Nursing Instructors and Teachers, Postsecondary Salary Guide 2025: Median $80,250
Postsecondary nursing instructors earn a median $80,250 per year, according to the latest Bureau of Labor Statistics data. The top 10% exceed $129,500, while the bottom 10% earn about $48,800. With a mean wage of $86,410 (roughly $39/hour), these educators play a critical role in training the next generation of nurses.
How much Nursing Instructors and Teachers, Postsecondary earn
The median annual salary for postsecondary nursing instructors is $80,250, with a mean of $86,410, or about $39 per hour. The typical range runs from $48,800 at the 10th percentile to $129,500 at the 90th. Pay varies by experience, education, and institution type.
Highest-paying industries include junior colleges ($83,190 mean), colleges and universities ($89,480), and health practitioner offices ($91,200). Those in management of companies earn a mean $103,300, though employment there is small.
- Median: $80,250
- Mean: $86,410 ($39/hr)
- 10th percentile: $48,800
- 90th percentile: $129,500
Pay by state
Hawaii tops the list at $129,530, followed by District of Columbia ($107,770), Delaware ($98,170), Nevada ($96,500), and Connecticut ($95,500). Lower-paying states include Arkansas ($63,090), Kansas ($62,870), and West Virginia ($62,210).
- Highest: Hawaii $129,530
- High: D.C. $107,770, Delaware $98,170, Nevada $96,500, Connecticut $95,500
- Lowest: Arkansas $63,090, Kansas $62,870, West Virginia $62,210
How to become Nursing Instructors and Teachers, Postsecondary
You typically need a master’s or doctoral degree in nursing. Many positions require an active registered nurse (RN) license and clinical experience. Some associate degree programs accept a master’s in nursing education, while universities may require a PhD or DNP.
Steps: Earn a BSN (4 years) and work as an RN. Then complete a graduate-level nursing program (MSN, DNP, or PhD) with an education focus. Obtain state RN licensure if not already held. Gain teaching experience, often through clinical instruction or adjunct roles. Certification (e.g., CNE) is optional but can improve prospects.
- Earn a BSN and RN license
- Complete an MSN, DNP, or PhD in nursing (education focus)
- Maintain active RN licensure
- Gain clinical and teaching experience
- Consider CNE certification for advancement
Job outlook
Employment is projected to grow 16.8% from 2024 to 2034, much faster than the average for all occupations. About 8,600 openings per year are expected, largely due to retirements and the need to replace nurses who leave the profession. Demand for nursing instructors is driven by the shortage of RNs and the need to expand nursing school capacity.
Frequently asked questions
What is the salary for a nursing instructor at a university?
At colleges and universities, the mean wage is about $89,480. Median pay for all postsecondary nursing instructors is $80,250, but university positions tend to pay above that.
How long does it take to become a nursing instructor?
Typically 6–8 years after high school: 4 years for a BSN, then 1–2 years for an MSN or 3–4 for a DNP/PhD, plus clinical experience.
Is there a demand for nursing instructors?
Yes, growth of 16.8% over 2024–2034 is much faster than average, with about 8,600 openings yearly.
Salary figures are U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates (OEWS / Employment Projections). For informational purposes only; not career or financial advice. See the full Nursing Instructors and Teachers, Postsecondary data.