Average Clinical Nurse Specialist Salary

$88.15/hour

The average salary for a Clinical Nurse Specialist is $88.15 per hour. This is 5% higher than the US average of $83.87.

Last updated on July 16, 2024. Based on active jobs on Vivian.com.

Salaries for Clinical Nurse Specialist compared to Nurse Practitioner National Averages

$88.15/hour

5% higher than the US average.

$83.87/hour

United States

Last updated on July 16, 2024. Information based on active jobs on Vivian.com and pay data from BLS and around the web.

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Clinical Nurse Specialist Career Guide

Use our exclusive Career Guides to research the education, qualifications, skills and responsibilities for a variety of healthcare disciplines and specialties employers are hiring now.

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Clinical Nurse Specialist FAQs

What professional certifications can potentially increase my salary as a Clinical Nurse Specialist?

Clinical Nurse Specialist can specialize in several fields, so numerous certifications may potentially increase your salary or qualify you for roles with greater responsibilities and better wages. Several accrediting agencies offer numerous professional certificates by specialty, including:

  • AACN Wellness through Acute Care-Adult/Gero (ACCNS-AG)

  • AACN Wellness through Acute Care-Pediatric (ACCNS-P)

  • AACN Wellness through Acute Care-Neonatal (ACCNS-N)

  • ANCC Adult CNS-Board Certified (ACNS-BC)

  • ANCC Adult-Gerontology CNS (AGCNS-BC)

  • ANCC Pediatric CNS (PCNS)

  • AACN Acute/Critical Care CNS (CCNS-Neonatal)

  • AACN Acute/Critical Care CNS (CCNS-Pediatric)

  • AACN Acute Care CNS (CCNS)

  • CCI CNS Perioperative Certification (CNS-CP)

  • CBUNA Certified Urologic CNS (CUCNS)

Can earning a degree improve my salary as a Clinical Nurse Specialist?

Yes, advanced education often opens new career paths that usually lead to higher salaries. Clinical nurse specialist may benefit financially from pursuing a Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS).

Where can I learn more about working as a Clinical Nurse Specialist?

Take a look at Vivian's Clinical Nurse Specialist Career Guide for more information, including required education, responsibilities, pros and cons and more.