RN vs CNS Nursing License
Average Salary
$81,220
RN
vs
$106,020
CNS
Job Growth
6%
RN
vs
9%
CNS
Workforce
3.1M+
RN
vs
72K+
CNS
Side-by-Side Comparison
Key Differences
→
Salary
CNSs earn $24,800 more per year on average than RNs.
Winner: CNS
→
Job Growth
CNS is growing at 9%, indicating stronger demand.
Winner: CNS
Category Winners
Higher Salary
CNS $106,020
vs RN ($81,220)
Faster Growth
CNS 9%
vs RN (6%)
Larger Workforce
RN 3.1M+
vs CNS (72K+)
Registered Nurse
Registered Nurses (RNs) provide and coordinate patient care, educate patients about health conditions, and provide advice and emotional support.
View RN 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.