Nursing is a fulfilling profession that offers various benefits and professional growth opportunities. In terms of financial compensation, nursing offers competitive salaries that can vary depending on a range of factors such as education level, work experience, location, and specialization.

In this blog, we will explore the 20 highest-paid nursing jobs, including their job descriptions and salary. If you’re curious about the earning potential of nursing careers, this blog is for you!

20 Highest-Paid Nursing Jobs

Whether you are a nursing student, a new graduate, or an experienced nurse looking to advance your career, this list can help you identify the most lucrative job options in the nursing field. Let’s get started!

1. Certified registered nurse anesthetist

Salary: $207,100

A CRNA is a specialized advanced practice registered nurse who provides anesthesia and related care before, during, and after various medical procedures. They collaborate with surgeons, anesthesiologists, dentists, and other healthcare professionals to ensure patients receive safe and effective anesthesia during surgery or other medical procedures.

2. Cardiac nurse practitioner

Salary: $122,554

Cardiac nurse practitioners provide specialized care to patients with cardiovascular conditions. Cardiac nurses educate patients and their families on heart health, lifestyle modifications, and medications. In addition, they are responsible for maintaining accurate patient records, staying up-to-date with the latest research and advancements in cardiology, and adhering to all healthcare regulations and ethical standards.

3. General nurse practitioner

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Salary: $120,680

A general nurse practitioner is responsible for providing comprehensive healthcare services to patients of all ages. General nurse practitioners work closely with physicians, nurses, and other healthcare professionals to diagnose and treat acute and chronic illnesses. Their role may involve:

-Performing physical exams

-Ordering and interpreting diagnostic tests

-Prescribing medications

-Developing treatment plans that promote wellness and prevent disease

4. Urgent care nurse practitioner

Salary: $129,333

Urgent care nurse practitioners provide high-quality medical care to patients requiring immediate attention for non-life-threatening conditions. They work in a fast-paced environment, assessing, diagnosing, and treating patients with various acute illnesses and injuries, including cuts, bruises, fractures, and infections. Urgent care nurse practitioners also educate patients on preventive health measures and follow-up care and manage patients with chronic conditions. 

5. Surgical nurse practitioner

Salary: $116,800

A surgical nurse practitioner works alongside surgeons and other healthcare professionals to provide high-quality care to patients before, during, and after surgical procedures. They assist in assessing and diagnosing patients, developing treatment plans, and providing patient education and counseling. They also help the surgeon in the operating room by preparing equipment, monitoring vital signs, and assisting during procedures.

6. Family nurse practitioner

Salary: $120,250

A family nurse practitioner is responsible for providing comprehensive primary healthcare services to individuals and families across the lifespan. Their duties include, but are not limited to, the following:

-Conducting physical exams

-Diagnosing and treating acute and chronic illnesses

-Prescribing medications

-Collaborating with healthcare professionals to develop patient care plans

7. Orthopedic nurse practitioner

Salary: $121,314

An orthopedic nurse practitioner is a highly skilled healthcare professional who assesses, diagnoses, treats, and manages patients with musculoskeletal conditions, injuries, and disorders. They work closely with orthopedic surgeons and other healthcare providers to provide comprehensive patient care. As key orthopedic team members, they promote patient education, prevent complications, and improve patient outcomes.

8. Gerontological nurse practitioner (GNP)

Salary: $120,263

A GNP is a healthcare professional who provides medical care to elderly patients. They are responsible for conducting comprehensive health assessments, developing treatment plans, prescribing medications, and coordinating care with other healthcare professionals to optimize the health and well-being of their patients. GNPs also educate patients and their families about health promotion and disease prevention strategies for the aging population.

9. Neonatal nurse practitioner

Salary: $133,580

Neonatal nurse practitioners provide specialized care to critically ill newborns in neonatal intensive care units. They monitor vital signs, administer medications, and perform diagnostic tests. A neonatal nurse practitioner works closely with other healthcare professionals, such as neonatologists and respiratory therapists, to develop and implement treatment plans.

10. Pediatric nurse practitioner

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Salary: $114,900 

A pediatric nurse practitioner provides medical care to infants, children, and adolescents. Their responsibilities include:

-Conducting physical exams

-Diagnosing and treating illnesses and injuries

-Prescribing medication

-Providing education to patients and their families

11. Oncology nurse practitioner

Salary: $121,203

An oncology nurse practitioner is a highly trained healthcare professional who cares for patients with cancer. They work closely with oncologists to provide comprehensive care to these patients, including diagnosing and treating cancer, managing symptoms and side effects of treatment, and offering emotional support to patients and their families. They are also responsible for developing and implementing treatment plans, monitoring patients’ progress, and educating patients and their families about their condition and treatment options.

12. Clinical nurse specialist

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Salary: $114,993

A clinical nurse specialist provides expert clinical care and consultation to patients and their families. They develop and implement individualized treatment plans, manage patient care, and provide education and support to patients and healthcare staff. With their advanced knowledge and skills, clinical nurse specialists play a vital role in improving patient outcomes and advancing the field of healthcare.

13. Pain management nurse

Salary: $134,390

A pain management nurse  is a highly skilled healthcare professional who specializes in helping patients manage acute or chronic pain. Their primary role is assessing and managing patients’ pain levels through various therapies and medications while monitoring potential side effects. Pain management nurses work closely with physicians and other healthcare providers to develop comprehensive plans for each patient’s needs.

14. Nurse midwife

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Salary: $112,830

A nurse midwife provides comprehensive healthcare services to women throughout their lifespans, focusing on pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum. Nurse midwives also provide education, counseling, and support to women and their families, empowering them to make informed decisions about their health and well-being.

15. Women’s health nurse practitioner

Salary: $113,373

A women’s health nurse practitioner provides comprehensive primary and reproductive healthcare services to women of all ages. They perform routine exams, order and interpret diagnostic tests, prescribe medications, and counsel patients on various health topics. They work closely with other healthcare professionals to ensure women receive the best care for their unique needs.

16. Nurse administrator

Salary: $99,552

A nursing administrator is a healthcare professional who oversees the management of nursing staff and the delivery of patient care services in a healthcare facility. They are responsible for ensuring that the nursing department is running efficiently, within budget, and in compliance with healthcare regulations. They also collaborate with other healthcare professionals to develop and implement policies that promote high-quality patient care.

17. Psychiatric nurse practitioner

Salary: $115,130

A psychiatric nurse practitioner works with patients struggling with mental health issues. They conduct evaluations, diagnose and treat mental health disorders, and prescribe medications as needed. Additionally, they work with patients and their families to develop effective treatment plans and provide ongoing support to promote overall mental wellness.

18. Nurse researcher

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Salary: $89,482

A nurse researcher is a professional who conducts scientific research related to nursing and healthcare. They use their clinical experience and knowledge to design and conduct studies to improve patient outcomes, develop new treatments, and enhance care delivery. Nurse researchers work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, universities, and research institutes.

19. Nurse educator

Salary: $106,584

A nurse educator is responsible for training and educating future and current nurses in various healthcare settings. Nurse educators collaborate with healthcare professionals to ensure that nursing education meets the needs of patients and the healthcare industry. They develop and implement curriculum plans, design educational materials, and evaluate the effectiveness of teaching strategies.

20. Home care nurse practitioner

Salary: $118,011

A home care nurse practitioner provides medical care and treatment to patients in their homes. Their duties may include performing physical exams, administering medications, providing wound care, and educating patients on disease management and prevention. They work closely with patients and their families to create customized care plans that address their unique needs and conditions.

Start Your Nursing Career Now!

Are you ready to embark on an exciting and fulfilling nursing journey? Look no further than the American Institute of Alternative Medicine (AIAM)! At AIAM, we believe nursing is more than just a career—it’s a calling. 

Our experienced faculty members will guide you through both theoretical and practical training to equip you with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in the nursing field. Apply today and take the first step toward an incredible journey. We can’t wait to see all the fantastic things you’ll accomplish!