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Advancing your education can lead to six-figure salaries in nursing. Here's a quick look at some of the top-paying roles according to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Nurse anesthetist — $212,650 per year
Nurse anesthetists administer anesthesia and provide care throughout procedures. Job growth is expected at 10% by 2033, adding 5,200 positions. Most work in physician offices or hospitals. Becoming a nurse anesthetist requires a doctoral degree in nursing (DNP) after earning an MSN degree. Nightingale College offers CCNE-accredited MSN programs, completed in 24 months.
Geriatric nurse practitioner — $154,000 per year
According to job aggregator Glassdoor, the average annual salary of a geriatric nurse is $125,500. They work in various settings, especially in rural areas, and often independently. An MSN is required, adding $28,500 to an RN’s salary. Nightingale College’s MSN FNP program could be completed in 24 months.
Clinical nurse specialist — $141,621 per year
Clinical nurse specialists (CNSs) earn an average of $141,621, with top earners in California making up to $182,480 according to Indeed.com. BLS projects a 40% growth of employment requiring an MSN or doctoral degree.
Orthopedic nurse practitioner — $129,480 per year
Orthopedic nurse practitioners (ONPs) earn an average of $129,480 annually. The highest-paying locations are Washington, D.C. and New Brunswick, while Florida, Nova Scotia and West Virginia have lower salaries. Nurse practitioner demand is expected to grow by 40%, and ONPs work in hospitals, operating rooms, rehab centers, hospices and private practices, focusing on musculoskeletal issues.
Psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner — $105,403 per year
Psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners (PMHNPs) earn an average of $105,403 annually, with higher pay in Washington, Colorado and Delaware. Job growth is projected at 40% by 2028 according to Zippia. To become a PMHNP, complete an MSN PMHNP program and consider practicing as a psychiatric mental health nurse once you earn your BSN degree.
Nurse midwife — $129,650 per year
Certified nurse midwives (CNMs) earn an average salary of $129,650, with top states like California, Hawaii and Massachusetts offering higher pay. To become a CNM, a master’s in nursing with a focus on family-oriented primary care is required, such as Nightingale College’s MSN FNP program.
Discover the salaries of nurse midwives in all US states.
Cardiology nurse practitioner — $130,840 per year
A cardiology nurse practitioner can expect to earn around $130,840 per year, according to Indeed.com, while Glassdoor reports a mean salary of $154,045 per year. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention lists heart disease as the leading cause of death, making cardiology nurse practitioners highly valuable in the job market. They diagnose, treat and educate patients on heart health in hospitals, private practices and home care. To become a CNP, nurses must earn an MSN and gain cardiac unit experience as a cardiac nurse with a BSN degree.
Nurse practitioner — $126,260 per year
According to the latest data from the BLS, nurse practitioners (NPs) earn an average of $126,260 annually, with salaries ranging from $94,530 to $168,030. To become a nurse practitioner, you must earn your MSN degree, which you can do in just 24 months by enrolling in one of the CCNE-certified academic programs at Nightingale College.
Neonatal nurse — $127,391 per year
Neonatal or NICU nurses earn an average of $127,391 annually, with top salaries up to $196,500, according to ZipRecruiter. High-paying areas include D.C., New York and Massachusetts. Job growth is projected at 6% by 2028, according to the BLS. A BSN is required, available through Nightingale College's BSN program or RN-to-BSN track.
Family nurse practitioner — $127,976 per year
Family nurse practitioners (FNPs) earn an average of $127,976 annually, with job growth projected at 46% according to ZipRecruiter. An MSN with a family medicine specialization is required, available through Nightingale College's 24-month MSN FNP program. According to a 2019 survey by the American Association of Nurse Practitioners, the most sought-after specialization for nurse practitioners was family nurse practitioner, with over 65% of NPs seeking to specialize in this field.
Pain management nurse — $125,588 per year
According to Indeed.com, the average annual salary for pain management nurses is $125,588. However, payment varies from $99,152 per year to $159,074.
Are you interested in becoming a pain management nurse? Enroll in a BSN program and enjoy the benefits of this high-paying career.
Informatics nurse — $134,219 per year
Nursing informatics specialists earn an average of $134,219 annually, with salaries ranging from $83,000 to $218,000 according to Indeed.com. They analyze trends, prevent medical errors and train staff on new technologies. A BSN is required, which can be obtained through Nightingale College’s RN-to-BSN track or BSN program.
ICU nurse — $119,010 per year
ICU nurses earn an average of $119,010 annually, according to ZipRecruiter. Job growth is projected at 6% per decade, with most working in hospitals or outpatient centers. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment of registered nurses is expected to grow steadily by 6% throughout the decade.
Nurse manager — $110,680 per year
According to the BLS, nurse managers earn a median salary of $110,000, with top locations like New York and D.C. offering over $158,000. Indeed.com places the median salary at $111,677 per year. Job growth is projected at 29% by 2033. Most earn between $106,520 and $145,390. The RN-to-BSN path, BSN program or other academic programs at Nightingale College can help advance your career.
Pediatric nurse practitioner — $118,700 per year
Pediatric nurse practitioners (PNPs) earn an average of $118,700 annually, with top salaries up to $153,083, according to Salary.com. Pediatric nurse practitioners have very encouraging job growth projections in the near future, with Zippia estimating a 40% growth rate by 2028. An MSN with a pediatric specialization is required, and Nightingale College’s MSN FNP program is a recommended pathway.
Nurse educator — $86,530 per year
According to the BLS, postsecondary nursing instructors earn an average of $86,530 annually, with the highest pay in D.C., Oregon and New York. Nurse educators, earning around $89,030, teach future nurses, develop curricula and conduct lectures. The employment of nurse educators is expected to grow steadily as the demand for nursing education rises, according to the BLS.
For more information about Nightingale College, visit nightingale.edu.
