Table of Contents:
- Introduction
- What Does a Cardiac Nurse Do?
- How Do Different Factors Affect Cardiac Nurse Salary?
- State-wise Cardiac Nurse Salaries in the U.S.
- How to Increase Your Salary as a Cardiac Nurse?
- Cardiac Nurse: A Career That Pays More than Money!
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for registered nurses is around $93,600. Those specializing in cardiac care can earn even more, depending on experience, location, and certifications.
Many people assume that all nurses earn about the same, but in reality, cardiac nurses, who work with patients suffering from heart conditions, often take on more complex responsibilities and are compensated accordingly. Cardiac nurse salary ranges can vary widely, leaving professionals and aspiring nurses unsure of what to expect. In this blog, you will find out how much a cardiology nurse practitioner earns, what affects their salary, where they can earn the most, and tips to increase their income.
Read More: Identifying and Treating First-Degree AV Block (First-Degree Heart Block)
How Do Different Factors Affect Cardiac Nurse Salary?
A cardiovascular nurse practitioner‘s salary can vary based on education, experience, location, and work setting. However, one key factor driving income potential is demand, and it is growing rapidly. According to the CDC, nearly 1 in every 5 deaths in the U.S. is caused by heart disease. As the number of cardiac cases continues to grow, so does the need for skilled cardiac nurses. Let’s take a closer look at how these individual factors shape the cardiac nurse salary in the U.S.:
1. Experience Level
The more experience a nurse practitioner in cardiology has in the Cardiovascular Operating Room (CVOR), the higher their earning potential typically becomes. Entry-level professionals earn modestly, but nurses with 10 or more years of experience can approach the top salary brackets. Facilities often pay more to retain experienced surgical nurses.
| Experience Level | Monthly Salary | Annual Salary |
| Entry-Level | $8,610 | $103,350 |
| 1-4 Years of Experience | $10,180 | $122,180 |
| 5-9 Years of Experience | $11,990 | $143,910 |
| 10-19 Years of Experience | $13,360 | $160,310 |
| 20 Years or More Experience | $16,300 | $195,540 |
2. Workplace Setting
Where a cardiac nurse works can make a big difference in their salary. Jobs in outpatient care centers or surgical hospitals often pay more because the work is more complex and demanding. Facilities with a strong reputation or specialized heart care units often offer higher pay to attract and retain skilled nurses.
Workplace Type |
Annual Average Salary |
General Medical & Surgical Hospitals |
$96,830 |
Outpatient Care Centers |
$102,640 |
3. Salaries Based on Educational Qualifications
Those with advanced qualifications, such as a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), typically earn more than those with basic nursing degrees. Higher education equips nurses with specialized skills in cardiac care, diagnostics, and treatment planning, making them more valuable in clinical settings. Many also obtain a Cardiac Care Nurse Practitioner (CCNP) certification, which can further enhance earning potential. Below is a breakdown of the average annual salary by nursing education level and specialisation.
| Degree | Annual Average Salary (USD) |
| BSN | $92,000 |
| ADN | $75,000 |
| DNP | $225,000 |
| MSN | $124,680 |
4. Job Role
Your specific job title within cardiac care can have a big impact on your earnings. Nurses in advanced or leadership roles, such as nurse practitioners or clinical coordinators, often earn more because they make complex care decisions, manage teams, or take on additional duties beyond bedside care.
Workplace Type |
Annual Mean Salary |
Outpatient Care Centers |
$102,640 |
General Medical and Surgical Hospitals |
$96,830 |
Home Health Care Services |
$87,430 |
Offices of Physicians |
$83,110 |
What Does a Cardiac Nurse Do?
A cardiovascular nurse practitioner is a highly trained registered nurse who specializes in caring for patients with heart-related conditions. They work closely with cardiologists to assess, diagnose, and manage everything from high blood pressure to heart attacks and heart failure.
Their duties include performing physical exams, interpreting Electrocardiogram (ECG) and stress tests, prescribing medications, assisting with procedures such as catheterizations, and educating patients on lifestyle changes. Whether in hospitals, cardiac units, or outpatient clinics, they play a critical role before, during, and after treatment. Given their advanced skills, clinical judgement, and ability to respond quickly in high-pressure situations, a cardiac nurse practitioner often earns more than a general nurse.
State-wise Cardiac Nurse Salaries in the U.S.
Cardiac care nurse salary vary significantly depending on the state where they are employed. Factors such as cost of living, demand, and healthcare infrastructure play a major role in these differences. Below is a breakdown of the average annual salary for cardiac nurses across various U.S. states from highest to lowest paid:
| State | Average Salary (USD) |
| California | $137,690 |
| Hawaii | $119,710 |
| Oregon | $113,440 |
| Washington | $111,030 |
| Alaska | $109,210 |
| Massachusetts | $108,850 |
| New York | $106,620 |
| Washington, D.C. | $102,686 |
| New Jersey | $101,960 |
| Connecticut | $101,840 |
| Nevada | $97,700 |
| Rhode Island | $95,070 |
| Minnesota | $94,830 |
| Delaware | $94,670 |
| New Mexico | $92,140 |
| Maryland | $92,090 |
| Colorado | $91,730 |
| Arizona | $91,430 |
| Texas | $90,210 |
| Georgia | $90,000 |
| New Hampshire | $89,410 |
| Vermont | $88,380 |
| Virginia | $88,350 |
| Illinois | $87,650 |
| Pennsylvania | $87,530 |
| Wisconsin | $87,220 |
| Michigan | $86,210 |
| Florida | $84,760 |
| Ohio | $84,430 |
| Maine | $84,340 |
| Wyoming | $83,990 |
| Utah | $83,100 |
| Idaho | $83,090 |
| Montana | $82,950 |
| Indiana | $82,700 |
| North Carolina | $82,530 |
| Oklahoma | $82,110 |
| Kentucky | $81,770 |
| South Carolina | $81,390 |
| Louisiana | $80,760 |
| Nebraska | $79,780 |
| North Dakota | $79,190 |
| Tennessee | $78,240 |
| Missouri | $77,590 |
| Kansas | $76,240 |
| West Virginia | $75,990 |
| Mississippi | $75,510 |
| Iowa | $74,610 |
| Arkansas | $72,900 |
| Alabama | $71,370 |
| South Dakota | $69,030 |
Read More: How to Become a Cardiologist?
How to Increase Your Salary as a Cardiac Nurse?
With heart disease remaining the main cause of death in the U.S. and over 800,000 people experiencing heart attacks each year, the demand for skilled cardiac care is only growing. As a result, cardiovascular nurse practitioners are well-positioned to boost their earning potential if they take the right steps. If you want to enhance your salary prospects in this field, consider the following strategies:
1. Pursue Higher Education
Advancing your education with a cardiology nurse practitioner certification is one of the most effective ways to increase your earning potential. A Bachelor’s degree in Nursing (BSN) typically results in higher pay than an Associate’s degree. Furthermore, earning a Master’s degree (MSN) or a Doctorate (DNP) can open doors to specialized roles and higher-paying opportunities.
2. Get Certified
Certifications in specialized areas of cardiac nursing can enhance your professional standing. This cardiology NP certification validates your expertise and makes you eligible for more advanced and higher-paying roles.
3. Consider Relocation
The location of your job is a key factor in salary variations. Some regions offer higher wages for cardiac care nurses due to higher demand or a higher cost of living. If you are open to relocation, you may be able to secure a position that offers a significant salary increase.
4. Switch Work Settings
If your current role offers limited opportunities for salary growth, it might be time to explore new environments. Transitioning to a hospital, outpatient care center, cardiac specialty clinic, or academic medical center can open the door to higher pay, better benefits, and more advanced roles. Specialized settings often value cardiac expertise more and may offer greater financial incentives.
Cardiac Nurse: A Career That Pays More than Money!
Cardiac nursing is a profession with purpose and great pay. Although the starting cardiac nurse salary may be modest, there is strong potential for growth. With experience, education, and the right certifications, a cardiac nurse can earn a high income in the U.S.
Whether you are a student cardiology nurse practitioner, a working RN looking to specialise, or someone exploring healthcare careers, cardiac nursing offers both financial rewards and personal satisfaction. If your goal is to earn well and make a real difference in people’s lives, cardiology NP certification may be the perfect choice.
