Nursing is not just a profession; it's a calling rooted in compassion, skill, and dedication. While nurses play diverse roles across healthcare settings, some specialties command higher salaries due to their advanced skills, specialized knowledge, and increased demand. Let's explore the seven highest-paid nursing jobs in the US, shedding light on their average salaries and the paths to pursue these rewarding careers.
Top paying jobs:
- Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA)
- Nurse Practitioner (NP)
- Nurse Researcher
- Nurse Manager
- Nurse Educator
- Nurse Informaticist
- Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS)
1. Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) - $214,200
Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists are advanced practice nurses who administer anesthesia to patients undergoing medical procedures. CRNAs collaborate with healthcare teams to ensure patient safety and comfort during surgery, childbirth, and other medical interventions. With an average annual salary of $214,200, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, CRNAs are among the highest-paid nursing professionals in the US.
To become a CRNA, registered nurses must complete a master's or doctoral degree program in nurse anesthesia accredited by the Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs (COA). Additionally, they must obtain certification through the National Board of Certification and Recertification for Nurse Anesthetists (NBCRNA).
2. Nurse Practitioner (NP) - $128,490
Nurse Practitioners are advanced practice registered nurses who provide primary and specialty healthcare services to patients of all ages. NP roles encompass diagnosis, treatment, prescription of medications, and patient education. With an average annual salary of $128,490 according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, Nurse Practitioners command competitive compensation for their advanced clinical expertise.
To become a Nurse Practitioner, registered nurses must pursue a master's or doctoral degree in a specialized area of advanced practice nursing, such as family practice, adult-gerontology, pediatric, or psychiatric-mental health. NP programs include extensive clinical training and preparation for national certification exams offered by organizations like the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) or the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC).
3. Nurse Researcher - $113,102
Nurse Researchers investigate healthcare phenomena, develop evidence-based practices, and contribute to advancements in nursing science. They conduct research studies, analyze data, and disseminate findings to inform clinical practice and healthcare policy. Nurse Researchers earn an average annual salary of $113,102 according to ZipRecruiter, reflecting their contributions to expanding nursing knowledge and improving patient outcomes.
To become a Nurse Researcher, registered nurses typically pursue graduate education in nursing research or a related field. Nurse Researcher programs provide training in research methodologies, data analysis, and scholarly writing. Many Nurse Researchers hold master's or doctoral degrees and may seek additional certifications or research grants to support their work.
4. Nurse Manager - $102,684
Nurse Managers oversee nursing staff, operations, and patient care within healthcare facilities such as hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities. They play a pivotal role in staff supervision, budget management, quality improvement initiatives, and maintaining regulatory compliance. Nurse Managers earn an average annual salary of $102,684 according to ZipRecruiter, reflecting their leadership responsibilities and managerial skills.
To become a Nurse Manager, registered nurses typically gain experience in clinical practice before advancing into leadership roles. Many Nurse Managers hold a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) or higher degree and pursue additional education or certifications in nursing administration or healthcare management.
5. Nurse Educator - $102,263
Nurse Educators are registered nurses who specialize in teaching and mentoring aspiring nurses in academic or clinical settings. They design curriculum, facilitate learning experiences, and assess students' progress to prepare them for careers in nursing. Nurse Educators earn an average annual salary of $102,263 according to ZipRecruiter, reflecting their dual roles as educators and clinicians.
To become a Nurse Educator, registered nurses typically pursue a master's or doctoral degree in nursing education or a related field. Nurse Educator programs emphasize teaching methodologies, curriculum development, and educational leadership. Additionally, Nurse Educators may obtain certification through organizations like the National League for Nursing (NLN) to demonstrate their expertise in nursing education.
6. Nurse Informaticist - $98,409
Nurse Informaticists specialize in healthcare information technology, leveraging their nursing expertise to optimize electronic health records, clinical decision support systems, and health information exchanges. They bridge the gap between clinical practice and technology to enhance patient care delivery and outcomes. Nurse Informaticists earn an average annual salary of $98,409 according to ZipRecruiter, reflecting their unique skill set and contributions to healthcare innovation.
To become a Nurse Informaticist, registered nurses typically pursue specialized education or certification in nursing informatics or healthcare technology. Nurse Informaticist programs combine nursing, information science, and technology coursework to prepare graduates for roles in healthcare informatics. Additionally, Nurse Informaticists may obtain certification through organizations like the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) or the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society (HIMSS) to demonstrate proficiency in nursing.
7. Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) - $94,545
Clinical Nurse Specialists are advanced practice nurses who specialize in a specific area of healthcare, such as oncology, critical care, or psychiatric-mental health. CNS roles involve direct patient care, education, research, and consultation with interdisciplinary healthcare teams. With an average annual salary of $94,545 according to ZipRecruiter, Clinical Nurse Specialists receive competitive compensation for their specialized expertise.
To become a Clinical Nurse Specialist, registered nurses must complete a master's or doctoral degree program in a specialized area of clinical nursing. CNS programs emphasize advanced clinical skills, leadership development, and research proficiency. After graduation, CNS candidates obtain certification through organizations like the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) or the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN).informatics.
Is one of these high-paying nurse jobs right for you?
The field of nursing offers a diverse array of career opportunities, each with its own set of responsibilities, requirements, and rewards. Whether aspiring to provide direct patient care, lead healthcare teams, conduct research, or innovate healthcare delivery, nurses have the opportunity to make meaningful contributions to the well-being of individuals and communities. By pursuing advanced education, gaining clinical experience, and obtaining certifications in specialized areas of nursing practice, nurses can embark on fulfilling careers that align with their passions, interests, and professional goals.
Want to learn about other in-demand healthcare professions? Explore more professions with shifts offered through the CareRev App.
