Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Salary
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Salary: Career Opportunities and Earnings
Obtaining a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) is an advanced educational qualification in healthcare that offers considerable salary benefits. Nurses who aspire to make a significant impact in health and policy will find that earning an MSN degree is key to achieving this ambition. Furthermore, an MSN degree provides graduates with a range of career options and improved earning potential.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, nursing roles requiring an MSN degree have a median annual salary of $123,780, roughly translating to about $59.51 per hour. Nurses with an MSN typically earn around 50% more than those who have only a bachelor's degree. Registered nurses, for example, report an average annual salary of $82,750.
Explore local job openings and find answers to your nursing career inquiries.
Let's Start! What is Your Current Position?
- Staff nurse
- Manager
- Other
Industry Differentiation in Salaries
Nurses with an MSN degree can anticipate the highest salaries in hospitals and outpatient care centers compared to educational and other fields. Below are the average salaries by industry:
- Hospitals (state, local, and private): $128,190
- Outpatient care centers: $128,190
- Offices of physicians: $121,280
- Offices of other health practitioners: $104,790
- Educational services (state, local, and private): $102,680
Highest-Paying Roles for Nurses with an MSN Degree
- Nurse Anesthetist – $205,770
Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) deliver anesthesia for medical procedures while prioritizing patient comfort and safety. Their crucial responsibilities require extensive education, including an MSN degree, which is reflected in their average annual salary of $205,770, or $98.93 hourly. Learn more about this role at the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists. - Nurse Administrator – up to $200,000
Nurse administrators oversee entire departments within hospitals or, in larger facilities, multiple departments. Their essential role in administration and development requires a master’s degree, allowing earnings to reach as high as $200,000 a year. Explore opportunities at Nurse.org. - Nurse Practitioner – $118,040 per year
Nurse practitioners (NPs) serve as advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) who independently manage patient care and disease prevention. They are authorized to prescribe medications as advanced nurse practitioners, necessitating an MSN or a higher qualification, with an average salary of $118,040 annually, or $56.75 per hour. Discover more at the American Association of Nurse Practitioners. - Nurse Consultant – $87,000
Nurse consultants typically require a master's degree in nursing and often work with insurance companies or pharmaceutical firms. They may also participate in legal matters related to healthcare regulations and policies. The average annual income for a nurse consultant is approximately $87,000. - Research Nurse – $75,000+
Research nurses play a key role in developing novel medical treatments, medications, and vaccines, while also aiding in patient care during research studies. Their pioneering research contributes vital knowledge to the medical field, driving advancements in nursing and healthcare. Salaries for this role usually range from $75,000 to $95,000 a year.
Pursuing an MSN degree is an excellent pathway for those looking to establish a nursing career while also achieving significant financial rewards. Whether you are interested in advancing your clinical expertise or moving into administrative and leadership roles, an MSN opens up a wide range of opportunities.
Interested in learning about your potential salary with an MSN degree? Check out the nurse salary estimator to discover earnings across the nation.
Explore More Job Opportunities
Find the latest nursing job openings and resources to help with your career planning at GoodWork.
