Top 10 Highest-Paying Nursing Jobs

You’re excited to make that next move in your nursing career, but you’re wondering where you can work to optimize your income. Look no further — we are going to share with you exactly what nursing jobs pay the most.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the average annual salary for a RN in the U.S. is $89,010, or $42.80 an hour. This makes the U.S. number four on the list of the top 10 countries with the highest salary for nurses. Depending on your specific geographic area, experience level, and specialty, your nursing salary will vary greatly.

You can find the highest-paying nursing jobs in these states and cities:

Top 5 highest-paying states for RNs

1. California
2. Hawaii
3. Oregon
4. Massachusetts
5. Alaska

Top 5 highest-paying metropolitan areas for RNs

1. San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA
2. San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA
3. Vallejo-Fairfield, CA
4. Santa Rosa, CA
5. Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA

The Best-Paying Nursing Jobs

Now, before you move out to one of these states with the highest-paying nursing jobs, take a moment to look at your options. Your salary will vary depending on the exact role in nursing you pursue.

Some of these jobs may require you to complete extra nursing education, such as an advanced degree or certification. Take a look and see what inspires you.

1. Certified Nurse Anesthetist

Average annual salary: $205,770

What you’d do: A certified nurse anesthetist (CRNA) is a registered nurse who administers anesthesia and monitors patients’ conditions during and after procedures. The job requires additional education and certification. These nurses may work alongside physicians, surgeons, dentists, or anesthesiologists. CRNAs are among the top highest-paying nursing jobs. For more info, read about how to become a nurse anesthetist.

Top 5 highest-paying states:

1. North Dakota
2. California
3. Connecticut
4. New York
5. Illinois

2. Nurse Administrator

Average annual salary: $127,980

What you’d do: A nurse administrator is a registered nurse who works in leadership and management. They supervise daily nursing operations, manage budgets, recruit and manage nursing staff, and develop procedures and protocols. These nurses typically work in a hospital or nursing home setting. Typically, these nurses have an MSN or DNP degree.

Top 5 highest-paying states:

1. New York
2. District of Columbia
3. New Jersey
4. Massachusetts
5. Delaware

3. Nurse Manager

Average annual salary: $127,980

What you’d do: A nurse manager is a registered nurse who is skilled at leading others. Their role includes managing nursing staff, overseeing patient care, fostering a safe work environment, and ensuring standards of care are met. These nurses work in hospitals, clinics, primary care offices, and long-term care facilities.

Top 5 highest-paying states:

1. New York
2. District of Columbia
3. New Jersey
4. Massachusetts
5. Delaware

4. Nurse Practitioner

Average annual salary: $124,680

What you’d do: A nurse practitioner is a registered nurse who diagnoses and treats patients, has medication prescriptive authority, and orders diagnostic tests. As one of the highest-paying nursing jobs, it requires an advanced degree and additional licensure. These nurses may work in many areas, including hospitals, urgent care, primary care, and government agencies.

Top 5 highest-paying states:

1. California
2. New Jersey
3. Massachusetts
4. Oregon
5. Nevada

5. Nurse Midwife

Average annual salary: $122,450

What you’d do: A certified nurse midwife (CNM) is a registered nurse who provides care to women during their reproductive years and childbirth. They can diagnose conditions, order diagnostic tests and medications, attend births, and monitor and manage health conditions during pregnancy.

Working as a CNM requires an advanced degree and additional licensure. These nurses work in gynecology offices, clinics, hospitals, birthing centers, and private practices.

Top 5 highest-paying states:

1. California
2. West Virginia
3. Hawaii
4. Massachusetts
5. Oregon

6. Nurse Researcher

Average annual salary: The BLS reports medical scientists, including nurse researchers, earn $110,610.

What you’d do: A nurse researcher is a registered nurse who enjoys learning more and asking questions. They conduct scientific studies, analyze data, and search for ways to improve health and healthcare. These nurses typically work for hospitals or universities and have a graduate degree.

Top 5 highest-paying states:

1. Connecticut
2. New Jersey
3. Tennessee
4. California
5. Massachusetts

7. Nurse Educator

Average annual salary: $84,110

What you’d do: A nurse educator is a registered nurse who loves providing high-quality education to individuals on healthcare topics. They may work in a hospital, providing lessons and training to staff, as well as conducting research. They may also work in colleges, teaching nursing curriculums and skills. These nurses typically have an MSN degree.

Top 5 highest-paying states:

1. Massachusetts
2. Nevada
3. California
4. District of Columbia
5. New York

8. Informatics Nurse

Average annual salary: $82,750

What you’d do: An informatics nurse is a registered nurse who enjoys technology and data. They work with electronic health records, analyze statistics, enhance workflows, and train nursing staff on new technology. These nurses work in hospitals, clinics, surgery centers, and other healthcare facilities.

Top 5 highest-paying states:

1. California
2. Massachusetts
3. Washington
4. Minnesota
5. Maryland

9. Pain Management Nurse

Average annual salary: $80,730

What you’d do: A pain management nurse is one of the highest-paying nursing jobs where nurses care for patients with acute and chronic pain. They assess pain levels, administer pain medications, and provide education on various pain management strategies. They typically work in rehabilitation, pain management clinics, or private practices.

Top 5 highest-paying states:

1. California
2. Oregon
3. Massachusetts
4. Washington
5. New Jersey

10. Clinical Nurse Specialist

Average annual salary: $77,086

What you’d do: A clinical nurse specialist is a registered nurse who serves as a consultant for healthcare teams and patients. They coordinate and monitor quality of patient care, order diagnostic tests, prescribe medications, and improve healthcare systems. These nurses require advanced degrees and typically work in hospitals and specialty care settings.

Top 5 highest-paying states:

1. California
2. Oregon
3. North Dakota
4. Washington
5. Minnesota

Feeling Inspired? Find Your Dream Job

These highest-paying nursing jobs have shown you what type of earning potential is possible with your RN. Are you ready to pursue the additional requirements? IntelyCare can help you create a flexible schedule that makes it possible for you to continue your education.