How much does a Staff Nurse make?
The job of a staff nurse offers a stable and rewarding career. The average yearly salary for a staff nurse is around $97,999. This varies based on experience and location. Nurses at the start of their careers may earn less, while those with more years of experience can earn more.
Here are some common salary ranges for staff nurses, depending on their experience:
- 10% of staff nurses earn about $44,239 or less per year.
- 25% earn between $44,239 and $58,810 per year.
- 50% earn between $58,810 and $87,952 per year.
- 75% earn between $87,952 and $146,236 per year.
- 90% earn between $102,523 and $160,807 per year.
What are the highest paying cities for a Staff Nurse?

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Modesto, CA
Average Salary: $200,982
Modesto offers a fulfilling environment for nurses. Local hospitals like Doctors Medical Center provide excellent opportunities. Nurses here enjoy a supportive community.
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Sacramento, CA
Average Salary: $191,627
Sacramento is a vibrant city for healthcare workers. UC Davis Health is a key employer. Nurses benefit from a dynamic work atmosphere.
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Fresno, CA
Average Salary: $189,914
In Fresno, nurses find rewarding positions. Community Medical Centers offer diverse experiences. The city’s growing healthcare sector provides many chances for growth.
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San Francisco, CA
Average Salary: $187,685
San Francisco offers a bustling healthcare environment. UCSF Health is a prominent employer. Nurses here enjoy a mix of modern facilities and community support.
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Vallejo, CA
Average Salary: $184,870
Vallejo provides a stable environment for nursing. Hospitals like Kaiser Permanente Vallejo offer great opportunities. Nurses can expect a balanced and supportive workplace.
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Santa Rosa, CA
Average Salary: $178,071
Santa Rosa is a great place for nursing careers. Sutter Santa Rosa Regional Hospital is a major employer. Nurses benefit from excellent resources and community support.
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San Jose, CA
Average Salary: $174,786
San Jose offers dynamic healthcare opportunities. Stanford Health Care is a top employer. Nurses here enjoy a vibrant and fast-paced work environment.
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Salinas, CA
Average Salary: $156,328
Salinas provides a supportive environment for nurses. Salinas Valley Memorial Healthcare System is a key employer. Nurses benefit from a close-knit community and good facilities.
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Stockton, CA
Average Salary: $134,523
Stockton offers rewarding nursing positions. St. Joseph's Medical Center is a leading employer. Nurses here find a community-focused and supportive work environment.
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Seattle, WA
Average Salary: $124,752
Seattle offers a vibrant healthcare scene. Swedish Medical Center is a major employer. Nurses here enjoy a dynamic and innovative work environment.
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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: $200,359
Washington Hospital Healthcare System provides top-notch care to the communities of Fremont and Union City. Nurses here enjoy competitive salaries, a supportive work environment, and career growth opportunities.
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Kaiser Permanente
Average Salary: $188,930
Kaiser Permanente is a leading healthcare provider with locations across the country. Staff Nurses enjoy a generous salary and benefits package, as well as a commitment to professional development.
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Sutter Health
Average Salary: $183,068
Sutter Health operates in Northern California and offers a dynamic work environment. Nurses here can expect a good salary, along with a variety of career advancement opportunities.
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Watsonville Community Hospital
Average Salary: $176,639
Watsonville Community Hospital is a smaller hospital with a big impact. The hospital provides a friendly, collaborative atmosphere where Staff Nurses can excel. Salaries are competitive for the area.
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Hazel Hawkins Memorial Hospital
Average Salary: $151,500
Hazel Hawkins Memorial Hospital is a community hospital with a strong focus on patient care. The hospital provides a good salary and benefits for Staff Nurses, along with a supportive work environment.
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San Joaquin County
Average Salary: $148,262
San Joaquin County offers a variety of healthcare settings for Staff Nurses. The county provides a good salary and benefits package, along with opportunities for professional growth.
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NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital
Average Salary: $141,386
NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital is a top healthcare provider in New York City. Nurses here enjoy a competitive salary, along with a commitment to professional development and career advancement.
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Tahoe Forest Health System
Average Salary: $136,890
Tahoe Forest Health System operates in beautiful Northern California. The hospital provides a supportive work environment for Staff Nurses, along with a good salary and benefits package.
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AHMC Healthcare
Average Salary: $136,144
AHMC Healthcare operates in California and offers a variety of healthcare settings for Staff Nurses. The company provides a competitive salary and benefits package, along with opportunities for professional growth.
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Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
Average Salary: $136,125
Dana-Farber Cancer Institute is a leading cancer treatment center. Nurses here can expect a competitive salary and benefits package, along with a commitment to professional development.
How to earn more as a Staff Nurse?
A Staff Nurse can find several ways to earn more income. Focusing on professional development and specialized skills can lead to higher-paying opportunities. Seeking advanced certifications and additional training can make a significant difference. Gaining experience in high-demand areas, such as critical care or emergency nursing, often results in higher pay rates. Working in areas with a shortage of nurses can also provide higher salaries. Networking with colleagues and industry leaders can uncover job opportunities that offer competitive pay.
Staff Nurses can explore different work environments to increase earnings. Hospitals, private clinics, and outpatient care centers often have different pay scales. Working in larger, urban hospitals can offer more opportunities for overtime and higher base pay. Considering travel nursing assignments can provide both higher pay and the chance to explore new places. Each shift and assignment can bring unique financial rewards. Additionally, participating in on-call shifts or night differentials can lead to extra income. Balancing these options can help maximize earnings while maintaining work-life balance.
To earn more, a Staff Nurse should consider the following steps:
- Pursue advanced certifications.
- Gain experience in high-demand areas.
- Work in areas with a shortage of nurses.
- Network with colleagues and industry leaders.
- Explore different work environments.



