How much does a Staff Nurse make?
A Staff Nurse can expect to earn a competitive salary in the healthcare field. The average yearly salary for a Staff Nurse is about $92,073. This number can vary based on experience, location, and other factors. For example, those with more experience often earn higher salaries. Additionally, nurses working in larger cities or areas with a higher cost of living may see higher pay.
The salary range for Staff Nurses spans from lower to higher earners. Here are some specifics: 24.23% of Staff Nurses earn between $46,189 and $60,066 a year. 14.44% earn between $60,066 and $73,944. The next 12.23% earn between $73,944 and $87,821. Another 12.29% earn between $87,821 and $101,698. A smaller percentage, 9.84%, earn between $101,698 and $115,576. Fewer still, 7.24%, earn between $115,576 and $129,453. Even fewer, 2.76%, earn between $129,453 and $143,330. Only 3.08% earn between $143,330 and $157,208. A small group, 1.43%, earn between $157,208 and $171,085. Even fewer, 1.63%, earn between $171,085 and $184,963. The top earners, 5.85%, earn over $184,963 annually.
What are the highest paying cities for a Staff Nurse?

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Fresno, CA
Average Salary: $206,581
Working in Fresno's hospitals offers a great chance to serve a diverse community. Hospitals like Saint Agnes Medical Center and Community Regional Medical Center provide excellent career growth and patient care experience.
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Modesto, CA
Average Salary: $202,973
Modesto's healthcare sector is expanding, offering new opportunities for those in nursing. Facilities like Doctors Medical Center and Memorial Medical Center are known for their supportive environment and strong patient care.
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Sacramento, CA
Average Salary: $193,752
In Sacramento, nurses find a dynamic work setting with major institutions like Kaiser Permanente and UC Davis Health. These places emphasize both professional growth and community health.
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San Francisco, CA
Average Salary: $192,140
San Francisco's medical facilities are at the forefront of healthcare innovation. Nurses here benefit from working in cutting-edge environments at places like UCSF Medical Center and Zuckerberg San Francisco General.
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Vallejo, CA
Average Salary: $186,159
Vallejo offers a unique blend of urban and suburban living. Nurses here enjoy a supportive community at NorthBay Healthcare, where they can make a real difference in patients' lives.
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Santa Rosa, CA
Average Salary: $179,171
Santa Rosa provides a mix of urban and rural healthcare settings. Sutter Medical Center and Kaiser Permanente offer a great environment for learning and professional development.
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San Jose, CA
Average Salary: $171,065
In San Jose, healthcare professionals work in high-demand facilities such as Stanford Health Care and Kaiser Permanente. These institutions value teamwork and innovation in patient care.
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Salinas, CA
Average Salary: $160,959
Salinas offers a close-knit community feel in its healthcare settings. At places like Salinas Valley Memorial Healthcare System, nurses find a supportive environment that values patient care.
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Stockton, CA
Average Salary: $135,417
Stockton's healthcare scene is growing, with opportunities at St. Joseph's Medical Center and Sutter Health. Nurses here enjoy a community that supports their professional growth and development.
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Los Angeles, CA
Average Salary: $130,745
Los Angeles provides a bustling environment for healthcare professionals. Major hospitals like Cedars-Sinai and UCLA Health offer diverse experiences and opportunities for career advancement.
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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: $205,403
Washington Hospital Healthcare System offers top-tier compensation for Staff Nurses. They have locations in Fremont and Antioch. Nurses benefit from a supportive work environment and opportunities for professional growth.
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Kaiser Permanente
Average Salary: $186,735
Kaiser Permanente is known for its excellent salaries and benefits for Staff Nurses. They operate across California, Hawaii, and the Mid-Atlantic states. Nurses here work in a collaborative setting, focusing on patient care.
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Sutter Health
Average Salary: $186,405
Sutter Health provides competitive salaries for Staff Nurses. They have multiple locations in Northern California. The company values its nursing staff and invests in their development.
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Watsonville Community Hospital
Average Salary: $176,995
Watsonville Community Hospital offers attractive compensation packages for Staff Nurses. Located in Watsonville, California, the hospital emphasizes community care and nurse support.
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Salinas Valley Health
Average Salary: $168,100
Salinas Valley Health pays its Staff Nurses well, with locations in Salinas and King City, California. The company focuses on patient-centered care and nurse education.
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San Benito Health Care District
Average Salary: $152,882
San Benito Health Care District provides good salaries for Staff Nurses. They operate in Hollister, California. The district prioritizes community health and nurse involvement.
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Hazel Hawkins Memorial Hospital
Average Salary: $151,103
Hazel Hawkins Memorial Hospital offers competitive pay for Staff Nurses. Located in Hollister, California, the hospital offers a family-friendly environment and development opportunities.
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San Joaquin County WorkNet
Average Salary: $149,630
San Joaquin County WorkNet provides good salaries for Staff Nurses. They operate throughout San Joaquin County, California. The company focuses on career growth and community service.
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NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital
Average Salary: $143,855
NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital offers attractive salaries for Staff Nurses. Located in New York City, the hospital provides a dynamic environment with many learning opportunities.
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MEE MEMORIAL HOSPITAL DIALYSIS CENTER
Average Salary: $140,119
MEE Memorial Hospital Dialysis Center offers good compensation for Staff Nurses. Located in San Jose, California, the center specializes in dialysis care, offering nurses specialized training.
How to earn more as a Staff Nurse?
To earn more as a Staff Nurse, consider focusing on certain key areas. The right approach and dedication can lead to higher pay. Here are some ways to achieve this goal.
First, gaining more experience helps. As nurses work more, they become more skilled and confident. Hospitals often pay more to experienced nurses. They trust experienced nurses to handle complex cases. Building experience takes time, but it pays off.
Next, getting advanced certifications can boost pay. Specializations like cardiac care or pediatrics often come with higher pay. These certifications show a nurse has extra skills. They can handle more complicated tasks. Taking courses and passing exams can lead to these certifications.
- Experience: More experience means more skills and confidence. Nurses often earn higher pay as they gain more experience.
- Advanced Certifications: Special skills in areas like cardiac care can lead to higher pay. Getting these certifications shows a nurse has extra training.
- Night Shift and Overtime: Working nights or extra hours often comes with higher pay. Hospitals need nurses at all times, so these shifts can be a good way to earn more.
- Travel Nursing: Traveling to different places can mean higher pay. Travel nurses often get extra pay for being willing to move around.
- Advanced Degrees: Having a Master’s or Doctorate can lead to higher-paying jobs. These degrees often mean more responsibility and higher pay.



