Nephrology Nurse Salary Guide

Nephrology nursing involves the care of patients with chronic kidney disease, acute kidney injury, or end-stage renal disease. Because many factors impact kidney health, nephrology nurses may work with a variety of patient types and have numerous options to specialize. Specialization and work setting are two factors that can impact salary, which is among the highest of all nursing specialties.

Nephrology nurses are registered nurses who specialize in caring for patients of all ages with kidney-related health issues. They assess, treat, and educate patients who currently have kidney problems or are in danger of developing kidney problems. Nephrology RNs may also treat medical conditions that directly cause or indirectly aggravate kidney problems or assist with the preparation and recovery of kidney transplant patients.

Education requirements for nephrology nurses include completion of a nursing program accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). This program must earn them at least an associate degree, but a Bachelor of Science in Nursing is usually preferred. All graduates must pass the NCLEX-RN exam to become licensed to practice nursing.

Nephrology nurses may have a wide array of education levels, from an associate degree all the way up to a doctorate in nursing. Salaries are partially based on a nurse’s level of education, as is career advancement, but there are numerous other factors.

Years of experience is a major component of how a nephrology RN’s salary is based. Like other nursing fields, experienced nephrology nurses demand higher salaries than entry-level nurses. Plus, you must accumulate 1,000s of hours of experience to pursue certification, which validates a nurse’s professional experience and potentially increases their salary base.

Many facilities want to hire nephrology nurses who already possess certain skills and the base salary often reflects this preference. Desirable skills may vary based on the work setting, but both dialysis outpatient clinics and hospitals typically look for applicants with previous acute care experience, IV skills, and the ability to perform dialysis procedures.

Earning specialty certifications increases an applicant’s job outlook and salary potential. Basic Life Support certification is a key certification because it’s required of all nephrology nurses. Nephrology RNs may also need Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support certification, so it’s good to already have it before applying. Although professional certifications aren’t typically required of nephrology RNs, many employers prefer certified candidates. The Nephrology Nursing Certification Commission (NNCC) offers three professional credentials for nephrology nurses of varying experience levels.

Location also plays a role in how a nephrology RN’s salary is based. Hospitals typically pay more than outpatient clinics, but this isn’t always the case when employed by specialty dialysis clinics or transplant clinics. The geographical location of the hospital or clinic can also impact base salaries. Most northern, northeastern, and western states tend to have higher base salaries for nephrology nurses, while many midwestern and southern states pay less, but there are exceptions, and salaries can vary based on changing needs.

Further education is paramount to increasing your nephrology RN salary. Not only can earning a higher degree potentially have a direct effect on your salary but it’s also required to earn professional certifications that also increase your salary. Although you can enter the nephrology nursing field with an ADN, many employers prefer BSN-educated RNs and the NNCC requires a BSN or higher for certification.

Nephrology nurses demonstrate their advanced knowledge and expertise in the specialty and give their paycheck a bump by earning the Certified Nephrology Nurse (CNN) credential through the NNCC. To sit for the certification exam, you must have a bachelor’s or master’s degree in nursing and completed a minimum of 3,000 hours of experience in multiple areas of nephrology nursing and 30 contact hours of approved continuing education in nephrology nursing within the last three years. 

Nephrology RNs who earn their MSN or doctorate degree may become nationally certified as nurse practitioners, which provides significant increases in their salaries. NPs can pursue CNN-Nurse Practitioner (CNN-NP) credentials through the NNCC for another potential salary jump. Nephrology nurses who frequently work with dialysis patients should pursue the Certified Dialysis Nurse (CDN) credential to potentially increase their salaries.

Earning your Certified in Nephrology Nursing (CNN) often increases your salary potential as a nephrology nurse or makes you eligible for another position with greater responsibilities, which also might include a bump in wages.

The Certified in Nephrology Nursing - Canada (CNeph-C) is available if you are a nurse residing in Canada.

Yes, having a Certified in Nephrology Nursing (CNN) or any relevant professional certification has the potential to boost your salary as a nephrology nurse.

Yes, if you reside in Canada having a Certified in Nephrology Nursing - Canada (CNeph-C) or any relevant professional certification has the potential to boost your salary as a nephrology nurse.

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