As of June 01, 2026, the average salary for a Charge Nurse in the United States is $102,388 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $49.
However, a Charge Nurse's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Charge Nurse'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, education, and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Charge Nurse'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:
| Job Role | Years of Experience | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Charge Nurse | 0-3 years | $102,388 |
| Nursing Supervisor | 3-5 years | $116,320 |
| Nursing Manager | 5+ years | $136,100 |
| Nursing Senior Manager | 5+ years | $164,867 |
| Nursing Director | 5+ years | $202,477 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Charge Nurses. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Leadership | 4.22% |
| Long Term Care | 4.83% |
| Technical Services | 1.36% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Collaborating
|
$109,555 |
7%
|
|
Organizational Skills
|
$105,460 |
3%
|
|
Clinical Nursing
|
$105,460 |
3%
|
|
Coaching
|
$105,460 |
3%
|
|
Collaboration
|
$105,460 |
3%
|
|
Quality Assurance
|
$104,436 |
2%
|
Charge Nurse salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $108,744. While startup companies pay approximate $92,620.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $92,620 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $97,782 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $105,194 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $108,744 |
For Charge Nurse roles, the industry you choose can impact your earning potential by as much as 20% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the highest-paying industry, Healthcare, offers compensation 10% above the average. Conversely, Charge Nurse positions in Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as this sector often view Charge Nurse as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Healthcare | $112,627 | $54.0 | 10% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Charge Nurses enter the field with a Associate's Degree degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.
According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for a Charge Nurse with a Associate's Degree is between $95,468 and $99,770).
Charge Nurse Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 0.5% |
| High School | 3.8% |
| Associates | 38.1% |
| Bachelors | 48.0% |
| Masters | 9.4% |
| Doctorate | 0.2% |
Understanding how a Charge Nurse'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 June 01, 2026Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Charge Nurse, you have the following paths for advancement. The table below compares the salary raises for common next-step roles. By comparing these figures, you can choose the career path that best meets your financial goals.
| Next Step Role | Estimate Salary | Projected Raise |
|---|---|---|
| Nursing Senior Manager - CCU | $108,938 | 6% |
| Nursing Manager - Emergency Room | $103,262 | 1% |
| Nursing Supervisor - Physician Practice | $98,032 | -4% |
| Nursing Supervisor | $116,320 | 14% |
Salaries for a Charge Nurse can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $74,976 in 2023 to around $73,748 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Charge Nurse salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $74,976 |
| 2024 | $74,305 |
| 2025 | $73,748 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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A Charge Nurse's earning potential can vary widely depending on several factors, including location, industry, experience, education, and the specific employer. According to the latest salary data by Salary.com, a Charge Nurse earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Charge Nurse is $129,142.
The highest pay for Charge Nurse is $125,556.
The lowest pay for Charge Nurse is $92,349.
Plans, directs, and evaluates the overall nursing care and functions in a particular nursing unit or during an assigned shift. Coordinates the activities of the unit and directs, organizes, and assigns work to the nursing staff. Assesses, monitors, and educates the nursing staff on patient care. Institutes emergency procedures as necessary. Requires a bachelor's degree in nursing. Requires Registered Nurse (RN). Typically requires Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS). Typically reports to a manager. Supervises a small group of para-professional staff in an organization characterized by highly transactional or repetitive processes. Contributes to the development of processes and procedures. Typically requires 3 years experience in the related area as an individual contributor. Thorough knowledge of functional area under supervision.
The Healthcare industry offers the highest average compensation for Charge Nurse roles, with salaries approximately 10% above the market median.
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.)
With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.
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