Reviewed by:
Former Chief Resident in Anesthesiology, Weill Cornell Medicine, & Admissions Officer, Columbia University
Reviewed: 4/12/24
Nursing offers amazing job opportunities with varying requirements for education, certification, and skill-levels. Wondering which jobs come with the best paychecks? Keep reading to learn more about the highest paying nursing jobs in the US.
Nursing is a noble and rewarding career that requires hard work and dedication. For those who strive for career advancement, certain specialties offer a promising path. By gaining additional expertise, like at an internship or specialized training, nurses can move into higher paying jobs to take their careers to the next level.
Now, let’s take a look at the landscape of the highest paying nursing jobs in 2024. We’ll go over top nursing schools, job outlooks, and more.
If you’re wondering if nursing is a well-paid profession, you’ve come to the right place. Here are the 25 highest paying nursing jobs. Keep in mind that the highest ranking jobs on this list often involve more demanding and challenging work. But don’t let that discourage you! If you’re up to the challenge, these careers can be incredibly rewarding.
Why are Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNA) the top-paying nursing job?
As a CRNA, you'll be part of a dynamic healthcare team that includes anesthesiologists. Together, you'll prepare and administer anesthesia to make sure surgeries go smoothly.
It’s a demanding but rewarding role that requires a high level of skill and expertise. CRNAs make a median annual salary of $232,500.
To become a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA), you'll need to obtain a master’s degree in Nurse Anesthesia and complete the NBCRNA exam to meet the necessary medical standards to begin practicing.
The career outlook for CRNA is extremely bright, with a projected 45% over the decade.
General Nurse Practitioners operate as entrepreneurs in the nursing industry since practitioners often start or own their practice.
They typically go into forms of primary care, such as family practices, pediatrics, and urgent care private businesses. However, nurse practitioners also find work at a hospital or private practice not owned by them. General Nurse Practitioners earn a median annual income of $121,610.
To pursue a career as a General Nurse Practitioner, you’ll need a Master of Science in Nursing and a state-specific practitioner’s license to start this career path.
The job outlook for NPs is extremely bright, projected to grow 45% over the decade.
Intensive Care Unit (ICU) Nurses work in a high-pressure environment, providing care for critically ill patients who are often in life-or-death situations. Given the intensity of the job, ICU nurses are among the highest-paying nursing jobs for their skills and the high demand for their services.
As the name suggests, these nurses work for hospitals in the ICU and other departments as needed. On average, ICU Nurses make $84,700 annually. New nurses start on the lower end of the pay scale but earn more with experience.
ICU Nurses don’t need any education requirements to advance into the position but should strongly consider being CCRN certified.
ICU Nurses are in constant demand, which reflects positively on their job outlook.
Similar to an ICU Nurse, Neonatal Intensive Care (NIC) Nurses are stationed in intensive care units, but care specifically for newborns and babies. NIC Nurses work in various locations, from general hospitals and birth centers to different types of private practices. NIC Nurses make $135,584 on average annually.
To become a full NIC Nurse, you must earn a neonatal nurse designation as a Registered Nurse (RN).
The career has a strong outlook due to technological progress increasing the job’s significance.
If you’re more interested in the mental health side of healthcare, becoming a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner (PNP) could be the right choice. PNPs work to treat mental health disorders and related addictions. You’ll find them in facilities like hospitals wings, clinics, and agencies dedicated to psychiatry and treatment.
As one of the highest paying nursing jobs, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners average about $134,503 annually.
PNPs must attend an accredited program for a Master’s in the Science of Nursing and earn a state license.
With the rise of mental health awareness in America, the demand for PNPs has grown, giving them a bright career outlook.
Becoming a Certified Nurse Midwife is the fastest track for a nurse to jump into obstetrics. As a certified Midwife, you’ll work with OB/GYNs in clinics or hospitals, serving women from pregnancy to delivery. Certified Nurse Midwives make an average annual salary of $124,999.
To become certified, you must go through the American Midwifery Certification Board to earn the designation.
Certified Nurse Midwives have a promising career outlook, expecting 45% growth over the decade.
Clinical Nurse Specialists (CNS) are nurses who have earned a master’s degree to work exclusively within a specific clinic or hospital department.
As healthcare experts, CNSs can diagnose and collaborate with patients on their treatment plans as healthcare experts. They often conduct research and offer advice on the operation and management of their hospital. Clinical Nurse Specialists make an average annual salary of $77,600.
Clinical Nurse Specialists need a Master of Science in Nursing and must specialize in their field through the program.
Like the rest of the healthcare industry, Clinical Nurse Specialists have a bright career outlook.
As a specialization, Pain Management Nurses work with post-operation and chronic pain through illness. Guiding patients through their pain is the primary role of PMN.
They often work with a team of nurses on their patient's treatment or recovery. Expect to work a lot with seniors as a Pain Management Nurse. Pain Management Nurses earn an average annual salary of $362,569.
Registered Nurses must gain experience and work towards certification to become Pain Management Specialists.
These nurses are a part of a favorable job market, as there will always be a need for pain management in healthcare.
Registered Nurse First Assists, or RNFAs, take point as the head nurse behind the doctor during surgery. Their skill set calls for a substantial perioperative understanding.
The need for RNFAs can be situational, depending on the structure of the hospital and the number of doctors. RNFAs make an average annual salary of $108,020.
Register Nurses must undergo advanced perioperative training and average 2,000 hours before certification to become an RNFA.
The demand for RNFAs is growing, giving this nursing job a positive outlook.
Nurse Administrators are the presiding manager over the nursing staff at their healthcare facility. They work throughout the healthcare industry and handle all their employees' financial planning and human resource duties. Nursing Administrators make an average annual salary of $86,618.
The requirements include a Master’s in Nursing Administration and state licensure.
The Nurse Administration career has a projected growth of over 32% by the end of the decade.
Family Nurse Practitioners (FNPs) are licensed healthcare professionals who provide various services, including diagnosing and treating illnesses, ordering diagnostic tests, and prescribing medications. They collaborate with physicians to provide patient care.
Family Nurse Practitioners earn an average annual salary of $108,488.
To become an FNP, nurses must earn the board-certified designation.
The career outlook is expected to grow 45% by 2029, showing a promising outlook.
Gerontological Nurse Practitioners specialize in providing care to the care of the elderly and addressing age-related health problems. They find employment at most major medical facilities, often at nursing homes and retirement communities. The average annual salary of a Gerontological Nurse Practitioner is $106,826.
To become a Gerontological Nurse Practitioner, you'll need a Master’s in Nursing and appropriate certification.
Modern medicine has enabled people to live longer, increasing the population of older patients and giving the GNP a positive career outlook.
The least stressful job on this list is the Nurse Educator. This job involves teaching students and training other nurses on the most current research, techniques, and medical advances. Nurse Educators make an average of $106,015 per year.
Educators require at least a master’s degree, but they’ll often hold a doctorate as a college professor.
Currently, there is a shortage of nurse educators, so if you’re thinking of stepping back from patient care to education, it’s a great time to do so.
If you have computer science skills, becoming an Informatics Nurse is the perfect way to join the healthcare industry. Informatics Nurses meet the modern tech needs of hospitals by managing medical record databases and information.
The average salary of Informatic Nurses is $98,409 per year. They can work in various healthcare settings, most notably in medical record companies.
There are no specific educational requirements outlined for Informatics Nurses, but they typically possess a nursing degree and additional training in health informatics or a related field.
Informatics nurses are in high demand, and the field continues to grow as healthcare adopts new technological solutions for record keeping.
Home Health Nurses provide healthcare services to patients in the comfort of their own homes. They assist patients with daily tasks, administer medications, and provide medical care as needed. Home Health Nurses earn an average annual salary of $85,530.
To become a Home Health Nurse, you typically need a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and relevant certifications.
With an aging population and a preference for home-based care, the demand for Home Health Nurses is expected to grow significantly.
Occupational Health Nurses focus on promoting health and safety in the workplace. They assess workplace environments, provide education on safety measures, and treat injuries or illnesses that occur on the job. Occupational Health Nurses earn an average annual salary of $91,912.
To pursue a career as an Occupational Health Nurse, you typically need a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and relevant occupational health certifications.
As companies prioritize employee health and safety, the demand for Occupational Health Nurses is expected to grow.
Public Health Nurses work within communities to promote health and prevent disease. They conduct health assessments, provide education on disease prevention, and participate in community outreach programs. Public Health Nurses earn an average annual salary of $70,979.
To become a Public Health Nurse, you typically need a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and additional training or certification in public health.
With an increasing focus on population health and wellness, the demand for Public Health Nurses is expected to rise.
School Nurses provide healthcare services to students within educational settings. They assess and treat injuries and illnesses, administer medications, and promote health and wellness among students and staff. School Nurses earn an average annual salary of $55,711.
To become a School Nurse, you typically need a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and relevant state licensure or certification.
As schools prioritize student health and wellness, the demand for School Nurses is expected to increase.
Travel Nurses work on short-term assignments in various healthcare facilities across different locations. They fill temporary staffing needs and often have the opportunity to explore new cities while working. Travel Nurses earn an average annual salary of $121,710.
To become a Travel Nurse, you typically need a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and relevant clinical experience.
There are no specific schools for Travel Nurses, but gaining experience in various healthcare settings can be beneficial.
As healthcare facilities continue to face staffing shortages, the demand for Travel Nurses is expected to remain strong.
Rehabilitation Nurses assist patients with disabilities or chronic illnesses in achieving their highest level of independence. They provide medical care, coordinate therapies, and educate patients and their families on coping strategies. Rehabilitation Nurses earn an average annual salary of $36,795.
To pursue a career as a Rehabilitation Nurse, you typically need a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and relevant experience or certification in rehabilitation nursing.
With advancements in rehabilitation therapies and an aging population, the demand for Rehabilitation Nurses is expected to grow.
Ambulatory Care Nurses work in outpatient settings, such as clinics, urgent care centers, and surgical centers. They assess patients, provide treatments and medications, and educate patients on managing their health conditions. Ambulatory Care Nurses earn an average annual salary of $80,500.
To become an Ambulatory Care Nurse, you typically need a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and relevant clinical experience.
As healthcare delivery shifts towards outpatient settings, the demand for Ambulatory Care Nurses is expected to increase.
Telehealth Nurses provide healthcare services remotely, using technology to communicate with patients and deliver care. They assess symptoms, provide guidance on managing health conditions, and offer support and education to patients. Telehealth Nurses earn an average annual salary of $106,082.
To become a Telehealth Nurse, you typically need a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and training in telehealth technologies and protocols.
There are no specific schools for Telehealth Nurses, but gaining experience in telehealth settings can be beneficial.
With the increasing use of telehealth services, the demand for Telehealth Nurses is expected to grow.
Dialysis Nurses care for patients with kidney failure who require dialysis treatment. They monitor patients during dialysis sessions, administer medications, and educate patients on managing their kidney disease. Dialysis Nurses earn an average annual salary of $97,406.
To pursue a career as a Dialysis Nurse, you typically need a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and training in nephrology nursing.
With the prevalence of kidney disease and the need for dialysis treatment, the demand for Dialysis Nurses is expected to remain steady.
Oncology Nurses specialize in caring for patients with cancer. They provide support to patients undergoing cancer treatments, manage symptoms and side effects, and educate patients and their families on cancer care. Oncology Nurses earn an average annual salary of $145,762.
To become an Oncology Nurse, you typically need a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and certification in oncology nursing.
With advancements in cancer treatments and an aging population, the demand for Oncology Nurses is expected to grow.
Hospice Nurses provide compassionate care to patients with terminal illnesses, focusing on managing pain and providing comfort in the final stages of life. They support patients and their families emotionally and ensure that their end-of-life wishes are respected. Hospice Nurses earn an average annual salary of $84,433.
To pursue a career as a Hospice Nurse, you typically need a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and training or certification in hospice and palliative care.
With the aging population and the increasing need for end-of-life care, the demand for Hospice Nurses is expected to rise.
Healthcare will always need nurses. Recruitment remains competitive, and nurses will typically relocate for job offers. The highest paid nurses earn more depending on the need for in-demand positions, which varies by state.
Below you’ll find the top-ranked states with the highest median annual income for nurses. Note that annual income reflects the average salary of an RN in that state.
Source: University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences
This ranking of the best states for nurses is based on three key factors: average annual salary for RNs, projected employment growth for RNs by 2030, and cost of living index. Each factor was rated on a five-point scale.
States with higher salaries, significant projected job growth, and lower cost of living received higher ratings. In cases of ties within the top 10, priority was given to states with the highest average salaries.
Below, you’ll find the list of highest paying cities for nurses to work in the United States.
Source: Nurse.org
Judging by this list, it’s easy to see why California has the most demand for nurses in the United States. Southern California’s high population density and large cities affected by the Covid-19 pandemic have led to a shortage of nurses in the state. If you’re looking for one of the highest paying nursing jobs, you should consider openings in California!
There’s a high demand for nurses in industries outside of healthcare. Depending on your educational background, you may be able to expand your career options by changing industries.
Below you’ll find the average pay income for nursing in different industries. Note that the average income looks at national numbers.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics Registered Nurses
Each industry offers jobs for nurses that are non-typical roles. Listed below are some examples.
The non-scheduled air transportation industry offers a unique career as a Flight Nurse. Patients in critical conditions occasionally need transportation by air to ensure they receive timely treatment. Flight nurses oversee the patient during that air time while managing the challenges of providing healthcare mid-flight.
Not interested in healthcare? Try a nursing career in Pharmaceutics. Nurses work as researchers, educators, consultants, and salespeople in this industry. Rather than providing for patients, you’ll ensure that the drugs used to treat them are safe for consumption and ready for market use.
The US Executive Branch offers various nursing opportunities through federal agencies, the military, and healthcare facilities run by the Veterans Health Association and the Department of Human and Services Health. These job opportunities can be found on USAJOBS.
Nurses can also become a part of the military. After becoming an RN, you can contact a recruiter and start the application process. As a military nurse, you'll have the chance to provide care to troops while serving at military bases across the globe.
Nurse Administrators may pursue job opportunities outside of healthcare. They can work in clerical roles at medical billing facilities, insurance companies, specialist clinics, and nursing homes. In these positions, they use their medical knowledge to understand patient needs and requirements while performing various administrative tasks.
Below, you’ll find common questions about the industry’s highest-paying nursing jobs.
Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists make the most money, earning an average of over $232,500 yearly. Their role requires highly educated experts to meet the demands of proper surgical anesthetic management.
The salary for the highest-paid nurses can range from over $100,000 to close to $200,000 annually. Factors such as location, experience, specialty, and education can impact earnings.
It is difficult to definitively determine the easiest nursing jobs that pays well, as it can vary based on several factors such as location, employer, level of experience, and education. However, some nursing positions that may offer a good balance between ease of work and compensation include nurse educators and administrators.
These roles typically involve less direct patient care and more work with students and other healthcare professionals but still require a strong foundation in nursing knowledge and skills.
The best jobs for nurses that report high job satisfaction include nurse educators, home health nurses, midwives, OR-Perioperative, and Pediatric Nurses. However, keep in mind that job satisfaction is subjective and can be influenced by factors such as work-life balance, job security, salary and opportunities for advancement.
The most difficult and skill-intense jobs in nursing are the ones with a unique specialization and or high-stress work environments. These include Certified RN Anesthetists, ICU, Operating Room, and Psychiatric Nurses.
The average nurse may have a more stressful or difficult job than a respiratory therapist due to the amount of responsibility and number of daily tasks that they need to complete. However, both careers come with their own challenges and require their own particular skills.
Starting as an RN is a solid foundation for a career in healthcare. If you're interested in exploring some of the highest paying nursing jobs, many of these roles require specialized certifications and designations.
Some of these positions may be demanding, with high-stress environments, but also offer distinction and compensation that can be attractive to many nurses. It's important to consider the unique requirements and challenges of each role, and determine which career path is best for you.
Best of luck in your nursing journey!
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