Highest Paying Nursing Jobs: 16 Professionally and Financially Rewarding Nursing Careers in 2025

One of the main selling points when considering a career is your earning potential. Following your passion can be considerably different when accompanied by the promise of higher estimated pay, and becoming a nurse is no exception. 

Before pursuing your desired level of nursing accreditation, you should know what you can expect from your estimated salary in 2025 and beyond. We provide you with a guide showing you the highest-paying nursing jobs and what your estimated salary may be for your chosen career.

You will also find out the job outlook, educational requirements, the central scope of practice for the highest-paid nurse roles, and everything else you need to know about them.

At a Glance: What Are the Highest Paid Nurses in 2025?

The more you advance your education, the higher your remuneration will be, up to the point where you can earn a six-figure salary. Your income potential is closely linked to various factors, such as the state where you practice, what your work setting is, or how many years of experience you have accumulated. Still, several nursing jobs come with a particularly higher paycheck. 

Here is a quick glance at the highest-paying nursing jobs in 2025:

You can also consult our report on Nurse Salaries by US State for a comprehensive presentation.

Nurse Anesthetist – $214,200 per Year

One of the highest-paid nurse roles, Nurse Anesthetists earn a mean annual salary of $214,200, according to the BLS.

The states where Nurse Anesthetists earn the highest are:

• Illinois, with $281,240 per year; 
• Massachusetts, with $272,510 per year; 
• Montana, with $256,460 per year;
• New York, with $256,160 per year;
• Vermont, with $254,790 per year.

Find out how much Nurse Anesthetists earn in every state.

Job Description

The duties of Nurse Anesthetists involve tremendous responsibility and revolve around administering anesthesia, monitoring a patient’s vital signs, and providing essential care before, during, and after medical procedures.

Career Outlook and Work Settings

The expected increase in nursing jobs for Nurse Anesthetists throughout the decade is 10%, with 5,200 new jobs by 2033, according to data from the BLS. In general, the employment of Nurse Anesthetists is projected to grow slightly faster than for all healthcare diagnosing or treating practitioners (9%) and much faster than for all occupations (4%).  

Over 49.8% of Nurse Anesthetists work in physician offices (24,830 in total). Next in line are general medical and surgical hospitals (almost 28.9%), hiring around 14,000 CRNAs. However, to a lesser extent, they can also find jobs in the offices of other health practitioners (5.4% or 2,690 CRNAs), outpatient care centers (almost 4.8% of 2,380 CRNAs), and colleges, universities, or professional schools (1.8% or 900 CRNAs). 

Educational Requirements

Becoming a Nurse Anesthetist has the minimum requirement for practicing is obtaining a Doctoral Degree in Nursing (DNP). Before 2025, Nurse Anesthetists could get certified and start practicing with only an MSN degree. However, earning a DNP has, as a prerequisite, also getting your MSN. 

If you want to take the next step towards becoming a Nurse Anesthetist, join one of the MSN-level academic programs at Nightingale College:

• MSN PMHNP – The ideal choice for aspiring learners who want to specialize in mental health care and psychiatric practice.
• MSN FNP – The option for nurses who want to work with a broad range of patient populations and to provide quality primary care to individuals and communities alike.
• MSN Ed – The educational route is recommended for learners who wish to specialize and prepare for academic or instructional roles.

All MSN programs at Nightingale College are CCNE-accredited and combine online instruction, in-person seminars and preceptorship experiences to deliver quality education in the most flexible and accessible way. You can go on to earn your degree in just 24 months.

Enroll in your academic program of choice and advance your career and pay!

Geriatric Nurse Practitioner – $154,000 per Year

According to job aggregator Glassdoor, Geriatric Nurse Practitioners earn between $128,000 and $187,000 per year, with a median annual salary of $154,000.

Career Outlook and Work Settings

By 2025, approximately 4.2 million Americans will turn 65, marking the peak of the "peak 65" period, according to the Wall Street Journal. This demographic shift is expected to increase the demand for healthcare services, including specialized geriatric care. Consequently, Geriatric Nurse Practitioners are anticipated to have strong job prospects throughout the decade.

Most Geriatric Nurse Practitioners find employment in private practices, specialty clinics, and hospitals. There is a particular demand for them in rural areas, where physician access is severely limited. GNPs can also work in research or didactic positions.

Job Description

Geriatric Nurse Practitioners are responsible for providing medical services to the aging population. They conduct physical examinations, assess patients' states, and plan care and treatment accordingly. Their advanced education often puts them in charge of establishing a diagnosis and writing prescriptions. Generally, they work directly with patients and without the supervision of a medical doctor. However, the scope of practice of a GNP and how much authority they have differs from state to state. 

Educational Requirements

A Geriatric Nurse Practitioner is, by definition, an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse, and the minimum requirement for achieving APRN status is to pursue an MSN. Advancing your education is well worth it in terms of salaries. For example, as a Geriatric Nurse, the average annual salary you can expect is $125,500, which is already a high salary for a nursing job. However, completing an MSN degree and becoming a Geriatric Nurse Practitioner will come with increased responsibilities and a paycheck higher of $28,500.

If you want to specialize as a Geriatric Nurse Practitioner, you should pick the correct MSN degree. Considering that you will work with an aging population, the most recommended route is the MSN FNP Program, which you can complete at Nightingale College in just 24 months.

Clinical Nurse Specialist – $141,621 per Year

Indeed.com puts the average Clinical Nurse Specialist salary at $141,621 per year, with the values ranging from as low as $93,871 to a maximum of $213,660 per year. The expected payment ranges across the US, with California having the highest wages ($182,487 per year, 29% above the national average), while Louisiana has the lowest salary for CNS roles ($95,038 per year, 33% below the average).

Job Outlook and Work Settings

As APRNs, clinical nurse specialists have attractive job prospects as the BLS projects a 40% growth in the employment of advanced practice nurses throughout the decade, much higher than for other healthcare diagnosing or treating practitioners. 

This high-paying nursing job also offers numerous employment options. Nurses can work in hospitals, outpatient clinics, academic health centers, nursing education facilities, and private practices, though most are based in hospitals.

Job Description

As a Clinical Nurse Specialist, you have a significant and multifaceted role – you will be an expert clinician, an educator, a consultant, a researcher, and a leader. Some responsibilities include consulting and teaching nurses, providing direct care, leading evidence-based practice projects, contributing to research, and nurse, patient, and family education. Clinical Nurse Specialists must be certified in a specialty of choice, such as gerontology, pediatrics, family, psychiatry, women’s health, etc. Subsequently, they carry out the role of an expert in their chosen field. 

Educational Requirements

Clinical nurse specialists are in advanced practice nursing roles, just like nurse anesthetists, nurse practitioners, and nurse midwives. Those interested in this high-paying nursing specialty should pursue an MSN or Doctoral Degree. 

Orthopedic Nurse Practitioner – $139,781 per Year

The average salary for an Orthopedic Nurse Practitioner is $139,781 per year. However, salary estimates vary considerably, with the lowest salary recorded sitting at $36,500 and the highest at $151,000 per year.

The highest-paying states for CNS roles are Washington ($158,315), the District of Columbia ($157,956), and New Brunswick ($154,618). On the lower end, Florida ($104,457), Nova Scotia ($106,739), and West Virginia ($108,214) have the lowest salaries in this field, with figures typically around $104,457 to $108,214 annually. 

Job Outlook and Work Settings

Advanced Practice Registered Nurses, in general, enjoy excellent job prospects, and Nurse Practitioners all the more so. Demand for APRNs is expected to grow by 42% through the decade. While there is no official data regarding the number of ONPs needed in the healthcare industry, we are confident that the demand for the job will only increase. According to the American Association of Nurse Practitioners, musculoskeletal diseases or injuries are the most common causes of primary care visits.

An Orthopedic Nurse Practitioner can work in various healthcare settings with an orthopedics department or specialty. Hospitals, operating rooms, rehabilitation or surgical centers, hospices, and private practices are all within reach. 

Job Description

Whether it’s conducting physical exams, taking a patient’s history, analyzing test results, or prescribing treatments and medication, the job of an OPN revolves around advancing musculoskeletal healthcare and helping people recover. Setting broken bones, applying casts, and prescribing pain medication will likely be part of an Orthopedic Nurse Practitioner’s everyday duties.

Educational Requirements

Orthopedic Nurse Practitioners must first obtain an MSN to practice. It is also recommended that you accumulate practice hours while a Registered Nurse, preferably in Orthopedic Nursing roles.

Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner – $138,518 per Year

Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioners (PMHNPs) have one of the highest-paying nursing jobs, with an estimated annual salary of $138,518. They get the highest remuneration in Washington ($158,804 per year), Colorado ($157,510 per year), Delaware ($147,478 per year), Illinois ($146,111per year), and New York ($145,228 per year). The lowest-paying states are Florida ($98,478 per year), West Virginia ($102,742 per year), Louisiana ($109,937 per year), and Georgia ($111,275 per year). 

Job Outlook and Work Settings

The job market for Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioners is expected to grow between 2025 and 2035 by over 118,600 new openings, according to Zippia, with an overall job growth rate of 40% by 2028.

As a place of employment, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioners can choose from various options: independent practices, psychiatric hospitals, public and private hospitals, correctional facilities, government agencies, and many more.

Job Description

Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioners treat patients with disorders like anxiety, depression, schizophrenia, and PTSD. Their duties include diagnosing, providing therapy, monitoring health, and, in some states, prescribing medication. Despite being well-paid, the role is highly demanding.

Educational requirements

Becoming a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner requires extensive training and education. An MSN is the minimum requirement for fulfilling this highly specialized nursing role. Here, the specialization of your MSN program is essential, completing the MSN PMHNP Program being the necessary prerequisite. You should also consider practicing as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse once you earn your BSN degree.

Nurse Midwife – $131,570 per Year

Certified Nurse Midwives earn an average annual salary of $131,570, with the lowest salary sitting at $87,320 and the highest at $177,530.

The highest-paying states for Nurse Midwives are California ($183,740 per year), Hawaii ($161,820 per year), Massachusetts ($154,080 per year), Maine ($140,440 per year), and Oregon ($139,490 per year).

Discover the Salaries of Nurse Midwives in all US states. 

Job Outlook & Work Settings

The expected job growth for Nurse-Midwives by 2033 is 7%, significantly higher than the 4% projected employment growth of all occupations. In more specific terms, aspiring Certified Nurse Midwives will have 500 more jobs each year over the next decade, with a total projected employment of 7,700 CNMs.

Most Nurse Midwives work in physicians' offices (3,490 or 48.5%), earning an average of $127,550 per year, followed by general medical and surgical hospitals (1,640 or 22.8%, $135,900), outpatient care centers (1,020 or 14.2%, $164,080), offices of other health practitioners (470 or 6.5%, $88,340), and colleges and universities (90 or 1.3%, $121,260).

Job Description

Assuming that all Midwives do is deliver babies is a severe understatement of the extensive role a CNM has in the healthcare ecosystem. They perform gynecological exams and offer family planning services and prenatal care. All in all, they are instrumental in providing care to women who are about to become or are thinking about becoming mothers. 

Educational Requirements

A Master’s Degree in nursing is a requirement for pursuing a career in midwifery. You should also consider a program with a specialization in family-oriented primary care, such as Nightingale College’s MSN FNP Program.

Cardiology Nurse Practitioner – $130,840 per Year

A Cardiology Nurse Practitioner can expect to make around $130,840 per year, with the highest annual salary being $175,923 and the lowest $97,7311, according to job aggregator Indeed.com. A similar figure is provided by Salary.com ($125,540 per year median pay), while Glassdoor puts the mean salary for Cardiology Nurse Practitioners at $154,045 per year.

Job Outlook and Work Settings

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention lists heart disease as the leading cause of death for adult populations from all backgrounds. Considering this, it’s clear that nurses specializing in treating heart problems and conditions are likely to fare particularly well on the job market.

There are many options for cardiac nurse practitioners in the employment industry. This role allows you to work in inpatient and outpatient hospitals or private practices. You can also work in nursing care, assisted living facilities, or in-home healthcare services. 

Job Description

Cardiac nurses work in cardiology, treating patients with diseases of the heart, blood vessels, and circulatory system. Their duties range from assessing and diagnosing patients to providing treatment and prescribing medication. Educating patients on cardiovascular health matters is also essential to the job. 

Educational Requirements

To become a Cardiac NP, the aspiring nurse must pursue extensive training and education. As for all other Nurse Practitioner roles, obtaining a Master’s Degree in Nursing is one of the prerequisites. Clocking in a few years of clinical experience, especially in the cardiac unit as a Cardiac Nurse with a BSN degree, is compulsory before starting work as a CNP.

Nurse Practitioner – $128,490 per Year

According to the BLS, Nurse Practitioners make, on average, $128,490 per year, with the lowest salary estimate being $94,530 per year and the highest being $168,030 per year.

The highest-paying states for Nurse Practitioners are California ($161,540 per year), Nevada ($148,670 per year), Washington ($145,400 per year), New Jersey ($ 145,030 per year), and Oregon ($144,950). The lowest-paying states are Tennessee ($99,370) – also the state with the highest concentration of NPs, Alabama ($99,790), and Florida ($101,060).

Find out how much Nurse Practitioners earn in every state. 

Job Outlook and Work Settings

According to the latest data from the BLS, the overall employment of Nurse Practitioners is expected to grow by 46%, surpassing the increase of all MSN-level nursing roles. By 2033, there will be 135,500 new NP jobs, with the total projected employment reaching 427,900.

Most NPs work in offices of physicians (137,030 or over 46.8% of all NPs), where they earn on average $122,780 per year, followed by general medical and surgical hospitals (61,740 or 21.1%, with an estimated annual salary of $135,610), outpatient care centers (25,440 or 8.7%, with annual earnings of $139,860), offices of other health practitioners (11,400 or 3.9%, with annual earnings of $121,250), and home health care services (7,410 or 2.5%, with annual earnings of $146,850).

Job Description

As a Nurse Practitioner, you will be expected to have the technical skills to examine medical histories, perform evaluations, order and conduct tests, and interpret the test results. The extensive training also gives the right to prescribe medication all over the US. In most states, you are also allowed to administer some controlled medication. 

Educational Requirements

To become a Nurse Practitioner, you must earn your MSN degree, which you can do in just 24 months by enrolling in one of the CCNE-certified academic programs at Nightingale College:

• MSN FNP – Recommended if you want to work in primary care for the betterment of the health of patients of all ages and the community at large.

• MSN PMHNP – Ideal if you aim to find employment in psychiatric facilities and improve the mental health of your patients.

• MSN Ed – Recommended if you wish to work in academia or in instructional and educational roles as a Nurse Practitioner.

Find your academic program and enroll today!

Neonatal Nurse – $127,391 per Year

Neonatal or NICU Nurses earn an average annual salary of $127,391 nationwide, with salaries ranging from $32,500 to $196,500, according to ZipRecruiter.

The highest-paying states for Neonatal/NICU Nurses are Washington ($144,283), the District of Columbia ($143,955), New York ($139,370), Massachusetts ($139,127), and Alaska ($137,193). The lowest-paying states include Florida ($95,198), West Virginia ($98,622), Arkansas ($105,340), Georgia ($107,567), and Louisiana ($108,935).

Read more about Neonatal Nurse salaries in the US.

Career Outlook and Work Settings

NICU Nurses are RN-level professionals. Thus, their projected employment is expected to grow by 6% throughout the decade, according to the BLS, with Zippia confirming a similar trend through 2028.

Generally, Neonatal Nurses work in hospitals and clinics, most often in neonatal intensive care units (NICU). 

Job Description

Neonatal Registered Nurses primarily care for infants born prematurely or with specific conditions or diseases. A typical day on the job would require paying special attention to changes in a baby’s behavior, preparing medications, recording observations, and supporting parents through the difficult times of seeing their newborn in the intensive care unit. 

Educational Requirements

An aspiring Neonatal nurse must fulfill the most crucial academic requirement of obtaining a Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing, such as via Nightingale College’s BSN Program or RN-to-BSN Track.

Family Nurse Practitioner – $127,976 per Year

The national average salary of Family Nurse Practitioners (FNPs) is approximately $127,976, with salaries ranging from $40,000 to $191,000 per year, according to ZipRecruiter.

State-specific salaries vary, with the highest-paying states being Washington ($144,945), the District of Columbia ($144,616), New York ($140,010), Massachusetts ($139,765), and Alaska ($137,823), while lowest-paying states being West Virginia ($99,075), Florida ($95,635), Arkansas ($105,824), and Louisiana ($109,435).

Job Outlook and Work Settings

With Family Nurse Practitioners making up the majority (70%) of Nurse Practitioners, their projected employment increase is expected to follow that of NPs – 46% throughout the decade, according to the BLS. Older data places the sector growth much higher. According to a 2019 survey by the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP), the most sought-after specialization for Nurse Practitioners was Family nurse practitioner, with over 65% of NPs seeking to specialize in this field. 

Hospitals, public or private, ambulatory clinics, hospice centers, community health centers – all these institutions offer employment opportunities to Family Nurse Practitioners. 

Job Description

The scope of practice for a Family Nurse Practitioner is rather broad, as they have to care for and treat a full range of patients, from infants to the elderly population. FNPs are often the primary care providers for families, especially in underserved communities. Thus, their duties include performing examinations, ordering tests, diagnosing and treating patients, prescribing medications, and educating patients on preserving their health and preventing disease. For the most part, FNPs care for families for extended periods, nurturing long-term relationships with their patients, which is particularly rewarding.  

Educational Requirements

Family Nurse Practitioners require MSN-level education to practice, preferably with an added specialization in family medicine. You can achieve the necessary education by enrolling in the MSN FNP Program at Nightingale College and be ready to practice as an FNP in just 24 months.

Pain Management Nurse – $125,588 per Year

According to Indeed.com, the average annual salary for Pain Management Nurses is $125,588. However, payment varies from $99,152 per year (lowest) to $159,074 (highest).

Career Outlook and Work Settings

The BLS does not offer specific data on the job outlook for Pain Management Nurses. However, data indicates that the job growth for rehabilitation counselors is expected to grow 9% by 2033. At the same time, there is also a projected 6% for Registered Nurses. Considering these aspects, it’s safe to say that Pain Management Nurses will continue to have considerable career opportunities.

Most Pain Management Registered Nurses work in hospitals, clinics, and physician’s offices. They can also be hired in rehabilitation centers and, to a lesser extent, by sports medicine organizations or even fitness centers. 

Job Description

Pain management nursing is relatively recent – the American Nurses Association only recognized it as a nursing specialty in 2005. This does not diminish its importance. Pain Management RNs specialize in caring for patients who suffer from chronic, crippling pain. Their role is central in helping patients alleviate or manage their pain. To do so, Pain Management Nurses physically examine patients, their medical histories, and test results. It is part of their duties to administer pain-relieving medications and educate patients on proper pain medication usage. However, pain-alleviating drugs can also be very addictive. That’s why Pain Management Nurses do their best to help patients by introducing alternative pain-diminishing solutions, such as acupuncture, massages, and more.

Educational Requirements

Pursuing a career in pain management nursing starts with obtaining your Bachelor’s Degree. Once you become a licensed Registered Nurse by passing the RN-NCLEX exam, you are eligible for a job in this area. 

Are you interested in becoming a Pain Management Nurse? Enroll in our BSN Program and enjoy the benefits of this high-paying career.

Informatics Nurse – $134,219 per Year

Nursing Informatics Specialists earn an average annual salary of $134,219 nationwide, with salaries ranging from $83,000 to $218,000. Most salaries fall between $104,000 and $174,000 per year, according to Indeed.com. 

The five highest-paying states for Nursing Informatics Specialists are Oregon ($145,904), Washington ($145,578), Arkansas ($166,566), Nevada ($137,552), and Hawaii ($137,388). On the other end, the lower-paying states are Louisiana ($103,617), Mississippi ($113,469), South Carolina ($113,932), Florida ($115,244), and Pennsylvania ($115,118).

Job Outlook and Work Settings

As we enter a new era of information and digitization, Nursing Informatics is one of the fastest-growing nursing fields. Data is at the forefront of health and healthcare reforms, so career opportunities for specialists who can use data to improve healthcare will be booming.

There is no shortage of employers for Informatics Nurses employers. In this high-paying nursing position, you can work in hospitals, consulting firms, universities, or corporations. Over two-thirds of Informatics Nurses work in hospitals, particularly medical facilities that have achieved Magnet status. The government or the military can even hire some NIs.

Job Description

The goal of an Informatics Nurse is to boost healthcare workers’ efficiency, improve healthcare quality, and cut costs. To do that, Nurse Informaticians use data extensively; they analyze trends, pay close attention to potentially dangerous medical errors, and implement user-friendly and patient-centric innovations. They also train nursing staff on using various new technologies, which help them be more efficient at their job. 

Educational Requirements

Aspiring nurses must hold at least a Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing to pursue a career in informatics. You can earn your BSN by enrolling in our RN-to-BSN Track or BSN Program at Nightingale College and combining your passion for nursing with your passion for information and technology.

ICU Nurse – $118,725 per Year

The average national salary for ICU Nurses is $118,725 per year, with wage estimates ranging from $54,130 to $171,911 per year, according to ZipRecruiter.

The highest-paying states for ICU Nurses are Washington ($134,467), the District of Columbia ($134,162), New York ($129,889), Massachusetts ($129,662), and Alaska ($127,860). The lowest-paying states include Florida ($88,722), West Virginia ($91,913), Arkansas ($98,174), Georgia ($100,249), and Louisiana ($101,524).

Learn more about ICU Nurses’ earning potential across the US. 

Job Outlook and Work Settings

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment of registered nurses is expected to grow steadily by 6% throughout the decade. As a sub-specialty of Registered Nursing, ICU Nursing can be expected to grow at a similar rate, which indicates promising career opportunities for ICU nurses.

Most ICU nurses work in hospitals, as their job is directly linked to the emergency department. However, they can also be employed in nursing or outpatient care centers.

Job Description

The job description for the intensive care unit (ICU) includes intensity. ICU nurses assist and treat patients in highly critical conditions. They continuously monitor and assess the patient’s condition (which could drastically change or worsen from one moment to the next). They also carefully document their observations, medication intake, and symptoms so that medical professionals have easy access to the whole picture of a critical patient’s condition.

Educational Requirements

To work in the ICU department of medical facilities, you first must become a Registered Nurse. You can achieve that either by pursuing an Associate’s Degree in Nursing or a Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing. It’s worth mentioning that employers show a strong preference for BSN nurses. Also, more advanced education will typically lead to higher salaries. 

Are you ready to become an ICU Nurse? Enroll in our BSN program today.

Nurse Manager – $110,680 per Year

Nurse Manager Salary estimates vary considerably. According to the BLS, the salary estimate for Medical and Health Services Managers is $110,680 per year. ZipRecruiter places the median salary at $102,684 per year, with values ranging from $53,500 to $175,500 per year. Indeed.com places the median salary at $111,677 per year, with a smaller range ($79,543 to $156,791).

The top-paying states for Nurse Managers are New York ($179,160), the District of Columbia ($170,710), Delaware ($164,190), New Jersey ($162,430), and Massachusetts ($158,540).

Find out more about Nurse Manager Salaries across the US. 

Job Outlook and Work Settings

Nurse Managers enjoy exceptional job prospects and high paychecks. Based on data by the BLS, employment in this field is projected to grow by 29% by 2033, amounting to 160,600 new jobs, totaling 723,300 in projected employment. 

The BLS data also shows that the largest share of Nurse Managers work in general medical and surgical hospitals (147,250 or 26.2%), earning an average annual salary of $145,390. Offices of physicians employ 68,370 (12.2%) with an average salary of $134,330. Outpatient care centers account for 38,150 nurse managers (6.8%), offering $129,500 per year. Skilled nursing facilities employ 28,100 (5.0%) with an annual wage of $106,520, while home health care services employ 25,750 (4.6%) at $109,300 per year.

Job Description

Nurse Managers have an extensive set of duties and responsibilities. They must supervise, direct, and lead the nursing staff in a healthcare institution. Nothing is outside a nurse manager’s jurisdiction, from creating schedules and managing budgets to resolving conflicts in the workplace. 

Educational Requirements

Pursuing and completing a bachelor's degree in nursing makes a career as a Nurse Manager possible. While an MSN Degree is highly encouraged, it is not a requirement, and many medical facilities still employ RNs with a BSN in administrative positions.

You can enroll in our RN-to-BSN Path or the BSN Program and prepare for your professional life's next chapter. You can also explore other academic programs at Nightingale College and advance your education.

Pediatric Nurse Practitioner – $118,700 per Year

Pediatric Nurse Practitioners earn an average annual salary of $118,700 across the US, with salaries ranging from $101,315 to $139,333, according to Salary.com. 

According to data from ZipRecruiter, the highest-paying states are Washington ($153,083), the District of Columbia ($152,735), New York ($147,871), Massachusetts ($147,612), and Alaska ($145,561), while the lower-paying states include West Virginia ($104,637) and Florida ($101,005).

Career Outlook and Work Settings

Pediatric Nurse Practitioners have very encouraging job growth projections in the near future, with Zippia estimating a 40% growth rate by 2028. The increase would amount to a total of 118,600 new jobs nationwide for Pediatric Nurse Practitioners. 

Currently, there are about 49,000 job openings for Pediatric Nurse Practitioners. Pediatric nurse practitioners can work in various settings, including hospitals, private practices, pediatric offices, specialty clinics, or specialty units in medical facilities.

Job Description

PNPs treat children from birth to the moment they transition to adult care. As a Pediatrics Nurse Practitioner, your duties include diagnosing and treating common childhood illnesses (allergies, infections, skin conditions), performing pediatric healthcare tests, prescribing medications, and providing childhood immunizations. Also, you’ll be responsible for providing families with advice and education on child nutrition, obesity, and weight management. 

Educational Requirements

Pediatric Nurse Practitioners require an MSN degree to practice, preferably with a specialization in pediatric healthcare and experience with a broad age range of patients. Thus, the most recommended program from Nightingale College is the MSN FNP Program.

Nurse Educator – $86,530 per Year

According to the BLS, Postsecondary Nursing Instructors and Teachers earn an average of $86,530 per year, with salaries ranging from $49,120 to $130,320 annually.

The highest-paying states for this profession are the District of Columbia ($111,130), Oregon ($109,110), New York ($102,980), New Jersey ($101,540), and Nevada ($99,320). The lowest-paying states include Hawaii ($54,348), Massachusetts ($59,481), and California ($68,253).

Read our presentation on the average income of Nurse Educators in every state.

Job Outlook and Work Settings

The employment of Nurse Educators is expected to grow steadily as the demand for nursing education rises, according to the BLS. Most professionals in this field work in colleges, universities, and professional schools (52,710 or 85.6%), earning an average salary of $89,030 per year. They are also employed in junior colleges (7,010 or 11.4%, $80,780), general medical and surgical hospitals (590 or 1%, $109,120), technical and trade schools (420 or 0.7%, $84,970), and business schools and management training institutions (70 or 0.1%, $79,430).

Job Description

What you do as a Nurse Educator is straightforward: educate future nurses. You can choose whether you want to teach more general nursing classes or specialize in a particular area of nursing. On a more day-to-day basis, you will be responsible for developing curricula, advising, evaluating, and teaching students through lectures or lab and clinical work. 

Educational Requirements

If you are considering a career in nursing education, be prepared to spend extra time studying and training. The minimum requirement for a Nurse Educator is an MSN degree. 

Enroll in our MSN Ed program and take your skills from the bedside to the classroom.

Advance Your Education and Become the Highest Paid Nurse You Can Be

As you have seen by now, the nursing field can be enriching in terms of experience and income potential. If you were ever wondering if investing your time, money, and energy in advancing your education is worth it, the short answer is yes. The competitive wages, the benefits, and the subsequent sense of personal and professional accomplishment will make the return on investment relatively high. 

The first step towards your desired high-paying career is to further your education and reach the accreditation level necessary to practice. At Nightingale College, we provide aspiring learners with accessible and flexible educational options. 

• If you want to earn your BSN, you can enroll in our BSN Program, which combines online instruction and supervised on-ground field experience and can be completed in less than 3 years.
• If you already work as an RN, you can complete our 100% online RN-to-BSN Track and advance both your education and your salary expectations.
• For MSN-level careers, we provide three specialized CCNE-certified programs that can up-start your lucrative career: the MSN Ed Program (for educational roles), the MSN PMHNP Program (for psychiatric and mental health roles), and the MSN FNP Program (for Family Nurse Practitioners and other primary care NPs). All combine online instruction with, in-person seminars, preceptorship, and practical experiences and can be completed in just 24 months.

Are you ready to reap the rewards of the highest-paying nursing jobs? Find the best academic program for your career expectations!