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Salary

How much does a Staff Nurse make?

The average salary for a Staff Nurse is $105,580 per year in the US.

Staff Nurses play a vital role in healthcare, and their salaries reflect the importance of their work. On average, a Staff Nurse earns about $105,580 per year. This figure can vary based on experience, location, and the type of healthcare facility. For those just starting, the salary might be lower, but it grows with experience and additional certifications.

The salary range for Staff Nurses can be quite broad. The lowest 10% earn around $52,000, while the top 10% can make over $206,000. Many factors influence these numbers, including the state where the nurse works and the specific hospital or clinic. For example, urban areas often offer higher salaries compared to rural areas. Additionally, nurses who work in specialized fields or night shifts may also see higher pay.

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What are the highest paying cities for a Staff Nurse?

Staff Nurses in California often find high-paying job opportunities. Cities like Modesto, San Francisco, and Vallejo lead with average salaries over $170,000. Seattle, WA, also offers competitive salaries for those willing to relocate. Exploring these cities can provide excellent career growth and financial rewards. San Jose, Santa Rosa, and Sacramento follow closely with salaries above $170,000. Los Angeles, Salinas, and Stockton offer solid pay, though slightly lower than the top cities.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Staff Nurse jobs, highlighting Modesto, CA with the highest at $186,530 and Seattle, WA with the lowest at $115,594.
  1. Modesto, CA
    Average Salary: $186,530
    In Modesto, nurses work in a supportive environment with a focus on community care. Hospitals like Memorial Medical Center offer excellent training and career growth opportunities. Nurses here enjoy a balanced lifestyle with reasonable living costs.
    Find Staff Nurse jobs in Modesto, CA


  2. San Francisco, CA
    Average Salary: $181,948
    San Francisco provides a dynamic setting for nursing professionals. Major hospitals such as UCSF Health and Zuckerberg San Francisco General offer cutting-edge medical care. Nurses benefit from a vibrant city life and diverse patient population.
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  3. Vallejo, CA
    Average Salary: $181,773
    Vallejo offers a mix of urban and suburban nursing experiences. Nurses at Kaiser Permanente and other local facilities enjoy a strong sense of community. The city's proximity to San Francisco adds to its appeal for those seeking a varied work environment.
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  4. Sacramento, CA
    Average Salary: $176,669
    Sacramento is a hub for healthcare with many opportunities for nurses. Institutions like UC Davis Medical Center provide advanced medical care. The city's growing economy and affordable living make it an attractive choice for nursing careers.
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  5. San Jose, CA
    Average Salary: $176,241
    San Jose is known for its tech-driven healthcare facilities. Nurses at Stanford Health Care and other prominent hospitals work with the latest technology. The city's diverse population offers rich cultural experiences for healthcare professionals.
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  6. Santa Rosa, CA
    Average Salary: $171,250
    Santa Rosa offers a peaceful environment with excellent healthcare facilities. Nurses at Sutter Santa Rosa Regional Hospital benefit from a supportive community. The city's proximity to wine country adds a unique charm to the nursing experience.
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  7. Salinas, CA
    Average Salary: $152,916
    Salinas provides a close-knit community feel with strong healthcare services. Nurses at Salinas Valley Memorial Healthcare System enjoy a friendly work environment. The city's agricultural roots offer a unique perspective on patient care.
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  8. Stockton, CA
    Average Salary: $137,597
    Stockton offers a vibrant healthcare scene with opportunities for growth. Nurses at St. Joseph's Medical Center and other facilities work in a supportive environment. The city's diverse culture enriches the nursing experience.
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  9. Los Angeles, CA
    Average Salary: $116,478
    Los Angeles is a bustling city with endless opportunities for nurses. Major hospitals like Cedars-Sinai and UCLA Health offer diverse experiences. The city's entertainment industry adds a unique flair to the nursing profession.
    Find Staff Nurse jobs in Los Angeles, CA


  10. Seattle, WA
    Average Salary: $115,594
    Seattle provides a progressive healthcare environment with top-notch facilities. Nurses at Seattle Children's Hospital and other institutions benefit from innovative care practices. The city's natural beauty and tech industry make it an attractive place to work.
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What are the best companies a Staff Nurse can work for?

Washington Hospital Healthcare System offers the highest average salary for Staff Nurse jobs, making it a top choice for those seeking a rewarding career. Kaiser Permanente and Sutter Health also provide competitive salaries, ensuring nurses receive fair compensation for their vital work. Other notable employers include Alameda Health System and San Joaquin County, both offering attractive pay packages.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Staff Nurse jobs, highlighting Washington Hospital Healthcare System with the highest at $193,774 and Westchester Medical Center Health Network with the lowest at $122,153.
  1. Washington Hospital Healthcare System
    Average Salary: $193,774
    Washington Hospital Healthcare System offers competitive salaries for Staff Nurses. They provide quality care in Fremont and other locations. Nurses here enjoy a supportive work environment.


  2. Kaiser Permanente
    Average Salary: $179,151
    Kaiser Permanente is known for its high salaries for Staff Nurses. They operate in many locations across the state. Nurses benefit from excellent benefits and career growth opportunities.


  3. Sutter Health
    Average Salary: $178,588
    Sutter Health offers attractive salaries for Staff Nurses. They serve patients in Northern California. Nurses here enjoy a collaborative work culture and ongoing training.


  4. Alameda Health System
    Average Salary: $172,545
    Alameda Health System provides good salaries for Staff Nurses. They operate in Oakland and other areas. Nurses here work in a diverse and dynamic environment.


  5. San Joaquin County
    Average Salary: $140,894
    San Joaquin County offers competitive pay for Staff Nurses. They serve the community in Stockton and nearby areas. Nurses here enjoy a strong sense of community and support.


  6. NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital
    Average Salary: $135,133
    NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital provides good salaries for Staff Nurses. They operate in New York City. Nurses here benefit from a prestigious institution and excellent resources.


  7. Tahoe Forest Health System
    Average Salary: $132,877
    Tahoe Forest Health System offers attractive salaries for Staff Nurses. They operate in Truckee and other locations. Nurses here enjoy a beautiful work setting and supportive colleagues.


  8. Mee Memorial Hospital
    Average Salary: $130,528
    Mee Memorial Hospital provides good salaries for Staff Nurses. They serve patients in Bradenton and nearby areas. Nurses here benefit from a caring work environment and growth opportunities.


  9. Mount Sinai Health System
    Average Salary: $129,561
    Mount Sinai Health System offers competitive pay for Staff Nurses. They operate in New York City. Nurses here benefit from a renowned institution and excellent resources.


  10. Westchester Medical Center Health Network
    Average Salary: $122,153
    Westchester Medical Center Health Network provides good salaries for Staff Nurses. They serve the community in Valhalla and nearby areas. Nurses here enjoy a supportive work environment and career development.

How to earn more as a Staff Nurse?

A Staff Nurse can explore several avenues to enhance their earnings. By focusing on professional growth and expanding skill sets, nurses can increase their value in the healthcare industry. This not only leads to higher pay but also opens up more opportunities for career advancement.

Here are some key factors to consider:

  • Specialization: Gaining expertise in a specific area of nursing can lead to higher pay. Specializations such as pediatrics, oncology, or critical care often come with higher salaries.
  • Advanced Degrees: Pursuing higher education, such as a Master’s degree in nursing, can significantly increase earning potential. Advanced degrees open doors to leadership roles and higher-paying positions.
  • Certifications: Obtaining certifications in specialized areas can enhance a nurse’s resume and lead to better job opportunities. Certifications in areas like emergency nursing or informatics can make a nurse more competitive.
  • Experience: Gaining experience and working in high-demand areas can lead to higher salaries. Nurses with more years of experience often command higher wages.
  • Location: Working in areas with a shortage of nurses can lead to higher pay. Urban areas or regions with fewer healthcare facilities often offer higher salaries to attract nurses.

Currently 1,218 Staff Nurse job openings, nationwide.

How's the job market for a Staff Nurse in the US?

Learn what a Staff Nurse does, how to become one, and understand the job outlook. Get simple steps to start your career as a Staff Nurse today.
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Staff Nurse
1,218 Job Openings