Salary Guide for Clinical Nurse Specialists
A clinical nurse specialist (CNS) is an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) who specializes in a particular population, setting, or condition. For example, they can focus on oncology, pediatrics, adult-gerontology, emergency care, or mental healthcare. The majority of clinical nurse specialists earn over $100,000 annually, making it a financially rewarding career choice.
Clinical nurse specialists receive competitive annual salaries that align with other advanced practice nursing roles. Continue reading to discover high-paying states and anticipated employment growth for CNS professionals.
This guide provides details on typical CNS salaries, opportunities for salary growth, and strategies to enhance your earnings as a clinical nurse specialist.
Average Salary for Clinical Nurse Specialists
The salary of clinical nurse specialists varies based on factors such as location, experience, concentration, and education. CNS salaries are generally on par with other APRNs, including nurse practitioners (NPs). In fact, as of February 2022, NPs reported an average salary of $99,850 according to Payscale, with nurse midwives earning an average of $100,050.
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CNS salaries tend to be highest for those who hold a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree, individuals with more experience, and those working in high-demand regions.
– Average Annual Salary: $93,860 (Source: Payscale, February 2023)
– Average Hourly Wage: $43.79 (Source: Payscale, February 2023)
Salary Growth Prospects for Clinical Nurse Specialists
Nearly half (48.9%) of CNS professionals earn salaries exceeding $100,000, and 6.5% receive salaries of $150,001 or more. With increasing demand, it’s likely that CNS salaries will continue to rise, perhaps even surpassing their current levels. Moreover, the National Association of Clinical Nurse Specialists (NACNS) is advocating for all CNS professionals to obtain a DNP by 2030, a change that could lead to higher CNS salaries.
| Annual Salary Range | Percentage of Clinical Nurse Specialists |
|---|---|
| Less than or equal to $75,000 | 6.5% |
| $75,001 — $100,000 | 21.6% |
| $100,001 — $125,000 | 29% |
| $125,001 — $150,000 | 13.4% |
| $150,001 or more | 6.5% |
Source: NACNS – The Role of the CNS: Findings from the 2020 Census
Highest-Paying States for Clinical Nurse Specialists
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) doesn’t provide specific data on CNS salaries, but looking at nurse practitioner salary data can offer insights into where CNS salaries may be highest. Notably, California boasts the highest average NP salary at $145,970, followed by New Jersey at $130,890, Washington at $126,480, New York at $126,440, and Massachusetts at $126,050. Keep in mind that these states often have a higher cost of living, particularly in urban areas, so consider this when assessing CNS salary offers or planning your practice location.
Comparison of Clinical Nurse Specialist Salaries with Other Nursing Roles
While advanced practice nurses earn more than registered nurses, CNS salaries typically fall below the earnings of most other APRNs. Nurse anesthetists, who command the highest salaries, are more likely to hold a DNP. Nurse midwives and nurse practitioners often serve as primary care providers. Only 24.4% of clinical nurse specialists have the authority to prescribe medications, which may explain part of the difference in salary between CNS professionals and other APRNs.
3 Strategies to Boost Your Income as a Clinical Nurse Specialist
If you aspire to become a CNS and earn more than the average CNS salary, you have two main options: advance your credentials or seek a practice setting that offers higher compensation. The right choice for you depends on your career objectives and personal preferences.
1. Pursue Roles with Prescriptive Authority
– In states where clinical nurse specialists can apply for prescription authority, they often earn a higher salary. According to NACNS, 24.4% of clinical nurse specialists have prescriptive authority. The process to attain this authority varies by state and typically involves completing advanced courses in pharmacology. It may also require prescribing under a physician’s supervision for a specified period or permanently. In some cases, separate approval may be needed for prescribing controlled substances.
2. Attain a Doctor of Nursing Practice Degree
– Earning a DNP is another path to increase your earning potential as a CNS. In 2020, 15.6% of CNS professionals already held a DNP, as endorsed by NACNS. By 2030, the NACNS recommends the DNP as the entry-level degree for CNS specialization, which could result in higher CNS salaries.
3. Explore Different Practice Settings
– If you have geographic flexibility or can change employers or practice settings, you may find a higher CNS salary in areas with greater demand. Outpatient nurses tend to earn higher average salaries, as do those working in government healthcare settings. Working in a designated Health Professional Shortage Area can also lead to a higher CNS salary, thanks to federal government subsidies for healthcare workers. Additionally, the cost of living may be lower in such areas.
Frequently Asked Questions About Clinical Nurse Specialist Salaries
1. What are the most popular practice areas for a CNS?
– Most clinical nurse specialists (42.4%) specialize in adult-gerontology care. Another 22.5% work in pediatrics, and 14.6% provide care across various age groups. Additionally, 10.4% focus on psychiatric mental health. Fewer CNS professionals (6.8%) practice in women’s and gender-specific health, while neonatal care comprises 3.3% of the field.
2. What degree is required to become a CNS?
– Currently, a master of science in nursing (MSN) degree is the minimum requirement to become a CNS. You can pursue this degree through online, on-campus, or hybrid programs. However, the NACNS is advocating for the DNP to become the entry-level degree for CNS professionals by 2030. This change is expected to elevate CNS salaries by increasing the time and cost needed to enter the profession.
3. What distinguishes a clinical nurse specialist from a nurse practitioner?
– Both nurse practitioners and clinical nurse specialists must possess at least an MSN and obtain board certifications. However, in most states, nurse practitioners have broader practice authority compared to CNS professionals. Fewer states allow clinical nurse specialists to prescribe medications or practice without physician supervision, contributing to the salary gap between the two roles.
4. Is pursuing a career as a clinical nurse specialist worthwhile?
– The value of becoming a CNS depends on your career and financial objectives. While CNS salaries surpass those of registered nurses, they generally fall short of other APRN salaries. The average CNS salary stands at $93,860, whereas nurse practitioners typically earn a median of $114,510. CNS professionals often engage in precepting students, participating in evidence-based practice projects, and providing direct patient care, which may align with your professional goals.
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