The nursing profession, a pillar of the healthcare system, continues to evolve, offering various specialized roles that are both fulfilling and financially rewarding.
In 2024, the highest paying nursing jobs not only demand specific skills and qualifications but also offer attractive salaries. Below, we explore these specialties in detail, including their job responsibilities, necessary qualifications, day-to-day activities, and their respective salary ranges.
Highest Paying Nursing Jobs in 2024
1. Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA)
A Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) is responsible for administering anesthesia, monitoring patient's vital signs during surgery, and providing perioperative care.
Typically, a person in this career field holds a Master’s degree in nurse anesthesia, a national certification, state licensure, extensive critical care experience. CRNAs will typically find themselves working in operating rooms, dental offices, outpatient surgical centers.
The average median salary for the CRNA in the United States in 2024 is $190,000/yr, however the salary can range from $165,000/yr - $220,000/yr depending on various factors like location, experience, facility, etc.
2. Nurse Practitioner (NP)
Nurse Practitioners (NPs) are responsible for diagnosing and treating various health conditions, prescribing medications, managing patient care.
NPs hold either a Master's or doctoral degree in nursing, national certification, state licensure, clinical experience. NPs usually operate in hospitals, private practices, clinics, focusing on specific patient demographics.
The average median salary for Nurse Practitioners in the United States in 2024 is $120,000/yr, however the salary can range from $105,000/yr - $135,000/yr depending on various factors like location, experience, facility, etc.
3. Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS)
Clinical Nurse Specialists (CNS) offer expert guidance on specific conditions or treatments, improving patient outcomes through research.
A CNS will hold a Master’s or doctoral degree in a nursing specialty, national certification, clinical experience. Most Clinical Nurse Specialists will find themselves working in hospitals, clinics, research facilities, focusing on areas like pediatrics, geriatrics, oncology.
The average median salary for a Clinical Nurse Specialist in the United States in 2024 is $105,000/yr, however the general range is from $90,000/yr - $120,000/yr depending on a variety of factors.
4. Nurse Midwife
Nurse Midwives provide comprehensive care to women, including prenatal, labor and delivery, postpartum care, and gynecological exams.
Most Nurse Midwives have a Master’s degree in nurse-midwifery, national certification, state licensure and are usually employed in hospitals, birthing centers, private practices.
The average median salary for a Nurse Midwife in the United States in 2024 is $110,000/yr, though the range is generally between $95,000 - $125,000 depending on a variety of factors.
5. Nurse Educator
Nurse Educators teach nursing students, developing educational materials, engaging in research.
Most Nursing Educators have a Master's or doctoral degree in nursing education, clinical experience, often a teaching license and find themselves working in academic settings, hospitals, online education.
The average median salary for a Nurse Educator in the United States in 2024 is $85,000/yr, however the range can vary from $75,000/yr - $100,000/yr.
6. Nurse Manager/Administrator
Nurse Managers and Nursing Administrators are in charge of managing nursing staff, overseeing budgets, developing policies, ensuring quality patient care.
Most Nursing Managers and Administrators hold a Bachelor’s or master’s degree in nursing or healthcare administration, leadership experience. This specialty of nursing typically operates in hospitals, long-term care facilities, outpatient centers.
The average median salary for Nursing Managers and Administrators is $100,000/yr, but can range anywhere from $85,000/yr - $115,000/yr depending on a various factors.
7. Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Like regular Nurse Practitioners, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners are responsible for diagnosing and treating various health conditions, however, more specifically, they diagnose and treat mental health disorders, prescribing medication, providing psychotherapy.
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners hold a Master's or doctoral degree in psychiatric-mental health nursing, national certification, state licensure can be employed in mental health clinics, hospitals, private practices.
The avaerage median salary for a Psychiatric NP is $115,000/yr, but can range anywhere from $100,000/yr - $130,000/yr.
8. Pediatric Nurse
Pediatric Nurses care for children from infancy to young adulthood, conducting routine checkups, treating illnesses.
Typically, Pediatric Nurses hold a Bachelor’s degree in nursing, national certification in pediatrics, state licensure and work in pediatrician offices, hospitals, specialty clinics.
The average median salary for a Pediatric Nurse is $75,000/yr, but can range anywhere from $65,000/yr - $85,000/yr.
9. Geriatric Nurse
Geriatric Nurses are responsible for addressing the health needs of elderly patients, managing chronic conditions, providing age-appropriate care.
Geriatric Nurses typically hold a Bachelor’s or master’s degree in nursing, certification in geriatric nursing, state licensure and are employed in nursing homes, long-term care facilities, skilled nursing facilities, hospitals, and home healthcare services.
The average median salary for a Geriatric Nurse is $75,000/yr, however the salary can range anywhere from $60,000/yr - $90,000/yr.
10. Oncology Nurse
Oncology Nurses provide care to cancer patients, administering chemotherapy, managing side effects, supporting patients through treatment.
Oncology Nurses usually have a Bachelor’s degree in nursing, certification in oncology nursing, state licensure and find themselves working in hospitals, cancer treatment centers, outpatient clinics.
The average median salary for an Oncology Nurse is $80,000/yr, but can range from $70,000/yr - $90,000/yr depending on a variety of factors.
The nursing specialties of 2024 offer a wide array of roles, each with its unique challenges and rewards. These professions not only provide essential services to diverse patient populations but also offer competitive salaries reflecting their specialized skills and critical importance in healthcare. This makes nursing an attractive and rewarding career choice for those passionate about making a difference in the lives of others.
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