Highest Paying Nursing Jobs in USA- Demand for high-paying nurse positions is very high. Maybe you’re wondering how much a nurse makes on average and how you can switch careers to work as one.
The median annual wage for registered nurses, according to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, is $77,000. It was the year 2021.
The average yearly wage across all specializations is this amount. The highest-paying nursing positions earn more than $195K annually.
Your location and your degree will determine how much you earn as a nurse. Nurses who have a master’s degree are usually paid more than those with a BSN. It all depends on your industry.
Read on to learn more about the different types and salaries of nurses.
Registered Nurse Anesthetist is the #1 most high-paying nursing job.
Salary: $195,610
CRNAs earn significantly more than any other type of nurse or nursing specialty. They make $195,610 per year.
According to the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists, this highly skilled occupation requires that patients are anesthetized in conjunction with anesthesiologists and surgeons as well as podiatrists, dentists, and other healthcare professionals.
This is the most highly-paid specialty in nursing according to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics. CRNAs work an average of 40 hours per week and make $94.04 an hour.
The BLS predicts that CRNAs will continue to grow between 2020-2030.
What requirements are there to be a nurse anesthetist.
To earn your National Certification Examination, you will need to put in a lot of effort and then graduate from an accredited program for nurse anesthesia education.
Although a doctoral degree is not required to become a CRNA-certified professional, the Council on Accreditation stated that one will be required by 2025.
#2 Highest Paying Nursing Jobs- General Nurse Practitioner
Salary: $120,680
According to the May 2021 BLS, general nurse practitioners have a median annual income $120.680. They work an average 40-hour week for $58.02 an hr.
You have the option to work as a general practitioner or open your own practice.
You may also be able to learn new skills and earn more money. If you so choose, general NPs can choose to specialize.
What requirements are there to be a nurse practitioner?
To become a nurse practitioner, you will need a Master of Science degree. You must then be licensed as a Nurse Practitioner in your state.
#3 ICU Nursing – The most lucrative nursing job –
Salary: $120,243
ZipRecruiter reported the average ICU nurse salary in June 2022 at $120.243.
Critical care nurses typically earn $76,500 to $145,000 on average. They can earn as much as $200,000 depending on their shift, hospital, and location.
Most new nurses start at the bottom of the pay scale but quickly climb up. Critical care nurses work an average of 36 hours per week for a $57.81 hourly wage.
What requirements are there to be an ICU nurse?
You don’t have to be a nurse or have any other qualifications in order to work in critical care. However, you should take the CCRN certification exam.
In order to make sure that they feel confident about their skills and abilities, many hospitals offer specialized training for nurses who work in intensive care.
Neonatal Intensive Care Nurse is the #4 most-highly-paid nursing job.
Salary: $118,586
If your passion is working with children, you might consider becoming a neonatal intensive nurse (NICU) A specialty that’s great for advanced practice nurses.
ZipRecruiter estimated that the average annual salary of NICU nurses was $118,586. Higher earning opportunities are available to those with a BSN and more work experience.
NICU nurses are paid $57.00 per hour and work an average 36 hours per week.
What requirements are there to be a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Nurse?
While you can gain experience in a neonatal unit by working as a staff RN at a hospital, this is not the best way for you to move up your career. To become a neonatal nursing specialist (CNS) or a nurse practitioner, you will need to have experience in neonatal care.
Higher education can also translate into higher salaries. Registered nurses without a nursing degree may apply for RNCNIC certification.
#5 High-Paying Nursing Jobs for Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners
Salary: $113,114
As of May 2023, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners earn an average of $113.114 per year, according to Payscale.
A typical work week for psychiatric nurses practitioners is 40 hours. They earn approximately $63.75, an hourly wage.
Psychoiatric nurses can collaborate with psychiatrists to help patients with mental illness.
Psychiatric nurse practitioners can treat patients with mental and substance abuse problems.
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner Requirements
To become a nurse practitioner, you will need a Master of Science degree. The state then licenses you as a Psychiatric Nursing Practitioner.
#6 Most High-Paying Nursing Jobs – Certified Nurse Midwife
Salary: $112,830
The average salary of a certified nurse-midwife in the United States is $112 830, according to the BLS.
CNMs earn $54.24 an hour and work 40 hours per week.
Certified Nursing Midwife (CNM) is a great career choice for RNs who are passionate about obstetrics, labor and delivery, and prenatal care.
CNMs can work in OB/GYN hospitals, clinics or clinics. Some CNMs may open their own offices depending on the location they work.
How to become a certified midwife
Nurses can obtain the Certified Nurse-Midwife and Certified Midwife designations from the American Midwifery Certification Board.
#7 Most High-Paying Nursing Jobs Clinical nurse specialist
Salary $112 267
Are you interested in working in a clinic, specialized unit or hospital? Then you might consider becoming a Clinical Nursing Specialist.
You will be considered an expert by your healthcare team, as well as diagnosing and treating other conditions.
The Clinical Nursing Specialists are responsible to improve the quality of nursing care at hospitals. They also participate in healthcare improvement research.
Salary.com reports as the national average salary for clinical nurses specialists at $112,000.
The median salary for this specialty ranges from $101,514 to $122,976. Clinical nurse specialists work an average of 40 hours per week.
How to become a Clinical Nursing Specialist
A clinical nursing specialist must have a Master’s in nursing with clinical specialization.
These are other jobs in nursing and their respective salaries
- Pain Management Nurse – $110,420
- First Assist Registered Nurse – $101,890
- Nursing Administrator – $101,340
- Family Nurse Practitioner- $98,041
- Gerontological Nurse Practitioner – $90,391
- Nurse Educator – $82,040
- Informatics Nurse – $79,531
- Health Policy Nurse – $79,429.