Nephrology Nurses: The Experts Behind Kidney Care

Nephrology Nurses: The Experts Behind Kidney Care

Nephrology nurses work in a team-oriented environment, using their nursing skills and knowledge to make independent decisions. They care for patients of all ages who are experiencing, or are at risk for, kidney disease.

The American Nephrology Nurses Association (ANNA) is a non-profit, non-partisan membership organization established to support nephrology nurses.

Mission and Purpose

ANNA’s mission is to improve the lives of its members and the quality of kidney care by providing education, advocacy, networking, and scientific resources for nephrology nurses across the United States. Established in 1969, ANNA represents over 60,000 nurses who practice in all areas of nephrology, including hemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis, chronic kidney disease, acute care, transplantation, and home dialysis therapies The organization supports nurses in developing competence, leadership, and evidence-based practice to enhance patient outcomes.

Nephrology has been recognized as a specialty for over 45 years.

Nephrology nurses are registered nurses (RNs) with specialized education and experience in caring for patients who are experiencing, or are at risk for, kidney disease.

Certification in nephrology nursing is available. 

The most common ethnicity among nephrology nurses is White, which makes up 65.0% of all nephrology nurses. Comparatively, 11.8% of nephrology nurses are Black or African American and 9.9% of nephrology nurses are Asian.

  • White, 65.0%
  • Black or African American, 11.8%
  • Asian, 9.9%
  • Hispanic or Latino, 8.7%
  • Unknown, 4.2%
  • American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4%

According to our data, asian nephrology nurses have the highest average salary compared to other ethnicities. White nephrology nurses have the lowest average salary at $70,367.

Nephrology nurse age by race and gender

RaceMale ageFemale Age
Black or African American4545
Unknown   3940.5
Asian      3944
Hispanic or Latino3938
White 4244
American Indian and Alaska Native 4242

Nephrology nurse age breakdown

The average age of nephrology nurses is 40+ years years old, representing 59% of the nephrology nurse population.

40+ years – 59%

30-40 years – 28%

20-30 years – 14%

Educational attainment

The most common degree for nephrology nurses is bachelor’s degree, with 46% of nephrology nurses earning that degree. The second and third most common degree levels are master’s degree degree at 21% and master’s degree degree at 20%.

  • Bachelor’s, 46%
  • Master’s, 21%
  • Associate, 20%
  • Diploma, 9%
  • Other Degrees, 4%

Nephrology nurse wage gap by degree level

According to the data, nephrology nurses with a Master’s degree earn more than those without, at $81,460 annually. With a Doctorate degree, nephrology nurses earn a median annual income of $76,637 compared to $74,545 for nephrology nurses with an Bachelor’s degree.

Nephrology nurse jobs by sector

Education8%
Public8%
Private80%
Government4%

Nephrology nurse industry statistics

Health Care65%
Professional6%
Education6%
Non Profits5%
Pharmaceutical3%
Manufacturing3%
Government3%
Media3%
Fortune 5002%
Internet2%
Technology2% 

Where do nephrology nurses earn the most?

Nephrology nurses earn the most in California, where the average nephrology nurse salary is $100,028. The map here shows where nephrology nurses earn the highest salaries in the U.S. The darker areas across the 50 states highlight the highest salaries


Our Innovation Projects bring together nurses, educators, healthcare leaders, and researchers to develop solutions that enhance nursing education, workforce development, and overall healthcare excellence.

Voices From the Nursing Frontline, amplifies the experiences of nurses and healthcare professionals through compelling stories and expert insights. Each week offers valuable insights and strategies for success nursing. 

Explore our collection of recorded webinars featuring insights on nursing education, workforce development, policy, and practice. Watch a collection of on-demand past webinars or register to attend an upcoming webinar.


Envelope
Phone Icon
Map Pin