How to Make More Money as a Nurse
Your passion is caring for others. You have always wanted to help others recover from their afflictions while providing the best possible bedside manner. Nursing is your calling.
But you’ve heard that becoming a nurse won’t make you a lot of money. In fact, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for registered nurses was $86,070 as of May 2023, with the lowest 10% only making $63,720. And licensed practical nurses and licensed vocational nurses made less at a median annual salary of $59,730.
So, what do you do if the wages you’re earning just aren’t cutting it? Don’t worry! Here’s how you can still land your dream job as a nurse and make some extra money.
5 Ways to Earn More as a Nurse
You’ve got your heart set on becoming a nurse but need to learn how you can make extra money doing it. No problem. There are plenty of ways you can increase your salary potential as a nurse.
Optimize Your Schedule
An easy way to increase your nursing salary without putting too much stress on yourself is to optimize your schedule. Many workplaces offer extra pay for working the less desirable night, weekend, and holiday shifts. According to Forbes, the difference in earnings on these shifts can range from 10% to 15%! For instance, you could switch a couple of your eight-hour shifts for 12-hour shifts or take a night shift in addition to a day shift. The important thing to remember here is that you need to plan accordingly so you don’t burn yourself out.
Become a Travel Nurse
Have you ever considered becoming a nurse who fills in wherever there are staffing shortages at hospitals, clinics, outpatient facilities, and more? You could become a travel nurse and boost your salary earnings. Being a travel nurse requires you to move to various locations, be ready to respond to crises or rapid response assignments, or fill in when there are labor disputes.
Because of the immediate need in these kinds of situations, travel nurses can expect lucrative wages, not to mention the occasional bonus pay. According to ZipRecruiter, as of February 2025, travel nurses made an average annual salary of $101,132. Travel nursing is an excellent choice if you love to explore new places and are looking to bump up your earnings.
Sign Up to Be a Nurse Preceptor
If you’re interested in earning additional compensation as well as developing your leadership skills, becoming a nurse preceptor could be right for you. Preceptors mentor and train new nurses by guiding them through clinical procedures and techniques and the workplace environment. Many workplaces offer increased salary for this added responsibility, and compensation can vary based on your location, employer, and experience.
Specialize
Another good way to boost your salary is by choosing a specialty in nursing. Certain fields can offer a substantial increase in pay. For instance, nurses who work in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) or specialize in pain management can expect to earn more than the average RN. And advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) typically make even more: Certified registered nurse anesthetists, neonatal nurse practitioners, critical care nurse practitioners, oncology and hematology nurse practitioners, and psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioners are among the highest-paying nursing specialties because of the complexity of knowledge, responsibility, and patient care they require. In addition to higher pay, choosing a specialty that aligns with your interests and career goals can be rewarding and satisfying.
Get an Advanced Nursing Degree
If you’re interested in specializing in a certain field, it’s important that you pursue the appropriate education. Many nursing specialties require advanced degrees—at least a bachelor’s degree, but often a master’s degree or doctorate. Earning one of these higher degrees can greatly boost your nursing salary and improve your career outlook.
Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing
A Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) can improve your career opportunities because it offers more education. When comparing a BSN versus an RN, it should be noted that a nurse with a bachelor’s degree can earn significantly more than a nurse with just an associate degree. With a bachelor’s, you can develop a broader skill set and grow your nursing knowledge, earn special certifications, and apply for leadership positions. A Bachelor of Science in Nursing can give you a competitive edge in the job market, or you could pursue more advanced degrees.
Graduate Degrees in Nursing
Earning an even higher degree in nursing can increase your salary potential even more and set you on the track for executive leadership positions in the field. A Master of Science in Nursing or a Doctor of Nursing Practice can prepare you for advanced careers like nurse practitioner, nursing informatics specialist, clinical nurse specialist, and administrative and academic positions like nurse educator or nurse manager. These positions lend themselves to higher salaries and opportunities to open independent practices.
If you have your heart set on becoming a nurse but have heard negative things about salary, don’t give up your career goal. There are plenty of options you can pursue to make sure you land your dream job of becoming a nurse while also being able to earn enough to meet your financial needs. Whether you want to become a travel nurse, specialize in a particular nursing niche, train others, or get an advanced degree, remember that having the right education will help open more career opportunities, landing you the perfect job with the right pay.
