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Masters Nursing Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Education โ€ข Bachelors degree โ€ข Masters degree in a clinical field of nursing or a clinical field related to nursing including but not limited to psychology, public health, social work, education ...

Chief Nursing Officer

Santa Cruz, CA ยท On-site

$105.37 - $147.52/hr

Master's degree in Nursing, MBA, MHA, Education, Public Health, or related field; must have either a BSN or MSN, upon hire. * Minimum of five (5) years of nurse leadership experience. * Current ...

Chief Nursing Officer

Crescent City, CA ยท On-site

$145K - $199K/yr

Master's degree is required and preferably in Healthcare Administration (MHA), Business Administration (MBA), Science in Nursing (MSN), Public Health (MPH) or Doctor of Nurse Practice (DNP) preferred.

NURSING EDUCATION SPECIALIST

Long Beach, CA ยท On-site

$82K - $126K/yr

Masters in Nursing required Masters in Nursing Education preferred Bachelors in Nursing (BSN) required Active State of Florida RN License is required National Specialty Certification is required.

Masters in Nursing required Masters in Nursing Education preferred Bachelors in Nursing (BSN) required Active State of Florida RN License is required National Specialty Certification is required.

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Masters Nursing information

See California salary details

$54.8K

$107.3K

$168.3K

How much do masters nursing jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for masters nursing in California is $107,252.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $81,900.00 and $123,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a masters nursing professional?

Masters Nursing professionals are registered nurses who have completed a master's degree in nursing, such as a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN). This advanced education prepares them for specialized roles in clinical practice, leadership, education, or administration. With a master's degree, nurses can become nurse practitioners, clinical nurse specialists, nurse educators, or nurse administrators. These professionals often take on greater responsibilities, provide advanced patient care, and may have the authority to prescribe medications or lead healthcare teams.

What types of career advancement opportunities are available to nurses with a master's degree in nursing?

Nurses who hold a master's degree in nursing (MSN) can pursue a wide range of advanced career paths beyond traditional bedside care. Common advancement opportunities include roles such as nurse practitioner, clinical nurse specialist, nurse educator, nurse administrator, or nurse informaticist. Many MSN-prepared nurses move into leadership or management positions, contribute to healthcare policy, or teach in academic settings. Additionally, holding an MSN often provides a strong foundation for pursuing doctoral-level education, further expanding career prospects.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a nurse with a master's degree (MSN), and why are they important?

To excel as a nurse with a master's degree (MSN), you need advanced clinical expertise, leadership abilities, and a strong educational background, typically supported by RN licensure and an MSN credential. Familiarity with healthcare informatics systems, evidence-based practice tools, and certifications such as Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) or Nurse Practitioner (NP) are common requirements. Exceptional communication, critical thinking, and mentorship skills set top performers apart in this role. These competencies are vital for delivering high-quality patient care, driving healthcare improvements, and leading teams within complex medical environments.

What is the difference between Masters Nursing vs Registered Nurse?

CriteriaMasters NursingRegistered Nurse
Required CredentialsMaster's Degree in Nursing (MSN)Associate's Degree in Nursing (ADN) or Bachelor's Degree in Nursing (BSN)
Work EnvironmentAdvanced clinical roles, leadership, education, policyDirect patient care in hospitals, clinics, community settings
Employer & Industry UsageHospitals, clinics, educational institutions, healthcare organizationsHospitals, outpatient clinics, long-term care facilities

Masters Nursing involves advanced education and prepares nurses for leadership, education, and specialized clinical roles, while Registered Nurses focus on direct patient care with a nursing license. Both roles are essential in healthcare, but Masters Nursing offers opportunities for higher-level responsibilities and specialization.

Is a master's in nursing worth it?

A master's in nursing prepares nurses for advanced roles such as nurse practitioners, clinical nurse specialists, and nurse educators, often leading to higher salaries and increased job responsibilities. It also requires additional coursework, clinical hours, and certification, which can enhance career opportunities and professional development.

What careers can I get with a master's in nursing?

A master's in nursing prepares individuals for advanced roles such as nurse practitioner, clinical nurse specialist, nurse anesthetist, nurse midwife, or nurse educator. These careers often require certification or licensure and involve providing specialized patient care, leadership, or education in healthcare settings.

What cities in California are hiring for Masters Nursing jobs?

Cities in California with the most Masters Nursing job openings:

Infographic showing various Masters Nursing job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 55% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 24% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $107,252 per year, or $51.6 per hour.

Clinical Nurse Specialist - CVICU

Macpower Digital Assets Edge

Santa Clara, CA โ€ข On-site

Other

Re-posted 10 days ago


Job description

Job Summary: Provides in-depth clinical expertise in a defined area of nursing practice (eg., Pediatrics, Oncology, Adult Medicine). Develops and ensures quality standards for nursing practice for a specific patient population. Provides advanced clinical practice education, consultation, research and administration.
  • Employee Status: Regular
  • Travel: No
  • Job Level: Individual Contributor
  • Job Type: Standard
Essential Responsibilities:
  • Establishes and monitors care standards and makes recommendations for changes in area of clinical practice.
  • Collaborates with nursing staff in assessing patient, family age-specific nursing needs and develops plan of care for complex high-risk patients.
  • Evaluates the effectiveness of the care provided.
  • Designs teaching programs for patients/families and provides assistance to nursing staff in program implementation.
  • Develops interdisciplinary plans of care for complex and high-risk patients. In conjunction with members of the health care team, assesses staff knowledge and identifies competency-based education needs of staff and members.
  • Designs and implements education programs to ensure the quality of staff knowledge and skills.
  • Introduces new techniques/innovation based on advanced practice trends.
  • May serve as a preceptor to graduate healthcare students.
  • Provides consultation to physicians, nurses and other health care providers in meeting care needs of individual or groups of patients in both outpatient and inpatient settings.
  • Makes recommendations to change standards of care or standards of practice based on own research or the research of others.
  • Defines and implements best nursing practices.
  • ssists in interviewing staff and provides input into evaluations regarding clinical competence and provides coaching and counseling.
  • Participates and consults in setting the direction for QA&I monitoring, establishing standards and evaluating outcomes.
  • Collects and analyzes data regarding patient care outcomes, trends, morbidity and mortality.
  • Responsible for ensuring the implementation of a coordinated and effective discharge planning program
Basic Qualifications:
  • Minimum three years of experience in area of clinical specialty required.
  • Bachelor's degree; Master's degree in a clinical field of nursing or a clinical field related to nursing including but not limited to psychology, public health, social work, education, health sciences, behavioral sciences, nutrition, and bioethics from a nationally accredited masters/post masters nursing academic program.
  • Clinical Nurse Specialist Certificate (California) required at hire.
  • Registered Nurse (RN) License (California) required at hire.
  • Basic Life Support (BLS).
  • Must be able to work in a Labor/Management Partnership environment.
Preferred Qualifications:
  • Clinical Nurse Specialist experience preferred.
  • CLS or PALS Certification preferred.