Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Salary - 2024


Written By: Editorial Staff @ NursingProcess.org


Many nurses question whether it is worth it for them to further their education by earning a Master of Science in Nursing Degree. There are several reasons why an RN may choose to go back to school, including the opportunity to expand their practice, increase their impact and of course the increased MSN salary.

In this article, we will look at the MSN salary nationally and by state. You will also find information about the salary for various MSN specializations.


Hourly MSN Salary


One of the most compelling reasons to go back to school for your MSN is the increased pay you will receive after completion. MSN nurses dramatically increase their value in the job market. Entry-level MSN nurses earn on average $37.12 per hour and your earning potential will continue to climb steeply as you gain more experience.



Type Hourly Wage
Starting (Entry-Level)$37.12
1-4 Years of Experience$47.11
5-9 Years of Experience$55.94
10-19 Years of Experience$67.60
20 Years or More Experience$69.94
Average$58.11
(Source: NP Editorial Assessment)


Annual MSN Salary


The starting Master of Science Nursing salary is around $120,870 and with a few years of experience, that figure can quickly climb to over $120,870. The average annual MSN salary in the nation is around $145,470. Additionally, the need for Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRN) is continuously growing. According to Bureau of Labor Statistics, the overall employment of APRNs is expected to grow by 46% from 2021 to 2031, much faster than the average for all occupations. With a steadily increasing salary and a growing demand in the job market, earning an MSN could be a huge step toward earning your financial freedom!



Type Salary
Starting (Entry-Level)$77,200
1-4 Years of Experience$97,980
5-9 Years of Experience$116,360
10-19 Years of Experience$140,600
20 Years or More Experience$145,470
Average$120,870
(Source: Compiled using data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics)


MSN Graduates Salary vs BSN Graduates Salary


On average, MSN nurses earn $30,000 more than BSN nurses. That pay increase would have a huge impact on your life! If you are tired of “just making it” on a BSN salary and you dream of traveling more, going out with friends, or upgrading your home, then you should seriously consider expanding your education with an MSN. $30,000 can be the difference between having “enough” and having “plenty”.

Type Salary
MSN $120,870
BSN $90,620
Difference $30,250


10 Best States to Work after Earning Your MSN


1. California


MSN Nurses working in California will enjoy an average annual salary of $150,760. They are also free to make use of hundreds of miles of beautiful beaches and one of the most pleasant climates in the country. Many of these APRNs build their career at the UCSF Medical Center, the #1 hospital in the state, which is nationally ranked in 15 adult and 10 pediatric specialties.

2. Florida


When they are not running around Disney World or swimming in the ocean, MSN Nurses in Florida earn an average salary of $116,710. It’s no wonder Florida is such a popular tourist destination - with its warm climate, diverse landscapes and vibrant culture, there’s a lot to love about the Sunshine State. Mayo Clinic Jacksonville, Tampa General Hospital and the University of Florida Hospital employ hundreds of MSN nurses.

3. Georgia


Our third coastal state, Georgia, has much more to offer than delicious peaches. The average master’s in nursing salary here is $112,540 and your money goes further because of relatively inexpensive housing. With gorgeous beaches, a vibrant music scene and some of the best sports teams in the country, there’s plenty to keep you busy in the Peach State. Emory University has one of the best MSN programs in the country and employs many MSN nurses.

4. Texas


The cost of living in Texas is significantly lower than the average across America. MSN degree holders in Texas earn a salary of $112,980 and get to keep most of it because there’s no income tax. Texas boasts a warm climate, over 100,000 acres of unspoiled natural preserve and a “Southern Hospitality” culture of kindness and respect. MSN Nurses here often choose to join the Houston Methodist Hospital system, which includes over a dozen hospitals and specialty centers.

5. New York


NYC is a world-wide hub of art and culture, but there’s much more to the beautiful state of New York than the Big Apple. From Wine Country to the Catskills Mountains, the natural scenery is a huge draw. The food is top-notch and there are countless historic sites. MSN nurses here earn $131,770 per year on average. The New York Presbyterian Hospitals are world-class and work closely with two Ivy League medical schools.

6. Pennsylvania


The “State of Independence” is steeped in American history. Philadelphia houses both the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall, where the Declaration of Independence and the US Constitution were written. There are tons of hiking trails and the Autumn foliage here is world-renowned. The University of Pennsylvania Presbyterian Hospital is a teaching hospital that is Nationally ranked in 12 different specialties. MSN degree holders in Pennsylvania earn an average salary of $114,850.

7. North Carolina


This gorgeous state is a treasure for outdoor lovers. The Smoky mountains, Emerald Isle, Whitewater Falls and the Mile-High Swinging Bridge are just a few of the adventurous attractions. If you prefer the indoors, then you’ll find no shortage of museums and concert halls in this thriving artistic culture. MSN degree holders earn $118,330 per year on average. Duke University offers a top Master of Science Nursing program and their hospital employs many APRNs.

8. Illinois


Master of Science Nursing degree holders earn an average salary of $112,220 in Illinois. They enjoy the flexibility of working within the metropolis of Chicago, in the expansive suburbs surrounding the city, or further out in the rolling farmland and expansive forests. City dwellers may choose to work at Northwestern Memorial Hospital or Rush University Medical Center, which are both nationally ranked Medical and Surgical facilities.

9. Ohio


Geographically halfway between New York and Chicago, with places like D.C., Philadelphia and Nashville just a day’s drive away, Ohio is truly in “The Heart of it All”. It is ranked among the top 10 cheapest states to live and boasts beautifully diverse natural landscapes. The Cleveland Clinic is world-renowned and is considered the nation's top cardiology hospital. MSN salaries in this state average $112,560 and nurses work in a strong health care culture.

10. Minnesota


With over 10,000 lakes to play in, dozens of state parks and a relatively low cost of living, you'd be hard pressed to find a better place to raise a family. Minnesota is ranked #7 nationally for Healthcare, with several top-notch care facilities. The Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN is a world-class facility that is widely considered the best hospital in the USA. The average MSN salary in this state is $142,750.


MSN Salary by State


The table below defines the hourly, monthly and annual pay for MSN degree holders, by state. These figures are averages across all Advanced Practice professions.

State Hourly Monthly Annual
Alabama $55.12 $9,550 $114,650
Alaska $66.45 $11,520 $138,220
Arizona $54.52 $9,450 $113,410
Arkansas $52.55 $9,110 $109,300
California $72.48 $12,560 $150,760
Colorado $54.19 $9,390 $112,710
Connecticut $61.68 $10,690 $128,300
Delaware $58.00 $10,050 $120,650
District of Columbia $59.57 $10,330 $123,900
Florida $56.11 $9,730 $116,710
Georgia $54.11 $9,380 $112,540
Hawaii $67.57 $11,710 $140,550
Idaho $53.69 $9,310 $111,670
Illinois $53.95 $9,350 $112,220
Indiana $56.38 $9,770 $117,280
Iowa $64.40 $11,160 $133,960
Kansas $54.17 $9,390 $112,680
Kentucky $56.91 $9,870 $118,380
Louisiana $53.57 $9,290 $111,420
Maine $52.64 $9,130 $109,500
Maryland $57.34 $9,940 $119,260
Massachusetts $65.38 $11,330 $135,980
Michigan $58.47 $10,140 $121,620
Minnesota $68.63 $11,900 $142,750
Mississippi $57.82 $10,020 $120,270
Missouri $49.88 $8,650 $103,760
Montana $70.81 $12,270 $147,290
Nebraska $54.00 $9,360 $112,330
Nevada $62.52 $10,840 $130,040
New Hampshire $57.27 $9,930 $119,130
New Jersey $54.15 $9,390 $112,640
New Mexico $54.11 $9,380 $112,540
New York $63.35 $10,980 $131,770
North Carolina $56.89 $9,860 $118,330
North Dakota $63.35 $10,980 $131,760
Ohio $54.12 $9,380 $112,560
Oklahoma $53.49 $9,270 $111,250
Oregon $64.29 $11,140 $133,720
Pennsylvania $55.22 $9,570 $114,850
Rhode Island $45.62 $7,910 $94,890
South Carolina $52.63 $9,120 $109,470
South Dakota $59.23 $10,270 $123,200
Tennessee $49.55 $8,590 $103,060
Texas $54.32 $9,420 $112,980
Utah $56.04 $9,710 $116,570
Vermont $44.62 $7,730 $92,800
Virginia $60.03 $10,410 $124,870
Washington $61.58 $10,670 $128,090
West Virginia $59.80 $10,370 $124,380
Wisconsin $60.81 $10,540 $126,480
Wyoming $72.93 $12,640 $151,700
(Source: NP Editorial Assessment)


Salary Figures of all Career Paths Available for MSN Graduates


An MSN degree will open doors for you, no matter what type of nursing specialty you prefer. There are opportunities across the healthcare field, from pediatrics to geriatrics, from orthopedics to oncology, from family practice to ER. Whatever nursing specialty you are passionate about, there are advanced practice jobs waiting for you!

Career Path Hourly Monthly Annual
Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (ACNP) $58.16 $10,080 $120,970
Acute Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (AC PNP) $54.38 $9,430 $113,120
Adult Nurse Practitioner (ANP) $56.58 $9,810 $117,680
Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AG ACNP) $55.52 $9,620 $115,490
Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner (AGNP) $52.79 $9,150 $109,810
Assistant Director of Nursing (ADON) $40.39 $7,000 $84,020
Cardiac Nurse Practitioner $57.15 $9,910 $118,870
Cardiovascular Surgery Nurse Practitioner $58.35 $10,110 $121,370
Chief Nurse Anesthetist $102.59 $17,780 $213,390
Chief Nursing Officer (CNO) $74.59 $12,930 $155,140
Clinical Nurse Practitioner $53.95 $9,350 $112,220
Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) $50.93 $8,830 $105,940
Clinical Research Director $63.59 $11,020 $132,260
Dermatology Nurse Practitioner $55.88 $9,690 $116,220
Emergency Room Nurse Practitioner $55.75 $9,660 $115,960
Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) $53.76 $9,320 $111,830
General Nurse Practitioner $54.56 $9,460 $113,480
Geriatric Nurse Practitioner $54.19 $9,390 $112,710
Gerontological Nurse Practitioner $54.41 $9,430 $113,180
Gynecology Nurse Practitioner $53.07 $9,200 $110,390
Hospice Nurse Practitioner $52.82 $9,160 $109,870
Neonatal Nurse Practitioner (NNP) $57.53 $9,970 $119,660
Neurology Nurse Practitioner $61.46 $10,650 $127,840
Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) $86.01 $14,910 $178,910
Nurse Director $48.99 $8,490 $101,890
Nurse Midwife $52.60 $9,120 $109,410
Nursing Instructor $39.26 $6,810 $81,670
Nursing Manager $49.20 $8,530 $102,330
Occupational Health Nurse Practitioner $58.41 $10,120 $121,490
Oncology Nurse Practitioner (ONP) $59.89 $10,380 $124,570
Orthopedic Nurse Practitioner $59.68 $10,340 $124,130
Palliative Care Nurse Practitioner $57.66 $9,990 $119,930
Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (PNP) $51.13 $8,860 $106,350
Primary Nurse Practitioner $54.07 $9,370 $112,460
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner $59.40 $10,300 $123,560
Pulmonary Nurse Practitioner $53.15 $9,210 $110,560
Surgical Nurse Practitioner $56.99 $9,880 $118,530
Trauma Nurse Practitioner $58.55 $10,150 $121,780
Urgent Care Nurse Practitioner $55.80 $9,670 $116,060
Urology Nurse Practitioner $51.63 $8,950 $107,400
Women's Health Nurse Practitioner (WHNP) $51.56 $8,940 $107,240
(Source: NP Editorial Assessment)



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