Neurology Nurse Salary Guide

Neurology nurses, also called neuroscience nurses, work with neurologists and neurosurgeons to treat patients with conditions that affect the brain or nervous system. Neuroscience nursing is a broad specialty with numerous employment opportunities in inpatient and outpatient settings, but many neurology nurses work in hospital settings in neurological services or neuro-ICUs or specialize in working with stroke patients in rehabilitation or long-term care facilities. Work setting is one of many factors that determine a neurology nurse’s salary, which is one of the highest among nursing specialties.

Neurology nurses are registered nurses who specialize in treating patients with brain and nervous system disorders, such as encephalitis, stroke, Alzheimer’s disease, multiple sclerosis, and Parkinson’s disease. They may also treat patients with neurological injuries caused by head and/or spinal trauma from accidents.

Pursuing a career as a neurology nurse requires an Associate Degree in Nursing or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from a nursing program accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). However, a BSN is quickly becoming the educational standard for nurses in this specialty and offers a better opportunity for employment and a higher salary. Graduates also must pass the NCLEX-RN licensure exam.

Although a neurology RN’s salary is based on numerous factors, years of experience is a major one. There’s a significant difference between the salaries of entry-level neurology nurses versus mid-career nurses versus seasoned nurses. A neurology nurse’s salary is also based on location, education, key certification, additional skills acquired, career progression, etc.

From a geographical standpoint, nurses in the West have traditionally earned higher salaries, followed by those in the Northeast, then the Northwest. Nurses in the North Central and Southeast parts of the United States typically earn the lowest salaries. These salary trends tend to hold true for neurology nurses.

Naturally, a higher level of education translates to a higher salary. Like other RNs, neurology nurses with a bachelor’s degree earn more than those with an associate degree. Likewise, those with a master’s earn more than those with a bachelor’s and those with a doctoral degree earn more than any other education level. 

Generally, all RNs need Basic Life Support certification, but neurology positions may also require Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support certification. Although professional certification isn’t usually required, earning Certified Neuroscience Registered Nurse (CNRN) credentialing from the American Board of Neuroscience Nursing is a good career move. Neurology RNs who care for acute stroke patients will be required to have NIH Stroke Scale (NIHSS) certification. Certified RNs usually earn more than noncertified nurses.

As you’d expect, a neurology nurse’s earnings increase with years of experience, which includes both annual gross income and hourly pay. However, you can potentially advance your career and increase your earnings at an accelerated pace with additional education and certifications.

Neuroscience nurses usually learn their specialty through a combination of clinical experience and continuing education, so actively pursuing CE credits helps you steadily earn greater responsibility along with a larger salary. Pursuing a graduate nursing program allows you to become a nurse practitioner. Since there are relatively few neurology NPs nationwide, they enjoy job security and higher salaries.

Currently, there aren’t any Master of Science in Nursing or Doctor of Nursing Practice programs specifically designed to prepare NPs for a career in neurology. You must either be trained on the job or enroll in a one-year post-graduate neurology residency program, which usually includes clinical rotations supplemented with didactic learning.

Most neurology NPs get on the job training because only a handful of post-graduate residencies exist. However, Duke’s one-year post-graduate residency for licensed NPs covers general neurological principles and Dartmouth-Hitchcock’s 12-month fellowship for licensed NPs covers all aspects of clinical neurology practice.

Neurology nurses can also increase their salaries through professional certifications. The CNRN is the only credential that indicates a comprehensive knowledge of and experience in fundamental neuroscience nursing concepts. It gives you a competitive edge for career advancement and the potential for a higher salary. Neurology nurses can also gain distinction in their specialty and potentially a higher salary by earning the Stroke Certified Registered Nurse credential from the Accreditation Board for Specialty Nursing Certification.

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