As of April 01, 2026, the average salary for a School Nurse in the United States is $62,444 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $30.
However, a School Nurse's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A School 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 School 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:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level School Nurse | $60,735 |
| Intermediate Level School Nurse | $62,719 |
| Senior Level School Nurse | $66,567 |
| Specialist Level School Nurse | $66,979 |
| Expert Level School Nurse | $67,254 |
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 School Nurses. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Commitment | 6.21% |
| Community Health | 3.9% |
| Medication Administration | 2.31% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Home Care
|
$67,440 |
8%
|
|
Integrity
|
$64,317 |
3%
|
|
Consulting
|
$64,317 |
3%
|
|
Pediatric
|
$63,693 |
2%
|
|
Attention to Detail
|
$63,693 |
2%
|
|
Customer Service
|
$63,693 |
2%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many School Nurses enter the field with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate 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 School Nurse with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate is between $50,792 and $57,479).
School Nurse Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 0.6% |
| High School | 10.6% |
| Associates | 30.5% |
| Bachelors | 47.6% |
| Masters | 10.3% |
| Doctorate | 0.3% |
Understanding how a School 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 April 01, 2026Salaries for a School Nurse can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $56,220 in 2023 to around $55,057 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of School Nurse salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $56,220 |
| 2024 | $55,953 |
| 2025 | $55,057 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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Compensation PlanningHere are companies hiring for School Nurse and their salaries, click below for more details.
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A School 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 School Nurse earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a School Nurse is $78,761.
The highest pay for School Nurse is $80,035.
The lowest pay for School Nurse is $44,211.
Provides nursing care to students and staff within a school setting. Responsible for assessing student health, providing first aid and emergency care, administering medications, managing chronic conditions, and educating students and staff on health-related topics. Focuses on promoting health and preventing illness to ensure a safe and healthy learning environment. Requires an associate degree in nursing. Requires Registered Nurse (RN). Typically reports to a school principal. Work is closely managed. Works on projects/matters of limited complexity in a support role. Typically requires 0-2 years of related experience.
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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