How much does a Student Nurse make?
Aspiring student nurses often wonder about the potential earnings as they complete their education and enter the workforce. On average, a student nurse can expect to earn around $40,389 per year. This figure represents a solid starting point for those new to the profession, providing a reasonable income while offering numerous opportunities for growth and advancement.
To give you a clearer picture, here’s a breakdown of how salaries are distributed among student nurses:
- The lowest 10% earn about $29,000 per year.
- About 25% earn between $32,000 and $38,000 annually.
- Another 25% earn between $38,000 and $42,000 per year.
- The highest 10% can earn upwards of $50,000 annually.
What are the highest paying cities for a Student Nurse?

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Los Angeles, CA
Average Salary: $52,749
Los Angeles offers numerous opportunities for nursing students to gain valuable experience. Large hospitals like Cedars-Sinai and UCLA Health provide extensive training. The city's diverse population offers a rich learning environment.
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Fresno, CA
Average Salary: $49,638
Fresno features many healthcare facilities where nursing students can learn. Community Medical Centers and Saint Agnes Medical Center offer excellent training programs. The city's growing community provides diverse patient care experiences.
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Charlotte, NC
Average Salary: $47,674
Charlotte is a great place for student nurses to work. Hospitals like Atrium Health and Novant Health offer robust training programs. The city’s expanding healthcare sector offers varied learning opportunities.
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Stockton, CA
Average Salary: $45,767
In Stockton, nursing students benefit from working in local hospitals such as Kaiser Permanente and St. Joseph’s Medical Center. The city’s healthcare system provides hands-on experience in various medical specialties.
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Visalia, CA
Average Salary: $45,210
Visalia has many healthcare facilities where nursing students can learn. Kaweah Delta Health Care District and Saint Agnes Medical Center offer good training. The city’s community focus allows for diverse patient interactions.
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St. Louis, MO
Average Salary: $41,841
St. Louis features renowned medical institutions where student nurses can gain skills. Barnes-Jewish Hospital and St. Louis Children’s Hospital offer excellent training. The city’s vibrant healthcare scene provides varied experiences.
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Fort Myers, FL
Average Salary: $40,308
Fort Myers has several healthcare facilities where nursing students can learn. Hospitals like Lee Health and Gulf Coast Medical Center offer great training. The city’s sunny climate and growing community provide a pleasant work environment.
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Columbus, OH
Average Salary: $40,000
Columbus offers many opportunities for student nurses. Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and Nationwide Children's Hospital provide excellent training. The city's large population offers diverse patient care experiences.
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Washington, DC
Average Salary: $39,788
Washington, DC, has many top-tier healthcare facilities where student nurses can learn. Hospitals like MedStar Georgetown University Hospital and Children’s National Medical Center offer extensive training. The city's diverse and large population provides varied experiences.
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Lexington, KY
Average Salary: $39,312
Lexington has several healthcare institutions where nursing students can gain experience. UK HealthCare and St. Joseph Hospital offer robust training programs. The city’s academic environment provides varied learning opportunities.
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What are the best companies a Student Nurse can work for?

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Glens Falls Hospital
Average Salary: $47,950
Glens Falls Hospital offers rewarding Student Nurse positions. This hospital operates in Glens Falls, New York. It provides a supportive environment for learning and growth.
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Advocate Aurora Health
Average Salary: $47,818
Advocate Aurora Health has a strong reputation for Student Nurse positions. This company operates in Illinois and Wisconsin. They focus on patient care and professional development.
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Atrium Health
Average Salary: $47,666
Atrium Health provides excellent opportunities for Student Nurses. This company works across North and South Carolina. They offer a range of facilities and learning experiences.
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AdventHealth Corporate
Average Salary: $45,674
AdventHealth Corporate offers valuable Student Nurse positions. This company is located in Florida and operates in multiple states. They focus on holistic care and community service.
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Kaweah Health
Average Salary: $44,897
Kaweah Health provides good opportunities for Student Nurses. This company operates in Visalia, California. They emphasize a supportive work environment and professional growth.
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PIH Health
Average Salary: $42,077
PIH Health offers Student Nurse positions with competitive pay. This company operates in California. They focus on patient-centered care and community health.
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Lee Health
Average Salary: $41,730
Lee Health provides Student Nurse positions in a dynamic setting. This company operates in Florida. They prioritize quality care and ongoing education for nurses.
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Select Specialty Hospital
Average Salary: $41,124
Select Specialty Hospital offers specialized Student Nurse positions. This company operates across the United States. They focus on long-term care and rehabilitation.
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Nuvance Health
Average Salary: $40,744
Nuvance Health provides opportunities for Student Nurses. This company operates in New York and Connecticut. They emphasize patient care and professional development.
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Humana
Average Salary: $40,620
Humana offers Student Nurse positions with a focus on healthcare. This company operates nationwide. They focus on patient care and innovative healthcare solutions.
How to earn more as a Student Nurse?
Aspiring nurses can take steps to earn more even during their training. These strategies not only increase earnings but also build valuable skills. Student nurses can explore various avenues to boost their income and enhance their professional experience.
One way to earn more involves seeking extra responsibilities at clinical placements. Nurses who take on more tasks can learn faster and gain practical experience. Clinical supervisors often notice hardworking students. This recognition can lead to paid opportunities outside regular shifts. Another option includes participating in nursing research projects. Research positions often pay well and provide experience in specialized areas of nursing. Working in different healthcare settings, such as hospitals and clinics, offers varied pay rates and experiences. Temporary nursing positions, like travel nursing, can also provide higher pay. Lastly, completing certifications in specialized areas can make a student nurse more valuable. These certifications can lead to higher-paying job opportunities.
Here are five key factors to consider:
- Clinical Responsibilities: Take on more tasks during placements.
- Research Projects: Participate in nursing research for extra pay.
- Varied Settings: Work in different healthcare environments.
- Temporary Positions: Look for short-term nursing roles.
- Specialized Certifications: Gain extra credentials to boost earning potential.



