[hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”aboveTheFold” /][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Earning a [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/msn/”]master of science in nursing[/hen-ui-link] (MSN) degree after gaining experience as a registered nurse (RN) or earning an undergraduate degree expands the number of available job opportunities and higher-level positions. An [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/msn/best-online-msn-programs/”]MSN degree[/hen-ui-link], which typically takes two years to earn, challenges learners with more difficult coursework and more clinical practice hours than a [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/bsn/”]bachelor of science in nursing[/hen-ui-link] (BSN).[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Higher wages and greater job options offer just some of the reasons to [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/degrees/msn/reasons-to-get-a-msn-degree/”]earn an MSN[/hen-ui-link], especially for MSN-holders who train as advanced practice registered nurses. For instance, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that nurse practitioners (NPs) earned a median salary of $120,680 as of May 2021.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A nurse with an MSN in an advanced practice specialty can pursue some of the most sought-after positions in the healthcare industry, such as [hen-ui-link href=”/nurse-anesthetist/”]nurse anesthetist[/hen-ui-link], [hen-ui-link href=”/nurse-practitioner/fnp/”]family nurse practitioner[/hen-ui-link], and [hen-ui-link href=”/nurse-practitioner/psychiatric/”]psychiatric nurse practitioner[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Frequently Asked Questions About MSN Nursing Programs[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-separator /][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]How long does it take to earn an MSN?[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]MSN degree time lines vary depending on each program. Generally, it takes two years for nurses with undergraduate degrees and three years for an individual with an associate degree to complete. Some programs offer aspiring nurses the opportunity to earn BSNs and MSNs at the same time in an accelerated program.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]On average, how much do nurses with MSNs make?[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Earning an MSN opens up many higher-paying opportunities compared to BSN-holders. The BLS reports that certified nurse midwives, nurse anesthetists, and NPs earn a median income of $123,780. These higher-paying jobs come with more responsibilities and skills which an MSN provides.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Which career with an MSN pays the most?[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A nurse anesthetist receives a median annual salary of $195,610. Most jobs requiring an MSN, especially for advanced practice roles, pay higher wages than those that only require a BSN or associate degree, due to the higher level of necessary skill and experience.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]What factors affect a nurse’s salary with an MSN?[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]An MSN nurse’s salary depends on several different factors, such as location, specialty, and industry. Working in a more populated area typically provides higher wages for nurses.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”belowTheFold” /][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Top-Paying Industries for MSN Nurse Salary[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Each industry in the healthcare system provides varying wages for nurses with MSNs. State, local, and private hospitals offer the highest median salary for MSN nurses with an advanced practice specialty. Wages differ by location, with employers in metropolitan areas typically paying the highest salaries.[/hen-ui-text]

Industry	Median Salary
State, Local, and Private Hospitals	$128,190
Outpatient Care Centers	$128,190
Physicians’ Offices	$121,280
Offices of Other Health Practitioners	$104,790
State, Local, and Private Educational Services	$102,680

[hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Top-Paying States for MSN Nurse Salary[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The following information explores the states that offer the highest-paying average salaries to NPs, certified nurse midwives, and nurse anesthetists. [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/state/california/”]California[/hen-ui-link] delivers the highest average MSN salary to NPs and nurse midwives.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/state/california/nurse-licensing-requirements/”]California[/hen-ui-link] also provides the highest employment levels for nurse midwives. [hen-ui-link href=”/state/california/nurse-practitioner-programs/”]NPs working in California[/hen-ui-link] earn an average MSN nurse salary of $151,830, and nurse midwives working in West Virginia make an average salary of $163,190.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-grid columns-md=”2″ gap=”md”] [/hen-ui-grid][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Top-Paying Metropolitan Areas for Nurses With MSNs[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Metropolitan areas offer the highest-paying wages to MSN nurses. The higher cost of living and the increased number of patients accounts for their higher pay. California boasts the top-paying areas for NPs.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The location of the top-paying metropolitan area for NPs is near one of the most expensive cities to live in the United States. Meanwhile, Charleston, West Virginia, offers a master’s in [hen-ui-link href=”/nurse-midwife/salary/”]nursing midwife salary[/hen-ui-link] of $169,460.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-grid columns-md=”2″ gap=”md”] [/hen-ui-grid][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Salary and Job Growth for Nurses With MSNs[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]As demand for healthcare workers continues to rise, healthcare job security grows. The BLS projects that employment for advanced practice MSN jobs will grow by 45% from 2020-2030, which is much faster compared to all other occupations in the United States.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The growing population of senior citizens and an increase in chronic conditions contribute to the rising need for healthcare professionals. Nurses with MSNs makeup a large portion of these current and future jobs to care for the elderly and maintain the health of the American people.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]How to Earn an MSN[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/msn/best-online-msn-programs/”]MSN programs[/hen-ui-link] typically require a 3.0 GPA or higher in a BSN program, ample clinical experience, an RN license, and recommendation letters. Some also require an application fee. It takes an average of two years to earn an MSN after receiving a BSN. Accelerated programs often allow enrollees to earn bachelor’s and [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/msn/types-of-masters-degrees-in-nursing//”]master’s degrees[/hen-ui-link] simultaneously.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Related Resources[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-grid columns=”1″ columns-md=”2″ gap=”md”][hen-ui-article-card title=”The Best Affordable Online RN-to-MSN Programs in 2021″ href=”/degrees/msn/top-affordable-rn-to-msn-programs-online/” size=”compact” border=”stroke”][/hen-ui-article-card][hen-ui-article-card title=”The Best Online Masters in Nursing Programs 2021″ href=”/degrees/msn/best-online-msn-programs/” size=”compact” border=”stroke”][/hen-ui-article-card][hen-ui-article-card title=”The Best RN-to-MSN Programs (With No BSN Requirements) in 2021″ href=”/degrees/msn/best-masters-in-nursing-without-bsn-programs/” size=”compact” border=”stroke”][/hen-ui-article-card][hen-ui-article-card title=”The Top Direct-Entry Masters in Nursing Programs in 2021″ href=”/degrees/msn/best-direct-entry-masters-in-nursing-programs/” size=”compact” border=”stroke”][/hen-ui-article-card][/hen-ui-grid]