Are you a nurse or aspiring to become one? Do you want to know which nursing specialties pay the most in 2024? If yes, then you’re in the right place. In this blog post, we’ll explore the highest paid Nurses in the US in 2024, based on the latest data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and other sources.
According to the BLS, the median annual salary for registered nurses (RNs) in the US was $81,220 in 2024. However, this figure varies widely depending on the type of nursing specialty, the level of education, the location, and the industry. Some of the highest paid nurses in the US in 2024 can earn over $200,000 per year!
Highest Paid Nurses in the US 2024
| Rank | Nursing Specialty | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) | $203,090 |
| 2 | Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) Nurse | $136,592 |
| 3 | Pain Management Nurse | $124,006 |
| 4 | General Nurse Practitioner | $121,610 |
| 5 | Certified Nurse Midwife | $120,880 |
| 6 | Health Policy Nurse | $120,333 |
| 7 | Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner | $117,870 |
| 8 | Registered Nurse First Assistant | $106,176 |
| 9 | Nursing Administrator | $104,830 |
| 10 | Family Nurse Practitioner | $102,107 |
1. Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) – $203,090
CRNAs are nurses who administer anesthesia and pain management to patients undergoing surgery or other medical procedures. They work closely with anesthesiologists, surgeons, and other healthcare professionals to ensure the safety and comfort of patients. CRNAs are the highest paid nurses in the US in 2024, earning an average of $203,090 per year.
To become a CRNA, you need to have a bachelor’s degree in nursing, a valid RN license, at least one year of acute care nursing experience, and a master’s or doctoral degree in nurse anesthesia from an accredited program. You also need to pass the national certification exam and maintain your certification through continuing education and recertification exams.
2. Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) Nurse – $136,592
NICU nurses are nurses who care for newborn babies who are premature, critically ill, or have congenital defects. They monitor the vital signs, administer medications, perform procedures, and provide emotional support to the parents and families of the infants. NICU nurses are the second highest paid nurses in the US in 2024, earning an average of $136,592 per year.
To become a NICU nurse, you need to have a bachelor’s degree in nursing, a valid RN license, and at least two years of experience in neonatal nursing. You also need to obtain a certification in neonatal intensive care nursing from the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN) or the National Certification Corporation (NCC).
3. Pain Management Nurse – $124,006
Pain management nurses are nurses who specialize in helping patients who suffer from chronic or acute pain. They assess the causes and severity of pain, develop and implement pain management plans, educate patients and families about pain management options, and evaluate the effectiveness of pain treatments. Pain management nurses are the third highest paid nurses in the US in 2024, earning an average of $124,006 per year.
To become a pain management nurse, you need to have a bachelor’s degree in nursing, a valid RN license, and at least two years of experience in pain management nursing. You also need to obtain a certification in pain management nursing from the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC).
4. General Nurse Practitioner – $121,610
General nurse practitioners are nurses who provide primary and preventive care to patients of all ages and backgrounds. They diagnose and treat common illnesses and injuries, prescribe medications, order and interpret diagnostic tests, perform physical exams, and educate patients and families about health and wellness. General nurse practitioners are the fourth highest paid nurses in the US in 2024, earning an average of $121,610 per year.
To become a general nurse practitioner, you need to have a bachelor’s degree in nursing, a valid RN license, and a master’s or doctoral degree in nursing from an accredited program. You also need to pass the national certification exam and obtain a state license to practice as a nurse practitioner.
5. Certified Nurse Midwife – $120,880
Certified nurse midwives are nurses who provide reproductive and gynecological care to women, as well as prenatal, labor, delivery, and postpartum care to mothers and babies. They perform physical exams, order and interpret diagnostic tests, prescribe medications, deliver babies, and provide family planning and sexual health counseling. Certified nurse midwives are the fifth highest paid nurses in the US in 2024, earning an average of $120,880 per year.
To become a certified nurse midwife, you need to have a bachelor’s degree in nursing, a valid RN license, and a master’s or doctoral degree in nurse midwifery from an accredited program. You also need to pass the national certification exam and obtain a state license to practice as a nurse midwife.
6. Health Policy Nurse – $120,333
Health policy nurses are nurses who analyze, develop, and implement policies that affect the healthcare system and the nursing profession. They advocate for the interests and needs of patients, nurses, and communities, and collaborate with policymakers, stakeholders, and organizations to improve health outcomes and quality of care. Health policy nurses are the sixth highest paid nurses in the US in 2024, earning an average of $120,333 per year.
To become a health policy nurse, you need to have a bachelor’s degree in nursing, a valid RN license, and a master’s or doctoral degree in nursing or health policy from an accredited program. You also need to have experience and knowledge in health policy, research, leadership, and communication.
7. Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner – $117,870
Psychiatric nurse practitioners are nurses who provide mental health care to patients with psychiatric disorders, such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, or substance abuse. They assess, diagnose, and treat patients, prescribe medications, provide psychotherapy, and coordinate care with other mental health professionals. Psychiatric nurse practitioners are the seventh highest paid nurses in the US in 2024, earning an average of $117,870 per year.
To become a psychiatric nurse practitioner, you need to have a bachelor’s degree in nursing, a valid RN license, and a master’s or doctoral degree in psychiatric-mental health nursing from an accredited program. You also need to pass the national certification exam and obtain a state license to practice as a psychiatric nurse practitioner.
8. Registered Nurse First Assistant – $106,176
Registered nurse first assistants are nurses who assist surgeons during surgical procedures. They perform tasks such as handling instruments, controlling bleeding, suturing wounds, and providing care before, during, and after surgery. Registered nurse first assistants are the eighth highest paid nurses in the US in 2024, earning an average of $106,176 per year.
To become a registered nurse first assistant, you need to have a bachelor’s degree in nursing, a valid RN license, and at least two years of perioperative nursing experience. You also need to complete a RNFA program that meets the standards of the Association of periOperative Registered Nurses (AORN) and obtain a certification from the Competency and Credentialing Institute (CCI).
9. Nursing Administrator – $104,830
Nursing administrators are nurses who manage and oversee the nursing staff, budget, policies, and operations of a healthcare facility or organization. They are responsible for hiring, training, evaluating, and disciplining nurses, as well as ensuring compliance with regulations, standards, and quality of care. Nursing administrators are the ninth highest paid nurses in the US in 2024, earning an average of $104,830 per year.
To become a nursing administrator, you need to have a bachelor’s degree in nursing, a valid RN license, and a master’s or doctoral degree in nursing administration, health administration, or business administration from an accredited program. You also need to have experience and skills in leadership, management, communication, and problem-solving.
10. Family Nurse Practitioner – $102,107
Family nurse practitioners are nurses who provide primary and preventive care to patients of all ages and backgrounds. They diagnose and treat common illnesses and injuries, prescribe medications, order and interpret diagnostic tests, perform physical exams, and educate patients and families about health and wellness. Family nurse practitioners are the tenth highest paid nurses in the US in 2024, earning an average of $102,107 per year.
To become a family nurse practitioner, you need to have a bachelor’s degree in nursing, a valid RN license, and a master’s or doctoral degree in nursing from an accredited program. You also need to pass the national certification exam and obtain a state license to practice as a family nurse practitioner.
Conclusion
Nursing is a rewarding and lucrative career that offers many opportunities for advancement and specialization. If you’re looking for the highest paid nursing jobs in the US in 2024, you have plenty of options to choose from, depending on your education, experience, and interests. However, choosing a nursing specialty is not only about the money, but also about the satisfaction, growth, and impact that you can achieve as a nurse. We hope this blog post has helped you learn more about the highest paying nursing jobs in 2024 and how to choose the right one for you.
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