How to Increase Your Salary as a Registered Nurse: 7 Ways

If you're a registered nurse looking to increase your paycheck, you've come to the right place. Whether you're eyeing a higher nurse salary, considering a move into the nurse practitioner salary bracket, or just wondering how education can make a difference to your earnings, we’ve got the breakdown for you.

From leveling up your education to exploring new nursing specialties, let’s dive into what can significantly impact your earning potential.

 

1. Get Certified and Specialize 🎓💸

Not all registered nurse salaries are created equal. Specialization is key when it comes to boosting your income. Certain nursing fields command much higher salaries due to their expertise and high demand. Here are some of the highest-paying nursing specialties (USD):

• Nurse Anesthetist Salary: One of the top-paying nursing jobs, Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) earn an average of $212,650 per year 💰 (BLS, 2022).
• Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM): CNMs earn an average of $129,650 per year (Nurse.org).
• Nurse Practitioner Salary (NP): Nurse practitioners earn an average of $126,260 per year, enjoying high demand in the healthcare industry (Nurse.org).
• NICU Nurse Salary: Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) nurses earn between $86,000–$125,000 per year, depending on experience and location (Nurse.org).
• Pediatric Nurse Salary: Pediatric nurses earn between $77,000–$110,000 per year, with advanced certifications increasing pay (Nurse.org).

💡 Pro Tip: Consider earning certifications like CCRN (Critical Care Registered Nurse) or CEN (Certified Emergency Nurse) to boost your income!

 

2. Advance Your Education 📚🎓

Education plays a significant role in determining your salary as a nurse. Nurses with higher degrees tend to earn more. Here’s how the salary averages break down:

 

If you're currently an RN, moving from an ADN to a BSN can significantly improve your earnings and career prospects, as many hospitals now prefer or even require a BSN for certain positions.

 

3. Explore Travel Nursing ✈️💼

Want to earn more as a nurse? Consider travel nursing! Travel nurses often earn more than staff nurses due to high demand for temporary help in certain locations. The salary varies by state, but some of the highest-paying states include California, New York, and Massachusetts. In times of crisis, travel nurses can earn up to $150,000 per year 💰.

💡 Pro Tip: Travel nursing isn’t just about the paycheck—it’s an opportunity to explore new places, meet new people, and gain valuable experience in diverse healthcare settings.

 

4. Negotiate Your Salary 🤑

You may be surprised to learn that many nurses don’t realize they can negotiate their salary. Whether you're taking on a new job or requesting a raise, here are some tips for making your case:

• Research average salaries for your role in your location (websites like BLS.gov and Glassdoor are great for this).
• Highlight your experience and certifications—hospitals want to retain skilled nurses.
• Mention staffing shortages—if your hospital is struggling to keep nurses, they may be more willing to increase pay.

💡 Pro Tip: Be confident and come prepared with data. A little research can lead to thousands more in your paycheck!

 

5. Work in a High-Paying State or City 🌆💸

If you’re open to relocating, where you work can have a big impact on your salary. The highest-paying states for RNs include:

• California: $137,690/year 🏖️
• Hawaii: $119,710/year 🌴
• Oregon: $113,440/year 🌲
• Alaska: $109,210/year ❄️
• Massachusetts: $108,850/year 🍁

Data from Nurse.org

Within these states, major metro areas like San Francisco, Los Angeles, and New York City tend to offer even higher pay. However, don’t forget to factor in the cost of living!

 

6. Work Overtime or Pick Up Per Diem Shifts ⏰💰

Want to boost your income without changing jobs? Many nurses increase their earnings by taking on extra shifts or working per diem. Some hospitals offer shift differentials for night and weekend work, which can add up fast!

💡 Pro Tip: Check if your hospital offers bonuses for high-need shifts. Some facilities pay double time for last-minute coverage.

 

7. Consider Management or Leadership Roles 📈👩‍⚕️

If you enjoy organization and leadership, moving into a management role could be an excellent way to increase your salary. Positions such as Nurse Manager, Director of Nursing, or Chief Nursing Officer (CNO) come with more responsibility—and a bigger paycheck!

Data from Nurse.org, Nursing Process & American Nurses Association

Final Thoughts 🎯

There are many paths to increase your registered nurse salary, whether it’s through certifications, education, travel nursing, negotiating, or moving into leadership. The key is finding the right path for you!

And now that you know how to boost your paycheck, why not treat yourself? Upgrade your shifts with Scrubcare Footwear’s compression socks 🧦—because a bigger salary means you can finally afford the comfort your legs deserve! 😉 Check out our collection HERE.

More Blogs to Explore 📝

Want more career insights? Check out our blog about what nurse practitioners do and how to become one. 

Keen to discover more about our socks? Read our blog about the fun and functional designs behind Scrubcare Footwear.

Thanks for reading! We hope you got some valuable information from this post.

Sources:

• Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS, 2022) - BLS.gov
• Glassdoor Salary Data - Glassdoor.com
• Nurse.org Salary Reports - Nurse.org
• American Nurses Association - NursingWorld.org
• Nursing Process - NursingProcess.org