There are many reasons RNs choose to go back to school and earn a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN). However, one of the most attractive reasons is the master’s in nursing salary. Nurses with an MSN degree further their education, gain career opportunities and impact and increase their paycheck.
Earning an MSN degree paves the way for several career paths for registered nurses (RNs). Let’s look at the Master of Science in Nursing salary broken down by specialty, state and highest-paid jobs.
How Much Do MSN Nurses Make?
According to Payscale*, the average MSN nurse salary is $104,000 However, your actual salary will depend on your experience and the specialty you decide to pursue.
Below are the average master degree in nursing salary ranges for advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs), nurse administrators and nurse instructors.
Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) Salaries
Advanced practice nurses hold a master’s degree or doctoral degree in a focus area. Some of the most popular roles for advanced practice nurses include certified nurse practitioner, certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA), certified nurse midwife, family nurse practitioner (FNP) and clinical nurse specialist.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the average annual salary for nurse practitioners in 2023 was $129,480.2 However, your actual MSN degree salary will depend on your nursing career path.
Using current salaries on Payscale*, we compare the salary ranges and average annual salary for over 25 of the top APRN jobs in the country.
| JOB TITLE | MSN NURSING SALARY RANGES* | AVG. MSN NURSING SALARY PER YEAR* |
|---|---|---|
| Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) | $131,000-$234,0003 | $184,0153 |
| Psychiatric Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner (ARNP) | $102,000-151,0004 | $125,3624 |
| Hospitalist Nurse Practitioner (NP) | $95,000-$140,0005 | $113,8835 |
| Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (ACNP) | $93,000-138,0006 | $112,7266 |
| Cardiovascular Surgery Nurse Practitioner (NP) | $82,000-$128,0007 | $102,1527 |
| Hospitalist Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner (ARNP) | $96,000-152,0008 | $119,7928 |
| Neonatal Nurse Practitioner (NP) | $95,000-143,0009 | $117,8949 |
| Cardiovascular Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner (ARNP) | $90,000,132,00010 | $107,67410 |
| Adult Nurse Practitioner (ANP) | $91,000-$133,00011 | $109,91411 |
| Urgent Care Nurse Practitioner (NP) | $85,000-$135,00012 | $111,64912 |
| Internal Medicine Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner (ARNP) | $86,000-$116,00013 | $97,37813 |
| Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner (ARNP) | $89,000-$135,00014 | $109,742 14 |
| Dermatology Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner (ARNP) | $83,000-131,00015 | $102,99915 |
| Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) | $85,000-$133,00016 | $105,20116 |
| Nurse Practitioner (NP) | $87,000-$136,00017 | $108,01517 |
| Family Nurse Practitioner (NP) | $87,000-$130,00018 | $104,59218 |
| Certified Nurse Midwife | $88,000-$136,00019 | $106,46019 |
| Laser Dermatology Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner (ARNP) | $0-$100,00020 | $100,00020 |
| Gastroenterology Nurse Practitioner (NP) | $87,000-$130,00021 | $107,07521 |
| Pediatrics Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner (ARNP) | $69,000-$117,00022 | $97,42722 |
| Certified Registered Nurse Practitioner (CRNP) | $83,000-$128,00023 | $103,22823 |
| Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner (NP) | $79,000-$127,00024 | $102,33024 |
| Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner (AGNP) | $80,000-$128,00025 | $107,99025 |
| Clinical Nurse Specialist | $74,000-$131,00026 | $101,23326 |
| Pediatrics Nurse Practitioner (NP) | $82,000-$129,00027 | $101,24927 |
| Informatics Nurse | $68,000-$111,00028 | $84,72928 |
| Critical Care Nurse | $58,000-$104,00029 | $83,15129 |
Nurse Administrator Salaries
If you’re seeking a leadership role, you can become a nurse administrator. Nurse administrators need an advanced degree along with business leadership skills. Some popular nurse executive roles include clinical nurse leader, manager, chief nursing officer and more.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), medical and health service managers make a median salary of $110,680.30 However, the more experience you have, the higher your Master of Science in Nursing salary will be. Below are some of the top nurse administrator roles ranked from highest to lowest pay.
| JOB TITLE | MSN NURSING SALARY RANGES* | AVG. MSN DEGREE SALARY PER YEAR* |
|---|---|---|
| Chief Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) | $167,000-$255,00031 | $206,86931 |
| Chief Nursing Officer (CNO) | $104,000-$224,00032 | $145,36432 |
| Clinical Informatics Manager | $68,000-$137,00033 | $105,65433 |
| Director, Clinical Services | $69,000-$143,00034 | $97,71434 |
| Nursing Manager | $73,000-$129,00035 | $95,84835 |
| Nursing Director | $67,000-$126,00036 | $90,69736 |
| Clinical Nurse Manager | $67,000-$120,00037 | $90,27337 |
| Clinical Nurse Leader | $69,000-$118,00038 | $89,71038 |
| Legal Nurse Consultant | $66,000-$132,00039 | $88,12639 |
| Registered Nurse (RN) Supervisor | $63,000-$111,00040 | $84,08040 |
| Assistant Director of Nursing (ADON) | $62,000-$105,00041 | $81,14641 |
| Nurse Case Manager | $64,000-$99,00042 | $80,03342 |
| Clinical Manager | $53,000-$104,00043 | $76,38943 |
Nurse Instructor Salaries
If you don’t want to work in a hospital, consider a career as a nurse educator. Like the other MSN roles, nurse educators require an advanced degree and get paid well.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), nursing instructors and postsecondary teachers earn a median annual wage of $80,780.44 Your master’s of nursing salary will depend on your experience, location, field and the school where you work. Below are some popular nurse instructor jobs and their average annual master’s in nursing salary.
| JOB TITLE | MSN NURSING SALARY RANGES* | AVG. MSN NURSING SALARY PER YEAR* |
|---|---|---|
| Nurse Researcher | $63,000-$147,00045 | $81,50045 |
| Clinical Educator | $63,000-$114,00046 | $83,50346 |
| Nurse Educator | $63,000-$115,00047 | $84,90747 |
| Clinical Research Nurse | $60,000-$103,00048 | $76,358 48 |
| Nursing Instructor | $51,000-$96,00049 | $69,94149 |
Top Five Jobs with Highest-Paying Master’s in Nursing Salary
1. Chief Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA)
Chief nurse anesthetists coordinate and supervise anesthetic procedures in healthcare settings. They evaluate patients, develop anesthetic plans, and oversee their implementation before, during, and after operations. CRNAs provide leadership to the anesthesia team while ensuring patient safety and optimal care through advanced technical expertise and clinical judgment. 50
Average annual master’s in nursing salary for Chief Nurse Anesthetists: $204,952 50
2. Chief Nursing Officer (CNO)
Chief nursing officers direct all nursing activities within healthcare facilities, ensuring optimal patient care through effective staff management and resource allocation. They oversee nursing operations, manage budgets, develop care strategies, and lead staff education while collaborating with hospital leadership to improve nursing processes and maintain quality standards. 32
Average annual master’s in nursing salary for Chief Nursing Officers: $146,490 32
3. Nurse Anesthetist
Nurse anesthetists administer anesthesia and monitor patients during medical procedures. They conduct pre-procedure evaluations, determine appropriate anesthesia plans, and work alongside anesthesiologists and surgical teams. These advanced practice nurses must combine technical expertise with compassionate patient care while maintaining calm under pressure. 3
Average annual master’s in nursing salary for Nurse Anesthetists: $184,015 3
4. Hospitalist Nurse Practitioner (NP)
Hospitalist nurse practitioners provide comprehensive medical care to hospitalized patients. They assess patients, diagnose conditions, create treatment plans, and coordinate with healthcare teams. Working within hospital settings, these advanced practice nurses manage ongoing patient care while maintaining detailed medical records and communicating with families and healthcare professionals. 5
Average annual master’s in nursing salary for Hospitalist Nurse Practitioners: $113,883 5
5. Neonatal Nurse Practitioner (NP)
Neonatal nurse practitioners specialize in caring for newborn infants with conditions ranging from minor to life-threatening. They provide critical care in hospital settings, collaborating with healthcare teams and families. These advanced practice nurses must combine specialized clinical expertise with compassionate care while working various shifts to ensure 24/7 patient coverage. 9
Average annual master’s in nursing salary for Neonatal Nurse Practitioners: $117,894 9
Earn Your Master of Science in Nursing Degree Today
Earning a Master of Science in Nursing degree is one of the best things you can do for yourself as an RN. Your opportunities will widen and your impact will double. Not to mention the master’s degree in nursing salary increase you’ll enjoy.
At the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences (USAHS) School of Nursing, we are building future leaders and advanced health care practitioners. Our Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program offers both online and on-campus options, including role specialties like Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP), Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP), and Nurse Executive.
If you are interested in earning your MSN or another advanced degree, contact the USAHS admissions office today.
*The information provided on this website is based on self-reported data and is intended for general informational purposes only. PayScale is a limited data source that relies on voluntary submissions from individuals and employers. Please be aware that the accuracy, completeness, and reliability of the data may vary due to its voluntary nature and limited scope. While efforts are made to maintain the data’s accuracy, we cannot guarantee its absolute correctness or currency.
Sources:
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- Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, “Nurse Anesthetists, Nurse Midwives, and Nurse Practitioners: Summary” Occupational Outlook Handbook, August 29, 2024, https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/nurse-anesthetists-nurse-midwives-and-nurse-practitioners.htm.
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- Payscale, “Average Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner (NP) Salary,” Payscale, August 13, 2024, https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Women%27s_Health_Nurse_Practitioner_(NP)/Salary.
- Payscale, “Average Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner (AGNP) Salary,” Payscale, June 6, 2024, https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Adult-Gerontology_Nurse_Practitioner_(AGNP)/Salary.
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- Payscale, “Average Nurse Researcher Salary,” Payscale, Jun 4, 2024, https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Nurse_Researcher/Salary.
- Payscale, “Average Clinical Educator Salary,” Payscale, July 11, 2024, https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Clinical_Educator/Salary.
- Payscale, “Average Nurse Educator Salary,” Payscale, August 6, 2024, https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Nurse_Educator/Salary.
- Payscale “Average Clinical Research Nurse Salary,” Payscale, May 28 2024, https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Clinical_Research_Nurse/Salary.
- Payscale, “Average Nurse Instructor Salary,” Payscale, July 31, 2024, https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Nursing_Instructor/Salary.
- Payscale, “Average Chief Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) with Scheduling Skills Salary,” Payscale, July 24, 2023, https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Chief_Nurse_Anesthetist_(CRNA)/Salary/33388b6d/Scheduling.
