How Much Do School Nurses Make?

School nurses help students maintain their well-being and learn healthy behaviors. These professionals ensure health issues do not impair a student’s academic success.

Although school nurse salaries are less than other registered nurse (RN) specialties, school nurses benefit from working in a low-stress environment with a predictable schedule.

This page explores school nurse salaries, some of the highest-paying states, and ways to increase your salary.

The annual pay for school nurses ranges $33,000-$65,000, with an average yearly salary of $47,650, according to Payscale data from June 2022. In comparison, RNs earn a yearly average salary of $68,620. While school nurses need the same license as RNs, on average they make less than RNs who work in other settings.

The average salary for school nurses varies by experience, educational background, and certifications. While they need at least an associate degree in nursing (ADN), school nurses with a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) or a master of science in nursing (MSN) can earn a higher annual wage.

School nurses can also pursue various voluntary certifications to showcase their commitment and expertise in the specialization, which can help increase their employment opportunities and earning potential.

Although the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics (BLS) does not specifically track state-by-state compensation for school nurses, the average salary is comparable to that of an RN since they share similar educational and professional backgrounds.

According to the BLS, the highest-paying states for RNs can be found in the western part of the country. They include California ($124,000), Hawaii ($106,530), Oregon ($98,630), the District of Columbia ($98,540), and Alaska ($97,230). Despite the higher salaries, these states have a higher cost of living, which tends to balance earnings when compared to other states.

School nurses who work in metropolitan areas can also expect salaries above those who work in rural locations. The increased population in cities directly influences student enrollment; therefore, school nurses who work in these areas have increased responsibilities, which often leads to better pay.

There are several ways for school nurses to increase their annual salary, such as obtaining certification, acquiring a graduate degree in nursing, gaining administrative experience, and/or switching practice settings.

When compared to other nurse specialties, school nurses earn a slightly lower annual salary. However, they often benefit from a less hectic schedule, with nights, weekends, and summers off. While school nurses earn an average annual salary of $47,650, Payscale finds that pediatric nurses ($61,450), public health nurses ($63,410), geriatric nurses ($70,290), and oncology nurses ($76,630) have higher earning potential.

Outside of possessing clinical knowledge and a solid understanding of how to promote healthy living, school nurses must provide comprehensive care to children, be positive role models, and communicate effectively with staff, parents, and students. They should be comfortable providing students with a wide range of medical care and advice while helping them develop mentally and emotionally.

According to the National Association of School Nurses, over 25% of schools did not employ a school nurse prior to the COVID-19 outbreak. The pandemic has increased this shortage, as many school nurses have left their position due to burnout stemming from the need to design and implement new safety guidelines.

Although the BLS does not track school nurse pay specifically, their salary is comparable to the earnings of a general RN. California RN salaries top the list at a mean annual wage of $124,000.

Compared to other RNs who work in more fast-paced settings, such as hospitals and clinics, the work of a school nurse can carry less stress. School nurses also benefit from a predictable schedule with nights, weekends, and summers off, which can help them avoid burnout.