How Much Do Clinical Nurse Specialists Make?
Clinical nurse specialists (CNSs), a type of advanced practice registered nurse (APRN), specialize in a specific patient population. Their responsibilities include patient care, unit management, education, leadership, and research.
The annual salary for a CNS is based on experience, education San Joselevel, and geographical location. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) does not provide specific data for clinical nurse specialists, but data for nurse practitioners (NPs) provide the closest comparison. Their job outlook is predicted to grow by 38% through 2032, which is much higher than average. This guide will help any prospective clinical nurse specialist earn their highest potential salary.
Just the Highlights: Clinical Nurse Specialist Salaries
Clinical nurse specialists can earn the highest average annual salaries in these locations and work settings:
California State
$161,540
San Jose
$191,250
Home Health Care Services
$146,850
How Much Do Clinical Nurse Specialists Make?
Clinical nurse specialists in the U.S. can earn an annual average of $128,490, which equals about $61.77 an hour. This number can be lower or higher depending on several factors detailed below.
Clinical nurse specialist average annual salary
$128,490
Clinical nurse specialist average hourly wage
$61.77
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the lowest-paying CNS positions offer an average of $94,530 a year, while the highest average is $168,030. ZipRecruiter estimates current CNS salaries can range from $94,530 to $168,030 annually.
BLS Nurse Practitioner Salary Range:
How Education Affects Clinical Nurse Specialist Salaries
A career as a clinical nurse specialist can be achieved through two education paths: a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP). An MSN takes two years to complete full-time, whereas a DNP can take up to four. For now, an MSN is the minimum accepted degree to become a CNS, but the National Association of Clinical Nurse Specialists (NACNS) has announced a goal to make a DNP the minimum CNS degree by the year 2030.
A DNP involves more up-front education costs, but may offer higher salaries after graduation. Nurses who choose an MSN can also return to school at any time to earn their DNP.
Location and Clinical Nurse Specialist Salaries
Clinical nurse specialist salaries vary depending on where in the U.S. they practice. The cost of living is higher on the coasts and so they offer CNSs the highest pay, while the southeastern states offer the lowest.
| Top-Paying States for Nurse Practitioners: |
|---|
| California | $161,540 |
| Nevada | $148,670 |
| New York | $148,670 |
| Washington | $145,400 |
| New Jersey | $145,030 |
Source: BLS
Top-Paying Clinical Nurse Specialist Salaries by City
Besides country-wide location, a CNS’s chosen metropolitan area can affect their salary. Large health systems in heavily populated urban areas can offer higher compensation than smaller health facilities in rural areas.
| Top-Paying Metropolitan Areas for Nurse Practitioners: |
|---|
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $91.95 | $191,250 |
| Napa, CA | $90.21 | $187,640 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA | $89.77 | $186,730 |
| Vallejo-Fairfield, CA | $88.04 | $183,120 |
| Salinas, CA | $78.25 | $162,760 |
| Sacramento--Roseville--Arden-Arcade, CA | $78.05 | $162,350 |
| Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA | $78.05 | $162,340 |
| Yuba City, CA | $77.69 | $161,590 |
| El Centro, CA | $77.58 | $161,370 |
| Santa Rosa, CA | $75.89 | $157,860 |
Source: BLS
Workplace Type and Clinical Nurse Specialist Salaries
CNS salaries are also affected by workplace type. Data is limited for clinical nurse specialist roles, but the BLS reports nurse practitioners in home health care make the highest average salary, and some non-clinical roles may also pay a higher wage. According to ZipRecruiter, the highest CNS salaries can be found in the roles of clinical research nurse practitioner ($137,183) and NICU clinical nurse specialist ($132,382).
| Top-Paying Industries for Nurse Practitioners: |
|---|
| General Medical and Surgical Hospitals | $135,610 | $65.20 |
| Home Health Care Services | $146,850 | $70.60 |
| Offices of Other Health Practitioners | $121,250 | $58.29 |
| Offices of Physicians | $122,780 | $59.03 |
| Outpatient Care Centers | $139,860 | $67.24 |
Sources: BLS, ZipRecruiter
How to Increase Your Earnings as a Clinical Nurse Specialist
A CNS can increase their financial compensation in a few different ways. As detailed above, certified nurse specialists can do this by earning a higher degree, advancing to a higher-paying job, or even moving to a new city or state.
1. Earn a DNP
Clinical nurse specialists can earn more with a doctorate than with an MSN, depending on the facility. DNP-educated CNSs may also have more opportunities for advancement in their current roles.
2. Try a New City
This one may seem extreme, but for CNSs who are looking for a new adventure and higher pay, a change in geographical location can offer a salary hike.
3. Advance to Management
A CNS who wants to increase their salary and step away from the bedside can consider management opportunities in healthcare settings, research teams, or in the business world.
4. Transfer to a New Work Setting
Research and the NICU pay their CNSs the most, according to ZipRecruiter. While a CNS may not be able to change specialties easily, any CNS can break into the research world.
Clinical Nurse Specialists (CNSs) Salaries FAQs
1. What do clinical nurse specialists make per hour?
Clinical nurse specialists make an average of $61.77 per hour, according to the BLS, which equals $128,490 a year. These are averages, and the hourly rate can range from $45.45 to $80.78, according to ZipRecruiter.
2. What is the highest a CNS can get paid?
The highest salary reported for CNSs is $199,630, but the national average is $128,490 annually.
3. Where do CNSs get paid the most?
Clinical nurse specialists can earn the highest salary in California, at an average of $91.94 an hour, or $161,540 annually. The top-paying city for CNSs is San Jose, CA, at $95.98 an hour, or $191,250 annually.
