Technological advancements have played a key role in all facets related to healthcare during the past several decades, resulting in an increasing need for nurses with advanced knowledge and skillsets, like those with an MSN degree.
A Master of Science in Nursing, commonly referred to as an MSN degree, is an occupational credential that comes with high salary potential. Aspiring nurses with a desire to leave a lasting impression on high-level health and policy will find an MSN degree allows them to do just that. An MSN degree also allows a graduate to broaden career paths and increase earning potential at the same time.
Here’s a look at six of the highest paying jobs for those with an MSN degree.
1. Advanced Nurse Practitioner
As an advanced practitioner, you will likely earn an MSN salary upward of $100,000 a year. Two of the more common positions that you’ll find in this role are General Nurse Practitioner and Family Nurse Practitioner.
A general nurse practitioner has a heightened impact on general healthcare for the public. A general nurse practitioner typically works at local clinics and medical facilities. Many practitioners open their own practices. A general nurse practitioner diagnoses and treats ill patients from various backgrounds.
You will also be able to prescribe medications if you become an advanced nurse practitioner.
2. Nurse Anesthetist
The MSN salary of a nurse anesthetist can reach up to $150,000 a year. Masters-level nursing careers, this position is one of the most prestigious. MSN degree programs that allow you to become a nurse anesthetist are typically extremely extensive and require a great deal of field experience.
Due to the advanced skills required, medical facilities will want to hire you to treat patients undergoing important surgeries. The work environment is often fast-paced and will demand pristine accuracy and attention to detail.
3. Research Nurse
Research nursing is a growing field largely due to the expansion of the internet. As the world wide web continues to grow, this enhances communication capabilities among medical professionals. And due to expanded knowledge, there is a greater need for advanced medical research, which has created many positions for research nurses.
This position typically comes with an MSN salary ranging from $75,000 up to $95,000 a year. A research nurse may be tasked with writing articles for medical journals; this is why research nurses need polished writing skills. Some research nurses fill the role of a clinical nurse while also having a specialized focus on various areas of medical research. It’s not uncommon to find research nurses writing proposals or working in labs.
4. Nurse Consultants
Nurse consultants have a unique way to use an MSN degree because they can usually find employment in just about any industry. Nurse consultants often work in hospitals but many of them work for insurance companies and independent pharmaceutical companies. The insurance industry also employs a large number of nurse consultants.
The average annual MSN salary of a nurse consultant is $87,000. This position is especially favorable if you want to provide an analysis in legal issues that involve healthcare policies and regulations.
5. Nurse Administrator
Nurse administrators usually have a large number of senior-level responsibilities. They may be in charge of entire departments in hospitals, with some overseeing entire medical facilities housing multiple departments.
Because of the crucial role they play in the administration and development of a facility, nurse administrators can earn up to $200,000 a year.
6. Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Another way to earn a high MSN salary is to become a mental health nurse practitioner. You will work with patients from varying backgrounds in this position; however, it’s not uncommon for mental health practitioners to have a specialty area of occupation, such as substance abuse.
Mental health nurse practitioners typically have a salary of $100,000 a year. Possible places of employment include rehab centers, mental health hospitals, schools, and many others.
Key MSN Salary Takeaways
Graduating with an MSN degree is an excellent option for those who want a career in nursing and to also earn a high salary.
Want to check out your potential nurse MSN salary? Use the nurse salary estimator to see what nurses are making all around the country. If you think you might want to start or extend your nursing education, take a look at our free online nursing CEUs.
Free nursing salary estimate
Get a personalized salary estimate for your location and nursing credentials.
