Intro
Discover the top 10 nursing salaries in the US, from nurse practitioners to certified nurse midwives. Get insights into the highest paying nursing specialties, including gerontological nursing, informatics nursing, and more. Learn about the factors influencing nursing salaries and find the best nursing career paths for your skills and experience.
The field of nursing is a rewarding and challenging profession that offers a wide range of career opportunities and competitive salaries. With the increasing demand for healthcare services, nursing professionals are in high demand, and their salaries are reflecting this trend. In this article, we will reveal the top 10 nursing salaries, highlighting the highest-paying nursing specialties and the factors that influence their salaries.

Nursing salaries vary widely depending on factors such as location, experience, education, and specialty. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual salary for registered nurses (RNs) in the United States was $76,840 in May 2020. However, salaries can range from around $60,000 to over $200,000 depending on the specific nursing specialty and location.
Top 10 Nursing Salaries Revealed
Based on data from various sources, including the BLS, online job postings, and nursing organizations, here are the top 10 nursing salaries:
- Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA): $181,000 - $250,000 per year CRNAs are advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) who specialize in anesthesia care. They work with patients, surgeons, and other healthcare professionals to administer anesthesia and monitor patients during surgical procedures.

- Nurse Practitioner (NP): $110,000 - $180,000 per year NPs are APRNs who provide primary and specialty care to patients. They work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, and private practices.

- Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM): $100,000 - $160,000 per year CNMs are APRNs who specialize in women's health and childbirth. They work with patients, obstetricians, and other healthcare professionals to provide prenatal, labor, and postpartum care.

- Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (PNP): $90,000 - $150,000 per year PNPs are APRNs who specialize in pediatric care. They work with patients, pediatricians, and other healthcare professionals to provide primary and specialty care to children.

- Neonatal Nurse Practitioner (NNP): $85,000 - $140,000 per year NNPs are APRNs who specialize in neonatal care. They work with patients, neonatologists, and other healthcare professionals to provide care to newborns and high-risk infants.

- Gerontological Nurse Practitioner (GNP): $80,000 - $130,000 per year GNPs are APRNs who specialize in gerontological care. They work with patients, geriatricians, and other healthcare professionals to provide primary and specialty care to older adults.

- Informatics Nurse Specialist: $75,000 - $120,000 per year Informatics nurse specialists are RNs who specialize in healthcare information technology. They work with healthcare organizations to design, implement, and evaluate healthcare information systems.

- Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS): $70,000 - $110,000 per year CNSs are APRNs who specialize in specific clinical areas, such as cardiology, oncology, or pediatrics. They work with patients, healthcare teams, and organizations to improve patient outcomes and healthcare systems.

- Nurse Educator: $65,000 - $100,000 per year Nurse educators are RNs who teach nursing students in academic settings. They develop and implement curricula, teach courses, and advise students.

- Certified Nurse Manager (CNM): $60,000 - $90,000 per year CNMs are RNs who specialize in nursing management. They work with healthcare organizations to manage nursing staff, develop policies, and improve patient outcomes.

Factors That Influence Nursing Salaries
Several factors influence nursing salaries, including:
- Location: Nursing salaries vary significantly depending on location. Cities with a high cost of living, such as New York or San Francisco, tend to have higher salaries.
- Experience: More experienced nurses tend to earn higher salaries.
- Education: Advanced degrees, such as master's or doctoral degrees, can lead to higher salaries.
- Specialty: Certain nursing specialties, such as CRNA or NP, tend to have higher salaries.
- Certification: Certified nurses tend to earn higher salaries than non-certified nurses.
Conclusion
Nursing salaries vary widely depending on factors such as location, experience, education, and specialty. The top 10 nursing salaries revealed in this article highlight the highest-paying nursing specialties and the factors that influence their salaries. Whether you are a student considering a career in nursing or an experienced nurse looking to advance your career, understanding the factors that influence nursing salaries can help you make informed decisions about your career path.
What is the highest-paying nursing specialty?
+Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) is the highest-paying nursing specialty, with salaries ranging from $181,000 to $250,000 per year.
What factors influence nursing salaries?
+Nursing salaries are influenced by factors such as location, experience, education, specialty, and certification.
What is the average salary for a registered nurse?
+The median annual salary for registered nurses (RNs) in the United States was $76,840 in May 2020, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.