School Nurse — Public School Districts, Charter and Private K-12 Schools, U.S. Employers

Public school districts, charter schools and private schools across the United States hire registered nurses to run school health offices, often covering more than one campus.

What the work involves

First aid and emergency response, medication administration, care plans for students with asthma, diabetes, seizures and severe allergies, state-required screenings, immunization compliance, health records, and working with families, teachers and doctors.

Requirements

• A current RN license in the state where the school is
• In states such as California, New Jersey and Pennsylvania, a bachelor's degree and a school nurse credential from the state education agency
• CPR certification and the fingerprint-based background check required for school staff

How the pay works

• Measured pay. The BLS May 2025 median for registered nurses in elementary and secondary schools is $69,340 a year
• Salary schedules. Many districts place school nurses on a certificated or classified salary schedule tied to a school-year contract

Before you apply

Check your state education agency's school nurse credential rules before applying, because a license alone is not enough in every state.

Note: pay, credentials and hiring rules are set by school districts, state boards of nursing and state education agencies — not by Sajad Digital Services. Confirm the details with the district before applying.