As of January 01, 2026, the average salary for a Clinical Nurse I in the United States is $126,964 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $61.
However, a Clinical Nurse I's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Clinical Nurse I'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 Clinical Nurse I'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 Clinical Nurse I | $122,556 |
| Intermediate Level Clinical Nurse I | $122,893 |
| Senior Level Clinical Nurse I | $124,240 |
| Specialist Level Clinical Nurse I | $126,259 |
| Expert Level Clinical Nurse I | $129,359 |
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 Clinical Nurse Is. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Leadership | 5.96% |
| Nursing Process | 4.04% |
| Quality Improvement | 2.09% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Service Excellence
|
$137,121 |
8%
|
|
Quality Improvement
|
$132,043 |
4%
|
|
Telemetry
|
$132,043 |
4%
|
|
Accountability
|
$130,773 |
3%
|
|
Clinical Practice
|
$130,773 |
3%
|
|
Collaboration
|
$130,773 |
3%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Clinical Nurse Is enter the field with a Bachelor'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 Clinical Nurse I with a Bachelor's Degree is between $121,225 and $128,037).
Clinical Nurse I Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 2.4% |
| High School | 2.4% |
| Associates | 10.1% |
| Bachelors | 17.3% |
| Masters | 67.0% |
| Doctorate | 3.1% |
Understanding how a Clinical Nurse I'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 January 01, 2026Salaries for a Clinical Nurse I can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $101,851 in 2023 to around $101,043 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Clinical Nurse I salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $101,851 |
| 2024 | $101,551 |
| 2025 | $101,043 |
| 2026 |
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|
| 2027 |
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|
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Compensation PlanningHere are companies hiring for Clinical Nurse I and their salaries, click below for more details.
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Clinical Nurse I job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
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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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