How Much Do Nurse Advocates Make?
Several factors can influence nurse advocate salaries, including experience, workplace, education level, and geographic location. Nurse advocates may earn less than other registered nurse (RN) specialties, according to a comparison between RN salaries reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and ZipRecruiter nurse advocate salary reports. This guide will walk any prospective nurse advocate through the details of pay across all variables and offer advice on how to maximize earning potential in this field.
Just the Highlights: Nurse Advocate Salaries
Nurse advocates can earn the highest average annual salaries in these roles and locations:
California
$137,690
San Francisco, CA
$174,370
Outpatient Care Centers
$102,640
How Much Do Nurse Advocates Make?
In the U.S., nurse advocates make an average of $45.42 per hour, according to the BLS. This rate equals approximately $94,480 per year.
Nurse advocate average annual salary
$94,480
Nurse advocate average hourly wage
$45.42
Some nurse advocates may work shifts for hospitals or other medical facilities. During “normal working hours,” they earn their base salary. Any hours worked in the evening, night, or weekend come with an hourly pay increase. Hospitals may also offer extra shifts with bonuses attached.
According to the BLS, nurse advocates can make an average of $63,720 in the lower salary range, while the higher-end averages are closer to $132,680.
Source: BLS
How Education Affects Nurse Advocate Salaries
All nurse advocates must first become registered nurses (RNs) by earning a two-year Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), which takes four years. Some nursing programs can be completed in as little as 12 months through an accelerated option, which requires previously earned prerequisites. With either education path, nurses must pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX), after which they become RNs.
How Specialty Certification Affects Nurse Advocate Salaries
Nurse advocates may choose to pursue specialty certifications through a few avenues:
The designations earned through these programs show expertise in nurse advocacy and may offer higher salaries.
Location and Nurse Advocate Salaries
As with most professional salaries, cost-of-living differences can make employment location a significant factor in pay expectations.
Top-Paying Nurse Advocate Salaries by State
The coasts generally offer nurse advocates the highest pay, while the Southeastern states offer the lowest.
| State | Average Salary |
| California | $137,690 |
| Hawaii | $119,710 |
| Oregon | $113,440 |
| Washington | $111,030 |
| Alaska | $109,210 |
| Massachusetts | $108,850 |
| New York | $106,620 |
| Washington, D.C. | $102,686 |
| New Jersey | $101,960 |
| Connecticut | $101,840 |
| Nevada | $97,700 |
| Rhode Island | $95,070 |
| Minnesota | $94,830 |
| Delaware | $94,670 |
| New Mexico | $92,140 |
| Maryland | $92,090 |
| Colorado | $91,730 |
| Arizona | $91,430 |
| Texas | $90,210 |
| Georgia | $90,000 |
| New Hampshire | $89,410 |
| Vermont | $88,380 |
| Virginia | $88,350 |
| Illinois | $87,650 |
| Pennsylvania | $87,530 |
| Wisconsin | $87,220 |
| Michigan | $86,210 |
| Florida | $84,760 |
| Ohio | $84,430 |
| Maine | $84,340 |
| Wyoming | $83,990 |
| Utah | $83,100 |
| Idaho | $83,090 |
| Montana | $82,950 |
| Indiana | $82,700 |
| North Carolina | $82,530 |
| Oklahoma | $82,110 |
| Kentucky | $81,770 |
| South Carolina | $81,390 |
| Louisiana | $80,760 |
| Nebraska | $79,780 |
| North Dakota | $79,190 |
| Tennessee | $78,240 |
| Missouri | $77,590 |
| Kansas | $76,240 |
| West Virginia | $75,990 |
| Mississippi | $75,510 |
| Iowa | $74,610 |
| Arkansas | $72,900 |
| Alabama | $71,370 |
| South Dakota | $69,030 |
Source: BLS
Top-Paying Nurse Advocate Salaries by City
The cost of living differs by state and population density. More people populate cities than rural areas, and their cost of living and salaries are typically higher. For example, if nurse advocates work for a large teaching hospital in a city of millions, they will likely earn more than those who work with a small non-profit in a rural area.
| Metropolitan area | Hourly mean wage | Annual mean wage |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA | $83.83 | $174,370 |
| Vallejo-Fairfield, CA | $82.51 | $171,620 |
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $82.11 | $170,780 |
| Napa, CA | $79.89 | $166,180 |
| Sacramento--Roseville--Arden-Arcade, CA | $74.28 | $154,510 |
| Santa Rosa, CA | $73.52 | $152,930 |
| Modesto, CA | $69.80 | $145,190 |
| Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA | $67.73 | $140,880 |
| San Luis Obispo--Paso Robles--Arroyo Grande, CA | $67.58 | $140,560 |
| Stockton-Lodi, CA | $66.55 | $138,420 |
Source: BLS
Workplace Type and Nurse Advocate Salaries
Compensation for nurse advocates can also vary based on the work environment. While data for workplace comparisons in this specialty is limited, according to the BLS, RNs generally make the most in executive and government positions.
| Industry | Hourly mean wage | Annual mean wage |
| Outpatient Care Centers | $49.35 | $102,640 |
| Specialty (except Psychiatric and Substance Abuse) Hospitals | $47.22 | $98,220 |
| General Medical and Surgical Hospitals | $46.55 | $96,830 |
Source: BLS
How Fast Can a Nurse Advocate’s Salary Grow?
A nurse advocate’s salary can grow fast, depending on professional development. In certain workplaces, management offers incentives to get certifications, lead or participate in committees, and get on a management track.
Pay also rises with each year of experience. Most medical facilities offer new hires an hourly rate based on years of experience. So, even if a nurse changes positions or facilities, their pay should remain the same if the facilities are comparable.
How to Increase Your Earnings as a Nurse Advocate
Nurse advocates can increase their salary in many ways. As discussed above, compensation directly correlates to location, workplace type, and level of education, and these factors contribute to a higher nursing advocate salary.
1. Earn a Higher Degree
Many universities offer bridge programs to obtain a BSN for nurse advocates with an ADN, which can increase any nurse’s compensation.
2. Try a New Location
Compensation for nurse advocates often depends on location, and a move to a new city can come with a higher salary. Keep in mind, though, that with a higher salary may also come a higher cost of living.
3. Earn Certification
By earning a specialty certification, nurse advocates can prove their worth and become even more indispensable to their team, allowing nurses to leverage their expertise for higher pay.
4. Transfer to a New Work Setting
If a current work setting cannot increase a nurse advocate’s salary to their satisfaction, a new workplace might offer higher pay.
Nurse Advocate Salaries FAQs
1. What is the highest-paid role in nursing advocacy?
According to the BLS, the highest-paid nurse advocate role is in Outpatient Care Centers, who can make $102,640 per year.
2. Which state and city pay nurse advocates the best?
According to the BLS, California offers the highest pay for all RNs at $66.20 per hour, or $137,690 a year. San Francisco, CA, boasts the highest salaries at $83.83 per hour ($174,370 per year).
3. What do nurse advocates make per hour?
On average, nurse advocates earn $45.42 an hour, which is about $94,480 per year. These numbers can vary based on experience, location, and role.
4. How can nurse advocates get paid more?
Nurse advocates can earn higher degrees, try a new location, earn specialty certification, or transfer to a new work environment, all of which could potentially increase pay.
5. Which degree gives nurse advocates the highest pay?
To become a nurse advocate, candidates must earn a two-year Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a four-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree. Of the two, a BSN typically offers the highest pay for nurse advocates.
