Careers

Best Paying Nurse Jobs

Updated on February 26, 2024
Author Frank Gogol
Written by
Frank Gogol
Author Frank Gogol
Written by
Frank Gogol

I’m a firm believer that information is the key to financial freedom. On the Stilt Blog, I write about the complex topics — like finance, immigration, and technology — to help immigrants make the most of their lives in the U.S. Our content and brand have been featured in Forbes, TechCrunch, VentureBeat, and more.

See all posts Frank Gogol

The healthcare industry offers a wide range of nursing jobs, each with its own set of responsibilities, educational requirements, and salary ranges. Here, we explore the top ten nursing roles that not only promise rewarding careers but also stand out for their lucrative pay packages.

Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist

  • Average Salary: $203,090
  • Job Description: Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) play a critical role in healthcare by providing anesthesia and related care before, during, and after surgical, therapeutic, diagnostic, and obstetrical procedures.
  • Responsibilities: They are responsible for administering anesthesia, monitoring patients’ vital signs, and overseeing patient recovery from anesthesia.
  • Required Education: A Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree, along with national certification and state licensure.

Neonatal Intensive Care Nurse

  • Average Salary: $136,592
  • Job Description: These nurses specialize in the care of newborn infants who are born prematurely or with various health issues such as birth defects, infections, or heart deformities.
  • Responsibilities: Their main duties include monitoring newborns, administering medications, and using medical equipment to support the infants’ health.
  • Required Education: A Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree followed by specialized certifications in neonatal care.

Pain Management Nurse

  • Average Salary: $124,006
  • Job Description: Pain Management Nurses assess, manage, and treat patients experiencing chronic pain due to a variety of causes, including surgery, injury, illness, or medical procedures.
  • Responsibilities: They work closely with patients to develop pain management plans, administer pain relief medication, and educate patients on managing pain.
  • Required Education: An RN license is required, with many in this field holding a BSN or MSN, and specialized certification in pain management.

General Nurse Practitioner

  • Average Salary: $121,610
  • Job Description: General Nurse Practitioners provide primary and specialty care to patients of all ages, focusing on disease prevention, health promotion, and patient education.
  • Responsibilities: Diagnosing and treating acute and chronic conditions, ordering and interpreting diagnostic tests, and prescribing medications.
  • Required Education: A Master’s degree in Nursing (MSN) is typically required, along with national board certification and state licensure.

Certified Nurse Midwife

  • Average Salary: $120,880
  • Job Description: Certified Nurse Midwives provide care to women, including gynecological exams, family planning services, prenatal care, labor and delivery support, and neonatal care.
  • Responsibilities: They play a crucial role in women’s health and childbirth, working in various healthcare settings including hospitals, private practices, and birthing centers.
  • Required Education: A Master’s degree in Nursing (MSN) with a specialization in midwifery, along with certification and licensure.

Health Policy Nurse

  • Average Salary: $120,333
  • Job Description: Health Policy Nurses combine healthcare expertise with knowledge of public policy to improve healthcare delivery systems.
  • Responsibilities: They analyze health and public policies, advocate for policy changes, and work on health services research.
  • Required Education: A Master’s or Doctoral degree in Nursing or Public Health Policy, along with relevant experience in healthcare policy.

Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner

  • Average Salary: $117,870
  • Job Description: These practitioners specialize in mental health care, providing support and treatment for patients with psychiatric disorders.
  • Responsibilities: Diagnosing mental health conditions, prescribing medication, and providing psychotherapy.
  • Required Education: A Master’s or Doctoral degree in Nursing with a specialization in psychiatric-mental health, along with certification and licensure.

Registered Nurse First Assistant

  • Average Salary: $106,176
  • Job Description: RN First Assistants work directly with surgeons in the operating room, assisting with surgical procedures.
  • Responsibilities: Their roles include handling tissue, providing wound exposure, and assisting with hemostasis and suturing.
  • Required Education: Besides being an RN, this role requires completion of an RNFA program and certification.

Nursing Administrator

  • Average Salary: $104,830
  • Job Description: Nursing Administrators oversee nursing staff and manage the administrative aspects of nursing departments in healthcare facilities.
  • Responsibilities: They are involved in policy development, staff management, budgeting, and ensuring high-quality patient care.
  • Required Education: A Master’s degree in Nursing Administration, Health Administration, or a related field, along with relevant managerial experience.

Family Nurse Practitioner

  • Average Salary: $102,107
  • Job Description: Family Nurse Practitioners provide comprehensive healthcare services to individuals and families across the lifespan.
  • Responsibilities: They focus on disease prevention, health promotion, and managingchronic conditions, and providing patient and family education.
  • Required Education: A Master’s degree in Nursing (MSN) with a specialization in family practice, along with certification and licensure.

Final Thoughts

Choosing a career in nursing opens a world of opportunities, not just in terms of personal fulfillment and the chance to make a significant impact on patients’ lives, but also in financial rewards. The roles highlighted here offer some of the highest salaries in the nursing field, reflecting the level of expertise, education, and responsibility they require. Whether you’re drawn to the high-stakes environment of an operating room, the intimate setting of a birthing center, or the strategic overview of healthcare administration, there’s a lucrative nursing career path that aligns with your skills and passions.

Other Jobs in Healthcare and Pharmaceuticals

Sources

For more detailed information on high-paying nursing roles, including responsibilities, educational requirements, and salary data, please refer to the following URLs:

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Author Frank Gogol

Frank Gogol

I’m a firm believer that information is the key to financial freedom. On the Stilt Blog, I write about the complex topics — like finance, immigration, and technology — to help immigrants make the most of their lives in the U.S. Our content and brand have been featured in Forbes, TechCrunch, VentureBeat, and more.
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