Best Nursing Jobs & Career Paths in 2025: How to Find the Best Job for You

Nurses today have a wide range of available job opportunities and career paths to pursue. If you want to find the best nursing jobs out there, it is essential to consider your strengths, lifestyle, and desired income, so that you can select the best job for you.

If, in the case of many careers, the secret behind a more desirable position is advancing your education, this is not always the case. If you want to discover what the best nursing jobs are in 2025 and how to find the right career path for your own expectations and abilities, we have prepared a complete, in-depth guide that provides all the necessary information.

How to Choose a Nursing Specialization?

The primary way to access specific nursing jobs is by earning the appropriate type of specialization and credentials. Sooner or later, most nurses will choose to specialize in a certain field of expertise. Gaining a voluntary certification for a specific area of clinical (or non-clinical) practice is an excellent way to maintain high career satisfaction and healthcare provision standards, as well as demonstrate your commitment to your particular area of interest.

A certification is proof that you have taken the initiative to keep your skills up-to-date and maintain your professional competencies. Provincial governing colleges and employers recognize certificates, and you can even add the credentials to your RN title.

Specializations may relate to the age of your pool of patients (such as pediatric or gerontology nursing), expertise in dealing with particular conditions (pain management) or diagnostic groups (orthopedics or oncology), as well as your practice setting (emergency, school, research institution), the type of care (palliative, critical, occupational), or a combination of all these factors.

Top 10 Nursing Careers for 2025

Nursing offers a wide array of career paths, each with its own rewards. Below are ten of the best nursing careers in 2025, and each one stands out for something special – whether it’s top-tier pay, a better work schedule, high growth potential, or a meaningful impact on patients.

1. Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) – Best for High Salary

CRNAs are advanced practice nurses who administer anesthesia for surgeries and procedures, ensuring patients stay safe and pain-free. They work alongside anesthesiologists and surgeons to manage patients’ vital signs and comfort during operations, a responsibility that requires extreme precision and vigilance. CRNAs also enjoy a high level of autonomy in the operating room, often making critical decisions in patient care.

This role is the highest-paid in nursing, with average salaries of around $223,000 in 2025, reflecting the advanced skills and high stakes involved.

Becoming a CRNA requires significant education: after working as a registered nurse and earning a bachelor’s degree, you must complete a doctoral program in nurse anesthesia (a new requirement as of 2025, replacing the old master’s standard) and pass a national certification exam. The payoff is a top-tier income and strong demand (about 10% job growth expected over the next decade). In some states, experienced CRNAs earn well over $250,000. For those aiming for the pinnacle of nursing pay and responsibility, the CRNA path is hard to beat.

Here is a guide to nurse anesthetist salaries in each US state.

2. Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) – Best for Independence & Demand

Family Nurse Practitioners are advanced practice nurses who serve as primary care providers for patients of all ages. In many clinics and family practices, FNPs perform checkups, diagnose illnesses, manage chronic conditions, and even prescribe medications much like a physician would. They blend medical diagnostic expertise with the holistic, patient-centered approach of nursing, often building long-term relationships as a patient’s go-to healthcare provider.

This role offers a high degree of autonomy and is in soaring demand. With a shortage of primary care physicians, FNPs are filling the gap – the nurse practitioner field is projected to grow roughly 45% this decade, adding over 110,000 jobs nationwide. Salaries reflect their advanced skills and value: the typical FNP earns a six-figure income (around $130,000 on average, though it varies by region). To become an FNP, you must complete a master’s or doctoral nurse practitioner program (after your BSN and some RN experience) and pass a national certification exam. In many states, nurse practitioners can even practice independently, making this one of the most versatile and secure nursing careers today.

If you want to become a family nurse practitioner, you can do so in the most flexible way with Nightingale College’s MSN FNP Program – a hybrid learning option that blends online instruction with in-person seminars and preceptorship experiences to prepare you for FNP accreditation in just 24 months.

3. Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) – Best for Mental Health Specialty

A PMHNP is a nurse practitioner who specializes in mental health care. These advanced practice nurses assess and diagnose psychiatric conditions, prescribe medications, and provide therapy or counseling for patients with mental health disorders. PMHNPs often work in psychiatric hospitals, mental health clinics, or private practices, collaborating with psychiatrists, psychologists, and other professionals to support patients’ mental well-being.

This role is both high-impact and high-reward. With growing awareness of mental health needs and a shortage of psychiatrists, PMHNPs are in great demand to expand access to care. They are among the top earners in the NP world – commonly averaging around $140,000 per year, and sometimes more in areas of acute need. Find out more about psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner salaries.

To become a PMHNP, you’ll first work as an RN and then complete a specialized nurse practitioner graduate program in psychiatric mental health (MSN or DNP level), followed by board certification. It’s a challenging path, but it leads to a career where you can make a profound difference in patients’ lives while enjoying excellent salary prospects and job security.

If you want to become a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner, enroll in Nightingale College’s MSN PMHNP Program that allows you to complete your education and pursue certification in just 24 months through a hybrid learning method and CCNE-accredited curriculum.

4. Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM) – Best for Women’s Health & Autonomy

Certified Nurse Midwives are advanced practice nurses who specialize in women’s health, pregnancy, and childbirth. CNMs provide care throughout the pregnancy lifecycle: they perform prenatal exams, coach mothers through labor and deliver babies, and offer postpartum care for both mother and newborn. They also handle general gynecological services like family planning, routine women’s health checkups, and menopausal care. Many nurse midwives work in hospitals or birth centers, while others attend home births or even run independent maternity practices in states that allow it.

For those passionate about maternal and family health, nurse midwifery is an incredibly rewarding path. CNMs often form deep, trusting relationships with their patients and have the privilege of guiding families through one of life’s most profound moments. They enjoy a high degree of autonomy, essentially handling many responsibilities of an obstetrician for low-risk pregnancies. It’s also a well-paying role: nurse midwives earn around $130,000 per year on average, with top earners (especially in high-cost states like California) making $150,000 or more. To become a CNM, you’ll need to be an RN and complete a master’s or doctoral program in nurse-midwifery, typically after some experience in labor & delivery nursing. After graduate training, you must pass a national certification exam. Demand for CNMs is growing steadily (around 7% growth projected this decade) as more women seek holistic, patient-centered maternity care.

Find out more about the salaries of CNMs, and discover other nursing jobs that involve working with babies.

5. Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) – Best for Clinical Expertise & Leadership

Clinical Nurse Specialists are advanced practice nurses who serve as expert clinicians, consultants, and educators in a specific area of healthcare. A CNS might focus on a patient population (such as pediatrics or geriatrics), a particular setting (like critical care), or a medical subspecialty (like cardiology or oncology). In practice, CNSs lead quality improvement initiatives, develop evidence-based care protocols, and provide advanced training and mentorship to the nursing staff. They act as a bridge between bedside nurses and hospital administration, helping to implement the latest best practices to improve patient outcomes.

This career is ideal for nurses who love solving clinical problems and leading others. CNSs are highly respected as clinical leaders and typically work mostly daytime hours (no regular night shifts), since their role involves planning, research, and staff development rather than bedside rotations. They play a key role in elevating care standards across their organizations. The pay is also attractive: depending on specialty and location, CNSs often earn in the six-figure range (around $120,000 to $140,000 annually). To become a CNS, you will need a master’s or doctoral degree in a CNS program (usually after a few years of RN experience in that specialty), and many also obtain professional certification to demonstrate their expertise. The job outlook is positive (about 9–10% growth over the next decade) as healthcare systems continue to prioritize quality and outcomes, ensuring CNS skills remain in demand.

6. Nurse Informatics Specialist – Best for Tech-Savvy Nurses

A Nursing Informatics Specialist (or Nurse Informaticist) combines clinical nursing knowledge with information technology expertise. In this non-bedside role, these professionals work to optimize electronic health records (EHRs), data analytics, and healthcare software to improve patient care. They might analyze data to identify trends, customize EHR interfaces to be more user-friendly, set up alerts to prevent medication errors, or train clinical staff on new digital tools. In essence, informatics nurses act as the bridge between the nursing team and the IT department, ensuring technology solutions truly meet frontline healthcare needs.

This field is growing rapidly as healthcare continues to become increasingly digital. Informatics nurses generally enjoy regular business hours (with no overnight shifts) and a lower-stress environment compared to working on the hospital floor, all while making a broad impact through system-wide improvements. Salaries are substantial – often reaching six figures (some estimates put the average around $130,000 in 2025) – and the demand for these skills is high across hospitals, clinics, and healthcare tech companies. Many nurses enter this field by first serving as tech-savvy “super users” during new software rollouts, then advancing their expertise with a master’s degree or certificate in nursing informatics. If you love technology and problem-solving, this career lets you improve healthcare on a systems level while still drawing on your nursing background.

7. Nurse Manager or Administrator – Best for Leadership & Advancement

Nurse Managers and Administrators are the leaders who coordinate and direct nursing teams within healthcare facilities. At the unit level, a nurse manager might oversee a specific department (like the ICU or a surgical floor), handling everything from staff schedules and budgets to implementing policies and quality improvements. They serve as the liaison between bedside nursing staff and upper management, ensuring that patient care standards are met while also addressing nurses’ needs and concerns. Higher-level nurse administrators, such as Directors of Nursing or Chief Nursing Officers (CNOs), assume broader strategic roles – shaping facility-wide nursing policies, staffing plans, and long-term workforce strategies.

Discover more non-clinical nursing jobs.

For nurses with strong organizational and people skills, this path offers the chance to influence healthcare on a broad scale. Nurse managers typically enjoy more predictable hours than floor nurses (mostly weekdays, with occasional on-call duties), and their salaries are competitive. A unit manager in a hospital often earns in the low six figures, and executive roles, such as CNO, can earn significantly more. To move into management, you’ll usually need experience as an RN plus an advanced degree focused on leadership – commonly an MSN in Nursing Administration, an MBA, or a healthcare management degree. Climbing the ladder often starts by taking on charge nurse or team leader responsibilities, then progressing to manager and director positions. The demand for capable nurse leaders remains steady (especially as many current nurse leaders retire), so opportunities for advancement are opening up. If you’re ambitious and enjoy leading teams and improving systems, a career in nursing administration can be highly rewarding.

Learn more about leadership and management nursing careers.

8. Nurse Educator or Clinical Instructor – Best for Teaching & Shaping the Future

Nurse Educators are experienced nurses who teach the next generation of nurses or train current nursing staff. In academic settings, they work as instructors or professors at nursing schools – designing curricula, teaching classes and simulation labs, and supervising students during clinical rotations. Clinical nurse educators (staff development coordinators) work in hospitals to orient new nurses, run continuing education sessions, and ensure the staff stays up-to-date on the latest practices. In both roles, educators serve as mentors and role models, passing on their knowledge and passion for quality care.

This career is ideal for individuals who enjoy teaching and inspiring others. As a nurse educator, you directly impact patient care by shaping competent, compassionate nurses. Another big perk is the work schedule: academic educators often follow the school calendar (with summers and holidays off or lighter workloads), and hospital educators generally work regular business hours. While the pay is typically lower than in clinical advanced practice roles, it’s still solid, averaging around $85,000 to $90,000 per year, with some experienced educators earning six figures. Learn more about nurse educator salaries.

To become a nurse educator, you’ll usually need at least a master’s degree in nursing education (and many pursue a doctorate for higher-level or tenured positions). There’s a national shortage of nursing faculty, so job prospects are strong. If you’re willing to trade a bit of salary for better hours and the fulfillment of shaping future nurses, this role can be incredibly satisfying. Here is a full guide to becoming a nurse educator.

If you want to simplify your advancement to academic nursing jobs, you can enroll in Nightingale’s MNS Ed Program – a 2-year hybrid learning option that prepares you for educational or instructional roles.

9. Travel Nurse (Travel RN) – Best for Adventure & High Pay Quickly

Travel nurses are registered nurses who take short-term assignments at hospitals or clinics in different cities, typically through staffing agencies. Assignments usually last between 8 and 13 weeks, during which travel RNs fill critical staffing needs in areas experiencing shortages or seasonal patient surges. As a travel nurse, you might spend a few months in a busy urban ICU, then take your next contract in a small-town emergency room – it’s a career that offers constant change, learning, and new experiences.

Why is travel nursing one of the best? First and foremost, the pay can be outstanding. To attract temporary nurses on short notice, hospitals often offer premium hourly rates, completion bonuses, housing stipends, and other perks. It’s not uncommon for travel nurses to earn the equivalent of $3,000 to $5,000 per week, which annualizes well into six figures if you work back-to-back assignments. Here is a guide to travel nurse salaries and the highest-earning travel nursing jobs. Beyond the money, you get to explore different places, avoid long-term workplace politics, and gain diverse clinical experience by adapting to various healthcare environments. To become a travel nurse, you’ll need a solid foundation: typically a BSN degree and 1–2 years of experience in your specialty (so you can hit the ground running with minimal orientation). Then, you work with a travel nurse agency to find assignments that fit your interests. While benefits like retirement plans or paid time off may be limited in these short-term roles, the freedom and financial rewards make travel nursing a top choice for nurses craving adventure and flexibility in their careers.

10. Oncology Nurse – Best for Specialized Clinical Role

Oncology nurses are (usually BSN-prepared) registered nurses who specialize in caring for patients undergoing cancer treatment. They work in hospital oncology units or outpatient cancer centers, administering chemotherapy, managing treatment side effects, and offering much-needed emotional support to patients and their families. This specialty requires a deep understanding of complex cancer treatments and a great deal of compassion to help patients navigate one of the most challenging aspects of their lives. Over the course of care, oncology nurses often develop close relationships with their patients – celebrating their victories and providing comfort during setbacks.

Many oncology nurses find the field highly rewarding due to the meaningful connections they form and the chance to make an arduous journey a bit easier for patients. It’s also a well-compensated niche for RNs. Experienced oncology nurses tend to earn more than many other bedside nurses – base salaries are higher due to the specialized skills involved, and extra certifications or overtime can boost pay further. A BSN degree is usually required to enter this field, and obtaining Oncology Nursing Certification (OCN) after a couple of years of experience is common to demonstrate expertise. Demand for oncology nurses remains steady (every community needs cancer care), and as new treatments emerge, the need for knowledgeable oncology nurses continues to grow. For nurses seeking a challenging yet deeply impactful clinical role that does not require an advanced practice degree, oncology nursing is an excellent choice.

What Are the Primary Entry-Level Nurse Jobs?

Entry-level nursing jobs are those professions and specialties that require no prior clinical experience and that you can access once you have completed a specific nursing program, usually a Nursing Assistant Certification program, Practical Nursing (PN) Diploma, Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN), or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).

Nursing Assistant (NA)

One of the simplest routes to a direct-entry nursing career is as a nursing assistant. Nursing assistant positions are widely available, and the required training is relatively shorter, usually taking between 4 and 12 weeks, making this a good option for those looking to enter the nursing field quickly.

The actual title of a nursing assistant depends on a variety of factors. Still, some standard titles include certified nursing assistants (CNAs), registered nursing assistants (RNAs), licensed nursing assistants (LNAs), as well as less official terms such as direct care workers, care assistants, home assistants, or personal care assistants. One thing to note is that nursing assistants must work under the constant and direct supervision of more qualified personnel, which significantly reduces their autonomy and scope of practice.

Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)

Licensed practical nurse (LPN) or, in some states, licensed vocational nurse (LVN) roles are another entry-level position that involves a shorter period of preparation, while also supposing a broader level of clinical practice in frontline healthcare environments. LPNs perform a variety of tasks under the supervision of an RN. They administer medication, monitor vital signs, and administer injections as needed. Although they have a broader scope of practice compared to nursing assistants, licensed practical nurses also need to perform most of their clinical duties under the supervision of other nurses, practitioners, physicians, or doctors.

Discover the key details about LPN salaries.

If you are interested in joining the nursing workforce as soon as possible while still maintaining a relative degree of autonomy and independence, becoming an LPN is highly advised. 

Learn how to become a licensed practical nurse and the LPN nursing jobs you can access afterwards.

Unlike CNAs, LPNs can also pursue shorter bridge programs to later qualify for higher positions, thereby having a more comprehensive nursing career ladder. 

Learn more about the differences between CNAs and LPNs.

At Nightingale College, you can take the steps to prepare for licensed practical nursing certification in the most flexible and accessible way possible, via the hybrid Practical Nursing (PN) Diploma Program – a learning option that blends online instruction with in-person clinical training to deliver quality nursing education. With the aid of our program, you can finish your education and pursue accreditation by sitting the NCLEX-PN exam in just 12 months of focused preparation.

Registered Nurse (RN)

Registered nurses spend comparatively more time in preparation (from 16 months to 4 years of learning), but can also perform more duties and access more diverse nursing roles. RNs also represent the primary avenue for entering the nursing profession, comprising the largest portion of the entire nursing pool. To become a registered nurse, you either need to complete an Associate's Degree in Nursing (ADN), Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN), Associate of Applied Science in Nursing (AASN), or a full-time, 4-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program. 

Learn more about how long nursing school is, depending on your choice of program.

If you are an LPN and you are ready to further your education and access more advanced nursing jobs and careers, you can take advantage of the LPN-to-ASN Program, a 16-month fast track to receiving the education necessary to work as a registered nurse. 

Learn about the differences between LPNs and RNs and why you may consider pursuing an LPN to RN program.

If you have no experience and want to start in the highest entry-level position, you should consider our BSN Program, a hybrid learning option that provides high-quality education through a comprehensive curriculum and learning model, allowing you to complete your education in just three years.

Explore our academic programs and select the option that best aligns with your career goals!

Earning a BSN opens a broad range of new opportunities and avenues for accessing some of the best nursing jobs in the industry. Below, you will find the most sought-after positions in 2025.

Top 10 Best BSN Nursing Jobs

Accessing new and better nurse jobs and positions is undoubtedly one of the main reasons why you should earn a BSN. The degree not only opens up new avenues for your career but also allows for greater autonomy in the workplace, often qualifying you for leadership or managerial roles. 

Here are some of the most sought-after nursing jobs you may gain after receiving your Bachelor of Science in Nursing.

Case Management Nurse

Case management nurses are responsible for providing long-term patient care. If you decide to pursue a career as a case management nurse, you will probably work with a specific group of patients. You may choose to specialize in treating individuals with particular illnesses, such as cancer, or work with patients from specific age groups, such as pediatrics.

Because your goal as a case management nurse will be to treat patients at optimal times to maintain their health and keep them out of the hospital, you often will research the latest treatment options and procedures. To ensure that your patients receive the best possible care at the most cost-effective rate, you may also need to work with insurance companies.

Nurse Informatics Specialist

Nursing informatics integrates nursing science, computer science, and information science to manage and communicate information in the practice of nursing. Nursing informatics specialists support healthcare providers in delivering the best care to their patients.

In a nursing informatics work environment, you’ll manage and communicate data and information to consumers, nurses, patients, and healthcare providers. Nursing informaticists often work in hospitals, healthcare facilities, consulting firms, universities, and corporations.

Certified Nurse Midwife

A certified nurse midwife works with women who have relatively low-risk pregnancies, from prenatal visits through labor and delivery. They can also provide care and counseling for new mothers after pregnancy.

Some certified nurse midwives work alongside gynecologists to help women throughout their reproductive lives, from puberty to menopause. This is one of the most in-demand nursing positions available.

Burn Care Nurse

Burn care nurses are advanced practice nurses who work primarily in burn care units, intensive care units, and trauma centers. They not only care for their patients’ physical well-being but also for the emotional and psychological trauma that a burn may cause.

Burn care nurses also play a big part in educating the families of burn victims on the treatment of burns. Burn care nursing is one of the most challenging specialties in nursing, requiring sharp clinical skills.

Clinical Nurse Specialist

To become a clinical nurse specialist, you need an advanced degree, a certification, and more than a few years of experience. In this role, your job is to assess a home care facility’s nursing practice and its impact on patient care outcomes. This entails ensuring that all staff possess a high level of clinical competency in their respective roles.

This job is ideal for you if you are looking to transition into a managerial position that involves budget management and departmental processes. It gives you full authority for personnel actions and typically requires a master’s degree.

Flight Transport Staff Nurse

Emergency transportation services for patients who are critically ill can make a difference between life and death. To ensure that patients reach their destination safely and are in the best possible shape, medical professionals are on board to provide adequate care.

Flight transport staff nurses provide emergency medical care in both the public and military sectors. Sometimes, they are also required to assist pilots with navigation and other duties, but their primary responsibility remains with the patient. Because these can be very frightening times for the patient, it is the nurse’s job to communicate with them and ensure they stay calm and composed.

Nurse Manager

Knowing a bit about long-term and institutional care is not enough for this career. Advanced education, managerial skills, and five or more years of clinical experience will prepare you to assess and manage those who actually provide care. Maintaining and recruiting staff will likely be part of this managerial role, as well as ensuring staff morale remains high.

You will be responsible for both professional and paraprofessional caregivers. Advocating for their needs will be an essential part of this job, as you strive to maintain a competent team.

Occupational Health Nurse

If you found working as a staff nurse in occupational health invigorating, discovered that you enjoyed assessing and planning your own work, and at the same time, thought about how you could help others be more relevant and fulfilled, you may be ready for the occupational health nurse job.

Nurses who have been part of an organization for a long time may resent a new person asking them to change their way of doing things, making this a potential challenge. Learning how to gain the trust and confidence of others, without demeaning or failing to value “the way we always did it,” will make you successful.

Registered Travel Nurse

A travel nurse works temporary jobs nationally and internationally, sometimes for weeks at a time and sometimes for a few years. Travel nursing started due to a shortage of registered nurses in various parts of the country. Although some travel nursing assignments are available for licensed practical nurses, most jobs are for registered nurses with a BSN.

Flexibility and the ability to work in various locations and settings are two key qualities in travel nursing. Excellent communication skills are essential, as travel nurses must understand both the medical and social needs of patients. Travel nurses must be able to adapt quickly to new environments and possess the skills to learn and utilize new technology systems.

Although the length can vary, typical travel nursing assignments last about 13 weeks. After an assignment is over, you might be asked to renew your contract and sign up for an additional 13 weeks. At that time, you can take other travel assignments somewhere else in the country or go back home.

There are many other BSN jobs that you should consider when deciding on your future career. If your expected pay grade is a priority, you should know that a Bachelor’s degree also qualifies you for some of the best-paid nursing jobs in the industry. 

Learn more about the highest-paying BSN jobs in 2025. 

Top 6 Best Work-from-Home and Remote Nursing Jobs

Although it may seem like an ideal job, working from home may sometimes be more difficult than imagined. Efficiency and productivity are extra important when your job depends on what you accomplish remotely. You must remain focused when working from home, as it can be tempting to take a long lunch or get sidetracked by your kids too often.

Necessary skills for working from home include self-motivation, organization, and top-notch communication skills. If you are lacking in any of these areas, put some work into developing them before you take up this kind of job.

1. Telehealth Nurse

Most telephone triage or telehealth nursing jobs are remote work-from-home positions. The company you work for supplies the software and any other necessary equipment; all you need is a private room to communicate with your patients.

Please note that you will be required to work weekends and possibly night shifts, so it is essential to be flexible with your schedule. The median salary of a telehealth nurse is around $65,500.

2. Insurance Company Nurse

While it may not be a sector that initially comes to mind, insurance companies need nurses. These nurses perform many tasks, like managing specific cases, medical coding, clinical research, and insurance audits. They may also play a role in developing treatment plans and evaluating illnesses.

Insurance companies do offer work-from-home positions, though you may need to have a few years of experience in a health care setting before that option is available.

3. Legal Nurse Consultant

As a legal nurse consultant, you can use your nursing expertise to consult on medical-related legal cases, such as malpractice or personal injury. Many legal nurse consultants work as freelancers or remotely for law firms, reviewing medical records and writing reports from home. 

It is one of the best remote nursing jobs, since you can set your schedule and command high hourly fees for your specialized knowledge. However, strong clinical experience is needed, and some LNCs pursue certification. Work can be project-based.

4. Medical Transcription Nurse

If you know medical terminology, medical tests, procedures, and the language that the medical profession speaks, this is an excellent job for nurses.

You can work for hospitals, clinics, physicians, the legal profession (including those involved in malpractice cases), and insurance companies. The medical transcription business is employing an increasing number of people each year and is unlikely to be outsourced overseas due to concerns over security and privacy. The median salary for a medical transcriptionist is around $30,000.

5. Home Health Care Nurse

Most of a home health care nurse’s work is done from home. You have to see patients in the morning and spend the afternoon completing all the paperwork that needs to be submitted by the end of the day. Luckily, you can do it on a computer and transfer it wirelessly to the office. This job is not suitable; it requires high organization for all nurses because you must be highly organized, be able to work independently, and possess excellent clinical skills. Not a job for a nurse that’s fresh out of nursing school. The median salary for a home health care nurse is $60,000.

6. Nursing Informatics or Clinical Analyst

Informatics roles often allow remote or hybrid work. You might troubleshoot EHR issues from home or develop training materials for system upgrades. 

You will work standard business hours and have the ability to do much of the IT work from anywhere, not just your home. As proof, you can consider that most nurses in tech roles reported smooth transitions to work-from-home during the pandemic.

7. Freelance Nurse Writer

Nurses are in demand as writers for healthcare websites, continuing education modules, textbooks, and more. If you have a knack for writing or teaching, you can create content or online courses from home. 

Why is one of the best nursing jobs that you can perform from home? Simply put, thanks to the utter flexibility it provides. You take on as much work as you want. It can either be a side gig or a full-time career. Still, building up a portfolio and subject expertise is key. Examples of areas of interest for your writing include NCLEX prep materials and questions, patient education articles, or online nursing lectures.

Discover more about work-from-home and remote jobs and what they entail for your career.

Best Places to Be a Nurse

When evaluating career options, don’t forget that where you work can be just as important as what you do. Nursing salaries and working conditions vary widely by state and city.

California leads the nation, with the highest RN pay, but it also has a very high cost of living. In contrast, states like Texas offer solid salaries with a much lower cost of living.

Best US States to Be a Nurse in 2025

According to the latest data, the top-paying states for registered nurses are California (average RN wage $133,340), Hawaii ($113,220), and Oregon ($106,610). However, those states also have some of the highest costs of living (e.g. Hawaii’s cost index is off the charts). In California, for example, the high cost of housing can eat up that extra pay. On the flip side, states like Nevada and Texas strike a favorable balance. Nevada RNs average around $96,300 per year, with a slightly above-average cost of living. Texas RNs earn approximately $84,320 on average, and the State has a low cost of living index (around 93, which is well below the national baseline). This means your nursing salary stretches further in Texas – a big draw for many nurses.

Some regions have higher demand for nurses, which can impact both your job prospects and work environment. For instance, the mountain west and southwest (Nevada, Arizona, Utah, Texas) are projected to see rapid RN employment growth (partly due to population increases and retirements). More job openings can mean more choices and possibly hiring incentives. Additionally, states that join the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) make it easier to move and practice across state lines – something to keep in mind if flexibility appeals to you. As of 2025, there are 39 member compact states, including Texas and Florida, and 43 jurisdictions, including two U.S. territories.

Quality of Work Environment Considerations for Nurse Jobs

Beyond pay, factors such as nurse-to-patient ratios, scope-of-practice laws, and union support vary by state. For example, California is known for mandated nurse ratios in hospitals (which nurses generally appreciate for safety), while some states have no such laws. If you’re an NP or APRN, you’ll want to be in a state that grants full practice authority (many western and midwestern states do, whereas some others require physician oversight for NPs). “Best place” can mean a place where you can practice to the full extent of your license in a supportive environment.

Urban versus Rural Differences

Cities often offer higher absolute salaries and cutting-edge facilities (magnet hospitals, research centers), but also a higher cost of living and more competition for jobs. Rural areas might offer lower compensation but potentially provide loan repayment programs for service, lower living costs, and the opportunity to practice more broadly (rural nurses often wear many hats). Think about the lifestyle you want: big city excitement or small town community? Each can be the “best” for different people.

In other words, when planning your nursing career, consider location. The best place to be a nurse might be a state or city that aligns with your financial goals and preferred lifestyle. Ultimately, whether you stay in your home state or take your skills elsewhere, keeping an eye on regional trends can help you find your personal “best place” to work as a nurse – a place where the compensation, demand, and quality of life meet your needs.

If you want to consult a complete analysis of the variation in your earning potential across US regions, read our updated nurse salary by state report.

Top 10 Best Nursing Jobs by Salary: Which Pay the Most?

Nurse salaries vary by experience as well as by state, but some positions will bring you a higher income than others.

If you are interested in knowing your potential pay grade for various nursing jobs, you can consult our updated report on nurse salaries by US state, qualification, and position.

The highest-paying nursing jobs tend to be those that either require specific specializations (such as informatics nurse or nurse anesthetist jobs) or a higher level of education, typically at the Master's or Doctoral level. You can find more about the relationships between earning a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) and higher earning potential from our MSN salary guide. It is also worth noting that graduate-level nursing jobs require completing different types of Master’s in Nursing programs. 

Below is a list of the highest-paying nursing roles as of 2025, along with their approximate average annual salaries:

Discover the complete list of the highest-paying nursing jobs in 2025 and what you need to qualify for them. 

The surest way to increase your earning potential and access some of the best nursing jobs available is to advance your education to the appropriate level.

At Nightingale College, we aim to provide the avenues for furthering your knowledge and level of clinical practice in the most accessible way possible – via hybrid or entirely online academic programs that blend online instruction with on-ground seminars, preceptorship experiences, and clinical practice, allowing you to achieve your desired level of education while accommodating your personal and professional needs.

Learn more about our academic programs and enroll today to access the best nursing jobs available!

Nurse Jobs FAQs

 

Can You Apply for Nursing Jobs Before Graduation?

To improve your chances of landing a job quickly after graduation, it’s recommended that you start your job research and application process about six to eight months before your graduation date. It’s actually preferable that you begin applying to jobs before finishing your education so that you can avoid an indeterminate period of unemployment after graduation.

Although this will likely be a long process, especially if you start with no experience to put on your CV, there are ways in which you can stand out from other candidates. Voluntary work as a CNA, an outstanding performance during clinical hours, and a well-written resume all play a part in getting you noticed and attracting the best offers.

Can You Work Two Nursing Jobs?

Although technically possible, the chance of landing two full-time positions and making the schedules work with both is very slim. It’s also unlikely that one hospital will offer you employment for two full-time jobs, which means that you must also factor in transit time between your home and each of the two workplaces.

Working two full-time jobs as a new graduate is not advisable, as the quality of life drops significantly, and you likely end up overworked and lose interest in the profession altogether. However, taking up two part-time jobs can be a good experience, especially if you can find complementary positions, such as working one job in a hospital or care facility and another one in home care.

What Is the Hardest Nursing Specialty?

There is no doubt that no nursing specialty is a piece of cake, but some prove to be a lot more challenging than others. Depending on your working style, preferences, and experience, some jobs seem more straightforward than others. However, there are some positions that nurses generally agree are the hardest. In no particular order, the most challenging nursing jobs include those in oncology, psychiatry, the ER, ICU care, correctional nursing, long-term care, and geriatrics.

Which Nursing Jobs Are the Least Stressful?

Being a nurse in a hospital can be a hectic and stressful experience. Conversely, the least stressful jobs are typically those that involve more administrative work and less direct patient care. Note that, sometimes, with lower stress levels comes lower pay, especially if you don’t have advanced qualifications, which can help you move up the career ladder.

Among the least stressful positions in the healthcare sector are travel nurse, school nurse, camp nurse, nurse administrator, and nurse researcher.

Find out more about the least stressful nursing jobs in the industry.