Discover the Requirements, Salary, and Job Outlook of the Best Paying Nursing Careers
Highest Paid Nursing Jobs:
- Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist – $206,000
- Neonatal Nurse Practitioner – $135,000
- General Nurse Practitioner – $125,000
- Cardiac Nurse Practitioner – $124,000
- Orthopedic Nurse Practitioner – $123,000
- Oncology Nurse Practitioner – $123,000
- Pain Management Nurse – $123,000
- Nurse Midwife – $122,000
- Family Nurse Practitioner – $122,000
- Clinical Nurse Specialist – $121,000
- Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner – $117,000
- Pediatric Nurse Practitioner – $116,000
- Nurse Researcher – $111,000
- Gerontological Nurse Practitioner (GNP) – $105,000
- Nurse Administrator – $101,000
- Nurse Educator – $95,000
Choosing a nursing career often stems from a heartfelt desire to care for others. From diligently recording patient vitals in a clinic to conducting thorough assessments in a hospital, patient welfare is always paramount.
However, the journey through nursing school unveils a world filled with various nursing specialties, each offering unique perks. The nursing field is diverse, spanning specialties from midwifery to gerontological care, from anesthesiology to nursing administration, each catering to distinct interests. But beyond passion, there lies another critical factor – compensation. As diverse as the specialties, so are the potential earnings, often correlating with your education level and experience. So, the question arises, “What are the top-paying nursing jobs?”
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) notes that the average salary* for Registered Nurses in the United States approximates $89,000 annually or around $43.00 per hour.
It’s crucial to remember while an attractive salary* is a substantial incentive, aligning your nursing specialty with your interests and passion is vital for long-term satisfaction. The earnings you’ll garner as an RN can fluctuate depending on your location, industry, and the extent of your training and experience.
For example, according to the BLS, here are the top-paying industries for Registered Nurses and their respective salaries:
Highest Paying Industries for Registered Nurses
| Industry | Average Hourly Pay | Average Salary |
| Pharmaceutical Industry | $53.02 | $110,270 |
| Outpatient Care Centers | $46.73 | $97,200 |
| Specialty Hospitals | $43.89 | $91,290 |
| General Hospitals | $43.56 | $90,600 |
| Psychiatric & Substance Abuse Hospitals | $40.83 | $84,920 |
| Home Health Care Services | $39.87 | $82,920 |
Highest Paying States for Registered Nurses
According to the BLS, here are some of the top-paying states Registered Nurses can work:
| State | Average Hourly Pay | Average Salary |
| California | $64.10 | $133,340 |
| Hawaii | $54.43 | $113,220 |
| Oregon | $51.26 | $106,610 |
| Massachusetts | $50.07 | $104,150 |
| Alaska | $49.67 | $103,310 |
Highest Paying Cities for Registered Nurses
According to the BLS, here are some of the top-paying cities in which Registered Nurses can work:
| City | Average Hourly Pay | Average Salary |
| San Francisco, CA | $79.21 | $164,760 |
| San Jose, CA | $76.94 | $160,020 |
| Vallejo, CA | $76.12 | $158,340 |
| Santa Rosa, CA | $72.67 | $151,150 |
| Santa Cruz, CA | $72.00 | $149,750 |
| Napa, CA | $70.38 | $146,400 |
| Sacramento, CA | $69.82 | $145,230 |
| Modesto, CA | $66.59 | $138,510 |
| Stockton, CA | $62.68 | $130,370 |
| Chico, CA | $60.78 | $126,420 |
Several avenues can enhance your earnings within any nursing career, be it through promotions, assuming leadership roles, or taking on additional responsibilities.
In this article, we delve into the roles and salaries of the highest-earning nurses in America. While financial gain may not be the sole motivator in choosing a nursing career, the invaluable service that nurses provide to their communities deserves significant compensation.
Keeping this in perspective, we present you with a rundown of the most lucrative nursing specialties.
1. Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA)
How Much Do Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists Make?
According to the BLS, Nurse Anesthetists earn an impressive average salary* ofannuallymately $206,000 per year or about $99 per hour.
What Does a Certified Nurse Anesthetist Do?
Consistently ranking at the pinnacle of nursing careers in terms of compensation, Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists are skilled Registered Nurses who partner with medical staff during procedures necessitating anesthesia. Given the intricacies of this clinical care, anesthetists face higher lawsuit risks. They collaborate with surgeons, dentists, anesthesiologists, and other healthcare professionals to prepare patients for their procedures.
What are the Requirements to Become a Nurse Anesthetist?
Aspiring CRNAs must acquire a master’s degree from an accredited nurse anesthesia educational program and pass the NCLEX.
What is the Job Outlook for Nurse Anesthetists?
The career outlook is bright for CRNAs, with the BLS projecting a robust 40% employment growth by 2031.
Learn More: How to Become a Nurse Anesthetist
2. Neonatal Nurse Practitioner
How Much Do Neonatal Nurse Practitioners Make?
Salary.com indicates that neonatal nurse practitioners rank among the top earners in the nursing field. They report an impressive average annual salary* exceeding $135,000, which translates to approximately $65 per hour, underscoring the financial rewards of this specialty.
What Does a Neonatal Nurse Practitioner Do?
Neonatal Nurses are always in high demand. This highly rewarding specialty entails caring for newborn babies up to 28 days old. Nurses in this specialty care for sick and premature newborn babies by administering oxygen, medication, and various NICU procedures.
What are the Requirements to Become a Neonatal Nurse Practitioner?
You may work in the neonatal unit as an RN; however, earning your Neonatal Nurse Practitioner certification is a great way to advance in this specialty.
What is the Job Outlook for Neonatal Nurse Practitioners?
The demand for neonatal nurse practitioners (NNPs) is inherently tied to the ongoing need for specialized care for newborns. While the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) does not provide specific job growth data for NNPs, they forecast a substantial 40% increase in the total number of actively employed nurse practitioners by 2031.
Learn More: How to Become a Neonatal Nurse
3. General Nurse Practitioner
How Much Do Nurse Practitioners Make?
According to the BLS, Nurse Practitioners earn an average salary* of about $125,000 per year or about $60 per hour.
What Does a Nurse Practitioner Do?
Nurse Practitioners make long-lasting connections with their patients by providing basic preventative health care. They most commonly work in family practices; however, they can also use their profession in adult practices, women’s health, pediatrics, and other healthcare facilities, making this an incredibly versatile career.
What are the Requirements to Become a Nurse Practitioner?
You’ll need to obtain a master’s degree from an accredited program to become an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse. After earning your MSN, you can decide to pursue a nursing specialization.
What is the Job Outlook for Nurse Practitioners?
The BLS reports that the employment of Nurse Practitioners will grow by 40% by 2031.
The growing demand for Registered Nurses and Advanced Practice Registered Nurses provides a strong job outlook for Nurse Practitioners.
Learn More: How to Become a Nurse Practitioner
4. Cardiac Nurse Practitioner
How Much Do Cardiac Nurse Practitioners Make?
According toSalary.com, the average salary* of a Cardiac Nurse Practitioner is about$124,000 per year or about $60 per hour.
What Does a Cardiac Nurse Practitioner Do?
Cardiac Nurses conduct in-depth cardiovascular assessments on patients who may have an acute or chronic illness related to their heart.
What are the Requirements to Become a Cardiac Nurse Practitioner?
After two years of work experience as an RN, you can apply to take the cardiac nursing exam administered by the ACCN.
What is the Job Outlook for Cardiac Nurse Practitioners?
The BLSreports that employment of Nurse Practitioners, which includes Cardiac Nurse Practitioners, will grow40% by 2031.
Cardiac Nurse Practitioners can find increasing job opportunities in long-term rehabilitation, residential care, and home care settings.
Learn More: How to Become a Cardiac Nurse Practitioner
5. Orthopedic Nurse Practitioner
How Much Do Orthopedic Nurse Practitioners Make?
According toSalary.com, the average salary* of an Orthopedic Nurse Practitioner is about $123,000 per year or about $59 per hour.
Orthopedic nursing salaries in the top 10th percentile can be as high as $133,000.
What Does an Orthopedic Nurse Practitioner Do?
Orthopedic Nurse Practitioners care for patients dealing with injury or disease of the musculoskeletal system. They work alongside physicians to help patients recover from surgery, rehabilitate from injury, and return to full mobility.
What are the Requirements to Become an Orthopedic Nurse Practitioner?
An RN can become an Orthopedic Nurse Practitioner by earning a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree and gaining over 2,000 hours of practice as an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN). After they’ve earned the required experience, they can apply to take the certification exam provided by the Orthopedic Nurses Certification Board (ONCB).
What is the Job Outlook for Orthopedic Nurse Practitioners?
The BLSreports that employment of Nurse Practitioners, which includes Orthopedic Nurse Practitioners, will grow40% by 2031.
The growing demand for Registered Nurses will provide a strong job outlook for Orthopedic Nurse Practitioners.
Learn More: How to Become an Orthopedic Nurse Practitioner
6. Oncology Nurse Practitioner
How Much Do Oncology Nurse Practitioners Make?
According toSalary.com, the average salary* of an Oncology Nurse Practitioner is about$123,000 per year or about $59 per hour.
What Does an Oncology Nurse Practitioner Do?
Oncology Nurse Practitioners work closely with physicians and surgeons to assist cancer patients with their treatments. In addition, they provide care, education, and support to the patients and their caregivers during their treatment.
What are the Requirements to Become an Oncology Nurse Practitioner?
You will need to obtain a master’s degree from an Oncology Nurse Practitioner program and earn your license by completing the oncology nursing certification exam administered by the Oncology Nursing Certification Corporation (ONCC).
What is the Job Outlook for Oncology Nurse Practitioners?
The BLSreports that employment of Nurse Practitioners, which includes Orthopedic Nurse Practitioners, will grow40% by 2031.
As cancer research becomes more advanced, the role of an Oncology Nurse Practitioner will change, but the overall demand for the position will grow.
Learn More: How to Become an Oncology Nurse Practitioner
7. Pain Management Nurse
How Much Do Pain Management Nurses Make?
According toIndeed.com, the average salary* earned by Pain Management nurses is about$123,000 per yearor about$53 per hour.
What Does a Pain Management Nurse Do?
Pain Management Nurses work within hospital oncology units, hospice programs, or palliative care. They help identify the cause of a patient’s pain and assist in caring for the patient. They also educate the patient about pain management and medication.
What are the Requirements to Become a Pain Management Nurse?
There is no requirement for an advanced degree. Still, to become a Pain Management Nurse, you’ll need to have significant RN experience to earn the nurse practitioner certification for pain management.
What is the Job Outlook for Pain Management Nurses?
As a Pain Management Nurse, you’ll have lots of versatility within the industry due to the high demand for this skill in multiple healthcare settings.
Learn More: How to Become a Pain Management Nurse
8. Nurse Midwife
How Much Do Nurse Midwives Make?
According to the BLS, Nurse Midwives make an average salary* of about $122,000 per year or about $59per hour.
What Does a Nurse Midwife Do?
Certified Nurse Midwives enjoy a special relationship with their patients that evolves during a critical time in their patients’ lives. Midwives care for their patients through the joys and challenges of pregnancy, labor, and birth.
What are the Requirements to Become a Nurse Midwife?
After earning your master’s degree in nursing (MSN), you can complete a program approved by the Accreditation for Midwifery Education (ACME) to receive your nurse midwife certification.
What is the Job Outlook for Nurse Midwives?
The BLS reports that the employment of nurse midwives will grow40% by 2031.
Learn More: How to Become a Nurse Midwife
9. Family Nurse Practitioner
How Much Do Family Nurse Practitioners Make?
According toSalary.com, the average salary* of a Family Nurse Practitioner is about $122,000 per year or about $58 per hour.
What Does a Family Nurse Practitioner Do?
Family Nurse Practitioners are APRNs with specialized educational and clinical training in family practice. They work with adults and children in family practice or clinical settings.
What are the Requirements to Become a Family Nurse Practitioner?
To become a Family Nurse Practitioner, you must first earn your Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree. Then, after completing your MSN, you must earn your Family Nurse Practitioner certification from the ANCC.
What is the Job Outlook for Family Nurse Practitioners?
The BLS estimates that the employment of Nurse Practitioners will grow40% by 2031.
As the overall demand for Nurse Practitioners continues to grow, so will the need for Family Nurse Practitioners.
Learn More: How to Become a Family Nurse Practitioner
10. Clinical Nurse Specialist
How Much Do Clinical Nurse Specialists Make?
According toSalary.com, the average salary* of a Clinical Nurse Specialist is about $121,000 per year.
What Does a Clinical Nurse Specialist Do?
Clinical Nurse Specialists are expert nurses with advanced education and training in a specialized area of nursing practice. They can work in a wide variety of healthcare settings, including:
- Pediatrics
- Geriatrics
- Women’s Health
- Emergency
- Critical care
- Diabetes
- Oncology
- Psychiatry
- Rehabilitation
What are the Requirements to Become a Clinical Nurse Specialist?
You must earn your Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree with an emphasis in clinical nursing to become a Clinical Nurse Specialist.
What is the Job Outlook for Clinical Nurse Specialists?
The BLS estimates that the employment of Nurse Practitioners, which includes Clinical Nurse Specialists, will grow 40% by 2031.
Since the demand for all nurses, especially those with advanced education and training, is expected to grow significantly by 2030, Clinical Nurse Specialists will have a leg up on other nursing pathways.
Learn More: How to Become a Clinical Nurse Specialist
11. Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
How Much Do Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners Make?
According toSalary.com, the average salary* of a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner is about$117,000 per year or about $56 per hour.
What Does a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner Do?
Psychiatric Nurses treat patients with various psychiatric and mental health disorders, often at a mental health facility or correctional center. They provide vital and life-changing care to their patients by offering daily physiological, mental, emotional, and spiritual support. By providing medical treatment along with counseling to comfort patients, this career is not only rewarding financially but emotionally as well.
What are the Requirements to Become a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner?
You must earn a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree with an emphasis in psychiatric care to become a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner.
What is the Job Outlook for Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners?
The BLS estimates that the employment of Nurse Practitioners, which includes Psychiatric Nurse Specialists, will grow 40% by 2031.
Learn More: How to Become a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
12. Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
How Much Do Pediatric Nurse Practitioners Make?
According toSalary.com, the average salary* of a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner is about $116,000 per year or about $56 per hour.
What Does a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Do?
Pediatric Nurses have the rewarding job of treating children and supporting their ongoing growth and development. Pediatric Nurses can find employment at various facilities, including urgent care centers, ICUs, and schools. Pediatric Nurses must be comfortable communicating with their young patients and their caregivers.
What are the Requirements to Become a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner?
To become a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, you’ll have to earn your MSN degree specializing in pediatric care. After earning your MSN, you can then apply to take the pediatric certification exam provided by the Pediatric Nursing Certification Board (PNCB).
What is the Job Outlook for Pediatric Nurse Practitioners?
The BLS estimates that the employment of Nurse Practitioners, which includes Psychiatric Nurse Specialists, will grow by 40% by 2030.
As the overall demand for Registered Nurses continues to grow, especially for RNs with advanced education and training, pediatric nurses can expect a strong job outlook for years to come.
Learn More: How to Become a Pediatric Nurse
13. Nurse Researcher
How Much Do Nurse Researchers Make?
According to the BLS, the average salary* earned by Medical Scientists, which includes Nurse Researchers, was about $111,000 per year or about $53 an hour.
What Does a Nurse Researcher Do?
This position is for scientists who study various aspects of healthcare. Nurse Researchers can improve health care services and outcomes for patients by researching and implementing scientific studies, making this nursing specialty essential.
What are the Requirements to Become a Nurse Researcher?
To become a Nurse Researcher, you must earn your doctoral degree (Ph.D.).
What is the Job Outlook for Nurse Researchers?
The BLS reports that the employment of medical scientists will grow by17% by 2031.
Learn More: How to Become a Nurse Researcher
14. Gerontological Nurse Practitioner (GNP)
How Much Do Gerontological Nurse Practitioners Make?
According toSalary.com, the average salary* of a Gerontological Nurse Practitioner is about$105,000 per year or about $50 per hour.
What Does a Gerontological Nurse Practitioner Do?
If you strongly desire to aid the elderly, this nursing specialty might be for you. Gerontological Nurse Practitioners (GNPs) hold advanced degrees in geriatrics and help treat long-term or debilitating conditions. Like all nurses, GNPs must approach nursing holistically and maintain a pleasant bedside manner for their elderly patients.
What are the Requirements to Become a Gerontological Nurse Practitioner?
To become a Gerontological Nurse Practitioner, RNs must earn their license by passing a certification exam administered by the Gerontology Nursing Certification Commission (GNCC).
What is the Job Outlook for Gerontological Nurse Practitioners?
The BLS estimates that the employment of Nurse Practitioners, which includes Gerontological Nurse Practitioners, will grow 40% by 2031.
As life expectancy continues to increase and medicine continues to advance, there will be a greater need for nurses who specialize in caring for the elderly.
Learn More: How to Become a Gerontological Nurse Practitioner
15. Nurse Administrator
How Much Do Nurse Administrators Make?
According toSalary.com, the average salary* of a Nurse Administrator is about $101,000 per year or about $48 per hour.
What Does a Nurse Administrator Do?
Nurse Administrators are part of the executive team that oversees the nursing staff. They help coordinate between nurses and other departments, develop policies and procedures, and manage HR and budgeting.
What are the Requirements to Become a Nurse Administrator?
A master’s degree in healthcare administration is typically required to become a Nurse Administrator.
What is the Job Outlook for Nurse Administrators?
The BLS reports that the employment of medical and health service managers is projected to grow28% by 2031.
Learn More: How to Become a Nurse Administrator
16. Nurse Educator
How Much Do Nurse Educators Make?
According toSalary.com, the average salary* earned by nurse educators is about$95,000 per year.
What Does a Nurse Educator Do?
Nurse Educators teach nursing professionals within a healthcare setting by developing and using training curriculums. They also oversee new nurses and nursing students in a clinical setting.
What are the Requirements to Become a Nurse Educator?
To become a Nurse Educator, you must hold a master’s degree in nursing. However, many Nurse Educators may earn their doctoral degrees as well.
What is the Job Outlook for Nurse Educators?
According to the BLS, employment of postsecondary teachers, which includes Nurse Educators, will grow 12% by 2031.
The employment of nurses is growing. Therefore, nurse educators will continue to need to train these new nurses in various healthcare settings.
Learn More: How to Become a Nurse Educator
Which Specialization Will You Choose?
There are lots of rewarding careers in nursing. Specialized nursing careers require unique skills and offer a wide range of benefits, whether you’re treating newborn infants, expectant mothers, the elderly, or any other patient group.
If you’re ready to start training for your nursing career, contact us at Provo College. Our friendly and knowledgeable staff will help you pick a program that can help you enter a financially and emotionally rewarding career in nursing.
