What is the average Nurse salary for Santa Cruz, CA?
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As of July 01, 2026, the average Nurse salary in Santa Cruz, CA is $93,411. The chart below represents localized salaries for some of our most popular Nurse job titles in Santa Cruz, CA. Salaries can vary greatly depending on numerous factors, including position, location, years of experience, and level of education. Salary.com’s team of Certified Compensation Professionals analyzed survey data collected from thousands of HR departments at companies of all sizes and industries to compile a range of salaries for various Nurse job titles in Santa Cruz, CA. Apply your personal criteria to one of the job titles below to get your personalized salary estimate.
Nurse Salaries in Santa Cruz, CA
| Job Title | Salary | Hourly Rate | Location | Date Updated |
| Staff Nurse - RN II | $102,005 | $49.04 | Santa Cruz, CA | July 01, 2026 |
| Staff Nurse - RN III | $117,909 | $56.69 | Santa Cruz, CA | July 01, 2026 |
| Staff Nurse - RN - Occupational Health | $107,078 | $51.48 | Santa Cruz, CA | July 01, 2026 |
| Staff Nurse Senior- RN - Occupational Health | $120,572 | $57.97 | Santa Cruz, CA | July 01, 2026 |
| School Nurse | $65,516 | $31.50 | Santa Cruz, CA | July 01, 2026 |
| Charge Nurse | $109,351 | $52.57 | Santa Cruz, CA | July 01, 2026 |
| Forensic Nurse - RN | $112,726 | $54.20 | Santa Cruz, CA | July 01, 2026 |
| Telemedicine Registered Nurse | $113,128 | $54.39 | Santa Cruz, CA | July 01, 2026 |
| Appeal Resolution Nurse | $104,407 | $50.20 | Santa Cruz, CA | July 01, 2026 |
| Float Nurse - RN | $112,498 | $54.09 | Santa Cruz, CA | July 01, 2026 |
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Provides professional nursing care to assigned patients. Records patient histories, performs various diagnostic tests, administers medications, and develops patient care plans in conjunction with other medical professionals. Assists physicians during examinations and procedures, operating and monitoring medical equipment as necessary. Observes patients' progress and records observations in patient medical records. Promotes patients' independence by teaching patients and families to understand conditions, medications, and self-care skills. May require a bachelor's degree in nursing. Requires a valid state Registered Nurse (RN) license. Typically reports to a manager or head of a unit/department. Occasionally directed in several aspects of the work. Gaining exposure to some of the complex tasks within the job function. Typically requires 2-4 years of related experience. Staff Nurse - RN II Salaries in Santa Cruz, CAAlternate Job Titles:Intermediate Registered Nurse - Staff, Registered Nurse (RN), Level 2, Staff Nurse - RN IICategory : Healthcare - Nursing
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Provides professional nursing care to assigned patients. Records patient histories, performs various diagnostic tests, administers medications, and develops patient care plans in conjunction with other medical professionals. Assists physicians during examinations and procedures, operating and monitoring medical equipment as necessary. Observes patients' progress and records observations in patient medical records. Promotes patients' independence by teaching patients and families to understand conditions, medications, and self-care skills. May focus on a specific medical specialty. May require a bachelor's degree in nursing. Requires a valid state Registered Nurse (RN) license. Typically reports to a manager or head of a unit/department. Work is generally independent and collaborative in nature. Contributes to moderately complex aspects of a project. Typically requires 4-7 years of related experience. Staff Nurse - RN III Salaries in Santa Cruz, CAAlternate Job Titles:Registered Nurse (RN), Level 3, Senior Registered Nurse - Staff, Staff Nurse - RN IIICategory : Healthcare - Nursing
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Provides professional nursing care to on-site employees. Treats occupational injuries and illnesses, referring patients to emergency care facilities or outside medical resources as needed. Performs pre-employment physical examinations, including vision and hearing screenings, blood work, and other related tests. Maintains employee medical records and ensures that record keeping procedures comply with legal and confidentiality requirements. May be responsible for administering flu vaccinations, workers' compensation, disability, and/or employee health and safety training programs. Requires a bachelor's degree in nursing or equivalent. Requires a Registered Nurse (RN) license. Typically reports to a manager or head of a unit/department. Occasionally directed in several aspects of the work. Gaining exposure to some of the complex tasks within the job function. Typically requires 2-4 years of related experience. Staff Nurse - RN - Occupational Health Salaries in Santa Cruz, CAAlternate Job Titles:Occupational Health Unit Nurse, RN - Occupational Health, Staff Nurse - RN - Occupational Health
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Provides professional nursing care to on-site employees. Treats occupational injuries and illnesses, referring patients to emergency care facilities or outside medical resources as needed. Performs pre-employment physical examinations, including vision and hearing screenings, blood work, and other related tests. Maintains employee medical records and ensures that record-keeping procedures comply with legal and confidentiality requirements. May be responsible for administering flu vaccination, workers' compensation, disability, and/or employee health and safety training programs. Typically requires a bachelor's degree in nursing or equivalent. Requires a Registered Nurse (RN) license. Typically reports to a manager or head of a unit/department. Work is generally independent and collaborative in nature. Contributes to moderately complex aspects of a project. Typically requires 4-7 years of related experience. Staff Nurse Senior- RN - Occupational Health Salaries in Santa Cruz, CAAlternate Job Titles:Senior Occupational Health Unit Nurse, Senior RN - Occupational Health, Staff Nurse Senior- RN - Occupational Health
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Provides nursing care to students and staff within a school setting. Responsible for assessing student health, providing first aid and emergency care, administering medications, managing chronic conditions, and educating students and staff on health-related topics. Focuses on promoting health and preventing illness to ensure a safe and healthy learning environment. Requires an associate degree in nursing. Requires Registered Nurse (RN). Typically reports to a school principal. Work is closely managed. Works on projects/matters of limited complexity in a support role. Typically requires 0-2 years of related experience. School Nurse Salaries in Santa Cruz, CAAlternate Job Titles:In- School Nurse (RN), School NurseCategories : Healthcare - Practitioners , Education , Healthcare - Nursing , Non-Profit and Social Services
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Plans, directs, and evaluates the overall nursing care and functions in a particular nursing unit or during an assigned shift. Coordinates the activities of the unit and directs, organizes, and assigns work to the nursing staff. Assesses, monitors, and educates the nursing staff on patient care. Institutes emergency procedures as necessary. Requires a bachelor's degree in nursing. Requires Registered Nurse (RN). Typically requires Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS). Typically reports to a manager. Supervises a small group of para-professional staff in an organization characterized by highly transactional or repetitive processes. Contributes to the development of processes and procedures. Typically requires 3 years experience in the related area as an individual contributor. Thorough knowledge of functional area under supervision. Charge Nurse Salaries in Santa Cruz, CAAlternate Job Titles:Patient Placement/Charge Nurse, Shift Charge Nurse, Charge Nurse
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Provides compassionate, trauma-informed medical care to patients after an assault. Collects and documents forensic evidence and findings to support investigations and court proceedings. Assesses and treats injuries and may provide medications for sexually transmitted infection (STI) prevention and emergency contraception. May testify in court as expert witnesses and coordinate with law enforcement and advocacy services. Typically requires a bachelor's degree in nursing Requires a Registered Nurse (RN) license.. Typically reports to a manager. Years of experience may be unspecified. Certification and/or licensing in the position's specialty is the main requirement. Forensic Nurse - RN Salaries in Santa Cruz, CAAlternate Job Titles:Forensic Nurse Examiner, Forensic Nurse - RN
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Provides and manages care for patients remotely using telemedicine technology and tools. Follows nursing protocols in assessing patient condition, identifying needs, and answering patient questions. Collaborates with physicians to assess and direct patients to the appropriate level of medical care delivery. Utilizes video conferencing, mobile health applications, and remote patient monitoring devices to collect and record health data. Requires a bachelor's degree in nursing. Requires Registered Nurse (RN). Typically reports to a manager or head of a unit/department. Work is generally independent and collaborative in nature. Contributes to moderately complex aspects of a project. Typically requires 4 -7 years of related experience. Telemedicine Registered Nurse Salaries in Santa Cruz, CAAlternate Job Titles:Telemedicine Staff Nurse (RN), Telemedicine Registered Nurse
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Reviews clinical aspects of claim appeals and grievances to determine medical necessity and appropriate resolution. Evaluates medical records, treatment history, and clinical guidelines to support appeal determinations. Applies plan provisions, regulatory criteria, and evidence-based standards to assess disputed claims. Collaborates with physicians, medical directors, and appeal staff to reach clinically sound decisions. Documents clinical rationale and findings clearly and within required timelines and systems. Ensures compliance with applicable regulations, accreditation standards, and company policies. Typically requires a bachelor's degree in nursing. Requires a Registered Nurse (RN) license. Typically reports to a manager. Work is generally independent and collaborative in nature. Contributes to moderately complex aspects of a project. Typically requires 4-7 years of related experience. Appeal Resolution Nurse Salaries in Santa Cruz, CAAlternate Job Titles:Grievance and Appeals Resolution Nurse, Appeal Resolution NurseCategory : Healthcare - Administrative
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Responsible for providing professional nursing care to assigned patients across multiple departments or units within a healthcare facility, stepping in wherever there is a staffing shortage or increased patient demand. Records patient histories, performs various diagnostic tests, administers medications, and develops patient care plans in conjunction with other medical professionals. Assists physicians during examinations and procedures, operating and monitoring medical equipment, as necessary. Observes patients' progress and records observations in patient medical records. Typically requires a bachelor's degree in nursing. Requires a Registered Nurse (RN) license. Typically reports to a manager. Years of experience may be unspecified. Certification and/or licensing in the position's specialty is the main requirement. Float Nurse - RN Salaries in Santa Cruz, CAAlternate Job Titles:Float Pool Registered Nurse, Float Nurse - RNCategory : Healthcare - Practitioners