[hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Nursing jobs pay well above the U.S. median annual wage, with the industry’s top earners bringing in six figures each year. This page explores the highest-paying nursing jobs and the education and training necessary for each role. While these jobs require at least six years of study to earn a master’s or doctoral degree in nursing, high salaries and positive job growth make this education a good investment.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]High-Paying Careers for Nurses[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Nurse practitioners (NPs) are the highest paid nurses and, like physicians, are licensed to diagnose and treat patients. Nurse practitioners must complete a [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/msn/types-of-masters-degrees-in-nursing//”]master of science in nursing[/hen-ui-link] (MSN) or doctor of nursing practice (DNP) and a licensing examination. Their continuing education (CE) requirements are generally more involved than those for registered nurses (RNs).[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The list below surveys some of the highest-paying RN jobs.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-table][hen-ui-table-caption]Top 10 Highest-Paying Nursing Jobs[/hen-ui-table-caption][hen-ui-table-body][/hen-ui-table-body][hen-ui-table-header][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Rank[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Position[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Median Annual Salary[/hen-ui-table-head][/hen-ui-table-row][/hen-ui-table-header][hen-ui-table-body][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Rank”]1[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Position”][hen-ui-link href=”#rank-1″]Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Median Annual Salary”]$189,190[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Rank”]2[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Position”][hen-ui-link href=”#rank-2″]Neonatal Nurse Practitioner[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Median Annual Salary”]$122,500[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Rank”]3[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Position”][hen-ui-link href=”#rank-3″]Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Median Annual Salary”]$120,000[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Rank”]4[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Position”][hen-ui-link href=”#rank-4″]Geriatric Nurse Practitioner[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Median Annual Salary”]$118,000[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Rank”]5[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Position”][hen-ui-link href=”#rank-4″]Certified Nurse Midwife[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Median Annual Salary”]$115,540[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Rank”]6[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Position”][hen-ui-link href=”#rank-6″]Pediatric Nurse Practitioner[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Median Annual Salary”]$115,000[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Rank”]7[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Position”][hen-ui-link href=”#rank-7″]Family Nurse Practitioner[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Median Annual Salary”]$114,000[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Rank”]8[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Position”][hen-ui-link href=”#rank-8″]Nurse Practitioner[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Median Annual Salary”]$111,680[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Rank”]9[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Position”][hen-ui-link href=”#rank-9″]Nurse Administrator[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Median Annual Salary”]$104,280[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Rank”]10[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Position”][hen-ui-link href=”#rank-10″]Clinical Nurse Specialist[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Median Annual Salary”]$91,720[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][/hen-ui-table-body][/hen-ui-table][hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”belowTheFold” /][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ id=”rank-1″]1. [hen-ui-link href=”/nurse-anesthetist/how-to-become-a-crna/”]Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist[/hen-ui-link] (CRNA)[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Nurse anesthetists administer anesthesia and pain management therapies while ensuring that patients maintain healthy vital signs. Aspiring CRNAs must secure a master’s degree in nursing anesthesia, although they will soon be required to hold a doctoral degree. CNRAs must be organized, knowledgeable, and detail-oriented workers.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Median Annual Salary:[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-link href=”/nurse-anesthetist/salary/”]$189,190[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-separator /][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ id=”rank-2″]2. [hen-ui-link href=”/careers/neonatal-nurse/”]Neonatal Nurse Practitioner[/hen-ui-link] (NNP)[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”/nurse-practitioner/neonatal/”]Neonatal nurse practitioners[/hen-ui-link] treat newborns and often care for infants with serious health problems. They must hold at least an MSN, complete a certification program, and pass a speciality certification examination. NNPs must thrive under pressure and make good decisions quickly.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Median Annual Salary:[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-link href=”/careers/neonatal-nurse/salary/”]$122,500[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-separator /][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ id=”rank-3″]3. [hen-ui-link href=”/nurse-practitioner/psychiatric/”]Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner[/hen-ui-link] (PMHNP)[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]PMHNPs treat patients with mental health conditions. They are required to hold a master’s or doctoral degree and pass a certification course and examination. PNPs must establish trust with patients and their families.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Median Annual Salary:[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-link href=”/nurse-practitioner/psychiatric/”]$120,000[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-separator /][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ id=”rank-4″]4. [hen-ui-link href=”/nurse-practitioner/gerontology/”]Geriatric Nurse Practitioner[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”/careers/geriatric-nurse/”]Geriatric[/hen-ui-link] NPs help elderly patients maintain their physical and mental health as they age. These NPs must earn a master’s or doctorate from an accredited program and pass a certification examination. They must be empathetic communicators, especially those who treat patients with cognitive impairments.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Median Annual Salary:[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-link href=”/nurse-practitioner/gerontology/”]$118,000[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-separator /][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ id=”rank-5″]5. [hen-ui-link href=”/nurse-midwife/salary/”]Certified Nurse Midwife[/hen-ui-link] (CNM)[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]CNMs focus on women’s healthcare, offering preventive care, screenings, and guidance on pregnancy, menopause, and postpartum health. They also monitor and treat newborns. Nurse midwives must obtain a master’s degree and pass the American Midwifery Certification Board exam to obtain licensure.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Median Annual Salary:[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-link href=”/nurse-midwife/salary/”]$115,540[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-separator /][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ id=”rank-6″]6. [hen-ui-link href=”/careers/pediatric-nurse/#job-outlook”]Pediatric Nurse Practitioner[/hen-ui-link] (PNP)[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]PNPs diagnose and treat children, providing patients’ families with healthcare support and education. They must hold at least an MSN and complete a specialized certification program. PNPs must communicate well with pediatric patients and their families, demonstrating empathy while remaining professional.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Median Annual Salary:[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-link href=”/careers/pediatric-nurse/#job-outlook”]$115,000[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-separator /][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ id=”rank-7″]7. [hen-ui-link href=”/nurse-practitioner/fnp/”]Family Nurse Practitioner[/hen-ui-link] (FNP)[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]These NPs care for patients of all ages. While many are generalists, others specialize in areas such as pain management or orthopedics. FNPs must earn an MSN or higher from an accredited program and pass the accompanying certification exam. Generalists in particular must be committed to ongoing education, because they treat so many different conditions and needs.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Median Annual Salary:[/hen-ui-text] 4,000[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-separator /][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ id=”rank-8″]8. [hen-ui-link href=”/nurse-practitioner/”]Nurse Practitioner[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]These professionals work independently or under a physician’s supervision to diagnose illnesses, provide treatment, and prescribe medications. In some areas, they may serve as primary care providers. An [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/nurse-practitioner/np-programs/”]NP[/hen-ui-link] must earn a master’s degree or doctorate, and many specialize in areas like acute care, pediatrics, family practice, and geriatrics.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Median Annual Salary:[/hen-ui-text] 1,680[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-separator /][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ id=”rank-9″]9. [hen-ui-link href=”/careers/nurse-administrator/#salary”]Nurse Administrator[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Nurse administrators must hold at least a bachelor’s degree in nursing or healthcare administration. While this role does not legally require certification or licensure, employers may require or prefer candidates with certain credentials or a nursing license. Nurse administrators must be adept at handling paperwork and fulfilling legal requirements.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Median Annual Salary:[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-link href=”/careers/nurse-administrator/#salary”]$104,280[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-separator /][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ id=”rank-10″]10. [hen-ui-link href=”/clinical-nurse-specialist/”]Clinical Nurse Specialist[/hen-ui-link] (CNS)[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A CNS serves as an expert clinician and consultant for nurses and nursing students. They facilitate interprofessional communication and work to improve healthcare systems and processes through evidence based practice research and implementation.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]They tend to work within specialties like pediatrics, mental health, women’s health, family nursing, or adult-gerontology. To secure a state license, a CNS must obtain a master’s degree in nursing and pass a national certification exam.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Median Annual Salary:[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-link href=”/clinical-nurse-specialist/”]$91,720[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-separator /][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Ways to Boost Your Nursing Salary[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]While the [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/dnp//best-paying-dnp-jobs/”]highest-paying nursing jobs require advanced education[/hen-ui-link] and experience, all nurses can boost their salaries by working additional shifts, taking on administrative or leadership responsibilities, and earning specialty certifications. Although RNs make salaries well above the national average, most of the [hen-ui-link href=”/nurse-practitioner/highest-paying-np-jobs/”]highest-paying nursing jobs are NP positions[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]While NPs complete extensive education and carry heavy responsibilities, the professional autonomy, strong job market, and high salaries make the challenge worth it for most NPs. If clinical nursing is not for you, a master’s degree in healthcare management can lead to an equally rewarding career in nursing administration.[/hen-ui-text]