As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Staff Nurse I in the United States is $73,400 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $35.
However, a Staff Nurse I's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Staff 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 and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
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 Staff Nurse Is. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Planning | 4.92% |
| Pediatric | 2.93% |
| Basic Life Support | 2.24% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Confidentiality
|
$76,336 |
4%
|
|
Leadership
|
$76,336 |
4%
|
|
Effective Communication
|
$75,602 |
3%
|
|
Commitment
|
$75,602 |
3%
|
|
Integrity
|
$74,868 |
2%
|
|
Delegation
|
$74,868 |
2%
|
For Staff Nurse I roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 40% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Energy & Utilities and Biotechnology sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 20% above the average. In contrast, Staff Nurse positions in Software & Networking or MFG Nondurable typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Staff Nurse I as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Energy & Utilities | $88,080 | $42.0 | 20% |
| Biotechnology | $84,410 | $41.0 | 15% |
| Insurance | $80,740 | $39.0 | 10% |
| Healthcare | $77,070 | $37.0 | 5% |
Understanding how a Staff 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 August 01, 2026Salaries for a Staff Nurse I can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $63,603 in 2023 to around $59,745 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Staff Nurse I salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $63,603 |
| 2024 | $61,127 |
| 2025 | $59,745 |
| 2026 |
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|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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The Energy & Utilities industry offers the highest average compensation for Staff Nurse I roles, with salaries approximately 20% 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.)
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