An increasing number of RNs with associate’s and bachelor’s degrees are returning for their masters in nursing because they know it will mean better job and leadership opportunities, higher salaries and greater financial security.
In 2012, the Advance Healthcare Network of Nurses conducted a national survey revealing the relationship between higher education and higher salaries. They found that in the Southern region of the US, RNs with a baccalaureate degree in nursing earned an average annual salary of $61,956 while MSN-educated nurses earned $77,370. In contrast an ADN-educated nurse makes $58,562 on average.
An MSN opens many doors to careers for nurse administrators, educators, researchers and disease specialists, as well as Advanced Practice RNs like nurse practitioners, nurse anesthetists and nurse midwives.
According to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN), in 2013 a total of 2,873 RNs were earning their master’s degree, 2,192 of which were studying to become APRNs at one of Georgia’s 22 accredited nursing colleges (2,105 of these were in a nurse practitioner track). A little under eight percent of Georgia’s nurses are currently licensed in advanced practice.
Regional Salaries for Nurse Practitioners in Georgia
The AACN reports that in 2013 there 2,105 students were studying to join Georgia’s current force of nurse practitioners. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) 2013 occupational wage survey shows that the 3,310 nurse practitioners practicing in Georgia earned the following:
The following shows the 2014 nurse practitioner annual salaries and hourly wages posted by the Georgia Department of Labor for various regions of Georgia:
By contrast, RNs with a BSN earn the following:
As a comparison, the US Bureau of Labor Statistics also shows nurse practitioner salaries in different regions of Georgia (2013):
Regional Salaries for Nurse Anesthetists in Georgia
In 2013, 69 nurses were studying to become nurse anesthetists through RN-MSN programs. According to the 2013 BLS salary survey, the 740 nurse anesthetists already working in Georgia earned the following:
The 2014 Georgia Department of Labor salary figures for nurse anesthetists showed the following:
As a comparison, the US Bureau of Labor Statistics also shows nurse anesthetist salaries in different regions of Georgia (2013):
Regional Salaries for Nurse Midwives in Georgia
The AACN maintains that eight students were enrolled to become nurse midwives in Georgia in 2013. According to the BLS, the 250 nurse midwives already working in Georgia in 2013 earned the following:
The Georgia Department of Labor reports the following 2014 wages for nurse midwives in 2014:
As a comparison, the US Bureau of Labor Statistics also shows certified nurse midwife salaries in different regions of Georgia (2013):