,206
Washington Hospital Healthcare System offers rewarding Staff Nurse jobs. They operate in Fremont, California. Nurses work in a collaborative environment with top-notch facilities.
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Kaiser Permanente
Average Salary: $186,846
Kaiser Permanente is renowned for its Staff Nurse positions. They have locations across California, Colorado, and more. Nurses benefit from excellent benefits and career growth.
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Sutter Health
Average Salary: $182,012
Sutter Health provides excellent Staff Nurse jobs. They serve communities in Northern California. Nurses here enjoy a supportive work culture and state-of-the-art technology.
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Watsonville Community Hospital
Average Salary: $173,705
Watsonville Community Hospital offers competitive Staff Nurse salaries. Located in Watsonville, California, they focus on community health. Nurses work in a friendly and supportive environment.
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Hazel Hawkins Memorial Hospital
Average Salary: $150,316
Hazel Hawkins Memorial Hospital hires Staff Nurses in Hollister, California. They provide excellent patient care and support. Nurses here work in a tight-knit community.
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San Joaquin County
Average Salary: $143,241
San Joaquin County offers Staff Nurse jobs with good benefits. They serve the San Joaquin area. Nurses benefit from a supportive work environment and community service.
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NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital
Average Salary: $139,850
NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital provides high-paying Staff Nurse positions. They operate in New York City. Nurses here enjoy a dynamic work environment and access to advanced medical resources.
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Tahoe Forest Health System
Average Salary: $136,571
Tahoe Forest Health System offers rewarding Staff Nurse jobs. They serve communities in California and Nevada. Nurses here enjoy beautiful surroundings and a friendly atmosphere.
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Mee Memorial Hospital
Average Salary: $134,532
Mee Memorial Hospital provides Staff Nurse jobs in Naples, Florida. They focus on patient care and community service. Nurses enjoy a supportive work environment and excellent benefits.
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Mount Sinai Health System
Average Salary: $133,199
Mount Sinai Health System offers Staff Nurse positions in New York City. They are a leading healthcare provider. Nurses here work in a dynamic environment with access to cutting-edge technology.
How to earn more as a Staff Nurse?
A Staff Nurse can explore several avenues to increase their earnings. One important factor is gaining additional certifications in specialized areas such as critical care or emergency nursing. These certifications can open up opportunities for higher-paying positions. Another way to earn more is by pursuing a master’s degree in nursing, which can lead to roles with greater responsibilities and higher salaries. Working in high-demand areas such as surgery, intensive care, or anesthesia can also boost earnings.
Location plays a significant role in determining pay. Nurses in urban areas or regions with a shortage of healthcare professionals often receive higher wages. Seeking out travel nursing opportunities can also provide the chance to earn more. Travel nurses often receive higher pay rates, housing allowances, and other benefits. Networking within the nursing community and staying informed about salary trends can help identify the best opportunities for earning more.
Experience and performance also matter. Gaining experience in different healthcare settings can make a nurse more versatile and valuable. Regular performance evaluations and seeking feedback can help improve skills and potentially lead to salary increases or promotions. Below are some additional steps a Staff Nurse can take:
- Earn specialized certifications
- Pursue a master’s degree in nursing
- Work in high-demand areas
- Consider location and travel nursing opportunities
- Network and stay informed about salary trends



