Highest Paying Nursing Jobs

The highest paid nurses are dedicated caregivers with specialized knowledge and a commitment to patients. Those who sit at the top of the salary ladder meet crucial needs within the medical field, lead others, and influence care on a structural level.

In this article, we’ve listed the most lucrative types of nursing jobs, their responsibilities, and reasons why these positions are appealing to nursing professionals.

Highest Paying Jobs for Nurses

All salary data, unless otherwise stated, is from PayScale.com. Career outlooks are referenced from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

1. General Nurse Practitioner

Salary: $92,674

In many ways, nurse practitioners function like licensed physicians. They perform many of the same duties, such as assessing, diagnosing, and treating patients. General nurse practitioners work as part of a team in a variety of clinical settings like hospitals, clinics, and private medical practices. Their responsibilities vary depending on where they work, but can include:

Examining patients and determining diagnoses
Developing treatment plans that consider multiple contributing factors
Providing whole-patient wellness plans that may include nutrition, physical activity, and changes in daily habits
Referring patients to specialists as necessary
Prescribing medication and determining the appropriate dosage

Bethel University LocationMishawaka, IN Accreditation(s)HLC Religious AffiliationChristian Cost Per Credit–: Founded in 1947, Bethel University is a Christian community of learners dedicated to building lives of commitment for leadership in the Church and the world. It offers a variety of affordable online programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels that combine rigorous career preparation with spiritual growth. Combining practical knowledge with a biblical foundation, Bethel University seeks to challenge minds, engage hearts, and holistically equip students for lifelong service.
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Campbellsville University LocationCampbellsville, KY Accreditation(s)SACSCOC Religious AffiliationChristian Cost Per Credit–: Founded in 1906, Campbellsville University is a comprehensive, Christian institution that offers non-credit technical programs, along with certificates, associates, undergraduate and graduate programs. The university is dedicated to academic excellence solidly grounded in the liberal arts that fosters personal growth, integrity and professional preparation within a caring environment.
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University of West Florida LocationPensacola, FL Accreditation(s)SACSCOC Religious Affiliation– Cost Per Credit–: A forward-thinking and widely recognized higher education institution, the University of West Florida is committed to creating the next generation of big thinkers who contribute to the needs of professions and society. The school prepares students for success by offering collaborative, innovative, and creative learning experiences. With more than 50 years of being a leader in education, UWF provides numerous benefits for online students and boasts many accreditations and rankings. It offers several online bachelor’s and master’s degree programs in nursing, health sciences, education, and more.
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2. Certified Nurse Midwife

Salary: $92,092

Certified nurse midwives work as part of an obstetrics and gynecology team. Responsibilities of nurse midwives include:

Assessing the fertility of patients
Connecting patients with family planning services
Providing prenatal care to expectant mothers
Evaluating development of the fetus
Assisting in the delivery
Caring for newborns in the first month of life

Because of the extensive and varied care that occurs in this type of healthcare, midwives are typically required to have a master’s degree.

Many nurses choose to become certified midwives because of the capacity to develop relationships with patients and promote a meaningful level of health. Caring for mothers and their newborns offers midwives the opportunity to promote patient self determination and active involvement in care, an experience that many find professionally rewarding.

3. Advanced Practice Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner

Salary: $101,564

Advanced practice psychiatric nurse practitioners work in outpatient clinics, hospitals, residential care facilities, and even patients’ homes. Sometimes, they may also work with inmates in correctional facilities. Entering this role requires extensive education and at least a master’s degree. Responsibilities include:

Evaluating the mental health needs of patients and diagnosing mental health disorders
Prescribing medications as needed
Facilitating or coordinating group or individual therapy sessions
Helping patients work through challenges associated with mental illness
Managing patients’ long-term care

These nurse practitioners may work with a variety of patients, such as children, adults, and the elderly. Though the salary is substantial, nurses may be drawn to this role because of the ability to make a direct impact on mental health. Psychiatric nurse practitioners help people recover from or successfully manage their mental health issues, allowing them to improve the quality of their lives.

4. Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA)

Salary: $143,970

Certified registered nurse anesthetists are currently the highest paying nursing specialty available. CRNAs may work anywhere patients need anesthesia, such as hospitals, surgical clinics, private practices, and specialist offices. Responsibilities for CRNAs include:

Evaluating patients and reviewing their medical histories to determine anesthetic needs
Collaborating with a care team
Administering anesthesia to patients
Monitoring patients before, during, and after a procedure
Communicating the anesthesia process to patients and family members

To accomplish these sensitive and critical tasks, a CRNA must have a high level of technical expertise that is usually acquired through earning a master’s degree. Salary may be the biggest motivating factor for nurses to choose this role, but the option to contribute to research may be another draw. CRNAs can, and often do, participate in and lead funded research to advance their field. Many CRNAs have presented their research projects at national and international meetings. This type of research often leads to publication opportunities in books and peer-reviewed journals.

Job Title	Average Salary	Job Outlook
General Nurse Practitioner	$92,674	36% (all nurse practitioners)
Certified Nurse Midwife	$92,092	21%
Advanced Practice Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner	$101,564	36% (all nurse practitioners)
Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist	$143,970	16%

Source: PayScale and the Bureau of Labor Statistics

The highest paying nursing careers have plenty to offer professionals other than salary. If you’re interested in nursing or considering the next steps in your professional journey, take time to look at the best nursing jobs and whether they might be right for you.

BS in Health Care Management Online LocationUtica, NY Accreditation(s)MSCHE, ACBSP, N/A Religious AffiliationN/A Cost Per Credit$420: Creating “online programs that create heroes,” Utica College developed curriculum for the B.S. in Healthcare Management with the goal of connecting humans and business in a way that benefits both. Led by expert faculty members and focused on people, courses guide future healthcare professionals on asking the right questions and find the solutions that affect both the workplace and the environment for those in care. Study a range of business applications from compelling marketing messages to identifying contributors to best patient outcomes.
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) LocationMishawaka, IN Accreditation(s)HLC, ACEN Religious AffiliationChristian Cost Per Credit$465: The online online MSN from Bethel University prepares registered nurses for career advancement as nurse leaders in administration and education roles. It emphasizes evidence-based practice and includes core coursework in information systems, statistical literacy, advanced theory and more. Through a rigorous curriculum focused on effective communication and decision-making, this program promotes excellence in holistic, patient-centered care.
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Online LocationCharlotte, NC Accreditation(s)SACSCOC, CCNE Religious AffiliationPresbyterian Cost Per Credit$572 per credit: Acquire the relevant skills and experience to advance your healthcare career with the Queens University of Charlotte online Master of Science in Nursing (MSN). Built around the demanding schedule of RNs, this program prepares students to graduate as a trained and principled nurse leader. Continue your higher education pursuits without compromising your current professional commitments. Licensed RNs can graduate in just over 2 years on the RN to MSN pathway. Immerse yourself in coursework that supports your career goals through specialization tracks such as Clinical Nurse Leader, Nurse Administrator, Nurse Educator, and Nursing Informatics. There is no on-campus residency requirement so you can earn your MSN fully online and complete the program’s clinical requirement in your area, making the Queens MSN one of the more achievable nursing degrees available.
MS in Nursing (MSN-FNP) LocationPensacola, FL Accreditation(s)SACSCOC, CCNE Religious Affiliation– Cost Per Credit$500: Develop the skills needed to care for patients of all ages and meet the needs of tomorrow’s nurses with UWF’s online Master of Science in Nursing program. Learn from experienced educators as you learn how to implement research- and evidence-based practices. This program helps you prepare for national exams, an academic career, or doctoral studies. Choose from three specializations: family nurse practitioner, nursing education, and nurse executive.
MS in Nursing (MSN) LocationTeaneck, NJ Accreditation(s)MSCHE, CCNE Religious AffiliationPrivate Cost Per Credit$825: The online Master of Science in Nursing program from Fairleigh Dickinson University offers two concentrations to suit your professional goals: family nurse practitioner and nursing education. Depending on your concentration, the program prepares you to diagnose and treat diverse patients or become an instructor in collegiate nursing programs. Through a state-of-the-art curriculum, you’ll acquire the training you need to effectively work with students, parents, and patients.
MS in Nursing (MSN) LocationBristol, TN Accreditation(s)SACSCOC, CCNE Religious AffiliationPresbyterian Cost Per Credit$605.00: Advance your career through continued education with King University’s online Master of Science in Nursing program. Choose between two concentrations: nurse educator and administrator. Featuring a cohort model, the program allows you to earn your degree with the same group of peers. The program lets you collaborate on courses and projects and relay real-life work experiences into class discussions for a more interactive academic experience.
MS in Nursing (MSN) LocationNashua, NH Accreditation(s)NECHE, ACEN Religious AffiliationCatholic Cost Per Credit$630: Move into a leadership or education role with the ACEN-accredited online Master of Science in Nursing program from Rivier University. Choose from three specializations: family nurse practitioner, nursing education, and health systems management. Prepare to enhance patient care, improve the health outcomes and quality of life for others, and influence the next generation of nurses. The flexible, online format of the programs can be designed around professional and personal schedules.
MS in Nursing (MSN) Education LocationSouth Euclid, OH Accreditation(s)HLC Religious AffiliationCatholic Cost Per Credit$590: Take your nursing career to the next level with Notre Dame College’s online Master of Science in Nursing Education. Designed for working nurses who wish to become instructors in the field, the program emphasizes leadership, ethics, and advocacy. You will gain hands-on experience that can be immediately applied to the real world through a required 120-hour practicum.
MS in Nursing (MSN) with FNP Track LocationCampbellsville, KY Accreditation(s)SACSCOC Religious AffiliationChristian Cost Per Credit$559: Discover how to contribute to excellence in healthcare and provide quality, evidence-based and holistic primary care to diverse communities throughout the lifespan with Campbellsville University’s Master of Science in Nursing degree program with a track in family nursing practice. The program teaches you how to be an effective, independent practitioner and use evidence-based practice to promote health and manage care for patients and families across the lifespan as you gain 660 clinical hours of experience.
MSN – Family Nurse Practitioner LocationPittsburgh, PA Accreditation(s)MSCHE, CCNE, CSWE, IACBE, ACEN, CCNE Religious AffiliationCatholic Cost Per Credit$891 per credit hour: Carlow‘s MSN FNP offers unique flexibility as the only program in the Pittsburgh area that culminates with a Master’s yet is also linked to a DNP program for students seeking advanced degrees. Catering to practitioners seeking to partner with patients in disease prevention, course curriculum focuses on providing guidance for healthy life choices and treating developing diseases as they arise. Online or hybrid, the Carlow MSN FNP is the largest NP program in western PA and has recently maintained a 98-100% pass rate for graduates pursuing AANP or ANCC national board certification.
MSN in Health System Leadership LocationCampbellsville, KY Accreditation(s)SACSCOC, N/A Religious AffiliationChristian Cost Per Credit$559: Built to address the industry need for more nurses with graduate degrees, the MSN program track at Campbellsville University prepares medical professionals for administrative and management positions. The unique design allows BSN nurses to pursue their MSN during fulltime employment, continuing to serve the community and maintain training and income while advancing their career online. With special focuses in the areas of communications and relationship management, this master’s curriculum develops oral and interpersonal skills essential to both personnel management, professional representation, and patient care, fulfilling the University’s academic foundation of caring, compassion, and competency.
Online Bachelor of Science in Health Studies LocationPhiladelphia, PA Accreditation(s)MSCHE, MSCHE Religious Affiliation– Cost Per Credit$605: Develop real-world skills in health systems, policy, application, and diagnostics with the online B.S. in Health Studies from Thomas Jefferson University. Make the most of your health related transfer credits applying to a program where expert faulty provide innovative digital instruction in a wide range of curricular focuses, including a variety of elective choices, for a degree that’s customizable to your chosen specialty or preparation for graduate studies. Become equipped for healthcare professions requiring knowledge of dental hygiene, medical imaging, medical coding, medical laboratory, epidemiology, respiratory care technology, occupational therapy, as well as the tools that equip you to access, use, and evaluate evidence-based information more effectively for greater patient outcomes.
Online MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling LocationWest Haven, CT Accreditation(s)NECHE Religious AffiliationPrivate Cost Per Credit$700: Launch your Licensed Professional Counselor career with the University of New Haven’s online, low-residency M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program. Specialize your degree with one of two optional concentrations in forensics or community development and field experience through 700 hours of supervised clinical training. Curriculum establishes competence in all 8 core domains of counseling, a career field set to grow 25% over the next decade, and aligns with state of Connecticut and CACREP standards for licensed counseling professionals.
Online Master of Public Health LocationWest Haven, CT Accreditation(s)NECHE, Seeking CEPH Religious AffiliationPrivate Cost Per Credit$700: The University of New Haven offers one of the only STEM-designated programs with its Master of Public Health degree. Coursework focuses on global health, education, and health informatics and culminates with a faculty-mentored capstone. Gain the tech-based expertise sought after by employers and industry leaders in a field expected to grow faster than the national average in this decade.
Online Master’s in Healthcare Administration LocationWest Haven, CT Accreditation(s)NECHE, CAHME Religious AffiliationPrivate Cost Per Credit$700: The University of New Haven. offers the only fully CAHME-accredited program in southern New England, with an MHA built on practical application for the health sector, developing statistical analysis abilities. Delivering the 11 core competencies in a 1.5 year program, students develop an individualized course of study customed to support their unique career choice.
Online MSN – Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner LocationPittsburgh, PA Accreditation(s)MSCHE, CCNE, CSWE, IACBE, ACEN, CCNE Religious AffiliationCatholic Cost Per Credit$891 per credit hour: The Carlow University Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner program prepares advanced practice registered nurses and increases the number of WH clinical experts in areas of Western PA that are traditionally underserved. Uniquely designed to culminate as an MSN with continuation toward a DNP as an option, Carlow’s NP program is not only the largest in its area, but has maintained a 100% board certification pass rate among graduates since inception.
Online RN to BS LocationDeKalb, IL Accreditation(s)HLC, CCNE Religious Affiliation– Cost Per Credit$348: A career-advancing RN to Bachelor of Science in Nursing program from Northern Illinois University can be completed in as little as 1 year. Study on a flexible schedule that doesn’t conflict with professional commitments, so you lose no time as you continue as a licensed RN earning a CCNE-accredited bachelor’s degree. Gain essential skills in critical thinking, health assessment, and evidence-based practice as you complete your practicum at a health care facility in your own community. Experienced faculty will guide your exploration of a complex health care system, preparing you to benefit patient outcomes and improve systems and processes in population-focused healthcare. Credentials and learned skills will help you stand out as a candidate and leader in an industry where advanced degrees are preferred and at times required. Apply up to 33 credits from your previous nursing education toward your bachelor’s degree and complete 12 hours of nursing credit to transfer your credits.
Online RN to BSN LocationFayetteville, NC Accreditation(s)SACSCOC, ACBSP, AACN, DPI, CCNE Religious AffiliationMethodist Cost Per Credit$400: The online RN to BSN from Methodist University propels the professional profile of actively working nurses. For those who have completed their associate degree and have an unrestricted RN license, the online RN to BSN allows students to accelerate affordably through BSN courses in as little as 12 months and provides the credential for advancement. The CCNE-accredited curriculum helps refine nursing skills to develop the most patient-centered care by combining nursing theory and practice with courses in health policy, evidence-based practice applications, pathophysiology, public health nursing, and beside care. Gain an advantage in job consideration and locate a position of preference for entering diverse health care and medical environments.
RN to BSN LocationBoston, MA Accreditation(s)NECHE, CCNE Religious AffiliationCatholic Cost Per Credit$350: Designed for current registered nurses seeking to further their education and advance their careers, Emmanuel College’s online RN to BSN program offers the flexibility to balance your studies with the demanding schedule of a professional nurse. The program’s accelerated format and option to transfer up to 96 credits allow you to earn your degree in 16 months.
RN to BSN LocationJacksonville, IL Accreditation(s)HLC Religious Affiliation– Cost Per Credit$375: Illinois College’s fully online RN to BSN program is designed to educate nurses for the needs of the future and covers a host of essential topics for advancing your education, such as bioethics, health policy, nursing research, and disease management. The accelerated program can be completed in as little as 12 months.
RN to BSN LocationBristol, TN Accreditation(s)SACSCOC, CCNE Religious AffiliationPresbyterian Cost Per Credit$330: The online Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN to BSN) program from King University provides an educational opportunity for current registered nurses who want to further their education and advance their career by earning a bachelor’s degree. The program is designed as a transformational learning experience leading to personal and professional skill development to meet the needs of registered nurses previously prepared at the ADN or diploma level.
RN to BSN LocationSouth Euclid, OH Accreditation(s)HLC Religious AffiliationCatholic Cost Per Credit$240: Build your competency as a medical professional and earn the credential you need to advance in your career with the online RN to BSN program at Notre Dame College. Designed for working nurses, the program increases your capacity to improve patient outcomes, improves your leadership skills, and readies you to become an effective change maker in your organization as you gain practical training in the field.
RN to BSN LocationBaltimore, MD Accreditation(s)MSCHE, CCNE Religious AffiliationCatholic Cost Per Credit$375: Transform your nursing career and earn an in-demand degree with the online RN to BSN degree program from Notre Dame of Maryland University. Gain the skills and knowledge needed to enhance your career opportunities in nursing while fulfilling the educational requirements of many healthcare employers. The program can be completed in as little as 15 months.
RN to BSN LocationPortsmouth, OH Accreditation(s)HLC, ACEN Religious Affiliation– Cost Per Credit$278: Led by experienced nurse educators, Shawnee State University’s RN to BSN online program features small class sizes, personalized attention, and dedication to your future success. Accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), the accelerated curriculum equips you with the quality education needed to advance your career or pursue graduate studies.
RN to BSN LocationNashua, NH Accreditation(s)NECHE, ACEN Religious AffiliationCatholic Cost Per Credit$360: Advance your nursing career and impact the lives of others with an ACEN-accredited RN to BSN online from Rivier University. Graduates of this program are prepared for leadership positions and master’s-level educational opportunities. The program’s flexible, convenient format can be designed around professional and personal schedules. Students with an active RN license will be awarded transfer credit for their experience and can finish the program faster.
RN to BSN LocationPensacola, FL Accreditation(s)SACSCOC, CCNE Religious Affiliation– Cost Per Credit$282.13: Gain more skills for career advancement in nursing and increased earning potential with the online RN to BSN from the University of West Florida. Through the program, you will demonstrate your commitment to the nursing profession as you advance your knowledge in evidence-based nursing practice, high-quality care, communication, and leadership. The CCNE-accredited program is taught by educators who are highly experienced in a variety of areas in the field, and you will gain their insight into nursing practices and the healthcare system.
RN to BSN LocationSt. Paul, MN Accreditation(s)HLC, CCNE Religious AffiliationLutheran Cost Per Credit$420: Concordia University, St. Paul’s online RN to BSN program advances the knowledge and skills of nursing professionals through an integration of learning and experience. Using a combination of theoretical inquiry and practical application, you will gain insight into ethics in healthcare, professional and evidence-based practice, interdisciplinary collaboration and communication, leadership, management, care coordination, and community health.
RN to BSN LocationReading, PA Accreditation(s)MSCHE CCNE, CCNE* The RN to BSN Completion Program at Alvernia University is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (http://www.ccneaccreditation.org). Religious AffiliationFranciscan Roman Catholic Cost Per Credit$480: With Alvernia University’s online RN to BSN program, you can earn the credentials you need to pursue broader responsibilities and career opportunities within nursing. The program teaches you advanced nursing skills as you also explore historical and contemporary issues and future trends. Because of the program’s online format, you can earn your degree while maintaining your busy schedule and learn from faculty who are experienced in a variety of clinical practice and professional leadership roles.
RN to BSN LocationMishawaka, IN Accreditation(s)HLC, ACEN Religious AffiliationChristian Cost Per Credit$405: Bethel University’s RN to BSN online program equips you with the skills, knowledge, and practical training you need to take on more challenging roles in your workplace and advance in your profession. Designed for working professionals, the program’s curriculum trains you in a host of areas required for the modern nurse, such as pharmacology, patient and family centered care, community-based nursing, global health, nursing informatics, and more.
RN to MSN LocationTeaneck, NJ Accreditation(s)MSCHE, CCNE Religious AffiliationPrivate Cost Per Credit$725: Fairleigh Dickinson University’s online RN-MSN saves you time and money in earning the credentials you need to be recognized as a nurse leader and qualify for management roles. This program is designed to give registered nurses the opportunity to complete requirements for a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree on their way to earning their Master of Science in Nursing (MSN). Because we accept 90 associate degree credits, you can fast-track your online RN to MSN and make the most of your previous nursing education. Choose the track that matches your career goals — become a nurse educator, or a family nurse practitioner.
RN to MSN LocationPensacola, FL Accreditation(s)SACSCOC, CCNE Religious Affiliation– Cost Per Credit282.13 and 425: The University of West Florida’s accelerated RN to MSN online program is designed for registered nurses who are ready to continue their education with advanced credentials. It allows you to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree on your way to completing your master’s, saving time and money. By completing the BSN program, you will earn 12 credit hours at the undergraduate rate which will be applied toward your Master of Science in Nursing