Best-Paying MSN Jobs in Nursing

Registered nurses (RNs) can consider earning a master’s in nursing (MSN) to advance their careers. Earning an MSN allows graduates to pursue advanced clinical, research, or teaching roles, offering increased pay, responsibilities, and career opportunities.

Direct-entry MSN programs require a bachelor’s degree in nursing from an accredited program. Explore advanced nursing positions, job responsibilities, and earning potential on this page.

Gaining experience allows RNs to discover nurse specialty areas they enjoy most. Each specialty offers different perks, including notable increases in pay.

MSN graduates can pursue roles as advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) after passing an exam and earning their APRN licenses. APRNs provide direct patient care and include nurse anesthetists, nurse practitioners, and midwives. Non-patient-facing roles include nurse consultants, researchers, and educators.

Our list ranks the eight top-paying advanced nurse practitioner roles. When considering an MSN career path, compare and contrast the responsibilities, pay, and patient population of the following positions.

Yes, MSN-prepared nurses earn significantly more than BSN-prepared nurses. RNs earn $81,220 in median annual salary while APRNS, including nurse practitioners, nurse midwives, and nurse anesthetists, earn around $125,900, according to the BLS. However, many factors can affect earning potential, including work environment, geographic location, work shifts, and experience.

MSN holders can take on leadership roles and more responsibilities than RNs with a BSN. For instance, MSN holders can pursue their APRN licenses. Depending on their state of residence, APRNs can prescribe medication and serve as primary care providers without working under a physician.

RNs perform multiple tasks, which can vary by work environment. Responsibilities include conducting assessments, recording medical symptoms, administering treatment or medications, or educating patients. While RNs play a significant role in managing or maintaining patient health, RNs with a bachelor of science in nursing cannot perform certain duties and must work under nurse practitioners and physicians.

It can be worth it to get an MSN if you want to advance in your nursing career. Earning an MSN helps you pursue many job opportunities in direct patient care, education, and research.

Currently, only about 17% of nurses hold an MSN nationwide in 2022, according to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing. The demand for nurse practitioners with an advanced degree exceeds the number of professionals in the field.

The BLS projects a 45% increase in demand for nurse practitioners from 2022-2032, which is much faster than average. RNs with experience and interested in pursuing a specialty or advancing in their careers, can apply to online MSN programs, allowing them to work while earning their degree.

It’s important to note that MSN programs cost thousands of dollars and would not offer a good return on a student’s investment if they study a field they could eventually dislike.

RNs not yet ready for MSN program may want to consider shadowing practitioners in different specialties or securing employment in a setting that allows them to work with their target population.

RNs considering an MSN may hesitate when they see the cost of obtaining this advanced degree. However, practitioners working in hospitals can often access financial help. RNs should contact their HR manager to see what financial assistance is available.

While employers rarely pay for tuition directly out of pocket, hospitals may offer tuition reimbursement, as a highly educated staff offers a great return on investment. Tuition reimbursement can range from 50-100%, depending on the hospital.

Hospitals offering tuition reimbursement often require applicants to commit to working for the hospital for a certain number of years. Likewise, tuition reimbursement may also include a minimum GPA requirement. RNs should note that they can become fully responsible for repaying the hospital should they break their commitment.

RNs can complete their MSN degrees online, as these programs offer more flexibility than in-person programs. However, hospitals typically provide students with a flexible or abbreviated work schedule that allows practitioners to complete their degrees.

A BSN and an MSN both offer access to high-paying careers with ample job opportunities in multiple specialty areas. However, determining which degree to get depends on your aspirations, experience, and education. For instance, without an RN license, you do not qualify to apply for an MSN and would need to obtain a BSN before considering an MSN.

RNs with an associate degree in nursing can complete an RN-to-BSN or an RN-to-MSN program. These professionals should consider how much time they want to invest in earning another degree, program costs, and ideal roles they wish to apply for to determine which program meets their needs.

BSN-prepared nurses with RN experience can consider enrolling in an MSN, as a master of nursing salary typically offers higher earning potential. RNs interested in a terminal degree can consider a BSN-to-DNP bridge program.