The Highest Paid Nurses in America
Not all nursing roles pay the same. The salary range across nursing specialties spans from $54,000 to over $200,000 depending on your education, certifications, and specialty focus.
Here are the 7 highest-paying nursing specialties in 2025, ranked by median salary from BLS data.
1. Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) — $203,090/year
CRNAs are the highest-paid nursing professionals in the United States. They administer anesthesia for surgeries and other medical procedures.
- Hourly Rate: $97.64
- Entry Level: $158,000
- Senior Level: $245,000
- Education: Doctoral Degree (DNP or DNAP)
- Job Growth: 13% (much faster than average)
CRNAs require the most education of any nursing specialty, but the investment pays off significantly. With independent practice rights expanding, CRNA demand is expected to surge.
2. Nurse Practitioner (NP) — $124,680/year
NPs diagnose conditions, prescribe medications, and often serve as primary care providers. They're the fastest-growing segment of healthcare.
- Hourly Rate: $59.94
- Entry Level: $95,000
- Senior Level: $155,000
- Education: Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
- Job Growth: 38% (the highest in healthcare)
With a 38% growth rate, NPs have the strongest job market of any healthcare profession. See the full NP salary breakdown.
3. Travel Registered Nurse — $115,000/year
Travel nurses take temporary assignments (typically 13 weeks) at hospitals facing staffing shortages. The premium pay reflects the flexibility and willingness to relocate.
- Weekly Pay: $2,200–$3,800
- Top Specialties: ICU ($4,200/wk), OR ($4,500/wk), ER ($4,000/wk)
- Education: BSN + 1-2 years experience
- Tax Advantage: Significant portion of pay is non-taxable stipends
Travel nursing is the fastest way to high income without additional degrees. See travel nurse pay by specialty and state.
4. Registered Nurse (Senior/Specialized) — $106,000/year
Senior RNs with 9+ years of experience and specialized certifications earn well above the $81,220 median. High-paying RN specialties include:
- Cardiac Catheterization Lab: $95,000–$115,000
- Oncology Nurse Navigator: $90,000–$110,000
- Clinical Nurse Specialist: $85,000–$120,000
- Informatics Nurse: $85,000–$105,000
View the full RN salary data by state and experience.
5. Physician Assistant (PA) — $126,010/year
While not technically a nursing role, many nurses transition to the PA path. PAs practice medicine under physician supervision and have a strong salary profile.
- Hourly Rate: $60.58
- Entry Level: $92,000
- Senior Level: $158,000
- Education: Master of Physician Assistant Studies
- Job Growth: 28%
PAs and NPs have similar salaries, but PAs typically have broader specialty options. Compare PA vs NP salaries side by side.
6. Surgical Technologist — $60,610/year
While lower on the salary scale, surgical techs have one of the best salary-to-education ratios in healthcare — requiring only an associate degree.
- Hourly Rate: $29.14
- Entry Level: $43,000
- Senior Level: $77,000
- Education: Associate Degree + CST certification
- Job Growth: 5%
For nurses considering a career change, surgical tech certifications can be completed quickly. View surgical tech salary data.
7. Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) — $55,860/year
LPNs provide basic nursing care under supervision. While the salary is the lowest on this list, the entry barrier is also the lowest — just a 1-year program.
- Hourly Rate: $26.86
- Entry Level: $42,000
- Senior Level: $68,000
- Education: Practical Nursing Program (1 year)
- Job Growth: 5%
Many LPNs use this role as a stepping stone to RN or NP careers. View LPN salary data.
How to Maximize Your Nursing Salary
Based on the data, here are the highest-impact moves:
- Get your NP or CRNA — the salary jump from RN to advanced practice is $40,000–$120,000/year
- Consider travel nursing — earn $30,000–$50,000 more per year without additional education
- Move to a high-paying state — California, Washington, and Massachusetts pay 20-50% above national medians
- Specialize — ICU, OR, and ER nurses command premium pay in both staff and travel roles
- Negotiate with data — use our Salary Calculator to know your market value before your next review
Explore all healthcare salaries on our homepage or compare any two roles to find your best path.