Unlocking the Vault: Exploring the Highest Nursing Salaries Careers in 2024

Do you know that Nursing has Over 100 specializations from general care to higher specializations? This diversity makes it the second career path after Physician which provides numerous specializations. 

The median annual RN salary in the United States is $86,070, according to U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports. But this figure spans all types of nurses, including the lowest and highest-paying nursing jobs, with some of the highest-paid nurses earning over $200K annually!

The salary for Nursing specializations depends on many factors like education, experience, and state or city in addition to many other factors.

In this blog, we will explore Nursing Salaries in the USA, Nursing Specializations and Pay, and the impact of education and experience on Nursing Salaries in 2024. 

Nursing Salaries in the USA:

Nursing salaries vary from state to state due to many reasons: demand, cost of living, state funding, and other reasons. Overall, the highest average registered nurse's salary is $137.690 in California while West Virginia shows the lowest average salary around $60.000 (according to the BLS)

Below are the Registered nurse salaries in all 50 states:

State	Avg Salary	RNs employed	Cost of living	Avg RN salary
Alabama	$61,920	49,780	89.3	$69,339
Alaska	$97,230	6,060	105.1	$92,512
Arizona	$81,600	57,260	99.1	$82,341
Arkansas	$65,810	26,320	89.2	$73,778
California	$124,000	324,400	116.4	$106,529
Colorado	$80,670	51,680	102.9	$78,397
Connecticut	$88,530	34,320	105	$84,314
Delaware	$77,760	11,760	99.4	$78,397
District of Columbia	$98,540	11,540	115.2	$84,314
Florida	$72,000	187,920	101	$71,287
Georgia	$75,380	78,290	94.5	$79,767
Hawaii	$106,530	11,110	119.3	$89,296
Idaho	$73,640	14,400	92.2	$79,870
Illinois	$78,260	129,260	100.5	$77,871
Indiana	$68,890	66,800	92.5	$74,476
Iowa	$64,990	32,650	91	$71,418
Kansas	$66,560	28,980	92.4	$72,035
Kentucky	$67,260	43,540	89.8	$74,900
Louisiana	$70,380	42,870	92.7	$75,922
Maine	$73,630	14,380	99.3	$74,149
Maryland	$82,660	51,550	107.7	$76,750
Massachusetts	$96,630	88,270	110.4	$87,527
Michigan	$75,930	102,480	94	$80,777
Minnesota	$84,030	69,000	98.6	$85,223
Mississippi	$63,130	29,140	87.8	$71,902
Missouri	$67,790	69,240	92.5	$73,286
Montana	$73,610	9,640	93.5	$78,727
Nebraska	$69,850	20,660	92.9	$75,188
Nevada	$88,800	24,590	97.4	$82,491
New Hampshire	$78,270	12,890	106.5	$73,493
New Jersey	$89,690	77,980	116	$77,319
New Mexico	$77,590	17,030	91.6	$84,770
New York	$93,320	188,300	116.3	$80,241
North Carolina	$71,200	104,810	91.8	$71,748
North Dakota	$71,200	11,810	92	$77,391
Ohio	$71,640	129,270	100	$79,870
Oklahoma	$68,180	31,510	91.3	$74,677
Oregon	$98,630	37,780	102.6	$96,131
Pennsylvania	$76,000	149,270	97.6	$77,869
Rhode Island	$85,270	10,860	101.8	$83,762
South Carolina	$69,580	46,160	91.6	$75,961
South Dakota	$60,540	14,140	91.5	$66,623
Tennessee	$66,680	62,250	92.2	$72,321
Texas	$79,120	217,630	99.5	$79,518
Utah	$72,790	23,760	96.5	$75,430
Vermont	$75,160	7,210	103.1	$72,900
Virginia	$76,680	66,980	101.3	$75,696
Washington	$95,350	62,470	108.4	$80,805
West Virginia	$67,640	19,800	88	$76,864
Wisconsin	$76,850	62,860	93.2	$82,457
Wyoming	$73,130	4,890	92.8	$78,804

As a nurse, there are many factors influencing salaries. We will discuss the two main reasons: educational background and experience, which are key drivers of salary, as well as supply and demand, which are basic economic principles that play a pivotal role in determining salaries. 

Nursing Specializations and Pay:

As we mentioned nursing is a broad field, and you may wonder which nursing specialization provides the highest salary. We have collected the top highest-paying nursing jobs of 2024 and each one requirement. 

First, we will explore the top highest-paying jobs in a list then we will discuss each one:

1. Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist - $212,650

2. Certified Nurse Midwife - $129,650

3. Neonatal Intensive Care Nurse - $128,211

4. General Nurse Practitioner - $126,260

5. Clinical Nurse Specialist - $124,374

6. Pain Management Nurse - $121,916

7. Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner - $119,801

8. Health Policy Nurse - $117,469

9. Nursing Administrator - $110,680

10. Registered Nurse First Assistant - $108,267

11. Gerontological Nurse Practitioner - $107,530

12. Family Nurse Practitioner - $103,803

13. Nurse Educator - $86,530

14. Intensive Care Unit Nurse - $85,205

15. Informatics Nurse - $84,574

Specialization and requirements:

1. Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists with $212,650 annually: this highly skilled profession involves preparing and administering anesthesia to patients in collaboration with surgeons, anesthesiologists, dentists, podiatrists, and other qualified healthcare professionals with, a BSN and a minimum of two years of relevant critical care experience.

   You must have Graduated from an accredited CRNA program and successfully passed the National Certification Examination. (according to the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists).

   
   

2.  A certified nurse midwife with  $129,650 annually: CNMs mostly work in OB/GYN offices, clinics, and hospital settings. You must have graduated from an accredited CNM program, passed the national certification exam, and have state licensure.

   
   

3.  Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) Nurse with $128,211 annually: This field offers high salaries, particularly for advanced practice nurses specializing in the care of acutely and sometimes critically ill newborns. These nurses can work in labor and delivery departments, neonatal ICUs, or other acute care settings. To pursue this specialty, you must have a BSN degree. Additionally, nurses interested in earning certification without an advanced practice degree can obtain their RNC-NIC.

   
   

4. General Nurse Practitioner, with $126,260 annually: you can choose to open an independent practice or work in a variety of primary care settings.

   you must have graduated from an accredited NP program with either an MSN or DNP, successfully passing the national certification exam, and state licensure.

   You can also advance your nursing skills and your earning potential along the way. General NPs can later specialize in a field if they wish. 

   
   

5. Clinical Nurse Specialist - $124,374 Per Year: Consider becoming a clinical nurse specialist (CNS) if you want to work in a specialized unit or clinic. As a CNS, you can diagnose and treat conditions and be recognized as an expert within your healthcare team. Clinical nurse specialists focus on improving nursing care by conducting research and enhancing workplace practices. To become a CNS, you need to graduate from an accredited CNS program with an MSN and complete the required national certification.

   
   

6.  Pain Management Nurse - $121,916 Per Year: Pain management nurses help manage a patient’s pain post-surgery or work with patients who have chronic pain issues. They work within a healthcare team to help determine the cause of the pain and the proper course of treatment while also educating patients about pain management and avoiding addiction or dependence on prescribed medication.

   You must hold a BSN and obtain a minimum of two years of bedside experience first before specializing.

   
   

7. Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner - $119,801 Per Year: For nurses with an interest in mental health, working as a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP) allows you to work with psychiatric physicians and counsel patients regarding mental health disorders. PMHNPs also work with patients who suffer from a combination of mental health disorders and substance abuse issues.

   You must be Graduated from an accredited PMHNP program with either an MSN or DNP, successfully passing the national certification exam, and state licensure.

   
   

8. Health Policy Nurse - $117,469 Per Year: If you are passionate about health and public policy, becoming a health policy nurse will let you take on the tasks of advocacy, research, analysis, policy development, implementation, and evaluation.

   After earning your MSN, you’ll have to complete a 10-week health policy residency program in government offices, advocacy organizations, or community groups.

   
   

9.  Nursing Administrator $110,680 Per Year: A nurse administrator manages the backstage operations of nursing, from budgeting and staff management to HR functions. They can manage an entire nursing department or a specific unit. They are also in charge of hiring, scheduling, payroll, and the orientation process. 

   You must have a Master’s degree in healthcare administration, business, or a related field. Depending on the level of administration, a terminal degree (DNP) will be required.

   
   

10. Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner (AGNP) - $107,530 Per Year: Elderly patients have specific health concerns that need specialized attention. Nurses who are interested in working with older adults should consider pursuing a career as an adult gerontology nurse practitioner. To become an adult gerontology nurse practitioner, you need to graduate from an accredited AGNP program with either an MSN or DNP, pass the AGNP certification exam, and obtain state licensure.

    
    

11. Family Nurse Practitioner - $103,803: The role of a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) is closely akin to that of a primary care physician. FNPs generally carry out many of the same duties as an MD, working in settings such as medical offices, hospitals, clinics, or nursing facilities. Their duties encompass patient consultations, evaluations, prescriptions of medications and treatments, and more. Completion of an accredited FNP program leading to an MSN or DNP, passing the FNP certification exam, and obtaining state licensure are the key requirements.

    
    

12.  Nurse Educator - $86,530 Per Year: At some point, you may wish to transition from patient care to nurse education. If working directly with other nurses to train them or facilitate continuing education sounds appealing, becoming a nurse educator could be a good fit. 

    You must be Graduated from an accredited MSN Nursing Education program and specialty certification. Some jobs may require a terminal degree, such as a DNP or Ph.D.

    
    

13.  Intensive Care Unit (ICU) Nurse - $85,205 Per Year: ICU nurses encounter critical situations during each shift, and as a result, they need a unique set of skills. They commonly operate in hospital ICUs, but they can also be present in other nursing departments. Securing a critical care position as a nurse is highly sought after, as it demands proficiency in nursing, critical thinking, and the ability to remain composed in high-pressure situations

    
    

    You must hold an ADN or BSN and successfully pass the NCLEX-RN exam. Some ICU units will require a minimum of two years of med-surgical nursing experience. Specialty certification as a CCRN is possible for ICU nurses with the required experience.

The Impact of Education on Nursing Salaries:

Factors that impact nursing salaries include educational background and experience, both of which play a major role in determining your salary. We found a notable difference in earnings based on educational backgrounds such as an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN), Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), and Master of Science in Nursing (MSN).

Salary Comparisons:

Educational Backgrounds

• ADN (Associate Degree in Nursing):

ADN nurses typically start working faster and at a lower cost but may have fewer career advancement and earning opportunities compared to BSN nurses.

• BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing):

BSN-prepared nurses can earn around $18,000 more annually than ADN nurses due to broader job opportunities and access to specialized and leadership positions.

• MSN (Master of Science in Nursing):

The average salary for MSN holders ranges from $94,000 to over $190,000, depending on the specialization and role. MSN holders are qualified for advanced practice roles and leadership positions, significantly increasing their earning potential compared to both ADN and BSN nurses.

Experience Factor

Nursing salaries are also significantly influenced by experience. As nurses accumulate experience, their salaries typically rise.

• Entry-level nurses generally receive salaries at the lower range of the pay scale, irrespective of their level of education.

• Nurses with extensive experience can expect significant salary bumps. For instance, a nurse who has been practicing for 5-10 years can earn considerably more than a recent graduate, irrespective of their degree.

🔖Conclusions

Nursing is a diverse and rewarding career with numerous opportunities for specialization, offering paths that can significantly impact both professional satisfaction and earning potential. With over 100 specializations, nursing stands as a versatile profession, second only to physicians in terms of career diversity. As the U.S. healthcare system continues to evolve, the demand for skilled nurses across various specializations remains strong, making nursing a stable and lucrative career choice.

The salary landscape for nurses varies widely, influenced by factors such as education, experience, location, and specialization. Whether you’re just starting with an Associate Degree in Nursing or advancing with a Master of Science in Nursing, there are ample opportunities to grow your career and increase your earning potential. Understanding these dynamics can help guide your career decisions, ensuring you find a path that aligns with your goals and aspirations.