Which Nurse Makes The Most Money? If you’re charting your career path or aiming to elevate your earning potential in nursing, you’re in the right place; money-central.com provides an insightful guide to the highest paying nursing jobs of 2025, offering a clear roadmap to financial success in the nursing profession. This article highlights lucrative nursing careers, including advanced practice roles and specialized fields, and also explores factors like location and industry that significantly impact a nurse’s salary, ensuring you have the knowledge to make informed career decisions and achieve financial stability. Dive in to discover the financial rewards and opportunities available in the nursing field, and learn how to maximize your income potential with specialized roles, strategic career moves, and insights into the financial landscape of nursing, covering advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs), registered nurses (RNs) and licensed practical nurses (LPNs).
1. How Much Can Nurses Potentially Earn?
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual salary for registered nurses (RNs) in the United States is $93,600, which translates to $45.00 per hour. However, this figure represents an average across all nursing specialties, including both lower and higher-paying positions. Some of the highest-paid nurses can earn over $200,000 annually.
- Factors Influencing Salary: Several factors can significantly impact a nurse’s earning potential, including education, experience, specialization, location, and the type of healthcare facility.
- Advanced Practice Nurses: Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs), such as Nurse Anesthetists, Nurse Practitioners, and Nurse Midwives, typically earn higher salaries due to their advanced education, specialized skills, and expanded scope of practice.
2. What Are the Highest-Paid Nursing Jobs in 2025?
Let’s explore some of the nursing careers that offer the highest earning potential in 2025.
2.1. Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA)
Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) are the highest-paid nurses. These highly skilled professionals administer anesthesia to patients in collaboration with surgeons, anesthesiologists, dentists, podiatrists, and other qualified healthcare professionals, as noted by the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists.
- Salary: $223,210 per year.
- Career Outlook: Expected to grow by 40% in the next decade.
- Requirements: A Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), at least two years of relevant critical care experience, graduation from an accredited CRNA program, and successful completion of the National Certification Examination.
- Work Environment: CRNAs work in hospitals, operating rooms, ambulatory centers, outpatient surgery centers, private physician offices, and pain management centers.
2.2. General Nurse Practitioner
General Nurse Practitioners (NPs) have the flexibility to open independent practices or work in various primary care settings. Nurse Practitioners can also specialize in a specific field.
- Salary: $129,210 annually.
- Career Outlook: Expected to grow by 40% over the next decade.
- Requirements: Graduation from an accredited NP program with either a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), successful completion of the national certification exam, and state licensure.
- Work Environment: NPs are employed in hospitals, clinics, urgent care centers, academic institutions, freestanding surgery centers, outpatient clinics, private practices, and staffing agencies.
2.3. Certified Nurse Midwife
Certified Nurse Midwives (CNMs) specialize in obstetrics, labor and delivery, and prenatal care. They often work in OB/GYN offices, clinics, or hospital settings, and some may open their own practices depending on state regulations.
- Salary: $128,790 annually.
- Career Outlook: Expected to grow by 40% over the next decade.
- Requirements: Graduation from an accredited CNM program, passing the national certification exam, and state licensure.
- Work Environment: CNMs work in hospitals, freestanding birthing clinics, government facilities, academic institutions, private practice clinics, and staffing agencies.
2.4. Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) Nurse
NICU nurses provide specialized care for newborn infants, particularly those who are premature or critically ill. Advanced practice nurses in this field can command a strong salary.
- Salary: $128,211 annually or $62 per hour.
- Career Outlook: Expected to grow by 6% over the next decade.
- Requirements: A Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). Certification (RNC-NIC) is available for nurses who wish to specialize without an advanced practice degree.
- Work Environment: NICU nurses work in hospitals, private practices, birth centers, neonatal intensive care units, well-baby units, newborn nurseries, private consultant roles, private duty baby nursing, pediatric outpatient clinics, and staffing agencies.
2.5. Pain Management Nurse
Pain management nurses help patients manage pain after surgery or deal with chronic pain issues. They collaborate with healthcare teams to identify the cause of pain and determine appropriate treatment plans.
- Salary: $125,412 annually or $53.85 per hour.
- Career Outlook: Expected to grow by 6% over the next decade.
- Requirements: A Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). At least two years of bedside experience is recommended before specializing.
- Work Environment: Pain management nurses are employed in hospitals, drug counseling centers, drug dependency clinics, rehabilitation centers, oncology clinics, sports rehabilitation facilities, long-term care facilities, fitness centers, and staffing agencies.
2.6. Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioners (PMHNPs) specialize in mental health, working with psychiatric physicians and counseling patients on mental health disorders. They also work with patients who have mental health and substance abuse issues.
- Salary: $122,097 annually.
- Career Outlook: Expected to grow by 40% over the next decade.
- Requirements: Graduation from an accredited PMHNP program with either an MSN or DNP, successful completion of the national certification exam, and state licensure.
- Work Environment: PMHNPs work in hospitals, mental health units, inpatient psychiatric hospitals, outpatient clinics, addiction centers, and staffing agencies.
2.7. Nursing Administrator
Nursing administrators manage the operational aspects of nursing, including budgeting, staff management, and human resources functions. They may manage an entire nursing department or a specific unit.
- Salary: $117,960 annually.
- Career Outlook: Expected to grow by 28% over the next decade.
- Requirements: A Master’s degree in healthcare administration, business, or a related field. Some higher-level positions may require a terminal degree (DNP).
- Work Environment: Nursing administrators are employed in hospitals, private practices, outpatient care centers, nursing homes, residential facilities, government facilities, healthcare companies, clinics, and staffing agencies.
2.8. Health Policy Nurse
Health policy nurses are involved in advocacy, research, analysis, policy development, implementation, and evaluation related to health and public policy.
- Salary: $117,469 annually.
- Career Outlook: Expected to grow by 6% over the next decade.
- Requirements: An MSN is required, followed by a 10-week health policy residency program in government offices, advocacy organizations, or community groups.
- Work Environment: Health policy nurses work in hospitals, occupational health settings, case management offices, infection control, international health organizations, research, private practices, government offices, law practices, and staffing agencies.
2.9. Registered Nurse First Assistant
A Registered Nurse First Assistant (RNFA) is a perioperative nurse who assists during surgical operations. The responsibilities vary depending on the institution.
- Salary: $116,000 annually.
- Career Outlook: The need for well-trained RNFAs is growing due to the increasing number of outpatient surgical centers.
- Requirements: A BSN, active RN license, and CNOR certification. Most RNFA programs require at least two years of perioperative nursing experience. The Certified Registered Nurse First Assistant credential requires graduates to have at least 2,000 hours of RNFA working experience.
- Work Environment: RNFAs work in ambulatory surgical centers, hospitals, outpatient same-day surgery centers, private offices, research, staffing agencies, and product development.
2.10. Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner (AGNP)
Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioners (AGNPs) care for older patients with unique health issues.
- Salary: $107,990 annually.
- Career Outlook: Expected to grow by 40% over the next decade due to the aging population and increased access to long-term care options.
- Requirements: Graduation from an accredited AGNP program with either an MSN or DNP, successful completion of the AGNP certification exam, and state licensure.
- Work Environment: AGNPs work in hospitals, clinics, long-term care facilities, academic institutions, private practices, urgent care centers, nursing homes, retirement communities, and staffing agencies.
2.11. Family Nurse Practitioner
adult-gerontology nurse practitioner salary
Family Nurse Practitioners (FNPs) function similarly to primary care physicians, performing patient consultations, assessments, prescribing medications, and developing treatment plans in medical offices, hospitals, clinics, or nursing facilities.
- Salary: $105,829 annually.
- Career Outlook: Expected to grow by 40% over the next decade.
- Requirements: Graduation from an accredited FNP program with either an MSN or DNP, successful completion of the FNP certification exam, and state licensure.
- Work Environment: FNPs work in hospitals, clinics, freestanding ambulatory centers, academic institutions, urgent care centers, government facilities, private practices, and staffing agencies.
2.12. Clinical Nurse Specialist
Clinical Nurse Specialists (CNSs) work in specialized units or clinics, diagnosing and treating various conditions. They focus on improving nursing care within a healthcare facility through research and enhanced practices.
- Salary: $94,545 annually.
- Career Outlook: As CNSs offer specialized care at a lower cost than physicians, more hospitals and institutions are seeking to add these professionals to their teams.
- Requirements: Graduation from an accredited CNS program with an MSN and completion of the required national certification.
- Work Environment: CNSs work in hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, private practices, prisons, government facilities, academic institutions, research companies, pharmaceutical companies, and staffing agencies.
2.13. Nurse Educator
Nurse educators train other nurses or facilitate continuing education, working directly with nurses to enhance their skills and knowledge.
- Salary: $86,530 annually.
- Career Outlook: Nurse educators are in short supply, with experts predicting this shortage will continue.
- Requirements: Graduation from an accredited MSN Nursing Education program and specialty certification. Some jobs may require a terminal degree, such as a DNP or Ph.D.
- Work Environment: Nurse educators work in hospitals, private practices, hospital-based nursing programs, universities and colleges, healthcare companies, clinics, and staffing agencies.
2.14. Informatics Nurse
Nursing informatics is an in-demand field that integrates nursing with information management and communication technologies to promote public health.
- Salary: $85,326 annually or $37.29 per hour.
- Career Outlook: The American Medical Informatics Association (AMIA) estimates a growing need for nursing informatics specialists, predicting the field may grow by up to 70,000 new analysts in the next five years.
- Requirements: A BSN and successful completion of the NCLEX-RN exam. Some positions may require an MSN in Nursing Informatics and specialty certification.
- Work Environment: Informatics nurses work in hospitals, healthcare technology companies, medical record companies, clinics, academic institutions, research companies, pharmaceutical companies, and staffing agencies.
2.15. Intensive Care Unit (ICU) Nurse
ICU nurses handle life-and-death cases, requiring a specialized skill set.
- Salary: $85,205 annually.
- Career Outlook: Expected to grow by 6% over the next decade.
- Requirements: An ADN or BSN and successful completion of the NCLEX-RN exam. Some ICU units require a minimum of two years of med-surgical nursing experience. Specialty certification as a CCRN is possible for ICU nurses with the required experience.
- Work Environment: ICU nurses work in hospitals, managed care facilities, outpatient surgical centers, administration, research committees, cardiac catheter labs, post-anesthesia care units, emergency departments, cardiac centers, urgent care clinics, short-term stay hospitals, and staffing agencies.
3. What Are the Highest-Paying States for Nurses?
Location significantly impacts a nurse’s earning potential. Here are the highest-paying states for registered nurses:
| State | Annual Mean Wage |
|---|---|
| California | $148,330 |
| Hawaii | $123,720 |
| Oregon | $120,470 |
| Washington | $115,740 |
| Massachusetts | $112,610 |
Source: BLS
4. Which Cities Offer the Highest Salaries for Nurses?
Here are the cities with the highest hourly pay and annual salaries for nurses:
| City | Hourly Pay | Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA | $83.83 | $174,370 |
| Vallejo-Fairfield, CA | $82.51 | $171,620 |
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $82.11 | $170,780 |
| Napa, CA | $79.89 | $166,180 |
| Sacramento–Roseville–Arden-Arcade, CA | $74.29 | $154,510 |
Source: BLS
5. What Industries Pay Nurses the Most?
The industry in which a nurse works also affects salary. Here are the highest-paying industries for nurses:
| Industry | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Government | $106,480 |
| Hospitals; state, local, and private | $97,260 |
| Ambulatory healthcare services | $83,780 |
| Nursing and residential care facilities | $81,820 |
| Educational services; state, local, private | $74,360 |
Source: BLS
6. How Can Nurses Increase Their Earning Potential?
Nurses have numerous avenues to increase their earning potential.
6.1. Pursue Advanced Education
Obtaining a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) can open doors to advanced practice roles such as Nurse Practitioner, Nurse Anesthetist, or Nurse Midwife, significantly increasing earning potential.
6.2. Obtain Certifications
Specialty certifications demonstrate expertise in a particular area of nursing, making nurses more valuable to employers and often leading to higher salaries. Examples include certifications in critical care (CCRN), emergency nursing (CEN), and oncology nursing (OCN).
6.3. Gain Experience
Experience is highly valued in the nursing profession. Nurses with more years of experience typically command higher salaries.
6.4. Specialize in High-Demand Areas
Specializing in areas with high demand, such as critical care, oncology, or geriatrics, can lead to increased job opportunities and higher pay.
6.5. Consider Travel Nursing
Travel nursing offers the opportunity to work in different locations and often comes with higher pay rates and benefits compared to staff nursing positions.
6.6. Negotiate Salary and Benefits
Nurses should research the average salaries for their position and location and be prepared to negotiate their salary and benefits package during job offers.
6.7. Seek Leadership Roles
Taking on leadership roles, such as charge nurse or nurse manager, can lead to higher salaries and greater career advancement opportunities.
7. What Are the Challenges Faced by Nurses?
Despite the potential for high earnings, nurses face numerous challenges in their profession.
7.1. High-Stress Environment
Nurses often work in high-stress environments, dealing with critically ill patients, long hours, and emotional demands.
7.2. Physical Demands
Nursing can be physically demanding, requiring nurses to stand for long periods, lift patients, and perform other physically challenging tasks.
7.3. Emotional Toll
Nurses often witness suffering and loss, which can take an emotional toll.
7.4. Risk of Burnout
The combination of high stress, physical demands, and emotional toll can lead to burnout among nurses.
7.5. Long Hours and Shift Work
Nurses often work long hours and may be required to work nights, weekends, and holidays.
7.6. Ethical Dilemmas
Nurses may face ethical dilemmas in their practice, requiring them to make difficult decisions in challenging situations.
8. Why Is Nursing a Rewarding Career Despite the Challenges?
Despite the challenges, nursing remains a rewarding career for many individuals.
8.1. Making a Difference
Nurses have the opportunity to make a positive impact on the lives of patients and their families.
8.2. Job Security
Nursing offers excellent job security, with a growing demand for nurses in various healthcare settings.
8.3. Variety of Opportunities
Nursing offers a wide range of career opportunities, allowing nurses to specialize in different areas and work in various settings.
8.4. Intellectual Stimulation
Nursing requires critical thinking, problem-solving, and continuous learning, providing intellectual stimulation.
8.5. Personal Growth
Nursing can lead to personal growth, as nurses develop empathy, compassion, and resilience.
8.6. Opportunity for Advancement
Nursing offers numerous opportunities for advancement, allowing nurses to progress in their careers and take on new challenges.
9. What Additional High-Paying Nursing Careers Should You Consider?
Here are five additional high-paying nursing careers to explore:
- Operating Room Nurse: Specializes in surgical care, assisting surgeons and providing pre- and post-operative care.
- Oncology Nurse: Cares for cancer patients, administering chemotherapy, providing emotional support, and educating patients and families.
- Emergency Room Nurse: Works in emergency departments, providing immediate care to patients with acute illnesses or injuries.
- Cardiac Care Nurse: Specializes in caring for patients with heart conditions, monitoring vital signs, administering medications, and providing education.
- Orthopedic Nurse: Cares for patients with musculoskeletal disorders, assisting with surgeries, providing rehabilitation, and educating patients on orthopedic conditions.
10. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Nursing Careers
Here are some common questions about nursing careers:
10.1. What Is the Highest Paid Nurse?
The highest-paid nursing specialty is a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA), averaging an annual salary of $223,210 per year. However, travel nurses of any specialty may be able to make close to or more than that, depending on the specifics of their contracts.
10.2. Can a Nurse Be a Millionaire?
It is possible for a nurse to become a millionaire, but they would likely need to take on a high-level leadership position and/or have other income streams, such as becoming an entrepreneur.
10.3. How Can a Nurse Make $100K?
Nurses can earn $100K by specializing in high-demand areas, obtaining certifications, gaining experience, working in high-paying locations, or pursuing advanced education.
10.4. Which Nurses Are the Happiest?
Nurse happiness varies depending on individual preferences, work environment, and job satisfaction. Nurses who feel valued, supported, and have a good work-life balance are generally happier in their careers.
10.5. Can Nurses Earn $400K Per Year?
Yes, it is possible, especially for nurse administrators or even CRNAs. A salary alone would make this difficult, but with overtime, bonuses, and additional sources of income, it is feasible.
Conclusion
Choosing a nursing career can be a rewarding path, both personally and financially. Whether you’re drawn to the critical care environment of an ICU, the specialized knowledge required in informatics, or the high-level responsibilities of a nurse anesthetist, the options are vast and the potential for growth is significant. By understanding the factors that influence salary, such as education, specialization, and location, you can make informed decisions to maximize your earning potential while pursuing your passion for helping others.
For more information on nursing careers, financial planning, and achieving your financial goals, visit money-central.com. We offer a wide range of resources, including articles, tools, and expert advice, to help you navigate the complexities of personal finance and achieve financial success.
Ready to take control of your financial future and explore the vast opportunities available in the nursing field? Visit money-central.com today to access our comprehensive resources and start your journey towards financial empowerment. Our expert advice, easy-to-understand guides, and practical tools will help you make informed decisions, manage your finances effectively, and achieve your long-term goals. Don’t wait—empower yourself with the knowledge and resources you need to thrive in your nursing career and beyond!
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