How much does a Staff Nurse make?
Staff Nurses play a vital role in healthcare. They provide essential care to patients and support doctors. The average yearly salary for a Staff Nurse is $106,825. This salary can vary based on experience, location, and the type of healthcare facility.
The salary range for Staff Nurses can be quite broad. The lowest 10% earn around $52,600, while the highest 10% earn over $206,000. Most Staff Nurses fall somewhere in the middle, with salaries from $67,961 to $190,848. This range shows that with experience and additional qualifications, Staff Nurses can earn more.
What are the highest paying cities for a Staff Nurse?

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Modesto, CA
Average Salary: $192,443
Modesto offers a welcoming environment for nurses. The city is home to prominent healthcare facilities like Memorial Medical Center. Nurses here enjoy a supportive community and a chance to make a real difference.
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San Francisco, CA
Average Salary: $183,957
San Francisco provides a dynamic setting for nursing careers. With top hospitals like UCSF Health, nurses can work with cutting-edge technology. The city's diverse population adds to the rich experience.
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Vallejo, CA
Average Salary: $181,939
Vallejo is a great place for nurses to thrive. The city features notable healthcare providers like Kaiser Permanente. Nurses here benefit from a strong sense of community and excellent patient care opportunities.
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Sacramento, CA
Average Salary: $181,580
Sacramento offers a vibrant healthcare scene for nurses. The city is home to the UC Davis Medical Center, a leading healthcare institution. Nurses here enjoy a mix of urban and suburban living.
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San Jose, CA
Average Salary: $176,231
San Jose is a bustling city with many healthcare options for nurses. Stanford Health Care and Kaiser Permanente are prominent employers. Nurses here can enjoy a fast-paced environment with diverse patient care.
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Santa Rosa, CA
Average Salary: $172,958
Santa Rosa provides a peaceful yet rewarding environment for nursing. Sutter Santa Rosa Regional Hospital is a key employer. Nurses here enjoy a strong community feel and quality patient care.
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Salinas, CA
Average Salary: $153,417
Salinas offers a close-knit community for nursing professionals. The Salinas Valley Memorial Healthcare System is a major employer. Nurses here benefit from a supportive environment and meaningful patient interactions.
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Stockton, CA
Average Salary: $137,233
Stockton provides a welcoming environment for nurses. The city is home to the Stockton Medical Center. Nurses here enjoy a supportive community and diverse patient care experiences.
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Seattle, WA
Average Salary: $119,840
Seattle offers a vibrant healthcare scene for nurses. The city is home to renowned hospitals like Seattle Children's and UW Medicine. Nurses here enjoy a dynamic environment and a strong sense of community.
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Fresno, CA
Average Salary: $117,379
Fresno provides a diverse and rewarding environment for nursing careers. The city features major healthcare providers like Community Regional Medical Center. Nurses here enjoy a mix of urban and rural experiences.
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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: $195,575
Washington Hospital Healthcare System offers rewarding Staff Nurse jobs in Fremont, California. Nurses here work in a dynamic environment, providing top-notch care. They focus on patient-centered care and professional growth.
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Kaiser Permanente
Average Salary: $182,086
Kaiser Permanente provides excellent Staff Nurse positions across California. Nurses enjoy a supportive work environment and opportunities for career advancement. Locations include Oakland, San Francisco, and Los Angeles.
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Sutter Health
Average Salary: $179,711
Sutter Health offers competitive Staff Nurse salaries in Northern California. Nurses here benefit from a collaborative atmosphere and extensive resources. Locations include Sacramento, San Francisco, and Santa Rosa.
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Alameda Health System
Average Salary: $172,545
Alameda Health System provides rewarding Staff Nurse jobs in Oakland, California. Nurses work in a diverse setting, focusing on community health. They enjoy a supportive environment and professional development opportunities.
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San Joaquin County
Average Salary: $142,766
San Joaquin County offers Staff Nurse positions in Stockton, California. Nurses here work in a variety of settings, from hospitals to community clinics. They focus on providing quality care to the community.
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NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital
Average Salary: $136,053
NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital offers Staff Nurse jobs in New York City. Nurses benefit from a prestigious institution with advanced resources. They work in a fast-paced environment, focusing on patient care and innovation.
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Tahoe Forest Health System
Average Salary: $134,067
Tahoe Forest Health System provides Staff Nurse positions in Truckee, California. Nurses here work in a beautiful setting, focusing on patient care and community health. They enjoy a supportive work environment.
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Mee Memorial Hospital
Average Salary: $130,804
Mee Memorial Hospital offers Staff Nurse jobs in Bradenton, Florida. Nurses work in a caring environment, focusing on patient well-being. They benefit from a supportive team and professional growth opportunities.
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Mount Sinai Health System
Average Salary: $130,396
Mount Sinai Health System provides Staff Nurse positions in New York City. Nurses here work in a prestigious institution with advanced resources. They focus on patient care and professional development.
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Westchester Medical Center Health Network
Average Salary: $123,694
Westchester Medical Center Health Network offers Staff Nurse jobs in Valhalla, New York. Nurses work in a diverse setting, focusing on patient care and community health. They benefit from a supportive work environment.
How to earn more as a Staff Nurse?
A Staff Nurse can explore several avenues to increase their earnings. By focusing on specific areas, nurses can enhance their skills and marketability, leading to higher pay. One key factor is gaining additional certifications. Specializations in areas like critical care or pediatrics often come with higher salaries. Another factor is pursuing advanced degrees, such as a Master’s in Nursing. These degrees can lead to roles with greater responsibility and pay.
Location also plays a significant role in a nurse's salary. Urban areas and regions with a shortage of healthcare professionals often offer higher wages. Experience is another crucial factor. Nurses with more years of experience tend to earn more. Finally, seeking opportunities in high-demand settings, such as travel nursing or night shifts, can also lead to higher pay. These roles often come with premium pay for the added responsibilities and less desirable hours.
Here are five factors to consider for earning more as a Staff Nurse:
- Obtain additional certifications in specialized areas.
- Pursue advanced degrees, such as a Master’s in Nursing.
- Consider relocating to areas with higher pay and demand.
- Gain more years of experience to increase marketability.
- Explore high-demand roles, such as travel nursing or night shifts.



