Intro
Explore the top 10 highest paying nurse salaries per hour, including CRNA, nurse practitioner, and nurse midwife roles. Discover the average hourly wages, job requirements, and growth prospects for these in-demand nursing specialties. Get insights into the most lucrative nursing careers and boost your earning potential.
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, nurse salaries have been on the rise in recent years. In this article, we will explore the top 10 highest paying nurse salaries per hour, highlighting the roles, responsibilities, and requirements for each position.
The salaries mentioned in this article are based on national averages and may vary depending on factors such as location, experience, and employer.
1. Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA)
Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) are advanced practice nurses who specialize in anesthesia care. They work closely with anesthesiologists and other healthcare professionals to administer anesthesia to patients undergoing surgical, medical, or other procedures.
- Average hourly salary: $83.45
- Requirements: Master's degree in nursing, certification as a CRNA, and a valid RN license
- Responsibilities: Administer anesthesia, monitor patient vital signs, and provide post-anesthesia care
2. Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM)
Certified Nurse Midwives (CNMs) are advanced practice nurses who specialize in women's health and obstetrics. They provide primary and specialty care to women, including prenatal, labor, and postpartum care.
- Average hourly salary: $74.22
- Requirements: Master's degree in nursing, certification as a CNM, and a valid RN license
- Responsibilities: Provide prenatal care, attend births, and offer postpartum care and education
3. Neonatal Nurse Practitioner (NNP)
Neonatal Nurse Practitioners (NNPs) are advanced practice nurses who specialize in the care of newborns and infants. They work in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) and provide primary and specialty care to critically ill newborns.
- Average hourly salary: $73.42
- Requirements: Master's degree in nursing, certification as an NNP, and a valid RN license
- Responsibilities: Provide primary and specialty care to newborns, monitor vital signs, and develop care plans
4. Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (PNP)
Pediatric Nurse Practitioners (PNPs) are advanced practice nurses who specialize in the care of infants, children, and adolescents. They provide primary and specialty care to pediatric patients and work closely with pediatricians and other healthcare professionals.
- Average hourly salary: $69.51
- Requirements: Master's degree in nursing, certification as a PNP, and a valid RN license
- Responsibilities: Provide primary and specialty care to pediatric patients, monitor vital signs, and develop care plans
5. Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)
Family Nurse Practitioners (FNPs) are advanced practice nurses who provide primary and specialty care to individuals and families across the lifespan. They work in a variety of settings, including clinics, hospitals, and private practices.
- Average hourly salary: $68.45
- Requirements: Master's degree in nursing, certification as an FNP, and a valid RN license
- Responsibilities: Provide primary and specialty care to patients, monitor vital signs, and develop care plans
6. Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (ACNP)
Acute Care Nurse Practitioners (ACNPs) are advanced practice nurses who specialize in the care of critically ill patients. They work in hospitals and other acute care settings, providing primary and specialty care to patients with complex medical conditions.
- Average hourly salary: $67.32
- Requirements: Master's degree in nursing, certification as an ACNP, and a valid RN license
- Responsibilities: Provide primary and specialty care to critically ill patients, monitor vital signs, and develop care plans
7. Gerontological Nurse Practitioner (GNP)
Gerontological Nurse Practitioners (GNPs) are advanced practice nurses who specialize in the care of older adults. They provide primary and specialty care to geriatric patients, focusing on health promotion, disease prevention, and management of chronic conditions.
- Average hourly salary: $65.51
- Requirements: Master's degree in nursing, certification as a GNP, and a valid RN license
- Responsibilities: Provide primary and specialty care to older adults, monitor vital signs, and develop care plans
8. Nurse Educator
Nurse Educators are registered nurses who teach nursing students in academic settings. They develop and implement curricula, teach classes, and mentor students in clinical settings.
- Average hourly salary: $63.42
- Requirements: Master's degree in nursing, certification as a nurse educator, and a valid RN license
- Responsibilities: Teach nursing students, develop curricula, and mentor students in clinical settings
9. Informatics Nurse
Informatics Nurses are registered nurses who specialize in the design, implementation, and evaluation of healthcare information systems. They work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, and healthcare organizations.
- Average hourly salary: $62.32
- Requirements: Bachelor's degree in nursing, certification in informatics nursing, and a valid RN license
- Responsibilities: Design and implement healthcare information systems, evaluate system effectiveness, and provide training to end-users
10. Nurse Researcher
Nurse Researchers are registered nurses who conduct research in nursing and healthcare. They design and implement studies, collect and analyze data, and disseminate findings to improve patient care and outcomes.
- Average hourly salary: $61.22
- Requirements: Master's degree in nursing, certification in nursing research, and a valid RN license
- Responsibilities: Conduct research studies, collect and analyze data, and disseminate findings to improve patient care and outcomes
In conclusion, nursing is a rewarding and challenging profession that offers a wide range of career opportunities and competitive salaries. Whether you're interested in advanced practice nursing, education, informatics, or research, there are many paths to choose from. By pursuing a career in nursing, you can make a difference in the lives of patients and families, while also achieving personal and professional fulfillment.
We encourage you to share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below. What do you think about the top 10 highest paying nurse salaries per hour? Are there any other nursing specialties that you think should be included on this list?
What is the highest paying nurse salary per hour?
+The highest paying nurse salary per hour is $83.45, which is earned by Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs).
What are the requirements for becoming a CRNA?
+To become a CRNA, you need to earn a Master's degree in nursing, obtain certification as a CRNA, and have a valid RN license.
What is the average hourly salary for a Nurse Educator?
+The average hourly salary for a Nurse Educator is $63.42.
What is the role of an Informatics Nurse?
+Informatics Nurses design, implement, and evaluate healthcare information systems, and provide training to end-users.
What is the average hourly salary for a Nurse Researcher?
+The average hourly salary for a Nurse Researcher is $61.22.