Highest Paying Jobs for MSN Nurses 

In today's ever-evolving healthcare landscape, nurses with advanced degrees are in high demand. Pursuing a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) can not only enhance your career prospects but also offer lucrative opportunities and increased job satisfaction.

If you're considering taking your nursing career to the next level, read more about the highest-paying MSN jobs, their responsibilities, educational requirements, and certifications.

Highest Paying MSN Jobs

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and PayScale, the highest-paying jobs for MSN nurses are:

• Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) $205,770
• Nurse Practitioner (NP) $124,650
• Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM) $122,450
• Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) $97,523
• Nurse Administrator $90,577
• Clinical Nurse Leader (CNL) $87,329
• Informatics Nurse $83,593
• Nurse Educator $81,960

CRNA—$205,770

The role of a CRNA includes administering anesthesia and providing care to patients before and after surgical, diagnostic, and obstetrical procedures. 

Before a procedure starts, CRNAs ensure that patients are fully aware of their medications, reviewing any allergies and illnesses the patient may have so that the medication can be administered safely.

Administration of anesthesia is either general, to put the patient to sleep during surgery, or regional and or local, to numb an area of the body. Once administered, CRNAs monitor the patient's vital signs and adjust the anesthesia as necessary.  

Education: Prospective applicants must have at least one year of experience working as an RN in a critical care setting to meet the prerequisite for accredited nurse anesthetist programs.  

Certifications: CRNAs must maintain their certification through the Continued Professional Certification Program (CPC). New graduates would take a National Certification Examination (NCE) through the National Board of Certification and Recertification for Nurse Anesthetists (NBCRNA). 

NP—$124,680

NPs are primary and specialty care providers, delivering advanced nursing services to patients and their families. Their role is to assess patients, determine how to manage and improve their health and implement health promotion strategies in their lives.

Common specialties for NPs include:  

• Adults and Geriatric Health 
• Pediatric Health 
• Women's Health 
• Psychiatric and Mental Health

Education: Schools generally require RNs to have completed at least one to two years of clinical experience. An MSN must also be completed, typically taking two to three years. 

Certifications: There are many different certifications for NPs depending on the specialization, which include those available from the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certification Board (AANPCB), the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), and the Pediatric Nursing Certification Board (PNCB). Each of these certifications requires periodic renewal. 

CNM—$122,450

The role of a CNM includes gynecological exams, family planning services, and prenatal care. They can deliver babies, manage emergencies throughout labor, repair lacerations, and may provide surgical assistance to physicians during cesarean births.

CNMs can become the primary maternity care provider for women and provide wellness care and health promotion for nutrition and disease prevention. They can also care for their patients' partners for sexual or reproductive health issues.  

Education: Before applying for a Master's, it may be useful to gain clinical experience in obstetrics, gynecology, and other relevant areas. To become a CNM, one should pursue an MSN specializing in midwifery, which typically takes two to three years.  

Certifications: The American Midwifery Certification Board offers the Certified Nurse-Midwife (CNM).   

CNS—$97,523

A CNS specializes in managing and improving nursing care in specific clinical departments, such as pediatrics, emergency medicine, or oncology. They are responsible for educating and supervising nurses on new techniques, analyzing patient results to provide feedback, reviewing policies, and working with the interdisciplinary team to assess patient care standards.  

Education: CNMs are required to hold an MSN.

Certifications: They must be certified as an RN in their state and may need a specific CNS certification as well. Specific experience in the clinical department they are leading is often required.  

Nurse Administrator—$90,577

Nurse Administrators are responsible for supervising and managing the nursing staff and their schedules, collaborating with management to evaluate and change policies, reviewing department budgets, employment recruitment and retention, and maintaining the health care organization's quality standards.  

Education: Some organizations may allow candidates to apply with an undergraduate nursing or health administration degree. However, an MSN may help understand the role and help candidates advance their career further into other nursing leadership roles.  

Certificates: Certification is not usually required, but nurse administrators can earn the Nurse Executive-Board Certified credential from the ANCC to demonstrate their knowledge and skills. 

CNL—$87,329

A CNL involves leadership skills with direct patient care. They are responsible for coordinating and supervising care, performing risk assessments to assess any gaps in care, managing the nursing staff, evaluating patient outcomes, coordinating care among the multidisciplinary healthcare team, and being up to date on research and new processes that can be implemented into the organization.  

Education: An MSN is generally required for this position, as is prior work experience in nursing or leadership.

Certifications: Industry and leadership certifications are beneficial but not always required.

Informatics Nurse—$83,593

Informatics nurses utilize their clinical expertise and technology to improve the health of populations. Their role involves training the clinical staff on electronic charting systems, reviewing and optimizing the function of electronic medical records and software applications, maintaining the medical hardware and software, troubleshooting system problems, assisting with customizing software and performing system updates, and ensuring electronic documentation meets accreditation standards.

Education: A Masters in Health Informatics is preferred. However, experience with computerized medical records can substitute for education at some facilities.  

Certifications: The ANCC offers an Informatic Nursing Certification (RN-BC).

Nurse Educator—$81,960

A Nurse Educator's responsibilities are to ensure the nursing staff are properly orientated and trained for their unit. They work alongside administrators to create and evaluate education programs. For example, they may be involved in creating mock code training on units and retraining staff on specific procedures, such as using a glucometer or IV pole. They play a vital role in reviewing and updating policies to ensure that the policies follow current evidence-based practice.  

Education: Typically, a Nurse Educator may require an MSN and several years of practical experience in their clinical setting. 

Certification: Accredited certification is available through the National League for Nursing.

Is an MSN Degree Worth It?

According to the BLS, the overall employment for CRNAs, CNMs, and NPs, which all require an MSN, is projected to grow 40% from 2021 to 2031. In terms of job security and career growth, completing an MSN may be a great choice.  

Completing an MSN can open a nurse's doors to many new career opportunities, as well as help with increasing their salary, advancing their knowledge, and obtaining more autonomy and responsibility. However, there may be some barriers that nurses may face when deciding if they want to pursue an MSN, which include time, financial commitments, and work-life balance challenges. 

It is important to evaluate your personal and life goals when deciding to pursue an MSN, and do what best suits your needs.

How to Choose a Nursing Degree

Choosing a nursing degree program can be overwhelming due to the many options available. To make an informed decision, start by determining the desired outcome of your education. Once you have defined your goals, consider which program aligns best with your preferences.

Factors such as budget, proximity to home, campus life, research opportunities, and quality of practicum placements may influence your decision.

While individual needs and preferences vary, a recent survey of nursing students conducted by allnurses highlights the top factors considered when selecting programs, which include: 

1. Cost 
2. High pass rates on licensing exams 
3. Location 
4. Academic reputation 
5. Availability of financial aid 
6. Program length 
7. Schedule flexibility 
8. Curriculum 
9. Campus environment 
10. Clinical placement locations 
11. Availability of online courses 

Gathering relevant information, reviewing rankings, considering accreditation, and assessing job prospects before making a final decision is essential. By considering these factors, you can choose a nursing program that aligns with your goals and sets you on a path to a successful nursing career. 

FAQ

Is an MSN better than a DNP?

A: An MSN tends to be a better option for nurses who wish to continue working in a clinical setting with hands-on patient care. In contrast, a DNP may be more suitable for nurses that strive to work in academia or research.  

Can I work as an RN while getting an MSN?

A: As MSN programs tend to be a full-time commitment, most schools do not recommend students to work while completing them. However, if one can find a position where they can remain casual and work flexible hours, they may still be able to work while in school.  

How hard is it to pass an MSN?

A: The difficulty level of passing an MSN program can vary depending on various factors, including the individual's dedication, prior nursing experience, academic capabilities, and specific program requirements.

Generally, MSN programs are designed to provide advanced knowledge and skills in nursing, preparing nurses for leadership roles and specialized practice areas. These programs often involve rigorous coursework, clinical practicum, research projects, and comprehensive exams. With proper dedication, time management, and support from faculty and peers, it is possible to complete an MSN program successfully.

Do I need certificates after an MSN?

A: The need for certificates after an MSN depends on the area of expertise you plan to choose. For example, an NP would typically need to obtain national certification in their chosen specialty area. It's essential to research and understand the requirements and certifications relevant to your desired career path, as they can vary based on your location and intended practice area.