NP vs CNS Nursing License
Average Salary
$121,610
NP
vs
$106,020
CNS
Job Growth
45%
NP
vs
9%
CNS
Workforce
355K+
NP
vs
72K+
CNS
Side-by-Side Comparison
Key Differences
→
Salary
NPs earn $15,590 more per year on average than CNSs.
Winner: NP
→
Job Growth
NP is growing at 45%, indicating stronger demand.
Winner: NP
Category Winners
Higher Salary
NP $121,610
vs CNS ($106,020)
Faster Growth
NP 45%
vs CNS (9%)
Larger Workforce
NP 355K+
vs CNS (72K+)
Nurse Practitioner
Nurse Practitioners (NPs) are advanced practice registered nurses who provide primary and specialty healthcare services, including diagnosing conditions, prescribing medications, and managing patient care.
View NP state requirements →Clinical Nurse Specialist
Clinical Nurse Specialists (CNSs) are advanced practice registered nurses who specialize in a particular area of nursing practice and serve as clinical experts, educators, and consultants.
View CNS state requirements →Explore More Comparisons
Compare specific state requirements for each profession.