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There’s no single “CMSRN salary,” but medical-surgical nursing is the largest nursing
specialty, and certification is a recognized way to stand out and earn more.
What do med-surg nurses earn?
Per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median wage for registered nurses
was $93,600 in May 2024, with the top 10% over $135,000. Med-surg RN pay tracks
the broader market and rises with experience, shift, and region.
Does the CMSRN raise your pay?
Frequently. Many hospitals pay a certification differential for the CMSRN, and Magnet-designated
facilities actively encourage certification — so it can lift both your pay and your standing
on the unit and in clinical-ladder programs.
Is the CMSRN worth it?
For career med-surg nurses, usually yes. The exam fee is modest, and a differential plus the
mobility and credibility the credential brings typically outweighs the cost quickly.
Unlock 500+ CMSRN practice questions across 4 full-length simulators — $19.99 lifetime →
Sources & references
The exam facts on this page are drawn from official certifying-body materials, reviewed 2026-06-18 by the DrCertifications exam-prep team (10+ years in exam preparation and publishing).