Nurse compensation is influenced by various factors including education, experience, specialization, geographic location, and the type of healthcare facility. Nurses with advanced degrees such as a Master's or Doctorate in Nursing are often compensated higher. Additionally, specialization in high-demand fields like critical care or anesthesiology can lead to increased pay. Geographic location also plays a crucial role; for instance, nurses in urban areas or regions with higher living costs typically receive higher salaries. Lastly, the type of facilityâwhether it's a hospital, private practice, or a long-term care facilityâcan affect pay rates.