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Salary

How much does a Staff Nurse make?

The average salary for a Staff Nurse is $101,346 per year in the US.

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.
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What are the highest paying cities for a Staff Nurse?

Cities in California and Washington offer some of the best salaries for staff nurses. Modesto, CA, leads the way with an average annual salary of $197,931. Other high-paying cities include Vallejo and Sacramento, CA, with average salaries around $186,538 and $185,903, respectively. These figures highlight excellent opportunities for career growth and financial stability in these areas.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Staff Nurse jobs, highlighting Modesto, CA with the highest at $197,931 and Seattle, WA with the lowest at $124,437.
  1. 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.
    Find Staff Nurse jobs in Modesto, CA


  2. 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.
    Find Staff Nurse jobs in Vallejo, CA


  3. 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.
    Find Staff Nurse jobs in Sacramento, CA


  4. 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.
    Find Staff Nurse jobs in San Francisco, CA


  5. 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.
    Find Staff Nurse jobs in Santa Rosa, CA


  6. 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.
    Find Staff Nurse jobs in San Jose, CA


  7. 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.
    Find Staff Nurse jobs in Fresno, CA


  8. 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.
    Find Staff Nurse jobs in Salinas, CA


  9. 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.
    Find Staff Nurse jobs in Stockton, CA


  10. 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.
    Find Staff Nurse jobs in Seattle, WA

What are the best companies a Staff Nurse can work for?

Washington Hospital Healthcare System leads in offering some of the highest salaries for staff nurses, with an average annual salary of $199,206. Kaiser Permanente and Sutter Health also provide competitive salaries, around $186,846 and $182,012 respectively. These companies recognize the value of nursing professionals and provide attractive compensation packages.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Staff Nurse jobs, highlighting Washington Hospital Healthcare System with the highest at $199,206 and Mount Sinai Health System with the lowest at $133,199.
  1. 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.


  2. 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.


  3. 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.


  4. 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.


  5. 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.


  6. 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.


  7. 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.


  8. 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.


  9. 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.


  10. 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

Currently 1,822 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.
Position
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Staff Nurse
1,822 Job Openings