Nurse Educators Salary Facts and Career Information

Nurse educators are some of the most influential members of the medical community. They teach nursing students and shape the future of the medical profession from the ground up. These experienced nurses provide students with the essential knowledge that saves lives and inspires a passion for health care.

Training and Education for Nurse Educators

Those who intend to teach nursing students at a university level are generally required to hold a doctoral degree, though community colleges often hire teachers who have a master's degree. The majority of nurse educators specialize in a niche such as pediatrics, oncology, hospice care, acute care, or cardiology, and most gain the experience they need to prepare students by working in the field before pursuing a teaching position. Teachers stay current with the latest medical advances through continuing education programs.

Nurse Educators Salary and Income

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that there were 55,100 nursing educators in 2008, and that number continues to grow as the aging baby boomer generation has an increased need for qualified medical experts. Nursing educator salaries vary depending on level of education, geographical location, and the particular teaching institution, as well as additional academic and administrative responsibilities. The mean annual income for nursing educators was $65,240 in 2009, while the median salary was $61,360. That same year, the highest paid 10% earned more than $99,220.