Here is where the money is and what it takes to get there. Salary figures are median annual wages from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2024.
The Top of the Pay Scale
Advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) are the highest earners. They diagnose, treat, and in many states prescribe and practice independently, much like physicians. All of them need at least a master of science in nursing (MSN), a national certification exam, and ongoing continuing education that runs heavier than what RNs carry.
Nurse anesthetist (CRNA): $223,210. The highest-paid nurses by a wide margin. CRNAs administer anesthesia and manage pain through surgery and other procedures while keeping the patient's vital signs stable. The role demands precision and constant attention. Entry currently requires a master's, though the field is moving toward a doctoral requirement, plus one year of critical care RN experience before admission to a program.
Nurse practitioner (NP): $129,210. NPs serve as primary and specialty care providers, diagnosing illness, prescribing, and ordering tests. Most specialize, and pay clusters near the overall NP median across those specialties:
- Family NPs treat patients of every age and need to stay current across a wide range of conditions.
- Psychiatric mental health NPs (PMHNPs) treat mental health conditions and have to build trust with patients and families.
- Pediatric NPs diagnose and treat children while supporting their families.
- Neonatal NPs care for newborns, often critically ill ones, and have to make fast, sound decisions under pressure.
- Geriatric NPs help older adults manage physical and cognitive health, which takes patience and clear communication.
Nurse midwife (CNM): $128,790. CNMs focus on women's health: preventive care, screenings, pregnancy, menopause, postpartum care, and newborn care. Licensure requires a master's and passing the American Midwifery Certification Board exam.
Clinical nurse specialist (CNS). A CNS is an expert clinician and consultant who improves care through evidence based practice, usually within a specialty like pediatrics, mental health, or adult-gerontology. State licensure requires a master's and a national certification exam. The BLS reports CNS pay within the registered nurse category rather than separately, where the RN median is $93,600.
Nurse administrator. Administrators run the business and legal side of nursing units. The role needs at least a bachelor's in nursing or healthcare administration; certification and an active nursing license are often preferred rather than required. Pay tracks with the size and complexity of the operation.
How to Raise Your Own Salary
The biggest jumps come from advanced education and experience, but every nurse has levers to pull. Picking up extra shifts, taking on leadership or administrative duties, and earning specialty certifications all push pay up. RNs already earn well above the national average, and most of the highest-paying roles are NP positions, so an MSN or DNP is the clearest path to the top of the scale.
The education is demanding and the responsibility is real. For most APRNs, the autonomy, the job market, and the pay make it worth it. If bedside or clinical work isn't your goal, a master's in healthcare management opens an equally solid path into nursing administration.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the highest paying nursing job?
Nurse anesthetists (CRNAs) are the highest-paid nurses by a wide margin, with a median annual wage of $223,210 as of May 2024, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. They administer anesthesia and manage pain during surgery and other procedures.
How much do nurse practitioners make?
Nurse practitioners earn a median annual wage of $129,210 (BLS, May 2024). Pay clusters near that figure across specialties like family, psychiatric mental health, pediatric, neonatal, and geriatric practice.
Do you need a graduate degree for the highest paying nursing jobs?
Yes, in most cases. Nearly all the top-paying roles are advanced practice positions (CRNA, NP, CNM, CNS) that require at least a master of science in nursing, a national certification exam, and ongoing continuing education.
How much does a registered nurse earn compared with these roles?
The median registered nurse wage was $93,600 in May 2024 (BLS), already well above the national median wage for all occupations. The advanced practice roles pay more because they carry more responsibility and require graduate education.
What is the fastest way to raise a nursing salary?
The largest jumps come from advanced education and experience. Earning an MSN or DNP opens APRN roles, while specialty certifications, leadership or administrative duties, and additional shifts all push pay up for working RNs.