Are you from a nursing background, or do you have a strong desire to become one? Are you seeking the nursing specializations with the greatest salaries? You’ve come to the right site if you’ve been trying to figure out the highest-paying nursing jobs.
This article attempts to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of some of the nursing specialties with the highest salaries. Both experienced and new sonographers will find advice in this article on how to find rewarding careers that best match their interests.
Highest-Paying Industries for Nurses
The following are some of the industries that pay well for nurses and where nurses are in high demand:
- Nonscheduled Air Transportation – $54.15 per hour, $112,630 per year
- Pharmaceutical and Medicine Manufacturing – $50.61 per hour, $105,270 per year
- Merchant Wholesalers, Nondurable Goods – $48.67 per hour, $101,240 per year
- Federal Executive Branch – $46.93 per hour, $97,600 per year
- Office Administration Services – $46.46 per hour,$96,630 per year
Highest-Paying Nursing Jobs
Take a look at some of the highest-paying nursing jobs to help you choose the career path that’s best for you. The earnings provided below are only a baseline to aid in your study, since salaries do differ significantly depending on the job and location.
CERTIFIED REGISTERED NURSE ANESTHETIST (CRNA)
In comparison to other types of nurses or nursing specialties, Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) make much more money. According to the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists, this highly specialized job entails preparing and giving anesthesia to patients in cooperation with surgeons, anesthesiologists, dentists, podiatrists, and other skilled healthcare professionals.
CRNA SALARY
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists have an annual median compensation of $195,610, making them the highest-paid nursing specialties. CRNAs normally work 40 hours per week, which works out to an hourly income of about $94.04 on average.
The 10th percentiles with the lowest and greatest earnings respectively were below $79,870 and over $200,540. The BLS predicts that CRNA employment will increase by 40% between 2021 and 2031.
QUALIFICATIONS TO BECOME A NURSE ANESTHETIST
The National Certification Examination must be passed after completing a recognized nurse anesthesia educational program.
A doctoral degree will soon be necessary to become a CRNA even though it is not now necessary. The Council on Accreditation has said that a doctoral degree will be necessary by 2025.
GENERAL NURSE PRACTITIONER
You have the option to start your own general nursing practice or work in a number of primary care settings as a general nurse practitioner. Along the process, you can also improve your abilities and your earning potential. If they choose, general NPs can subsequently specialize in a particular area.
NURSE PRACTITIONER SALARY
The median annual wage for general nurse practitioners is $120,680, according to the May 2021 BLS. Generally, general nurse practitioners work a 40-hour workweek, earning $58.02 per hour.
According to the BLS, employment for nurse practitioners will increase by 46 percent by 2031. The outlook for this specialty is strong, especially when you take into account the ability to work autonomously.
QUALIFICATIONS TO BECOME A NURSE PRACTITIONER
The minimal degree needed to become a nurse practitioner is a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), which is followed by obtaining a state-specific nurse practitioner license.
ICU NURSE
ICU nurses need a unique set of abilities because they frequently deal with life-and-death situations. Although they can work in various nursing specialties, they frequently work in hospital ICUs. A critical care nurse has a very high level of critical thinking and nursing abilities, making it one of the most sought-after nursing roles.
ICU NURSE SALARY
ICU nurses made an average of $120,243 per year as of June 2022. Depending on their shift, hospital, and location, critical care nurses can earn well over $200,000, however, the usual range is between $76,500 and $145,500.
The salary scale for new nurses typically begins at the bottom and quickly rises. Critical care nurses typically put in a 36-hour work week, earning an hourly rate of about $57.81.
QUALIFICATIONS FOR BECOMING AN ICU NURSE
Although no particular qualifications are required to start working in critical care, you might think about taking the CCRN certification exam in order to improve. To ensure that intensive care nurses are confident in their knowledge and capabilities, the majority of hospitals will provide them with specialized training.
NEONATAL INTENSIVE CARE NURSE
Consider becoming a neonatal intensive care (NICU) nurse if you enjoy taking care of children. The care of unwell, premature, and birth-defected infants is the focus of the specialty of neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) nursing. For advanced practice nurses, in particular, this specialty fetches competitive compensation.
NEONATAL INTENSIVE CARE NURSE SALARY
The typical NICU nurse’s salary is $118,586 annually. Earning potential is larger for those with a BSN, more work experience, and advanced certifications. The normal workweek for NICU nurses is 36 hours, which equates to an hourly wage of $57.00.
QUALIFICATIONS FOR BECOMING A NEONATAL INTENSIVE CARE NURSE
Although you can gain experience working in a neonatal unit as a staff RN, significant advancement comes from obtaining a neonatal nurse practitioner (NNP), or neonatal clinical nurse specialist (CNS) certification.
Salary increases are also associated with higher degree advancement. Without an advanced practice degree, nurses can obtain their RNC-NIC and become certified.
PSYCHIATRIC NURSE PRACTITIONER
For nurses with a passion for mental health, becoming a psychiatric nurse practitioner provides you the chance to collaborate with psychiatric doctors, and provide patients with counseling on mental health issues. Patients who have both substance misuse problems, and mental health concerns are also treated by psychiatric nurse practitioners.
PSYCHIATRIC NURSE PRACTITIONER SALARY
As of May 2022, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners made an average salary of $113,114 annually. The usual workweek for psychiatric nurse practitioners is 40 hours, which equates to an hourly income of about $63.75.
QUALIFICATIONS FOR BECOMING A PSYCHIATRIC NURSE PRACTITIONER
The minimum educational prerequisite for becoming a nurse practitioner is a Masters of Science in Nursing (MSN), which is followed by obtaining a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner license as required by your state.
Highest-Paying States for Nurses
According to the BLS, here are a few of the highest-paying states in which Nurses can work:
- California – $59.62 per hour, $124,000 per year.
- Hawaii – $51.22 per hour, $106,530 per year.
- Oregon – $47.42 per hour, $98,630 per year.
- Washington D.C. – $47.38 per hour, $98,540 per year.
- Alaska – $46.74 per hour, $97,230 per year.
Highest-Paying Cities for Nurses
The following are some of the highest-paying cities for nurses:
- San Jose, CA – $74.63 per hour, $155,230 per year
- San Francisco, CA – $72.90 per hour, $151,640 per year
- Vallejo, CA – $70.37 per hour, $146,360 per year
- Santa Rosa, CA – $68.00 per hour, $141,440 per year
- Napa, CA – $67.15 per hour, $139,680 per year
Wrapping Up
The demand for nursing is increasing, so finding a career in this industry is the best choice you can make for your career. According to BLS, the demand for nurses is projected to grow by about 40% between the years 2021 to 2031. If you have been looking for different career options in nursing, this article should have helped you gain some clarity.
If you are passionate about taking the CNA exam, or know someone who is passionate about becoming a CNA, you can refer to our free practice test to help you prepare for the exam.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
WHICH NURSES MAKE THE MOST MONEY?
A Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA), with an average annual income of $195,610, is the nursing specialty with the highest pay. Nevertheless, depending on the particulars of their contracts, travel nurses in any specialty may be able to earn close to or even more than that.
WHAT MAKES A GOOD NURSE?
The following are the qualities a good nurse should have:
- Empathy
- Communication skills
- Problem-solving skills
- Stamina
- Critical thinking
- Time management
- Leadership
WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN A NURSING PROGRAM?
It’s important to choose a nursing program, and school that best meet your academic goals when you’re looking for one. The following are some of the things to look into before enrolling in a nursing school:
- Accreditation
- Training in Specialities
- Tuition Fees
- Location
- Training Facilities
- Career Assistance
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