Highest-Paying Nursing Jobs in 2025
Leading Nursing Roles by Salary
- Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA): $205,770
CRNAs are among the top earners in nursing, with an average salary of $205,770. As Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs), they are responsible for administering anesthesia during surgeries and other medical procedures, requiring high levels of precision and expertise to avoid complications. CRNAs play an essential role in patient safety, and the job is highly respected in the nursing community. - Nursing Administrator: $119,840
Nurses in administrative positions earn an average salary of $119,840. Nursing administrators oversee various aspects of healthcare operations, including staffing, budgeting, and ensuring efficient delivery of care. This role often involves strategic planning and coordination between departments to maintain smooth operations in hospitals and healthcare facilities. - Nurse Practitioner (NP): $118,040
Nurse Practitioners have an average annual salary of $118,040. NPs work in a variety of settings and specialties, including primary care, pediatrics, and acute care. They are licensed to diagnose and treat patients, and their responsibilities often extend beyond that of Registered Nurses (RNs), offering a higher level of independence and decision-making authority. Many NPs also focus on specific patient populations or conditions. - Certified Nurse-Midwife (CNM): $114,210
Certified Nurse-Midwives, who specialize in women's reproductive health, earn an average of $114,210 annually. CNMs typically work in hospitals, birthing centers, and specialty clinics, providing care during pregnancy, labor, and delivery, as well as offering prenatal and postnatal support. CNMs are highly valued for their expertise in maternal health and family planning. - Nursing Instructor/Teacher: $82,040
Nursing educators earn an average salary of $82,040. These professionals teach aspiring nurses in academic settings and clinical environments, helping to shape the next generation of nursing professionals. Nursing instructors may work in universities, community colleges, or technical schools, and often participate in clinical rotations, ensuring that students receive hands-on training in healthcare settings.
Additional Nursing Roles by Salary
Beyond specific degrees and licenses, your specialty can significantly influence your earnings. Below are some common nursing specialties and their corresponding average salaries:
- Gerontological Nurse Practitioner: $119,647
- Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner: $117,634
- Pediatric Nurse Practitioner: $107,067
- Family Nurse Practitioner: $105,267
- Cath Lab Registered Nurse: $101,472
- Clinical Nurse Specialist: $100,523
- Labor and Delivery Registered Nurse: $99,043
- Pain Management Nurse: $98,636
- Medical/Surgical Registered Nurse: $95,054
- Critical Care Registered Nurse: $94,981
The salary figures for these roles are averages derived from various job sites and surveys, reflecting trends in the nursing field as of 2025.
Discover Top Nursing Job Opportunities
If any of these high-paying nursing roles are of interest to you, now is the time to explore new opportunities. Many healthcare facilities are looking for skilled nurses in these specialties, and the demand for qualified professionals continues to grow.
To find the latest nursing jobs in your area, visit GoodWork. Start your career journey or take your nursing career to the next level today!
