Being a school nurse is a brilliant career if you love working with children. School nurses provide routine and emergency help to public and private elementary, middle, and high school students.
As a school nurse, you’ll be there during times of crises, such as a slip and fall injury or allergic reaction, and tend to more everyday ailments like stomachaches, headaches, and mental health struggles. You are the person's parents count on when their child falls ill while at school.
The school nurse is a valuable and trusted member of every school faculty. If you decide to pursue this career path, you could earn an average annual salary of $52,437.90.
We compiled data from Zippa.com (July 2022) to calculate the national average based on the median annual salary in each of the 50 states. This helped us reach a more accurate figure for RNs and aspiring school nurses.
What are the roles and responsibilities of a school nurse?
School nurses look after students’ physical and mental health. They provide first aid, perform health assessments, and coordinate with school faculty to promote school-wide wellness.
A school nurse also provides help and care for students with chronic health conditions, like asthma, diabetes, and food allergies.
A school nurse can administer a student’s prescription medication and help them check blood sugar levels. They can organize annual vision and hearing screenings, educate staff on health risks, and help monitor and prevent the spread of viruses and other infections in the student population.
Research shows that for every $1 a school nurse earns, they save their school $2.20. They also help reduce absenteeism, making it easier for students to access education and avoid knowledge gaps.
How much does a school nurse make a year?
School nurse salaries in the USA range between $37,790 to $80,627. On average, a school nurse makes $52,437 per year before taxes and other deductions. Zippia reports a typical entry-level salary for a school nurse to be $37,000.
How much does a school nurse make an hour?
The average median hourly wage for a school nurse is $25.21. Hourly pay for school nurses in the United States range between $18.17 and $38.76.
School nurse salary by state
Discover where school nurses make the most money in the United States with our comparison chart. The percentage on the right can help you determine how your state’s average compares to the national average.
State | Hourly mean wage | Annual mean wage | Compared To National Average |
|---|---|---|---|
Alabama | $21.70 | $45,135.00 | -14% |
Alaska | $35.69 | $74,241.00 | 42% |
Arizona | $23.33 | $48,527.00 | -7% |
Arkansas | $21.60 | $44,926.00 | -14% |
California | $36.98 | $76,928.00 | 47% |
Colorado | $22.35 | $46,480.00 | -11% |
Connecticut | $29.36 | $61,062.00 | 16% |
Delaware | $29.97 | $62,339.00 | 19% |
District of Columbia | $28.91 | $60,140.00 | 15% |
Florida | $24.13 | $50,183.00 | -4% |
Georgia | $23.07 | $47,984.00 | -8% |
Hawaii | $34.69 | $72,152.00 | 38% |
Idaho | $23.52 | $48,923.00 | -7% |
Illinois | $22.72 | $47,253.00 | -10% |
Indiana | $23.22 | $48,302.00 | -8% |
Iowa | $18.17 | $37,790.00 | -28% |
Kansas | $21.30 | $44,303.00 | -16% |
Kentucky | $21.08 | $43,839.00 | -16% |
Louisiana | $23.37 | $48,617.00 | -7% |
Maine | $23.98 | $49,869.00 | -5% |
Maryland | $25.52 | $53,079.00 | 1% |
Massachusetts | $30.43 | $63,297.00 | 21% |
Michigan | $25.53 | $53,104.00 | 1% |
Minnesota | $21.96 | $45,681.00 | -13% |
Mississippi | $22.63 | $47,060.00 | -10% |
Missouri | $18.53 | $38,538.00 | -27% |
Montana | $23.84 | $49,587.00 | -5% |
Nebraska | $21.78 | $45,311.00 | -14% |
Nevada | $27.96 | $58,154.00 | 11% |
New Hampshire | $23.90 | $49,708.00 | -5% |
New Jersey | $29.63 | $61,629.00 | 18% |
New Mexico | $24.73 | $51,444.00 | -2% |
New York | $27.97 | $58,181.00 | 11% |
North Carolina | $20.93 | $43,544.00 | -17% |
North Dakota | $23.66 | $49,212.00 | -6% |
Ohio | $19.81 | $41,198.00 | -21% |
Oklahoma | $22.67 | $47,156.00 | -10% |
Oregon | $38.76 | $80,627.00 | 54% |
Pennsylvania | $27.69 | $57,590.00 | 10% |
Rhode Island | $32.28 | $67,151.00 | 28% |
South Carolina | $21.84 | $45,422.00 | -13% |
South Dakota | $21.18 | $44,045.00 | -16% |
Tennessee | $22.74 | $47,289.00 | -10% |
Texas | $24.52 | $51,008.00 | -3% |
Utah | $25.98 | $54,041.00 | 3% |
Vermont | $22.01 | $45,782.00 | -13% |
Virginia | $22.34 | $46,469.00 | -11% |
Washington | $37.41 | $77,823.00 | 48% |
West Virginia | $22.05 | $45,855.00 | -13% |
Wisconsin | $22.29 | $46,365.00 | -12% |
Wyoming | $24.03 | $49,990.00 | -5% |
National Average | $25.21 | $52,437.90 |
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Factors that affect how much a school nurse makes
If you’re thinking of becoming a school nurse, or if you’re already working as one, here are some key factors that influence how much you earn:
1) Education and experience level
School nurses must all hold a valid RN license in their state. You earn an RN with an associate’s degree or bachelor’s degree. Some nurses want to further their education by earning a master’s in nursing (NSN).
The more education you have, the more you are likely to be offered higher pay. However, because the average educational requirement for school nurses is a BSN, you may not see a major increase in salary by obtaining an MSN.
Instead, the experience will garner a higher pay as you show proven skills in your nursing specialty. The average school nurse has two years of experience as an RN. With 5+ years, you should become eligible for a higher starting salary or raise.
2) Location
School nurses can work in public or private schools, colleges, or universities. The pay will vary by employer, though private school nurses receive higher salaries than ones in public schools.
Your state will also influence how much you earn. States with higher school nurse salaries can provide greater benefits, and two school nurses in different states may have a difference in their annual pay. The cost of living in your state also influences your annual salary.
States with a lower cost of living often offer school nurses lower annual salaries than those with a high cost of living. For example, two school nurses with equal experience and credentialing can earn dramatically different salaries simply because one lives in New York and the other lives in Alabama.
3) Certifications
You may qualify for higher pay if you pursue additional nursing certifications. The National Board for Certification of school nurses (NBCSN) requires a valid RN license, a bachelor’s degree in nursing (BSN), and at least 1,000 hours of clinical experience within the last three years.
You can learn more about earning school nurse certification on the NBCSN eligibility requirements page.
How quickly can you become a school nurse and start earning?
To become an RN, you will need to earn an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in nursing for two to four years. To become a National Certified school nurse, you will need a bachelor’s degree.
After you get your RN license by passing the NCLEX exam, you can begin gaining clinical experience. You can work in a hospital, outpatient center, or doctor’s office. What matters most is that you gain the skills necessary to refine your nursing practice and perform well as a school nurse.
Once you’ve met the minimum clinical hours, you can take the NCSN exam to become a certified school nurse. You’ll have to complete continuing education courses throughout your career, and recertify every five years by retaking the exam.
It takes six to seven years to become a certified school nurse.
School nurse salary vs other nursing professions
Curious how a school nurse’s earnings compare to other nursing jobs? Here is the average salary of several other nursing titles.
Average school nurse salary: $52,437.90 per year
Registered Nurse: $76,944.90 per year
Neonatal Nurse: $71,267.04 per year
Pediatric Nurse: $69,473.96 per year
School nurse salary FAQ
Am I being paid fairly as a school nurse?
Compare your earnings to your state’s average and the national average. If you find that your salary is thousands of dollars below either amount, bring this up with your employer.
Employers should also give school nurses pay-and-a-half for any hours worked over a standard 40-hour workweek.
Check with your state’s labor laws for more details on what makes up fair pay and legal work hours.
Are school nurses mostly paid hourly or annually?
Most school nurses receive a salary because they work a set schedule. Some school nurses may receive hourly pay, but you’ll find most positions in schools offer a salary package.
Do school nurses get paid overtime?
Yes, school nurses are entitled to overtime pay if they work over 40 hours a week. If you aren’t offered overtime, you may decline any additional hours from your employer. Employers cannot force school nurses to work over 40 hours a week, except in critical care situations.
It’s also important to note that, like teacher’s most school nurses have the summer off, so you might choose to split your payments up over those months as opposed to receiving more during the school year.
Do school nurses get paid more privately or in hospitals?
School nurses work in private or public schools, so salaries vary. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, RNs who work in education make $61,780 annually.
What state pays school nurses the most per hour?
School nurses make the most in Washington, where the pay is 54% higher than the national average. The average annual salary for a school nurse is $80,627, or $38.76.
Here are the 5 highest paying states for school nurses:
State | Median Hourly Wage | Annual Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
Oregon | $38.76 | $80,627 |
Washington | $37.41 | $77,823 |
California | $36.98 | $76,928 |
Alaska | $35.69 | $74,341 |
Hawaii | $34.69 | $72,152 |
Can you live off of a school nurse’s salary in the USA?
The cost-of-living index helps you compare the average cost of living in your state with others throughout the country. Knowing your state’s cost of living can help you determine whether a school nurse’s salary is enough to provide you financial security.
To understand the cost-of-living index, consider 100 to be the norm. States with indexes above or below that number will be more expensive and less expensive to live in, respectively.
For example, Hawaii has the highest cost-of-living index at 193.3, making it the number one most expensive state to live in. However, it’s median nurse’s salary is 18 out of 50 at $68,994.22.
View the cost of living index to learn more!
Position | State | costIndex |
| Position | State | Median Avg Nursing Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Hawaii | 193.3 |
| 1 | California | $84,997.78 |
2 | New York | 148.2 |
| 2 | Washington | $80,067.11 |
3 | California | 142.2 |
| 3 | Oregon | $79,598.00 |
4 | Massachusetts | 135 |
| 4 | Alaska | $77,079.00 |
5 | Oregon | 130.1 |
| 5 | Connecticut | $76,783.89 |
6 | Alaska | 127.1 |
| 6 | Massachusetts | $75,788.44 |
7 | Maryland | 124 |
| 7 | New York | $75,587.89 |
8 | Connecticut | 121.6 |
| 8 | New Jersey | $75,395.67 |
9 | Rhode Island | 117.2 |
| 9 | District of Columbia | $72,408.78 |
10 | Vermont | 117 |
| 10 | Rhode Island | $72,072.78 |
11 | New Jersey | 115.2 |
| 11 | New Hampshire | $70,314.33 |
12 | Maine | 115 |
| 12 | North Dakota | $69,891.22 |
13 | Washington | 111.6 |
| 13 | Minnesota | $69,718.67 |
14 | New Hampshire | 109.9 |
| 14 | Nevada | $69,611.00 |
15 | Delaware | 107.9 |
| 15 | Maryland | $69,379.89 |
16 | Nevada | 106.3 |
| 16 | Michigan | $69,267.89 |
17 | Colorado | 105.3 |
| 17 | Hawaii | $68,994.22 |
18 | Arizona | 103.2 |
| 18 | Pennsylvania | $68,947.00 |
19 | Pennsylvania | 102.5 |
| 19 | Vermont | $68,873.00 |
20 | Idaho | 102.1 |
| 20 | Maine | $67,826.33 |
21 | Virginia | 101.8 |
| 21 | Arizona | $67,388.56 |
22 | South Dakota | 101 |
| 22 | Wisconsin | $67,343.78 |
23 | Montana | 100.7 |
| 23 | Delaware | $67,080.67 |
24 | Florida | 100.3 |
| 24 | Colorado | $66,904.67 |
25 | Minnesota | 100 |
| 25 | Illinois | $66,509.56 |
26 | Utah | 99 |
| 26 | Utah | $66,147.78 |
27 | North Dakota | 98.2 |
| 27 | New Mexico | $65,823.22 |
28 | Wisconsin | 96.4 |
| 28 | Texas | $64,157.00 |
29 | North Carolina | 95.7 |
| 29 | Ohio | $64,145.00 |
30 | Illinois | 94.3 |
| 30 | Wyoming | $62,866.33 |
31 | Wyoming | 94.3 |
| 31 | Idaho | $62,811.56 |
32 | Nebraska | 93.7 |
| 32 | Iowa | $62,781.56 |
33 | South Carolina | 93.6 |
| 33 | North Carolina | $62,711.56 |
34 | Kentucky | 93.1 |
| 34 | Indiana | $62,346.56 |
35 | Louisiana | 93 |
| 35 | Montana | $62,307.22 |
36 | Texas | 92.1 |
| 36 | Kentucky | $61,509.67 |
37 | Michigan | 91.3 |
| 37 | Georgia | $61,484.67 |
38 | Ohio | 91.3 |
| 38 | Oklahoma | $61,016.78 |
39 | New Mexico | 91 |
| 39 | Mississippi | $60,965.22 |
40 | Arkansas | 90.9 |
| 40 | West Virginia | $60,443.89 |
41 | Indiana | 90.6 |
| 41 | Missouri | $60,281.67 |
42 | West Virginia | 90.5 |
| 42 | Kansas | $59,949.00 |
43 | Iowa | 89.9 |
| 43 | South Dakota | $59,887.56 |
44 | Missouri | 89.8 |
| 44 | Nebraska | $59,798.11 |
45 | Tennessee | 89 |
| 45 | Florida | $59,653.67 |
46 | Georgia | 88.8 |
| 46 | Arkansas | $58,544.11 |
47 | Alabama | 87.9 |
| 47 | South Carolina | $58,357.33 |
48 | Oklahoma | 87.9 |
| 48 | Louisiana | $58,290.56 |
49 | Kansas | 86.5 |
| 49 | Tennessee | $57,799.00 |
50 | Mississippi | 83.3 |
| 50 | Virginia | $57,044.25 |
A note about our data. We use the median of the data gathered from The BLS at data.bls.gov and other salary data sources such as Salary.com, Indeed.com and Zippia.com. We believe that this is the best average to follow, rather than the mean or mode. The mean will find the average of all salaries in each state; the mode will favor the most frequently reported salaries. However, the median will find the middle. All data in this report will favor the middle salary from all ranges, which means 50% will fall below and 50% will be above the salary data reported below. On another note, we have removed data from Puerto Rico, Guam, and The Virgin Islands from the data we have sourced as we have focused on the 50 US States plus The District Of Colombia.
