That's a tricky question to answer. On the surface, one might assume that a degree as a nurse practitioner or maybe a nurse anesthetist would yield the highest salary per year (six figures). However, in the current climate, a nurse with a two-year degree or a bachelor's degree can make six figures a year as a travel/contract nurse. Where you live and what company you work for also effects salary.
As a certified nurse educator, I can tell you that you need a Bachelors of Science in Nursing. If you want to get into education or administration, you will need a Master’s of Science in Nursing. Now, most universities are asking for a Doctorate of Nursing Practice rather than a Doctorate of Education. Any of these degrees can be done while working full time. Just take a course per semester and you will be done in a short time. Hope this helps!
Degree is great, but it tends to draw you from the bedside. Same with higher salary. Some places pay a couple of bucks an hour more for a degree. BSN/MSN. Same with specialty certifications.
a higher degree
In the Las Vegas area, hospitals are looking for BSN-educated nurses. In skilled nursing facilities, an LPN or RN training will earn more than a certified Nursing Assistant or CNA.
The more education you have, the more opportunities.