Reviewed by:
Luke Hartstein
Former Admissions Committee Member, NYU Grossman School of Medicine
Reviewed: 4/26/24
Nursing offers amazing job opportunities with varying requirements for education, certification, and skill levels. Keep reading to learn more about the highest paying nursing jobs in the US.
Nursing is a 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.
Highest Paying Nursing Jobs
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.
1. Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist
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 $259,707.
Requirements to Become a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist
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.
Best Schools for Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist:
- University of Pennsylvania
- Johns Hopkins University
- Duke University
Career Outlook for Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist:
The career outlook for CRNA is extremely bright, with a projected 45% over the decade.
2. General Nurse Practitioner
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 $132,629.
Requirements to Become a General Nurse Practitioner
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.
Best Schools for General Nurse Practitioner
- University of California, San Francisco
- Vanderbilt University
- University of Washington
Career Outlook for General Nurse Practitioner
The job outlook for NPs is extremely bright, projected to grow 45% over the decade.
Take our BSN school selection quiz to find the right program for you.
3. ICU Nurse
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 $114,898 annually. New nurses start on the lower end of the pay scale but earn more with experience.
Requirements to Become ICU Nurse
ICU Nurses don’t need any education requirements to advance into the position but should strongly consider being CCRN certified.
Best Schools for ICU Nurse
- University of Maryland
- University of Pittsburgh
- Rush University
Career Outlook for ICU Nurse
ICU Nurses are in constant demand, which reflects positively on their job outlook.
4. Neonatal Intensive Care Nurse
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 $127,391 on average annually.
Requirements to Become a Neonatal Intensive Care Nurse
To become a full NIC Nurse, you must earn a neonatal nurse designation as a Registered Nurse (RN).
Best Schools for Neonatal Intensive Care Nurse
- University of Pennsylvania
- University of California, San Francisco
- Duke University
Career Outlook for Neonatal Intensive Care Nurse
The career has a strong outlook due to technological progress increasing the job’s significance.
5. Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
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.
Requirements to Become a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
PNPs must attend an accredited program for a Master’s in the Science of Nursing and earn a state license.
Best Schools for Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
- University of California, San Francisco
- University of Pennsylvania
- Johns Hopkins University
Career Outlook for Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
With the rise of mental health awareness in America, the demand for PNPs has grown, giving them a bright career outlook.
6. Certified Nurse Midwife
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 $122,444.
Requirements to Become a Certified Nurse Midwife
To become certified, you must go through the American Midwifery Certification Board to earn the designation.
Best Schools for Certified Nurse Midwife
- Frontier Nursing University
- University of Pennsylvania
- Yale University
Career Outlook for Certified Nurse Midwife
Certified Nurse Midwives have a promising career outlook, expecting 45% growth over the decade.
7. Clinical Nurse Specialist
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 $94,545.
Requirements to Become a Clinical Nurse Specialist
Clinical Nurse Specialists need a Master of Science in Nursing and must specialize in their field through the program.
Best Schools for Clinical Nurse Specialist
- University of California, San Francisco
- Duke University
- Johns Hopkins University
Career Outlook for Clinical Nurse Specialist
Like the rest of the healthcare industry, Clinical Nurse Specialists have a bright career outlook.
8. Pain Management Nurse
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.
Requirements to Become a Pain Management Nurse
Registered Nurses must gain experience and work towards certification to become Pain Management Specialists.
Best Schools for Pain Management Nurse
- Rush University
- University of Pittsburgh
- University of Maryland
Career Outlook for Pain Management Nurse
These nurses are a part of a favorable job market, as there will always be a need for pain management in healthcare.
9. Registered Nurse First Assist
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.
Requirements to Become Registered Nurse First Assist
Register Nurses must undergo advanced perioperative training and average 2,000 hours before certification to become an RNFA.
Best Schools for Registered Nurse First Assist
- Duke University
- Rush University
- University of Maryland
Career Outlook for Registered Nurse First Assist
The demand for RNFAs is growing, giving this nursing job a positive outlook.
10. Nursing Administrator
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 $84,334.
Requirements to Become a Nursing Administrator
The requirements include a Master’s in Nursing Administration and state licensure.
Best Schools for Nursing Administrators
- University of Pennsylvania
- Johns Hopkins University
- Duke University
Career Outlook for Nursing Administrator
The Nurse Administration career has a projected growth of over 32% by the end of the decade.
11. Family Nurse Practitioner
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 $127,976.
Requirements to Become a Family Nurse Practitioner
To become an FNP, nurses must earn the board-certified designation.
Best Schools for Family Nurse Practitioner
- University of California, San Francisco
- Vanderbilt University
- University of Washington
Career Outlook for Family Nurse Practitioner
The career outlook is expected to grow 45% by 2029, showing a promising outlook.
12. Gerontological Nurse Practitioner
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 $134,369.
Requirements to Become a Gerontological Nurse Practitioner
To become a Gerontological Nurse Practitioner, you'll need a Master’s in Nursing and appropriate certification.
Best Schools for Gerontological Nurse Practitioner
- University of Pennsylvania
- Duke University
- University of California, San Francisco
Career Outlook for Gerontological Nurse Practitioner
Modern medicine has enabled people to live longer, increasing the population of older patients and giving the GNP a positive career outlook.
13. Nurse Educator
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 $104,543 per year.
Requirements to Become a Nurse Educator
Educators require at least a master’s degree, but they’ll often hold a doctorate as a college professor.
Best Schools for Nurse Educator
- Teachers College, Columbia University
- Johns Hopkins University
- University of Pennsylvania
Career Outlook for Nurse Educator
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.
14. Informatics Nurse
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 $134,219 per year. They can work in various healthcare settings, most notably in medical record companies.
Requirements to Become an Informatics Nurse
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.
Best Schools for Informatics Nurse
- University of Maryland
- Duke University
- University of Pennsylvania
Career Outlook for Informatics Nurse
Informatics nurses are in high demand, and the field continues to grow as healthcare adopts new technological solutions for record keeping.
15. Home Health Nurse
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 $101,717.
Requirements to Become a Home Health Nurse
To become a Home Health Nurse, you typically need a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and relevant certifications.
Best Schools for Home Health Nurse
- University of California, San Francisco
- Johns Hopkins University
- University of Pennsylvania
Career Outlook for Home Health Nurse
With an aging population and a preference for home-based care, the demand for Home Health Nurses is expected to grow significantly.
16. Occupational Health Nurse
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 $86,380.
Requirements to Become an Occupational Health Nurse
To pursue a career as an Occupational Health Nurse, you typically need a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and relevant occupational health certifications.
Best Schools for Occupational Health Nurse
- University of Washington
- University of California, San Francisco
- Johns Hopkins University
Career Outlook for Occupational Health Nurse
As companies prioritize employee health and safety, the demand for Occupational Health Nurses is expected to grow.
17. Public Health Nurse
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 $78,437.
Requirements to Become a Public Health Nurse
To become a Public Health Nurse, you typically need a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and additional training or certification in public health.
Best Schools for Public Health Nurse
- University of California, Berkeley
- Johns Hopkins University
- University of Washington
Career Outlook for Public Health Nurse
With an increasing focus on population health and wellness, the demand for Public Health Nurses is expected to rise.
18. School Nurse
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 $67,035.
Requirements to Become a School Nurse
To become a School Nurse, you typically need a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and relevant state licensure or certification.
Best Schools for School Nurses
- University of Washington
- Johns Hopkins University
- University of California, San Francisco
Career Outlook for School Nurse
As schools prioritize student health and wellness, the demand for School Nurses is expected to increase.
19. Travel Nurse
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 $101,132.
Requirements to Become a Travel Nurse
To become a Travel Nurse, you typically need a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and relevant clinical experience.
Best Schools for Travel Nurse
There are no specific schools for Travel Nurses, but gaining experience in various healthcare settings can be beneficial.
Career Outlook for Travel Nurse
As healthcare facilities continue to face staffing shortages, the demand for Travel Nurses is expected to remain strong.
20. Rehabilitation Nurse
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 $77,736.
Requirements to Become a Rehabilitation Nurse
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.
Best Schools for Rehabilitation Nurse
- University of Washington
- Johns Hopkins University
- University of California, San Francisco
Career Outlook for Rehabilitation Nurse
With advancements in rehabilitation therapies and an aging population, the demand for Rehabilitation Nurses is expected to grow.
21. Ambulatory Care Nurse
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 $99,067.
Requirements to Become an Ambulatory Care Nurse
To become an Ambulatory Care Nurse, you typically need a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and relevant clinical experience.
Best Schools for Ambulatory Care Nurse
- University of California, San Francisco
- Johns Hopkins University
- University of Washington
Career Outlook for Ambulatory Care Nurse
As healthcare delivery shifts towards outpatient settings, the demand for Ambulatory Care Nurses is expected to increase.
22. Telehealth Nurse
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 $185,411.
Requirements to Become a Telehealth Nurse
To become a Telehealth Nurse, you typically need a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and training in telehealth technologies and protocols.
Best Schools for Telehealth Nurse
There are no specific schools for Telehealth Nurses, but gaining experience in telehealth settings can be beneficial.
Career Outlook for Telehealth Nurse
With the increasing use of telehealth services, the demand for Telehealth Nurses is expected to grow.
23. Dialysis Nurse
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 $86,452.
Requirements to Become a Dialysis Nurse
To pursue a career as a Dialysis Nurse, you typically need a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and training in nephrology nursing.
Best Schools for Dialysis Nurse
- University of Washington
- Johns Hopkins University
- University of California, San Francisco
Career Outlook for Dialysis Nurse
With the prevalence of kidney disease and the need for dialysis treatment, the demand for Dialysis Nurses is expected to remain steady.
24. Oncology Nurse
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 $91,094.
Requirements to Become an Oncology Nurse
To become an Oncology Nurse, you typically need a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and certification in oncology nursing.
Best Schools for Oncology Nurse
- University of California, San Francisco
- Johns Hopkins University
- University of Washington
Career Outlook for Oncology Nurse
With advancements in cancer treatments and an aging population, the demand for Oncology Nurses is expected to grow.
25. Hospice Nurse
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 make sure that their end-of-life wishes are respected. Hospice Nurses earn an average annual salary of $87,186.
Requirements to Become a Hospice Nurse
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.
Best Schools for Hospice Nurse
- University of Washington
- Johns Hopkins University
- University of California, San Francisco
Career Outlook for Hospice Nurse
With the aging population and the increasing need for end-of-life care, the demand for Hospice Nurses is expected to rise.
Highest Paying Industries for Nurses
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.
Industry | Average Income | Unique Jobs |
---|---|---|
Non-scheduled Air Transportation | $112,630 | Flight Nurses, Paramedics |
Pharmaceutical and Medicine Manufacturing | $105,270 | Researchers, Sales Nurses, Consultants |
Federal Executive Branch | $97,600 | Government Nurses, Military Nurses |
Office Administration Services | $96,630 | Nurse Administrators |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics Registered Nurses
Each industry offers jobs for nurses that are non-typical roles. Listed below are some examples.
Non-scheduled Air Transportation
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.
Pharmaceutical and Medicine Manufacturing
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.
Federal Executive Branch
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.
Office Administration Services
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.
FAQs: Highest Paid Nurses
Below, you’ll find common questions about the industry’s highest-paying nursing jobs.
1. Which Nurses Make the Most Money?
Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists make the most money, earning an average of over $259,707 yearly. Their role requires highly educated experts to meet the demands of proper surgical anesthetic management.
2. How Much Do the Highest Paid Nurses Make?
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.
3. What Is the Easiest Nursing Job That Pays Well?
The easiest nursing job is a Nurse Educator. Many individuals who work in this profession mention they have a high job satisfaction and career outlook.
4. What Nursing Positions Have the Highest Job Satisfaction Rate?
The best jobs for nurses that report high job satisfaction include nurse educators, home health nurses, midwives, OR-Perioperative, and Pediatric Nurses.
5. What Are the Most Difficult or Skill Intensive Nursing Jobs?
The most difficult and skill-intense jobs in nursing are the ones with specialization and or high-stress work environments like Certified RN Anesthetists, ICU, Operating Room, and Psychiatric Nurses.
6. Is Nursing Harder Than Respiratory Therapy?
The average nurse encounters more difficulties than a respiratory therapist due to the amount of responsibility and number of daily tasks that they need to complete. Both careers come with their own challenges and require their own particular skills.
Final Thoughts
Starting as an RN is a solid foundation for a healthcare career. 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!