What comes to mind when you think of 100k?
- Economic security?
- The American dream?
- Financial freedom?
While 100k today doesn’t go as far as it used to—100k in the year 2003 would be equal to nearly 170k now—it still represents the ultimate career goal for many.
Here’s what to keep in mind if you have your sights set on a six-figure remote nursing job.
Myths About 100k Remote Nursing Jobs
To better understand the landscape of high-paying careers, let’s debunk some myths to shed light on the realities of six-figure remote nursing jobs.
They Aren’t Real
Especially if you’re new to the remote nursing job hunt, it might feel like high-paying jobs are hard to come by. As more nurses are eager to leave bedside, employers can get away with paying less. It’s not uncommon to see remote nursing job listings for $25-35 per hour ($52,000 to $72,000 per year), but that doesn’t mean higher-paying jobs aren’t out there.
You Will Be Rich
The current median household income is around $65,000 per year. So 100k would have you earning more than most Americans, but it might not make you feel rich. With a steadily increasing cost of living, 100k is no longer the status symbol it used to be. Especially for individuals in single-income families, those who have children, or care for any sick or elderly family members, there are instances where 100k might not feel like enough.
You Need An Advanced Nursing Degree
Depending on your degree, higher education in the nursing field could open more doors to non-traditional higher-paying nursing jobs. But many 100k remote nursing jobs don’t require any advanced degree.
The Job Will Always Be Flexible
If the 100k remote nursing job is paid on a salary basis rather than an hourly basis, you’ll likely have more flexibility with the hours you work. However, that could mean you feel like you take your work “home” with you more often, and you have weeks you work unpaid overtime. Some higher-paying jobs are demanding and expect more of you because of the higher compensation.
How to Land a Six-Figure Remote Nursing Job
Wouldn’t it be nice if recruiters for 100k remote nursing jobs were spamming your email and blowing up your phone like travel recruiters for some ICU in Omaha, Nebraska? Six-figure remote nursing jobs do exist, but it takes some ingenuity and creativity to get one amidst hundreds of hungry applicants.
Here are some strategies to take when approaching this unique job hunt.
1. Take a Non-Traditional Approach
Did you set your sights on a specific type of remote nursing job, and then notice that the salary is not lining up with your expectations? When this happens, it’s time to start thinking outside the box. Insurance companies and hospitals aren’t the only ones that need remote nurses. FAANG companies (Facebook, Apple, Amazon, Netflix, and Google) are worth billions of dollars and guess what? They need case managers, employee health specialists, and wellness coordinators, too. So do lots of smaller companies outside of healthcare. The job postings are less plentiful, but that’s the name of the game with six-figure remote nursing jobs.
2. Work a Side Hustle
If you found a remote nursing job you love that pays you $85,000 per year, you might not be interested in taking a risk to switch jobs. In that case, it could be worth it to start a side hustle. That $15,000 you lack would require you to make an additional $1,250 per month to reach a 100k annual salary.
You could try:
- Healthcare consulting
- Health coaching
- Freelance writing
- Legal nurse consulting
- Affiliate/influencer marketing
- HEDIS nursing
- Other entrepreneurial ventures, like creating a health, wellness, or lifestyle product
With a side hustle, you have the benefit of being your own boss, creating something you love, and not having the pressure of where your next paycheck is coming from. Not to mention it can help you far surpass the six-figure mark once you establish yourself.
3. Live in a High Cost of Living Area
Ok, so maybe you don’t want to move to California just for the six-figure paycheck, but the reality is that many companies do factor in your geographic location when creating your job offer. If you’re open to moving, or live a nomadic lifestyle, check a cost of living calculator to see how much you’d need to make to maintain your lifestyle. If it benefits you, don’t forget to mention your cost of living in the hiring process as well. If you live in New York, ask the recruiter if they plan to compensate with your cost of living in mind. If it’s not in their favor, they may not bring it up if you don’t ask.
4. Gain a High-Value Skill
Get in the mind of an employer and start thinking about what companies value, and what they’re willing to spend money on. Unfortunately, it’s not always the tasks that relate directly to nursing. For example, a company might give a hefty commission to a medical sales rep because they’re directly benefitting the company by scouting for new clients. In contrast, a phone triage nurse is doing important work, but they aren’t bringing in thousands of dollars for the company.
Skills that employers consider high value often involve:
- Marketing and sales
- Social media
- Technology
- Data and informatics
- Consulting
- Management and leadership
- Quality improvement and assurance
If one of these skills interests you, consider taking an online course or certification program, getting a mentor, or even returning to school.
5. Use Negotiation Tactics
Always negotiate. But, there are certain times when negotiation will be more worthwhile.
If a hiring manager offers you a case management position and is paying everyone $30 an hour, but you want $55 and have the same qualifications as everyone else, you likely won’t get too much closer to that six-figure mark. If the job is already close to six-figures, you might be able to negotiate another 5-10% above what they offered you.
Jobs that pay salaries rather than hourly wages are also often easier to negotiate. The job role is often more fluid and subjective than an hourly employee’s, leaving some wiggle room for compensation. Negotiating for non-traditional roles and with non-healthcare companies will also likely be more successful.
Your Bottom Line
A 100k remote nursing job doesn’t define you, but it might give you more financial freedom and peace of mind. If you’ve felt undervalued at your bedside nursing job, the pay may also help boost your self-confidence. Regardless of what remote nursing job you end up with, the lifestyle change and stress reduction could be well worth it.
Want to learn more about what remote nursing job is right for you? Check out the remote nursing job quiz with Nurse Fern.