Top Paying Nursing Jobs in 2024

• Average Salary: $195,610 per year

• Role Overview: CRNAs administer anesthesia for surgeries, procedures, and pain management. They work closely with anesthesiologists, surgeons, and other healthcare professionals to ensure patient safety and comfort.

• Requirements: A Master’s or Doctoral degree in Nurse Anesthesia, national certification, and clinical experience.

• Why It Pays Well: The role requires advanced education and carries significant responsibility, particularly in high-stakes surgical settings.

Nurse Practitioner (NP)

• Average Salary: $125,670 per year

• Role Overview: Nurse Practitioners provide primary and specialty care, often serving as a patient’s main healthcare provider. They can diagnose illnesses, prescribe medications, and develop treatment plans.

• Requirements: A Master’s or Doctorate in Nursing Practice (DNP), state licensure, and certification in a specialty area.

• High-Earning Specialties:

  • Psychiatric-Mental Health NP

  • Acute Care NP

  • Family NP

Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS)

• Average Salary: $112,500 per year

• Role Overview: CNSs focus on improving patient outcomes through direct care, education, research, and healthcare system improvements. They often specialize in areas like oncology, cardiology, or pediatrics.

• Requirements: Advanced degrees (MSN or DNP), specialty certifications, and clinical experience.

• Why It Pays Well: Their role in enhancing healthcare systems and patient outcomes makes them invaluable to employers.

Nursing Administrator

• Average Salary: $105,000 per year

• Role Overview: Nursing administrators oversee nursing staff, manage budgets, and develop policies to improve patient care quality and efficiency.

• Requirements: A Bachelor’s or Master’s in Nursing Administration or Healthcare Management, leadership experience, and financial acumen.

• Why It Pays Well: The blend of clinical expertise and administrative responsibilities ensures high demand for this role.

Nurse Midwife

• Average Salary: $114,210 per year

• Role Overview: Nurse midwives provide care during pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum, as well as gynecological exams and family planning.

• Requirements: A Master’s degree in Nurse-Midwifery, certification, and state licensure.

• Why It Pays Well: Specialized expertise in maternal health and childbirth increases earning potential.

Travel Nurse

• Average Salary: $88,320 per year (base) + bonuses and stipends

• Role Overview: Travel nurses fill short-term staffing gaps in various healthcare facilities, often in high-demand areas.

• Requirements: An RN license, clinical experience, and flexibility to relocate.

• Why It Pays Well: High demand for short-term coverage often comes with premium pay, housing stipends, and other benefits.

Informatics Nurse

• Average Salary: $102,230 per year

• Role Overview: Informatics nurses bridge the gap between clinical practice and technology, focusing on electronic health records (EHRs), data analysis, and system implementation.

• Requirements: A Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Nursing Informatics, IT skills, and clinical experience.

• Why It Pays Well: The growing importance of technology in healthcare ensures high demand for informatics specialists.