A school is not only a place but of overall growth as well. Part of that growth is physical well-being as well. In fact, even though US schools do not have a federal mandate to have healthcare professionals on staff, there is an increasing number of them with one: school nurses. In fact, school nurses are one of the most in-demand nursing specialties in the US[1]. Although, it is not a typical nurse-related high-stress work environment but requires a more gentle and patient approach from these nurses. So, the salary range for school nurses between $45,449 to $93,335 per year[2] on average is quite decent. Technically speaking, it is 20% higher than the national average salary viz. $59,384 – reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor report in Q4 of 2023[3]. That said, there is only 32% consensus among these professionals that a school nurse salary is enough for the living cost of their area[2].
| Description | Salary |
|---|---|
| School Nurse Salary in New York | $104,329 per year |
| School Nurse Salary in New Jersey | $73,732 per year |
| School Nurse Salary in Pennsylvania | $60,443 per year |
| School Nurse Salary per Hour | $36.31 per hour |
| School Nurse Salary per Month | $4,611 per month |
While the above stats on school nurse salaries provide an overview, the details reveal a more complex picture. It’s important to note that school nurse salaries vary by location due to differences in living costs, local market demand, and employer policies. Additionally, a school nurse’s career stage, skills, and even race significantly impact their wages. These variations indicate that there’s no single definitive source of salary data on school nurses in the US. However, one can examine reported salaries from reliable job boards, healthcare communities, and market research domains, to arrive at a well-informed estimate. And this is what we present in this 2024 School Nurse Salary Guide. Furthermore, we will compare school nurse salaries with those of other popular nursing specialties, analyze the factors influencing their earnings, and project their future salary trends.
Let’s begin by exploring the pay range for school nurses in the US states where they are most in demand.
School Nurse Salaries in In-demand US States
School nurse salaries vary significantly across the US states where they are high in demand. South Dakota boasts the highest average salary at $55,605 per year, while South Carolina reports the lowest at $43,663 per year. Interestingly, Louisiana and Delaware exhibit notable highs, with Louisiana reaching up to $83,655 and Delaware up to $80,103 annually.
| State | Lower End of Annual Salary | Average School Nurse Annual Salary | Upper End of Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| South Dakota | $49,561 per year | $55,605 per year | $62,386 per year |
| Mississippi | $52,364 per year | $56,220 per year | $60,360 per year |
| Louisiana | $52,222 per year | $66,096 per year | $83,655 per year |
| Kentucky | $31,872 per year | $44,993 per year | $63,516 per year |
| Arkansas | $36,022 per year | $45,113 per year | $56,497 per year |
| Delaware | $53,550 per year | $65,495 per year | $80,103 per year |
| Texas | $42,536 per year | $61,192 per year | $88,030 per year |
| Ohio | $39,534 per year | $51,865 per year | $68,043 per year |
| South Carolina | $33,104 per year | $43,663 per year | $57,589 per year |
*source: indeed[2]
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What Does a School Nurse Do?
As touched upon in the introduction itself, a school nurse provides healthcare services within educational settings (typically a school premise), addressing students’ medical needs, administering medications, and managing any chronic conditions. Their responsibilities also include conducting health screenings, offering health education, and developing care plans for all students. Given the nature of their patients, they are also involved in collaborating and educating both school faculty members and parents.
To become a school nurse, you must start by obtaining a registered nurse (RN) license. It is often followed by a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and specialized certification in school nursing.
Starting salaries of school nurses typically hovers around $45,000 annually, with potential increase to $90,000[4] or more as they gain experience and additional qualifications. Another noteworthy point here is that over 97%[5] of school nurses are female (< 3% are male) still female school nurse salary is less than that of males by around 5% in the US[4]. While the difference may not sound much, the difference itself is unfortunate.
Suggested Reading: Career as a Nurse in US in 2024
How Much Do School Nurses Make in a Year, Month, and Hour in the US in 2024
In 2024, school nurses in the US earn varying salaries, with significant differences across different pay scales. The lower-end salary averages $45,449 annually, while the higher-end reaches $93,335. On average, school nurses’ salary is $65,131 per year or $36.31 per hour.
| School Nurse Salary | Per Hour | Per Week | Per Month | Per Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lower end salary | $25.34 | $832 | $3,218 | $45,449 |
| Average base salary | $36.31 | $1,192 | $4,611 | $65,131 |
| Higher end salary | $52.04 | $1,708 | $6,608 | $93,335 |
*source: indeed[2]
Suggested Reading: 2024 Salary Guide for US Nurse Practitioners
Median School Nurse Salary
The median school nurse salary in the US stands at $54,998 annually, with variations across percentiles. At the 90th percentile, salaries reach $77,000, while at the 10th percentile, they drop to $39,000. Hourly rates range from $19 to $37.
It’s interesting to note how the median salary differs from the average salary of school nurses; where the former is a better reflection of what most of the school nurses earn.
| Percentile | Annual Salary | Monthly Salary | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 90th Percentile | $77,000 per year | $6,417 per month | $37 per hour |
| 75th Percentile | $65,000 per year | $5,417 per month | $31 per hour |
| 50th Percentile / Median | $54,998 per year | $4,583 per month | $26 per hour |
| 25th Percentile | $45,000 per year | $3,750 per month | $22 per hour |
| 10th Percentile | $39,000 per year | $3,250 per month | $19 per hour |
*source: Zippia[4]
School Nurse Salary and Benefits Breakdown
Median School Nurse Compensation Breakdown
A school nurse’s median total compensation reaches $81,203 annually out of which the base salary makes up most of this (70%). Among other major components, benefits like healthcare (7.8%) and time off (8.9%) contribute significantly.
Interestingly, bonuses are not typically offered.
| Annual Core Compensation of School Nurse | ||
|---|---|---|
| Median | % of Total | |
| Base Salary | $57,106 | 70.% |
| Bonus | $0 | 0% |
| Annual Value of Benefits for School Nurses | ||
| Median | % of Total | |
| Social Security | $4,369 | 5.4% |
| 401K/403B | $2,798 | 3.4% |
| Disability | $914 | 1.1% |
| Healthcare | $6,371 | 7.8% |
| Pension | $2,398 | 3.0% |
| Time Off | $7,248 | 8.9% |
| Total Compensation | $81,203 | 100% |
*source: Salary[6]
Common Benefits for School Nurses
According to PayScale[5], medical insurance is the norm for 65% of nurses, followed by dental plans (61%) and vision coverage (43%). However, it’s important to note that nearly a third (33%) of school nurses receive no benefits at all.
| 401(k) | Flexible schedule | Referral program |
|---|---|---|
| 401(k) matching | Flexible spending account | Relocation assistance |
| Continuing education credits | Health insurance | Travel reimbursement |
| Dental insurance | Life insurance | Tuition reimbursement |
| Disability insurance | Paid sick time | Vision insurance |
| Employee assistance program | Paid time off |
*source: indeed[2]
School Nurse Salary by State
Finally coming to the core of the dataset for school nurses’ salary i.e. statewise school nurse salary in the US. The table below shows that Rhode Island offers the highest average annual salary of $84,613, while Kansas reports the lowest at $42,640 per year. Hourly rates also fluctuate, with Rhode Island, again, leading at $40.68 per hour and Kansas at the bottom with $20.50.
It also emphasizes how location plays a critical role in deciding the salary as the fluctuation based on it is quite significant.
| State | Avg. School Nurse Salary Annual | Avg. School Nurse Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $48,405 per year | $23.27 per hour |
| Alaska | $72,819 per year | $35.01 per hour |
| Arizona | $46,167 per year | $22.20 per hour |
| Arkansas | $48,192 per year | $23.17 per hour |
| California | $67,286 per year | $32.35 per hour |
| Colorado | $54,200 per year | $26.06 per hour |
| Connecticut | $66,472 per year | $31.96 per hour |
| Delaware | $69,463 per year | $33.40 per hour |
| District of Columbia | $67,885 per year | $32.64 per hour |
| Florida | $47,220 per year | $22.70 per hour |
| Georgia | $49,362 per year | $23.73 per hour |
| Hawaii | $59,193 per year | $28.46 per hour |
| Idaho | $56,857 per year | $27.34 per hour |
| Illinois | $57,031 per year | $27.42 per hour |
| Indiana | $56,209 per year | $27.02 per hour |
| Iowa | $45,065 per year | $21.67 per hour |
| Kansas | $42,640 per year | $20.50 per hour |
| Kentucky | $51,996 per year | $25.00 per hour |
| Louisiana | $48,761 per year | $23.44 per hour |
| Maine | $58,339 per year | $28.05 per hour |
| Maryland | $57,802 per year | $27.79 per hour |
| Massachusetts | $77,072 per year | $37.05 per hour |
| Michigan | $62,625 per year | $30.11 per hour |
| Minnesota | $57,005 per year | $27.41 per hour |
| Mississippi | $46,391 per year | $22.30 per hour |
| Missouri | $43,631 per year | $20.98 per hour |
| Montana | $55,040 per year | $26.46 per hour |
| Nebraska | $52,316 per year | $25.15 per hour |
| Nevada | $53,557 per year | $25.75 per hour |
| New Hampshire | $65,289 per year | $31.39 per hour |
| New Jersey | $68,875 per year | $33.11 per hour |
| New Mexico | $54,951 per year | $26.42 per hour |
| New York | $68,009 per year | $32.70 per hour |
| North Carolina | $46,478 per year | $22.35 per hour |
| North Dakota | $57,575 per year | $27.68 per hour |
| Ohio | $47,222 per year | $22.70 per hour |
| Oklahoma | $52,134 per year | $25.06 per hour |
| Oregon | $83,135 per year | $39.97 per hour |
| Pennsylvania | $63,169 per year | $30.37 per hour |
| Rhode Island | $84,613 per year | $40.68 per hour |
| South Carolina | $49,700 per year | $23.89 per hour |
| South Dakota | $51,710 per year | $24.86 per hour |
| Tennessee | $48,430 per year | $23.28 per hour |
| Texas | $49,195 per year | $23.65 per hour |
| Utah | $55,267 per year | $26.57 per hour |
| Vermont | $59,202 per year | $28.46 per hour |
| Virginia | $49,510 per year | $23.80 per hour |
| Washington | $78,838 per year | $37.90 per hour |
| West Virginia | $51,727 per year | $24.87 per hour |
| Wisconsin | $62,070 per year | $29.84 per hour |
| Wyoming | $62,146 per year | $29.88 per hour |
*source: Zippia[4]
To make better sense of this long list of salaries for school nurses, next, we are going to filter our the top highest-paying states and their counterparts (lowest-paying states).
However, keep in mind that while salary is important, it shouldn’t be the sole deciding factor to relocating for your job. Do consider the cost of living because generally the high-paying states also have high expenses. Additionally, job opportunities can also impact your career path. And then there are your personal preferences as well.
Suggested Watch: Top 10 Highest-paid Nursing Jobs
Top 10 Highest-paying US States for School Nurses
Among US states, Rhode Island offers the highest annual salary for school nurses at $84,613, while Oregon follows closely behind at $83,135. Hourly rates are also top-tier in Rhode Island, topping at $40.68, contrasting with California’s $32.35. These top-paying states provide attractive compensation packages for school nurses but typically have high living costs.
| State | Avg. School Nurse Salary Annually | Avg. School Nurse Salary Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Rhode Island | $84,613 per year | $40.68 per hour |
| Oregon | $83,135 per year | $39.97 per hour |
| Washington | $78,838 per year | $37.90 per hour |
| Massachusetts | $77,072 per year | $37.05 per hour |
| Alaska | $72,819 per year | $35.01 per hour |
| Delaware | $69,463 per year | $33.40 per hour |
| New Jersey | $68,875 per year | $33.11 per hour |
| New York | $68,009 per year | $32.70 per hour |
| District of Columbia | $67,885 per year | $32.64 per hour |
| California | $67,286 per year | $32.35 per hour |
*source: Zippia[4]
10 Lowest-paying US States for School Nurses
Among the lowest-paying US states for school nurses, Kansas ranks at the bottom with an annual salary of $42,640 and an hourly rate of $20.50. Following closely behind are Missouri and Iowa, with annual salaries above $45,000 annually reflecting the financial challenges faced by school nurses in these states.
| State | Avg. School Nurse Salary Annually | Avg. School Nurse Salary Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Kansas | $42,640 per year | $20.50 per hour |
| Missouri | $43,631 per year | $20.98 per hour |
| Iowa | $45,065 per year | $21.67 per hour |
| Arizona | $46,167 per year | $22.20 per hour |
| Mississippi | $46,391 per year | $22.30 per hour |
| North Carolina | $46,478 per year | $22.35 per hour |
| Florida | $47,220 per year | $22.70 per hour |
| Ohio | $47,222 per year | $22.70 per hour |
| Arkansas | $48,192 per year | $23.17 per hour |
| Alabama | $48,405 per year | $23.27 per hour |
*source: Zippia[4]
Highest-paying US Cities for School Nurses
Among US cities, Providence, RI, offers the highest annual salary for school nurses at $84,734, closely followed by Salem, OR, at $83,340. Hourly rates are also competitive, with Providence leading at $40.74 and Manchester, NH, at the bottom with $31.39.
| City | Avg. School Nurse Salary Annually | Avg. School Nurse Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Providence, RI | $84,734 per year | $40.74 per hour |
| Salem, OR | $83,340 per year | $40.07 per hour |
| Federal Way, WA | $79,445 per year | $38.19 per hour |
| Boston, MA | $77,185 per year | $37.11 per hour |
| Fairfield, CA | $70,416 per year | $33.85 per hour |
| Dover, DE | $69,298 per year | $33.32 per hour |
| Hackensack, NJ | $69,232 per year | $33.28 per hour |
| New York, NY | $68,040 per year | $32.71 per hour |
| Hartford, CT | $66,742 per year | $32.09 per hour |
| Manchester, NH | $65,286 per year | $31.39 per hour |
*source: Zippia[4]
Popular Employers for School Nurses and Their Offered Salaries
Landing the ideal job as a school nurse goes beyond monetary compensation. Top-tier employers not only offer competitive pay but also prioritize work-life balance, offering flexible schedules, advanced resources, and supplementary benefits. Therefore, while comparing employers for school nurses, it is also important to consider employer ratings and reviews as submitted by their employees.
| School Nurse Employer | Average Hourly School Nurse Salary Offered | Employer Rating |
|---|---|---|
| EdTheory | $48.25 per hour | 4.7 |
| Horizon Healthcare Staffing | $45.17 per hour | 3.4 |
| Always Compassionate Health | $39.67 per hour | 2.7 |
| White Glove Community Care | $36.09 per hour | 3.6 |
| Ro Health | $33.99 per hour | 4.1 |
| CritiCare Home Health & Nursing Services | $33.34 per hour | 4.3 |
| The Learning Lamp | $14.10 per hour | 3.4 |
*source: Indeed[2]
Suggested Watch: Navigating Work and Life as a Nurse
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Travel School Nurse Salary
A travel school nurse, similar to their regular counterparts, assists in caring for and educating school kids, staff, and parents about health safety However, instead of committing to a single institution long-term, they rotate among several schools on a temporary basis, often for a few weeks to a month.
It’s generally appealing to early nursing graduates to become a travel school nurse as it offers them a chance to explore various locations and career paths before settling at one location.
Average Travel School Nurse Salary
| Salary Range | Travel School Nurse Salary |
|---|---|
| Minimum | $1,303 per week |
| Average | $1,885 per week |
| Maximum | $2,014 per week |
*source: Vivian[7]
Highest Paying Employers for Travel School Nurse
| Employer | Average Travel School Nurse Weekly Salary | Max Travel School Nurse Weekly Salary |
|---|---|---|
| VeeAr Projects | $2,000 per week | $2,000 per week |
| Supplemental Health Care | $1,987 per week | $2,014 per week |
| Techlink Systems Inc. | $1,800 per week | $1,800 per week |
| Staffmax Healthcare | $1,729 per week | $1,729 per week |
| PHP | $1,704 per week | $1,704 per week |
| GrapeTree Medical Staffing Hospital | $1,385 per week | $1,385 per week |
| AB Staffing Solutions | $1,303 per week | $1,303 per week |
*source: Vivian[7]
School Nurse Salary v/s Most Popular Nursing Jobs
Compared with the 5 most popular nursing jobs per an Indeed report, school nurses fall somewhere in the middle of the table. In this list, Cardiac nurses earn the highest (with an average annual salary of $137,936) marking a 39% increase over school nurses. But then school nurses make 32% higher than home health RNs and 39% higher than public health nurses on average annually.
| Popular Nursing Jobs | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Cardiac Nurse | $137,936 per year |
| NICU Nurse | $125,589 per year |
| School Nurse | $98,662 per year |
| Home Health RN | $94,190 per year |
| Public Health Nurse | $71,076 per year |
*source: indeed[2]
Suggested Reading: Navigating Career Paths in Healthcare: How to Choose Your Specialization
Factors Influencing School Nurse Salaries
Location-based Influence on the School Nurse Pay
As stated earlier, the statewise salary of school nurses‘ data paints a broad picture of salary trends across the US regions. In coastal states of the Northeast (Massachusetts, Rhode Island, etc.) and West (Oregon, Washington), some of the highest compensation is offered. Notably, these areas often have high costs of living. Conversely, salaries in the South (Mississippi, Missouri) and parts of the Midwest (Kansas, Iowa) tend to be lower but still adequate per the lower living cost. This suggests location beyond just a state boundary can significantly influence a school nurse’s income.
Experience-based Influence on the School Nurse Pay
As one would guess, experience has an upward impact on school nurse salaries. Entry-level nurses earn $40,550 annually, while those with 1-4 years make $46,790. Within 5-9 years, the salary rises to $57,190. Nurses with 10-19 years earn $71,050, and those with 20+ years of experience reach $88,240 annually, reflecting a clear upward trend with experience.
| Level of Experience | Hourly | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-Level | $19.50 | $780 | $3,380 | $40,550 |
| 1-4 Years of Experience | $22.50 | $900 | $3,900 | $46,790 |
| 5-9 Years of Experience | $27.50 | $1,100 | $4,770 | $57,190 |
| 10-19 Years of Experience | $34.16 | $1,366 | $5,920 | $71,050 |
| 20 Years or More Experience | $42.42 | $1,697 | $7,350 | $88,240 |
*source: NursingProcess[8]
Skill-based Influence on the School Nurse Pay
Upskiling boosts salary – that applies to all professions including school nurses. However, different skills have a different impact on their salary. For example, nurses with expertise in home health or home care earn 16% more than the average school nurse salary. Those specializing in public health see a 14% increase, community health skills boost pay by 7%, and case management adds a 6% salary increase.
| Degree | School Nurse Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Home Health/Home Care | ▲16% |
| Public Health | ▲14% |
| Community Health | ▲7% |
| Case Management | ▲6% |
*source: PayScale[5]
Race-based Influence on the School Nurse Pay
Race has an interesting influence on school nurse salaries in the US. Generally, Asian nurses earn the highest average annual salary at $63,464. Hispanic or Latino nurses follow with $57,330, while Black or African American nurses earn $56,496. White nurses have the lowest average salary at $56,344.
| Race | School Nurse Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Asian | $63,464 per year |
| Hispanic or Latino | $57,330 per year |
| Black or African American | $56,496 per year |
| White | $56,344 per year |
*source: Zippia[4]
Education-based Influence on the School Nurse Pay
Education also has a direct proportional relation with school nurses’ salaries – highlighting the financial benefits of advanced education. Nurses with a Master’s degree earn the highest average annual salary at $65,354. Those with a Doctorate degree follow at $61,434. A Bachelor’s degree brings in $59,735 annually, while an Associate’s degree earns $57,130.
| Degree | School Nurse Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Master’s Degree | $65,354 per year |
| Doctorate Degree | $61,434 per year |
| Bachelor’s Degree | $59,735 per year |
| Associate Degree | $57,130 per year |
*source: Zippia[4]
Suggested Tool: Nurse Resume Builder
What is the Salary Outlook for a School Nurse?
Driven by growing demand and awareness about schools’ contribution to student’s health, the trend for school nurses’ salaries looks promising. To paint a picture of the status quo in the US schools: More than 40 percent of school-age children and adolescents have chronic health conditions, such as asthma or behavioral and learning problems, requiring medical attention[9]. Despite this high demand, only 65 percent of schools nationwide have a full-time school nurse[10]. This shortage signals a rising demand for school nurses, suggesting potential salary increases as schools strive to fill these critical positions. Moreover, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 6% growth in employment for registered nurses from 2022 to 2032[11], further indicating a rising trend in school nurse salaries. And, tracking their salary back in the last decade, school nurse salaries have grown at an average rate of 1.4% annually[4].
While the job market does look positive for school nurses, it’s essential to consider that unforeseen economic circumstances or wide-scale health calamities could adversely impact these.
Suggested Read: Nurse Practitioner’s Salary Trajectory
Endnote
Overall, a career as a school nurse in the U.S. presents a balance of personal fulfillment and financial opportunity. While annual salaries reach above $93,458 [2], the significant gap between the lowest and highest reported salaries reflects the impact of factors like experience, education, and location. While location arguably plays the most critical role in school nurse salary, it’s notable that only 32% of nurses report satisfaction with salary based solely on geography[2]. But there is a silver lining to it: since these nurses, in general, enjoy a good work-life balance, it should help them focus on other aspects of their personal growth.
Finally, this guide should equip you to navigate the world of school nurse salaries and negotiate effectively. Remember, your earning potential goes beyond your initial offer. Hone your negotiation skills by networking with colleagues near you and where you wish to move to stay informed about industry trends.
FAQ
Where do school nurses get paid the most?
In the US, on the state level school nurses get paid the most in Rhode Island at $84,613 per year or $40.68 per hour on average.
How is a School Nurse salary calculated?
A school nurse’s salary is calculated based on factors such as education level, years of experience, geographic location, specific job responsibilities, and additional certifications or specializations.
How much do school nurses make on Long Island?
In Long Island, New York, a school nurse makes $87,360 per year on average. There their yearly salary typically ranges between $74,097 to $102,996 – which is higher than the national average salary for school nurses.
How much do school nurses get paid near Brooklyn?
School nurses get paid $116,925 on average near Brooklyn, NY. It is almost 80% more than the national average. But one must consider that with a high salary in this region, comes a high cost of living as well.
How much does a School Nurse make near me?
To get a clear understanding of your compensation as a school nurse, it’s essential to connect with fellow professionals in your region. Openly discussing salaries with colleagues is a simple yet proven way to ensure you’re being valued fairly.
References
[1] https://nursejournal.org/articles/best-nursing-specialities-for-the-future
[2] https://www.indeed.com/career/school-nurse/salaries
[3] https://www.usatoday.com/money/blueprint/business/hr-payroll/average-salary-us/
[4] https://www.zippia.com/salaries/school-nurse/
[5] https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=School_Nurse/Salary
[6] https://www.salary.com/tools/benefits-calculator/school-nurse/il
[7] https://www.vivian.com/nursing/school-rn/salary
[8] https://www.nursingprocess.org/school-nurse-salary.html
[9] https://www.cdc.gov/healthyschools/chronicconditions.htm
[10] https://www.edweek.org/leadership/what-school-nurses-do-and-why-schools-need-more-of-them/2023/09
[11] https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/registered-nurses.htm
