In a historically female-dominated field, more men are entering the nursing profession. And we couldn’t be happier.
Breaking stereotypes as a male nurse doesn’t come easy. One Reddit male nurse admits having his masculinity and experience questioned during his time as a nurse by sharing, “male nurses in my unit are sometimes described as stereotype effeminate or the pre-med doctor wannabe who couldn’t cut it” —ouch, and how unfair!
The good news? Male nurses have essential strengths and unique skills that bring diverse perspectives to the workplace. Plus, they generally make a bit more money than their female counterparts (we will get into male nurse salaries later).
Either way, learning how male nurses advance in healthcare involves deconstructing social and cultural biases that could prevent them from being the best nurses they can be.
Here’s a breakdown of the professional perks for male nurses, and why more male nurses should consider nursing as a promising career.
Understanding male nurse salaries
According to a 2023 report, males make up approximately 9.6% of registered nurses. More recent studies by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics have reported this percentage as being slightly higher—about 13%—which is promising.
Men bring to the nursing floor a different perspective, problem-solving skills, and an ability to connect with patients who are also male.
What about other male nurse career benefits?
Research indicates that male nurses consistently earn more than their female counterparts in Western health settings, with a difference of up to $10,000 annually.
To be clear, not all male nurse salaries follow this trajectory. Salary trends for male nurses will depend on factors such as where they work, their years of experience, and their nursing credentials.
Competitive areas where nurses can earn high earnings are in specialities such as the:
Per diem nursing, where male nurses can pick up flexible shifts at local facilities that need coverage, may offer even higher wages.
This is because a per diem model contracts nurses without paying out benefits such as health insurance, paid time off, or retirement contributions, with the tradeoff being hourly wages that are typically higher than the norm.
What are the best male nurse salary trends and benefits?
Beyond salary, there are tons of exciting career choices that a male nurse can choose from.
Experienced male nurses who are looking to level up in their careers could explore the following advanced practice roles:
- Charge nurses: The average charge nurse salary is about $92,268 per year.
- Nursing managers: Clinical nurse managers earn an average of $115,741 per year, with top earners making up to $164,198.
- Nurse practitioner: The average annual salary for a nurse practitioner is approximately $163,980, equating to about $79 per hour.
- Clinical nurse specialist (CNS): Salaries for a CNS typically range from $98,543 at the 25th percentile to $150,189 at the 75th percentile, with top earners reaching up to $181,582 annually.
- Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA): Salaries for a CRNA typically range from $121,135 at the 25th percentile to $218,182 at the 75th percentile, with top earners reaching up to $283,484 annually.
*Salary data sourced from Glassdoor and can vary greatly depending on the state and medical setting a male nurse works in.
Male nurse style and professional appearance
We had to throw this in here because, after all, when you feel good, you work better too. The research even shows it.
While a guy may think throwing on a pair of scrubs is just a routine part of the day, the truth is that balancing comfort and professionalism in their personal style will help a male nurse look awesome and feel great during their shifts.
How does modern male nurse style differ from traditional nurse attire?
Modern male nurse uniforms are a far cry from the stiff white coats or structured shifts of the past.
These days, male nurses can wear scrubs that show off a bit of their personality. Choosing the right uniform as a male nurse is easier than ever.
Scrub sets now come in fitted designs, moisture-wicking fabrics, and a range of colors from bold to neutral tones. So, just in case any male nurse was worried about their uniform, there is no need. Male scrubs are a way to look confident and sharp while giving top-quality patient care.
How male nurses express individuality in uniforms also allows men to choose accessories that reflect their personality while on the job.
Which accessories help male nurses maintain professionalism and style at work?
- Minimalist watches or fitness trackers
- Sleek lanyards and badge reels
- High-performance and comfortable shoes for male nurses
Keep in mind it's always best to check with the nursing dress code at your facility.
Luckily, most healthcare facilities allow individuals, whether male or female, to express themselves with little added touches that boost their personal style.
Being a male nurse today
Being a male nurse today is more than just compensation, although higher wages are a significant perk. It’s about the opportunity to break the mold and stereotypes of what the “traditional depiction” of a nurse is.
We need male nurses in our hospitals. They balance clinical expertise with male confidence and compassion. Having diversity in hospitals, whether it be race or gender diversity, is always important.
So, let’s give a shout-out to all the males working in the nursing industry, and those who are eager to join!
Are you a hardworking male nurse seeking flexible nursing shifts and per-diem work?
Check out the Nursa marketplace to pick up PRN jobs at hospitals and healthcare facilities near you.
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