Deciding where to settle down when starting a new job as a Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) can be tough, but we hope this article makes the decision easier. We’ve gathered a list of the top states for Clinical Nurse Specialists to practice based on factors like average salary, location quotient, and salary differences compared to the national average. Whether you're looking for high earning potential or a state with a strong concentration of CNS professionals, this guide has you covered.
National Average Salary for Clinical Nurse Specialists
- National Average: $69,863
The following states offer higher-than-average salaries and opportunities for Clinical Nurse Specialists:
California
- Average Salary: $105,544
- Location Quotient: 1.32
- Salary Difference: +34.81%
California ranks among the best states for Clinical Nurse Specialists, offering one of the highest average salaries in the country. The location quotient of 1.32 indicates a higher concentration of CNS jobs compared to the national average, making it an attractive state for both salary and job availability.
Oregon
- Average Salary: $91,245
- Location Quotient: 1.11
- Salary Difference: +24.43%
Oregon is another state offering a significantly higher salary for Clinical Nurse Specialists. With a location quotient of 1.11, Oregon provides both a good earning potential and a strong presence of CNS roles in the healthcare system.
North Dakota
- Average Salary: $89,646
- Location Quotient: 1.11
- Salary Difference: +22.07%
For Clinical Nurse Specialists looking for opportunities in rural settings, North Dakota offers a solid average salary and a location quotient of 1.11, indicating a higher demand for CNS professionals.
District of Columbia
- Average Salary: $96,546
- Location Quotient: 1.56
- Salary Difference: +27.64%
The District of Columbia boasts a high location quotient of 1.56, meaning Clinical Nurse Specialists are in high demand here. Coupled with an average salary of $96,546, D.C. is an excellent choice for CNS professionals seeking both compensation and career growth.
Minnesota
- Average Salary: $98,246
- Location Quotient: 0.85
- Salary Difference: +28.89%
Minnesota offers a strong average salary for Clinical Nurse Specialists, though its location quotient is slightly lower at 0.85. This may indicate fewer CNS positions relative to other states, but the salary potential remains high.
New Jersey
- Average Salary: $91,253
- Location Quotient: 1.13
- Salary Difference: +23.44%
New Jersey offers a good combination of salary and job concentration for Clinical Nurse Specialists, with an average salary of $91,253 and a location quotient of 1.13, indicating solid job availability in the state.
New Hampshire
- Average Salary: $84,005
- Location Quotient: 1.17
- Salary Difference: +16.83%
With an average salary of $84,005 and a location quotient of 1.17, New Hampshire is another state where Clinical Nurse Specialists can expect competitive pay and a good concentration of job opportunities.
Nevada
- Average Salary: $89,660
- Location Quotient: 0.93
- Salary Difference: +22.08%
Nevada offers a higher-than-average salary for Clinical Nurse Specialists at $89,660, although its location quotient is slightly below 1, indicating a moderate concentration of CNS roles.
Maine
- Average Salary: $80,219
- Location Quotient: 1.73
- Salary Difference: +12.91%
Maine offers a lower salary than some other states on this list, but its high location quotient of 1.73 suggests a high demand for Clinical Nurse Specialists in the state, making it an appealing option for those seeking job stability.
Vermont
- Average Salary: $91,899
- Location Quotient: 0.85
- Salary Difference: +23.98%
Vermont offers a competitive salary of $91,899 for Clinical Nurse Specialists, though the location quotient of 0.85 suggests slightly fewer CNS positions relative to the national average.
Breakdown of Degrees Held by Clinical Nurse Specialists Across the U.S.
When it comes to education, Clinical Nurse Specialists hold a variety of degrees. Below is the percentage breakdown of degrees among CNS professionals in the U.S.:
- Bachelors: 45%
- Masters: 31%
- Associate: 17%
- Diploma: 4%
- Other Degrees: 3%
Where Should You Practice as a Clinical Nurse Specialist?
If you're a Clinical Nurse Specialist evaluating where to practice, consider the average salary, job concentration, and opportunities for growth in these top states. With states like California and the District of Columbia offering high salaries and job availability, you have several great options to start or advance your CNS career.
If you have any questions or suggestions for this article, feel free to send us an email at information@practicematch.com. We're happy to help!
*Originally posted on 2/28/2022. Last updated on 9/11/2024.
Ashley Poshard is the Manager of Program Relations and Data Quality. She joined PracticeMatch in 2021 and brings over a decade of database management experience. Formerly an in-house physician recruiter and PracticeMatch client, she excels in engaging physicians with the platform. Ashley collaborates with program coordinators nationally, offering educational opportunities and gathering feedback. Her role involves implementing innovative features and services, fostering long-term physician engagement with PracticeMatch. Additionally, Ashley leads the data team, working to maximize data collection efforts and enhance the PinPoint Database's size, value, and quality, solidifying PracticeMatch's position as a leader in healthcare recruitment and data management.