Clinical Nurse Specialist salary in United States

Average Yearly Salary of Clinical Nurse Specialist in United States is approximately 113,403 USD (113,129 USD). Data is for 2025 and indicates a pre-tax value. The salary itself depends on multiple factors such as seniority, job performance, certifications, experience or any other bonuses. The value indicated is an average amount based on records we have in database. Real values may vary. The data is for orientational purposes.

What does Clinical Nurse Specialist do?

A Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) is an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) who specializes in a particular area of healthcare. They provide expert clinical care, education, consultation, and research to patients, families, and other healthcare professionals. CNSs work in various settings such as hospitals, clinics, community health centers, and academic institutions. Their primary role involves assessing patients, diagnosing health conditions, developing and implementing treatment plans, and evaluating patient outcomes. They also play a crucial role in educating patients and their families about their health conditions, providing emotional support, and coordinating care with other healthcare providers.

Skills: Clinical Nurse Specialist, Advanced Practice Registered Nurse, Healthcare, Patient Care, Education, Consultation, Research
Job industry: Healthcare

How much does Clinical Nurse Specialist make?

Difference in salary year over year or average salary increase is approximately 4 %


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Salary comparison to National average

Is Clinical Nurse Specialist a well paid job?

Yes, our data shows that Clinical Nurse Specialist is a well paid job. With years and experience the salary might increase even further, resulting in higher satisfaction.

What is considered a high salary for Clinical Nurse Specialist?

High salary for Clinical Nurse Specialist would be somewhere between 124,743 USD and 164,434 USD. However this is an estimation based on Gaussian Distribution.

How much can you save working as Clinical Nurse Specialist in United States?

Living in United States the approximate monthly expenses are: 2,280 USD. This amount covers basic needs such as food, housing, clothing, healthcare and education costs for a single person. No luxury expenses such as traveling, leisure, hobbies are included in the estimation.

Estimated Yearly Salary: 113,403 USD
Estimated Monthly Salary: 9,450 USD
Estimated Weekly Salary: 2,181 USD per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 55 USD per hour
By working as Clinical Nurse Specialist a person can save up to 7,147 USD per month or 85,769 USD yearly. Values are pre-tax.

NOTE: These values are estimates and are averaged for the whole country. Furthermore the value is likely exaggerated as no other expenses are taken into account in the projection. Unessential expenses are very subjective and are difficult to assess. Most likely the previously estimated number is significantly lower for majority of people. Expenses in different cities across the country may vary. Above values accuracy is low and is based on limited set of data obtained.

For more information regarding expenses in United States, see costs of living in United States.

Salary comparison to region and neighbouring coutries

Country's neighbours are: Canada, Mexico.
To make it easier for comparison a conversion from local currency to USD has been made (conversion rates may vary).

Estimated Yearly Salary for Clinical Nurse Specialist

Last revision of data: 2025-01-04

Salary increase per years of experience

Based on data available the salary increase per years of experience is as following

0 years (beginner) equals base salary

1 to 5 years of experience yields +12% salary increase

6 to 10 years of experience yields +25% salary increase

11 to 15 years of experience yields +16% salary increase

16 to 25 years of experience yields +9% salary increase

more than 25 years of experience yields +10% salary increase

NOTE: Details based on limited set of data. Percentages may vary. The salary increase over years of experience can vary widely based on factors such as job industry, job role, location, company size, and individual performance. To gain even larger increase in salary one is advised to switch jobs and / or employer.

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Data as of 2025

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