Intro
Discover 10 high-paying registered nurse positions near you, offering competitive salaries and growth opportunities. Explore in-demand RN roles, such as travel nursing, ICU nursing, and nurse education, with median salaries ranging from $76,000 to over $150,000. Find the best RN jobs in your area and advance your nursing career today!
As a registered nurse, you're in high demand and have a wide range of job opportunities available to you. Whether you're looking for a new challenge or a better work-life balance, there are many high-paying registered nurse positions near you to consider. In this article, we'll explore 10 high-paying registered nurse positions, their average salaries, and what you can expect from each role.

1. Travel Nurse
Travel nurses are in high demand, and their salaries reflect that. With an average salary of $104,000 per year, travel nurses have the opportunity to work in a variety of settings, from hospitals to clinics, and experience new locations and cultures. As a travel nurse, you'll typically work on a contract basis, which can range from a few weeks to several months.
Benefits of Being a Travel Nurse
- Higher salary than traditional nursing positions
- Opportunity to explore new locations and cultures
- Variety in work settings and experiences
- Flexibility in scheduling and contract length

2. ICU Nurse
Intensive care unit (ICU) nurses work with critically ill patients who require close monitoring and life-sustaining interventions. With an average salary of $95,000 per year, ICU nurses are among the highest-paid nursing professionals. To become an ICU nurse, you'll need to have a strong foundation in critical care nursing and be able to work well under pressure.
Benefits of Being an ICU Nurse
- High salary potential
- Opportunity to work with critically ill patients and make a significant impact on their care
- Variety in patient cases and experiences
- Opportunity for professional growth and development

3. ER Nurse
Emergency room (ER) nurses work in fast-paced, dynamic environments, assessing and treating patients with a wide range of injuries and illnesses. With an average salary of $92,000 per year, ER nurses are in high demand and require strong critical thinking and communication skills.
Benefits of Being an ER Nurse
- High salary potential
- Opportunity to work with a variety of patients and cases
- Fast-paced and dynamic work environment
- Opportunity for professional growth and development

4. OR Nurse
Operating room (OR) nurses work closely with surgeons and anesthesiologists to ensure safe and effective surgical procedures. With an average salary of $90,000 per year, OR nurses require strong attention to detail and the ability to work well under pressure.
Benefits of Being an OR Nurse
- High salary potential
- Opportunity to work in a specialized field
- Variety in surgical cases and experiences
- Opportunity for professional growth and development

5. Nurse Practitioner
Nurse practitioners (NPs) work independently or in collaboration with physicians to provide primary and specialty care to patients. With an average salary of $105,000 per year, NPs are in high demand and require a master's degree in nursing.
Benefits of Being a Nurse Practitioner
- High salary potential
- Opportunity to work independently or in collaboration with physicians
- Variety in patient cases and experiences
- Opportunity for professional growth and development

6. Pediatric ICU Nurse
Pediatric ICU nurses work with critically ill infants and children who require close monitoring and life-sustaining interventions. With an average salary of $93,000 per year, pediatric ICU nurses are in high demand and require a strong foundation in pediatric critical care nursing.
Benefits of Being a Pediatric ICU Nurse
- High salary potential
- Opportunity to work with critically ill infants and children
- Variety in patient cases and experiences
- Opportunity for professional growth and development

7. Neonatal ICU Nurse
Neonatal ICU nurses work with critically ill newborns who require close monitoring and life-sustaining interventions. With an average salary of $92,000 per year, neonatal ICU nurses are in high demand and require a strong foundation in neonatal critical care nursing.
Benefits of Being a Neonatal ICU Nurse
- High salary potential
- Opportunity to work with critically ill newborns
- Variety in patient cases and experiences
- Opportunity for professional growth and development

8. Flight Nurse
Flight nurses work on medical transport teams, providing care to patients during air or ground transportation. With an average salary of $90,000 per year, flight nurses are in high demand and require a strong foundation in critical care nursing.
Benefits of Being a Flight Nurse
- High salary potential
- Opportunity to work in a unique and dynamic environment
- Variety in patient cases and experiences
- Opportunity for professional growth and development

9. Informatics Nurse
Informatics nurses work with healthcare technology, designing and implementing systems to improve patient care and outcomes. With an average salary of $95,000 per year, informatics nurses are in high demand and require a strong foundation in nursing informatics.
Benefits of Being an Informatics Nurse
- High salary potential
- Opportunity to work in a specialized field
- Variety in projects and experiences
- Opportunity for professional growth and development

10. Case Management Nurse
Case management nurses work with patients and healthcare teams to coordinate care and ensure smooth transitions. With an average salary of $85,000 per year, case management nurses are in high demand and require strong communication and organizational skills.
Benefits of Being a Case Management Nurse
- High salary potential
- Opportunity to work with a variety of patients and cases
- Variety in work settings and experiences
- Opportunity for professional growth and development

In conclusion, there are many high-paying registered nurse positions available, each with its own unique benefits and challenges. Whether you're looking for a new challenge or a better work-life balance, there's a high-paying nursing position near you. Consider exploring these options and finding the one that best fits your skills, interests, and career goals.
We encourage you to share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below. What high-paying nursing positions have you considered or worked in? What benefits and challenges have you encountered? Share your insights and help others make informed decisions about their nursing careers.
What is the highest-paying nursing position?
+The highest-paying nursing position can vary depending on location, experience, and specialty. However, some of the highest-paying nursing positions include nurse practitioners, informatics nurses, and flight nurses.
What is the average salary for a registered nurse?
+The average salary for a registered nurse can vary depending on location, experience, and specialty. However, the average salary for a registered nurse in the United States is around $76,000 per year.
What is the most in-demand nursing position?
+The most in-demand nursing position can vary depending on location and healthcare needs. However, some of the most in-demand nursing positions include travel nurses, ICU nurses, and ER nurses.