Nurse educators instruct entry level nurses about patient care and serve as a mentor for nurses in training as they enter the career field. In the US, nurse educators earn more than $73,000 per year compared to nearly C$79,000 ($64,681 USD) in Canada. Earnings converted to the US dollar are similar in New Zealand and the UK at NZ$62,500 ($45,608 USD) and £38,000 ($44,873 USD), respectively. Rounding out the countries reviewed in this guide are South Africa with an annual salary of just under R302,000 ($22,806 USD) and India where nurse educators earn about Rs397,000 ($6,182 USD) per year. Geographic region, professional experience, and work setting all affect salaries for nurse educators worldwide. Additional details are provided in this guide.
How Much Does a Nurse Educator Make per Year?
Nurse educator salaries with US dollar equivalencies are found in the chart below for select countries worldwide.
| Nurse Educator Salary | US | Canada | UK | Australia | New Zealand | India | South Africa |
| Hourly Wage | $36 | C$44 | £21 | AU$42 | NZ$35 | Rs198 | R151 |
| Annual Wage | $73,020 | C$78,886 ($64,681 USD) |
£37,568 ($44,873 USD) |
AU$75,818 ($60,670 USD) |
NZ$62,500 ($45,608 USD) |
Rs396,629 ($6,182 USD) |
R301,683 ($22,806 USD) |
Factors that Influence the Nurse Educator Salary
Salaries vary globally for nurse educators with strong influence from geographic region as well as professional experience and work setting. Information on income potential and a career as a nurse educator are provided in this guide.
1. Geographic Area
Nurse Educator Salary in US
In the US, nurse educators earn an average annual salary of more than $73,000 per year. Entry level nurse educators can expect a starting annual salary of more than $52,000, increasing with experience to nearly $98,000 per year. Hourly wage earners receive between $26 and $49 per hour with overtime earnings reaching as much as $75 per hour in additional income. Bonus potential can add up to nearly $15,000 in additional income.
Nurse Educator Salary in Canada
Nurse educators in Canada who are starting their careers earn an average starting salary of about C$61,000 per year compared to about C$105,000 annually for senior level positions. The average annual salary of all position levels is about C$79,000 per year. Those who earn an hourly wage receive between C$31 and C$51 per hour, and overtime pay can add another C$55 per hour.
Nurse Educator Salary in UK
Nurse educators in the UK earn about £38,000 per year, or £21 per hour for those who earn an hourly wage. When beginning their careers, entry level nurse educators earn about £21,000 per year. Those with the most experience and in senior level positions earn more than £65,000 per year.
Nurse Educator Salary in Australia
Entry level nurse educators in Australia earn nearly AU$66,000 per year, increasing with experience and additional responsibility to more than AU$104,000 annually. While the average annual salary is about AU$76,000, those who receive an hourly wage receive between AU$32 and AU$52 per hour.
Nurse Educator Salary in New Zealand
In New Zealand, nurse educators early in their careers earn a starting salary of about NZ$52,000 per year compared to senior level professionals who receive more than NZ$82,000 annually. The average annual salary for this career is about NZ$62,500, equating to an hourly wage of about NZ$35 per hour. Some employers offer bonus pay that can reach NZ$1,000 in additional income.
Nurse Educator Salary in India
Nurse educators in India earn between just under Rs198,000 per year for entry level positions and about Rs742,000 annually for those at the senior level. Across all experience levels, nurse educators in India earn about Rs397,000 per year, or Rs198 per hour.
Nurse Educator Salary in South Africa
Entry level nurse educators in South Africa earn an average annual salary of about R28,000, increasing with experience to about R858,000 per year. Average income for nurse educators is about R302,000 annually, while the average hourly wage is about R151 per hour. An additional R36,000 can be earned through bonus pay opportunities.
2. Experience
Nurse educators earn very high salaries worldwide, making them some of the highest paid professionals even during their entry level years. With additional experience, income potential continues to increase and widen the gap between annual salaries for entry level and senior level positions. Average annual salaries for senior level professionals are about 81% more than earnings for entry level nurse educators.
The greatest gap between entry level and senior level pay is seen in the UK where income increases £44,000 per year for the most experienced, representing a 210% increase. Senior level professionals in the US earn about $44,000, or 83% more than their entry level colleagues, while those in Canada see a C$41,000 per year increase, equating to a 71% annual boost in pay. Annual earnings in New Zealand and Australia are similar at 58% and 50%, respectively, for the most experienced compared to entry level positions.
3. Industry
Nurse educators are employed by higher learning institutions and hospitals. While educational settings are usually nonprofit organizations, hospitals may be nonprofit or for-profit and some are part of the public sector while others are private sector. Those employed in for-profit and private sector organizations may earn more than their colleagues employed in the public sector or in nonprofit organizations. Those employed by colleges and universities often earn more than those who work in junior colleges or trade schools, but less than those who are working in hospitals. While hospital positions may garner the highest earning potential, positions are competitive.
Working Hours
While most nurse educators work full-time schedules, there are opportunities for part-time schedules. Those who work more than full-time hours may also receive additional overtime pay. Nurse educators who work in 24-hour care facilities, such as hospitals, may be scheduled during any day of the week or hour of day, including evenings, weekends, and holidays as new nurses may work during any shift and be in need of supervision. Those working in educational institutions typically work Monday through Friday during normal business hours.
Bonuses and Benefit Packages
Full-time nurse educators typically receive a full benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision insurance coverage, as well as paid time off for vacation, sick time, and holidays. Those employed part-time may be ineligible for these benefits or may receive a small benefits package. Some employers offer bonus income potential that can add significantly to overall earnings. Other benefits offered by some employers include allowances for training required to maintain licensure as well as meals and hiring bonuses to recruit needed staff members in underserved areas.
Job Outlook
The US Bureau of Labor Statistics anticipates a faster than average growth rate of about 16% between 2014 and 2024. A globally aging population combined with an increase in chronic diseases that require ongoing healthcare. Those who wish to work as a nurse educator must complete a bachelor’s degree in nursing, although those with a master’s degree are more competitive for some positions and may earn higher salaries. Licensure is required and registration with the appropriate regulating organization.
Conclusion
Nurse educators earn good salaries with strong benefits that make their bachelor’s degree a good return on educational and financial investment. Many nurse educators work full-time, but there are opportunities for part-time employment as well. Future demand for nurse educators is much faster than the average of all occupations, providing a sufficient supply of positions for those choosing to enter this career field and supporting salary levels.
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