2010 Master of Science in Nursing Salary Ranges
If you’re considering earning a graduate nursing degree, the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) salary potential is likely a strong motivator. Salaries for MSN degree holders are among the highest in the field of nursing. Those who pursue advanced education will have the best opportunities as healthcare facilities and universities seek qualified administrators and educators.
Nursing Salaries for MSN Degree Holders
For nurses who have attained an MSN degree, salaries tend to be considerably higher than what they could earn with only a bachelor’s in nursing degree. Several salary information aggregator sites track average earnings by job title, location, education and other factors. A search on PayScale.com revealed the following salaries for MSN degree holders:
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Degree Salaries by Job
| Job Title | Salary Range |
|---|---|
| Director, Nursing | $62,249 - $89,936 |
| Nurse Practitioner (NP) | $68,648 - $86,735 |
| Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner (ARNP) | $68,225 - $86,645 |
| Cardiovascular Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner (ARNP) | $72,471 - $91,762 |
| Family Nurse Practitioner (NP) | $67,776 - $83,743 |
| Pediatrics Nurse Practitioner (NP) | $64,002 - $82,434 |
| Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner (NP) | $65,806 - $81,200 |
| Source: PayScale.com | Updated: October 2010 | |
MSN degree salaries prove that advanced education can pay off. Wondering where the best jobs and salaries for MSN degree holders can be found? Consider the following Master of Science in Nursing salary ranges for some major metropolitan areas throughout the country:
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Degree Salaries by City
| Metro Area | Median Salary |
|---|---|
| New York | $97,739 |
| Los Angeles | $89,016 |
| Houston | $82,111 |
| Chicago | $81,040 |
| Philadelphia | $78,987 |
| Source: PayScale.com | Updated: October 2010 | |
A master’s in nursing degree can put you in line for some of the highest-paying jobs in nursing administration and nursing education. The following jobs are often held by nurses with MSN degrees:
Nursing Administration Salaries for MSN Degree Holders
| Job Title | 25th Percentile | Median | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Head of Nursing | $151,334 | $177,650 | $206,315 |
| Nursing Director | $104,280 | $117,909 | $133,099 |
| Nurse Manager, Long-Term Care | $60,395 | $66,472 | $77,344 |
| Nursing Supervisor | $72,548 | $79,570 | $87,897 |
| Source: Salary.com | Data as of October 2010 | |||
Nursing Instructor Salaries for MSN Degree Holders
| Employer | Mean Annual Wage |
|---|---|
| Specialty Hospitals | $103,500 |
| General Medical and Surgical Hospitals | $76,140 |
| Business Schools | $70,930 |
| Other Schools and Instruction | $67,430 |
| Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics | Data as of May 2009 | |
Increase Your Nursing Salary With an MSN Degree From Jacksonville University
The numbers speak for themselves – salaries for MSN degree holders are among the highest in the nursing profession. And now, thanks to the innovative online MSN degree program offered through Jacksonville University (JU), you can earn a master’s in nursing on your own schedule while maintaining your current job. Regionally accredited and ranked a best regional university by U.S. News & World Report, JU offers a high-quality, online MSN degree program with a 100% online classroom and 24/7 access.
As the healthcare field continues to change, qualified nurses who can successfully manage, mentor and teach will continue to be in high demand. JU’s Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) provides the high-level medical and technical knowledge and leadership skills necessary to meet today’s complex nursing challenges.


