15 Highest Paying Nursing Jobs in 2024 : 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
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
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
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).
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
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
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
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
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
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
14. Informatics Nurse
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
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