What Is the Average Salary With a Master’s in Nursing?
Are you ready to earn your online nursing degree?
Credit: SDI Productions / E+ / Getty ImagesEarning a master of science in nursing (MSN) degree after gaining experience as a registered nurse (RN) or earning an undergraduate degree expands the number of available job opportunities and higher-level positions. An MSN degree, which typically takes two years to earn, challenges learners with more difficult coursework and more clinical practice hours than a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN).
Higher wages and greater job options offer just some of the reasons to earn an MSN, especially for MSN-holders who train as advanced practice registered nurses. For instance, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that nurse practitioners (NPs) earned a median salary of $120,680 as of May 2021.
A nurse with an MSN in an advanced practice specialty can pursue some of the most sought-after positions in the healthcare industry, such as nurse anesthetist, family nurse practitioner, and psychiatric nurse practitioner.
Frequently Asked Questions About MSN Nursing Programs
How long does it take to earn an MSN?
MSN degree time lines vary depending on each program. Generally, it takes two years for nurses with undergraduate degrees and three years for an individual with an associate degree to complete. Some programs offer aspiring nurses the opportunity to earn BSNs and MSNs at the same time in an accelerated program.
On average, how much do nurses with MSNs make?
Earning an MSN opens up many higher-paying opportunities compared to BSN-holders. The BLS reports that certified nurse midwives, nurse anesthetists, and NPs earn a median income of $123,780. These higher-paying jobs come with more responsibilities and skills which an MSN provides.
Which career with an MSN pays the most?
A nurse anesthetist receives a median annual salary of $195,610. Most jobs requiring an MSN, especially for advanced practice roles, pay higher wages than those that only require a BSN or associate degree, due to the higher level of necessary skill and experience.
What factors affect a nurse’s salary with an MSN?
An MSN nurse’s salary depends on several different factors, such as location, specialty, and industry. Working in a more populated area typically provides higher wages for nurses.
Top-Paying Industries for MSN Nurse Salary
Each industry in the healthcare system provides varying wages for nurses with MSNs. State, local, and private hospitals offer the highest median salary for MSN nurses with an advanced practice specialty. Wages differ by location, with employers in metropolitan areas typically paying the highest salaries.
| Industry | Median Salary |
|---|---|
| State, Local, and Private Hospitals | $128,190 |
| Outpatient Care Centers | $128,190 |
| Physicians’ Offices | $121,280 |
| Offices of Other Health Practitioners | $104,790 |
| State, Local, and Private Educational Services | $102,680 |
Top-Paying States for MSN Nurse Salary
The following information explores the states that offer the highest-paying average salaries to NPs, certified nurse midwives, and nurse anesthetists. California delivers the highest average MSN salary to NPs and nurse midwives.
California also provides the highest employment levels for nurse midwives. NPs working in California earn an average MSN nurse salary of $151,830, and nurse midwives working in West Virginia make an average salary of $163,190.
Top-Paying States for Nurse Practitioners
Top-Paying States for Nurse Midwives
| State | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| West Virginia | $163,190 |
| Utah | $143,890 |
| California | $137,070 |
| Massachusetts | $129,360 |
| New York | $126,170 |
Top-Paying States for Nurse Anesthetists
| State | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Alaska | Equal to or greater than $100.00 per hour or $208,000 per year |
| Connecticut | $276,540 |
| New Jersey | $263,850 |
| Illinois | $250,280 |
| West Virginia | $247,650 |
Top-Paying Metropolitan Areas for Nurses With MSNs
Metropolitan areas offer the highest-paying wages to MSN nurses. The higher cost of living and the increased number of patients accounts for their higher pay. California boasts the top-paying areas for NPs.
The location of the top-paying metropolitan area for NPs is near one of the most expensive cities to live in the United States. Meanwhile, Charleston, West Virginia, offers a master’s in nursing midwife salary of $169,460.
Top-Paying Metropolitan Areas for Nurse Practitioners
| Metropolitan Area | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| San Jose — Sunnyvale — Santa Clara, CA | $197,870 |
| Napa, CA | $184,700 |
| Vallejo — Fairfield, CA | $180,380 |
| San Francisco — Oakland — Hayward, CA | $177,160 |
| Yuba City, CA | $159,260 |
Top-Paying Metropolitan Areas for Nurse Midwives
| Metropolitan Area | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Charleston, WV | $169,460 |
| San Francisco — Oakland — Hayward, CA | $162,800 |
| San Jose — Sunnyvale — Santa Clara, CA | $157,570 |
| Sacramento — Roseville — Arden-Arcade, CA | $150,990 |
| Salt Lake City, UT | $133,950 |
Top-Paying Metropolitan Areas for Nurse Anesthetists
| Metropolitan Area | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Fairbanks, AK | Equal to or greater than $100.00 per hour or $208,000 per year |
| Green Bay, WI | Equal to or greater than $100.00 per hour or $208,000 per year |
| Madison, WI | Equal to or greater than $100.00 per hour or $208,000 per year |
| Wausau, WI | Equal to or greater than $100.00 per hour or $208,000 per year |
| Springfield, IL | $298,890 |
Salary and Job Growth for Nurses With MSNs
As demand for healthcare workers continues to rise, healthcare job security grows. The BLS projects that employment for advanced practice MSN jobs will grow by 45% from 2020-2030, which is much faster compared to all other occupations in the United States.
The growing population of senior citizens and an increase in chronic conditions contribute to the rising need for healthcare professionals. Nurses with MSNs makeup a large portion of these current and future jobs to care for the elderly and maintain the health of the American people.
How to Earn an MSN
MSN programs typically require a 3.0 GPA or higher in a BSN program, ample clinical experience, an RN license, and recommendation letters. Some also require an application fee. It takes an average of two years to earn an MSN after receiving a BSN. Accelerated programs often allow enrollees to earn bachelor’s and master’s degrees simultaneously.
