Nursing Apprentice Salary in the United States

How much does a Nursing Apprentice make in the United States?

As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a Nursing Apprentice in the United States is $45,340 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $22.

However, a Nursing Apprentice's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $50,250
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $39,200 to $47,910
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $33,610

Key Factors That Influence Nursing Apprentice Salaries

A Nursing Apprentice's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Experience Level Affects Nursing Apprentice Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Nursing Apprentice's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:

  • Entry-Level (less than 1 year): $43,324
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $43,782
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $44,424
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $45,417
  • Expert (over 8 years): $46,184
Levels Salary
Entry Level Nursing Apprentice$43,324
Intermediate Level Nursing Apprentice$43,782
Senior Level Nursing Apprentice$44,424
Specialist Level Nursing Apprentice$45,417
Expert Level Nursing Apprentice$46,184

Top Paying Cities for Nursing Apprentices

Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:

  • San Jose: $57,180
  • San Francisco: $56,560
  • Oakland: $55,370

Nursing Apprentice Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Nursing Apprentice salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $48,371. While startup companies pay approximate $41,126.

Nursing Apprentice Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $41,126
Growth Stage 51~500 $43,444
Established 501~5000 $46,760
Enterprise 5000+ $48,371

Nursing Apprentice Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Nursing Apprentice roles, the industry you choose can impact your earning potential by as much as 50% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the highest-paying industry, Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit, offers compensation 30% above the average. Conversely, Nursing Apprentice positions in Healthcare typically offer lower base pay, as this sector often view Nursing Apprentice as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industry for a Nursing Apprentice

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit$58,942$28.030%

Nursing Apprentice Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Nursing Apprentice's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.

Last Updated on September 01, 2026
$39,200
Average $45,340/year
$47,910
$3,267
Average $3,778/month
$3,993
$754
Average $872/week
$921
$19
Average $22/hour
$23
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $47,910 $3,993 $921 $23
Average $45,340 $3,778 $872 $22
25th Percentile $39,200 $3,267 $754 $19

Most common benefits for Nursing Apprentice

  • Social Security
  • 401 (k)
  • Disability
  • Healthcare
  • Pension
  • Time Off (days)

Common company salaries for Nursing Apprentice

Here are companies hiring for Nursing Apprentice and their salaries, click below for more details.

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FAQ about Nursing Apprentice

1. What industry pays the highest salary for Nursing Apprentice?

The Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit industry offers the highest average compensation for Nursing Apprentice roles, with salaries approximately 30% above the market median.

2. What is the lowest apprenticeship wage?

The minimum salary for a Nursing Apprentice is $36,920 annually. This amount reflects the starting wage for apprentices in this field, ensuring a competitive entry-level income as they gain valuable experience and skills.

3. What is the highest paid apprentice?

The highest paid apprentice role is the Nursing Apprentice, with a salary range from $36,920 to $46,280 per year. This position offers competitive compensation compared to other apprenticeships, making it an attractive option for those entering the healthcare field.

4. How much do nurse apprentices get paid?

Nurse Apprentices earn between $36,920 and $46,280 annually, with a median salary of $41,290. This translates to an average hourly wage of approximately $22.02. Salaries can vary based on location, experience, and specific healthcare settings.

5. Which degree apprenticeship pays the most?

The Nursing Apprentice program offers competitive salaries, with a minimum of $36,920, a mid-range salary of $41,290, and a maximum of $46,280. While other sectors like engineering, transport, accounting, banking, law, and IT may also offer high-paying apprenticeships, nursing remains a strong option for those seeking a rewarding career in healthcare.

6. How do I become a nurse trainee?

To become a nursing apprentice, you need a high school diploma or GED, and you must complete a 12-16 month accredited training program with 500-750 hours of clinical experience. After that, you must pass the NCLEX-PN exam. As a nursing apprentice, you can expect a salary ranging from $36,920 to $46,280, with a median salary of $41,290.

7. Do apprenticeships pay well?

Apprenticeships can offer competitive pay. For a Nursing Apprentice, salaries range from a minimum of $36,920 to a maximum of $46,280 annually, with a mid-salary of $41,290. As apprentices gain skills and experience, their earnings can increase significantly, making this a viable career path.

Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.

We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)

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