We know that nursing is an expensive field to be in, but how much could you make? 

The cost of education and licensing alone can be daunting, not to mention the cost of living. How much do nurses make? What specialties pay the most? Which countries are paying their nurses the most money? 

This article will answer all those questions and more!

Which Nurse Makes The Most Money?

If you've ever wondered what the highest-paid nurse is, we have the answers for you. Certified registered nurse anesthetists are the ones who earn the most money in nursing, with a median salary of $195,610 annually.

To become a certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA), you need to complete a master's degree program and pass both the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) and certification exams. 

These professionals also undergo extensive specialized training before they can practice independently as CRNAs—so it's no wonder this type of nurse makes so much!

Types of Nurses And Salaries

There are three main types of nurses:

1) Registered nurses

Salary: $77,600 annually.

Registered nurses (RNs) have completed at least a two-year program at an accredited school. They are also licensed by their state. RNs work under the supervision of a doctor. 

They can be found in all types of settings, from hospitals to nursing homes and outpatient clinics. In addition to providing direct patient care, they also help patients understand their health conditions and provide emotional support.

2) Certified nurse assistants (CNAs)

Salary: $43,045 per year

CNAs provide personal care to patients in hospitals or other medical facilities. They do not need any formal education or training, but they must pass a state examination before they can practice. 

Some states require CNAs to undergo additional training once they begin working with patients. CNAs generally earn less than registered nurses because their duties are less complex, and they don't have as much responsibility for patient care.

3) Licensed practical nurses (LPNs)

Salary: $55,200 per year

LPNs generally work under the supervision of registered nurses or physician assistants in hospitals and doctors' offices. 

Still, they may also provide essential medical services independently under certain circumstances, such as when there is no doctor available on-site at a hospital or clinic during its regular hours of operation (for example).

Highest Paid Nurses By State

The highest-paid nurses by the state are in the:

• California
• Hawaii
• Alaska

In these states, they make more than teachers and pharmacists. For example, a nurse in California makes over $100K annually, while a teacher only makes about $70K annually. 

This is partly because there’s a national shortage of nurses, which drives up demand for their services and salaries across the board.

Let’s discuss what type of nurses make the most money in these states:

#1. California 

California is one of the top five states for the employment of nurses, with over 300,000 RNs currently employed. 

The average salary for registered nurses in California is $120,560 per year. Nurses earn 56% more on average than the national average.

#2. Hawaii

Second-highest paying for registered nurses, Hawaii has an average annual salary of $104,830 for RNs — 24 percent more than the national average. It also has over 11,260 registered nurses and is expected to rise by over 12% by 2028. 

Hawaii has become a popular destination for retirees who want to live out their golden years in paradise.

#3. Alaska

Alaska is among those states known for having several highly paid nurses. The state has approximately 6,200 RNs employed, and their annual salary is $95,000, which is higher than roughly 19 percent of other states.

Certified nurse anesthetists and certified nurse practitioners are the highest-paid nurses here. Certified nurse anesthetists earn an annual salary of $187,690, while certified nurse practitioners earn a yearly salary of $122,880.

Highest Paying Industries For Nurses

Here are the top five highest-paying industries for nurses:

1. Nonscheduled Air Transportation — $112,630.

2. Pharmaceutical and Medicine Manufacturing — $105,270.

3. Merchant Wholesalers, Nondurable Goods — $101,240.

4. Federal Executive Branch — $97,600.

5. Office Administration Services — $96,630.

14 Highest Paid Nursing Specialities

Here's a look at the highest-paying nursing specialties:

1. Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist - $202,000
2. Neonatal Nurse Practitioner – $131,754
3. Cardiac Nurse Practitioner – $120,810
4. Orthopedic Nurse Practitioner – $119,600
5. Oncology Nurse Practitioner – $119,501
6. General Nurse Practitioner – $118,000
7. Family Nurse Practitioner – $116,880
8. Nurse Midwife – $114,000
9. Clinical Nurse Specialist – $113,507
10. Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner – $113,470
11. Pediatric Nurse Practitioner – $113,200
12. Pain Management Nurse – $111,292
13. Nurse Researcher – $104,000
14. Gerontological Nurse Practitioner (GNP) – $100,656

#1. Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist - $202,000

According to the BLS, the average salary of a nurse anesthetist is $202,000 per year. This is almost double the national average wage for all occupations. 

This specialty requires specialized education and training, as well as certification through the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists (AANA).

The highest-paying cities for Nurse Anesthetists include:

1. Springfield, IL - $298,890
2. Riverside, CA - $283,550
3. Ann Arbor, MI - $276,810
4. Hartford, CT - $273,060
5. San Antonio, TX - $262,560

#2. Neonatal Nurse Practitioner – $131,754.

According to Salary.com, the average salary for a neonatal nurse practitioner is $131,754.

The Neonatal Nurse Practitioner (NNP) is an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) who has completed a master's degree in the field of neonatal nursing. 

NNPs work closely with neonatologists, physicians, and other health professionals to provide specialized care to premature infants and critically ill newborns.

#3. Cardiac Nurse Practitioner – $120,810

The job of a cardiac nurse practitioner is to provide care and treatment for patients with heart disease and cardiac issues. They work in hospitals and medical centers, assisting physicians with medical procedures, such as EKGs, stress tests, and other diagnostic tests. 

As per Salary.com, the average salary for this position is $120,810 per year.

#4. Orthopedic Nurse Practitioner – $119,600

Orthopedic Nurse Practitioners (ONPs) are registered nurses who have completed a master’s degree and additional training in orthopedics. 

They work with patients who have musculoskeletal impairments, such as broken bones or joint injuries. ONPs provide direct patient care, supervise other nursing staff, and often order diagnostic tests for their patients.

In addition to the salary listed above, ONPs can expect to earn additional income from bonuses and overtime pay.

#5. Oncology Nurse Practitioner – $119,501  

According to salary.com, the average Oncology nurse practitioner salary is $119,501. 

Oncology nurse practitioners are generally registered nurses with advanced education in oncology and the ability to provide consultative services for patients with cancer. 

Hospitals or other healthcare organizations may also employ oncology nurse practitioners as part of their staff.

#6. General Nurse Practitioner - $118,000

According to BLS, the average salary of a general nurse practitioner is $118,000 per year. These professionals are responsible for treating patients with various illnesses, injuries, and diseases. 

They must be able to diagnose conditions based on symptoms and signs, order and interpret diagnostic tests, prescribe medication, manage chronic diseases, and coordinate care with other healthcare providers as needed. 

General nurse practitioners also perform clinical duties such as suturing wounds or administering immunizations as needed.

#7. Family Nurse Practitioner – $116,880

The seventh highest-paying nursing specialty is a family nurse practitioner (FNP), which has an average annual salary of $116,880, according to Salary.com. 

FNPs are registered nurses with advanced education in family health care and a focus on prevention and wellness. 

They work with individuals and families to identify factors affecting health outcomes and collaborate with other healthcare professionals to provide holistic care plans. 

FNPs typically work in hospitals or clinics, but health insurance companies or government agencies can also employ them.

#8. Nurse Midwife – $114,000

As a nurse midwife, you'll be caring for women in their prenatal, postpartum and gynecological care needs. 

You'll help them navigate their pregnancies, assist with deliveries and perform other procedures like tubal ligation or vasectomy. You'll also receive specialized training in the areas of women's health and maternal/newborn care.

According to BLS, the average salary of a nurse midwife is $114,000.

#9. Clinical Nurse Specialist – $113,507

According to Salary.com, clinical nurse specialists earn an average salary of $113,507 annually. Clinical nurse specialists are registered nurses with advanced education and training in a particular specialty area. 

They work in hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, and private practices to provide assessment and care for patients with complex medical conditions. 

Clinical nurse specialists typically have at least one year of experience as an RN before enrolling in an accredited Nurse Practitioner program. 

Once graduate, they will have the opportunity to take the national certification examination (NCLEX-PN) to become certified as a clinical nurse specialist.

#10. Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner – $113,470

This advanced practice nurse provides counseling and psychotherapy to patients with mental health issues. 

They also prescribe medication for their patients. This can be an inpatient or outpatient position, depending on the needs of the patient.

According to salary.com, psychiatric nurse practitioners earn $113,470 per year.

#11. Pediatric Nurse Practitioner – $113,200

Pediatric Nurse Practitioners are the highest-paid nursing specialties, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics. 

They typically work in clinics and hospitals, and their job is to manage the health care of children from birth through adolescence. 

Salary.com indicates that PNPs can earn up to $113,200 annually.

#12. Pain Management Nurse – $111,292

The average annual salary for this position is $111,292. Pain management nurses work with patients who are experiencing chronic or acute pain and prescribe medications to alleviate pain and discomfort. 

A bachelor's degree in nursing is required for this position, emphasizing pharmacology and drug administration.

#13. Nurse Researcher – $104,000

According to BLS, nurse researchers earn $104,000 per year.

Nurse researchers are responsible for conducting studies and gathering data on nursing practices. 

Nurses in this role may work in a hospital or clinical setting, or they may work in an office environment where they are responsible for developing quality-improvement projects.

#14. Gerontological Nurse Practitioner (GNP) – $100,656

This specialty is one of the most sought-after in the nursing field. GNPs work in hospitals, long-term care facilities, and home healthcare settings. 

They are trained to provide medical care to older adults who may have complex medical conditions or disabilities. They can also help their patients manage their medications and pain management.

The average salary for a GNP is $100,656 per year, but some can earn more than $150,000 annually.

Conclusion

It's a great time to be a nurse! With more job opportunities than ever before, and salaries that are rising across the board, nurses can expect higher pay and better benefits than ever before. 

The most lucrative nursing jobs are also among the most rewarding - offering flexible hours, high levels of autonomy as well as respect from patients and peers.

FAQs

What Does a Nurse Practitioner Do?

Nurse practitioners (NPs) are registered nurses who have earned a master's degree in nursing and have completed a nurse practitioner program. NPS works in various settings, including hospitals, clinics, and private practices.

Does An Experienced Nurse Earn More?

The answer is yes. An experienced nurse earns more than a new nurse, on average. The reason is that there are higher costs associated with training and hiring a new nurse, so the employer needs to make up for that by paying more.

What Does A Nurse Anesthesiologist Do?

A nurse anesthesiologist is a registered nurse who has completed medical training and is certified to administer anesthesia. A nurse anesthesiologist works closely with a doctor to provide anesthesia to patients during surgery, procedures, or other medical treatments.