As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for a Specialty Nurse in the United States is $127,857 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $61.
However, a Specialty Nurse's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Specialty Nurse's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Specialty Nurses. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Leadership | 5.96% |
| Nursing Process | 4.04% |
| Quality Improvement | 2.09% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Service Excellence
|
$138,086 |
8%
|
|
Quality Improvement
|
$132,971 |
4%
|
|
Telemetry
|
$132,971 |
4%
|
|
Accountability
|
$131,693 |
3%
|
|
Clinical Practice
|
$131,693 |
3%
|
|
Collaboration
|
$131,693 |
3%
|
For Specialty Nurse roles, the industry you choose can impact your earning potential by as much as 40% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the highest-paying industry, Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit, offers compensation 20% above the average. Conversely, Specialty Nurse positions in Healthcare typically offer lower base pay, as this sector often view Specialty Nurse as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit | $153,428 | $74.0 | 20% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Specialty Nurses enter the field with a Bachelor's Degree degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.
According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for a Specialty Nurse with a Bachelor's Degree is between $121,225 and $128,037).
Specialty Nurse Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 2.4% |
| High School | 2.4% |
| Associates | 10.1% |
| Bachelors | 17.3% |
| Masters | 67.0% |
| Doctorate | 3.1% |
Understanding how a Specialty Nurse's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
Last Updated on July 01, 2026Salaries for a Specialty Nurse can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $103,750 in 2023 to around $102,927 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Specialty Nurse salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $103,750 |
| 2024 | $103,445 |
| 2025 | $102,927 |
| 2026 |
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|
| 2027 |
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|
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