Are you a nurse looking to increase your earnings? Check out the top nursing specialties. These include nurse anesthetists and neonatal nurse practitioners. They offer great salaries and let you work with specific patients, gain more independence, and grow your skills.

Key Takeaways

• Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) earn an average of $235,000 annually, making it the highest-paid nursing profession.
• Neonatal Nurse Practitioners rank as the second-highest paid nursing profession, earning approximately $144,461 per year.
• Emergency Nurse Practitioners (ENPs) are the third-highest paid, with a yearly salary of $137,280.
• Nursing specialties like Nurse Midwife, Nurse Administrator, and Cardiac Nurse Practitioner also offer lucrative salary potential.
• The nursing field as a whole is projected to experience significant job growth in the coming years, with the BLS forecasting a 9% increase in CRNA employment and a 45% rise in Nurse Practitioner roles.

Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA)

Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) are top-notch professionals in healthcare. They are experts in anesthesia and pain management. They make sure patients are safe and comfortable during surgeries and after.

Job Description and Responsibilities

CRNAs work with patients of all ages in many places. This includes surgeries, emergencies, and births. Before surgery, they check the patient’s history and talk with surgeons to plan the anesthesia.

Education and Certification Requirements

To be a CRNA, you need a BSN degree and an RN license. You also need two years of critical care experience. Then, finish a nurse anesthesia program for a Master’s or Doctor of Nursing degree. CRNAs must pass a national exam and get a state license as an APRN with the right to prescribe medicines.

Salary Expectations and Career Outlook

The average salary for certified registered nurse anesthetists in the U.S. was $195,610 in May 2022. The top earners made over $250,000. The job is expected to grow by 9% from 2022 to 2032, faster than average, due to more need for anesthesia services and a shortage of anesthesiologists.

“CRNAs are the primary providers of anesthesia care in rural America, enabling healthcare facilities in these medically underserved areas to offer obstetrical, surgical, and trauma stabilization services.”

Nurse Midwife

Nurse midwives are advanced nurses who focus on women’s health. They give care before, during, and after childbirth. They mix nursing skills with midwifery training for caring care during pregnancy and childbirth.

Role in Prenatal and Postpartum Care

Nurse midwives handle many tasks in pregnancy and after childbirth. Their duties include:

• Checking on the health of the mother and baby during pregnancy
• Teaching about pregnancy, childbirth, and caring for newborns
• Helping with labor and delivery, managing pain, and watching the health of the mother and baby
• Checking on the new mom after childbirth and helping her recover
• Offering gynecological care and advice on family planning

Educational Pathways and Certification

To be a certified nurse midwife, one must first get a BSN degree and a RN license. Then, they need to finish a graduate program in nurse midwifery, which takes 2-3 years. After that, they must pass a national exam by the AMCB to get the CNM title.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics says nurse midwives in the U.S. make about $77,600 a year. They expect a 9% job growth from 2020 to 2030. Nurse midwives work mostly in hospitals, birthing centers, and private offices, helping women through their reproductive health.

Neonatal Intensive Care Nurse

Neonatal intensive care nurses, or NICU nurses, focus on caring for newborns who are critically ill or premature. They are key in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). They watch over infants, give them medicine, help with breathing, and work with a team to plan care.

Responsibilities in the NICU

NICU nurses do many important tasks to help their tiny patients. Their jobs include:

• Watching infants’ vital signs, like heart rate and breathing
• Giving medicine and fluids through IVs or feeding tubes
• Helping with breathing support, like using ventilators
• Assisting with tests and procedures
• Talking to parents about caring for their newborn and supporting them
• Working with doctors, therapists, and others to make care plans

Salary and Job Growth Projections

There’s a big need for neonatal intensive care nurses. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics says registered nurses will grow by 6% from 2021 to 2031. Zippia predicts a 12% increase in NICU nurse jobs during this time.

The average salary for a neonatal nurse is $128,211 a year, more than the average for registered nurses. California pays NICU nurses the most, with salaries between $83 and $180 an hour. Georgia and Washington also offer good pay. Top employers like Kaiser Permanente and Voca pay well too, with hourly rates of $78 to $111 and $58 to $65.

NICU nurses are vital in giving special care to newborns. Their skills are highly respected in healthcare. With job growth and good pay, a career in neonatal intensive care nursing can be fulfilling and financially rewarding.

The Highest Paying Nursing Specialties

Nursing careers can lead to high earnings. This depends on education, experience, location, and specialty. Some nursing jobs pay well because they need advanced degrees and lots of experience.

Factors Influencing Nursing Salaries

Nursing salaries change a lot. Getting a master’s degree or doctorate can increase pay. Nurses with special certifications, like in critical care, also earn more. Where you work can affect your salary too. Nurses in places with high living costs often get paid more.

Top-Earning Nursing Roles and Average Incomes

Here are some of the highest-paying nursing jobs:

• Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA): Median salary of $259,707 annually
• Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner: Median salary of $134,503 annually
• Neonatal Intensive Care Nurse: Average salary of $127,391 annually
• General Nurse Practitioner: Median salary of $132,629 annually
• Clinical Nurse Specialist: Average salary of $94,545 annually

These jobs pay well because they need a lot of education and training. Nurses in these specialties can earn more and move up in their careers.

“Nursing is not just a job, it’s a calling. The most successful nurses are those who are passionate about their work and constantly seeking ways to expand their knowledge and skills.”

Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

Psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners (PMHNPs) are advanced nurses. They play a key role in helping patients with mental health issues. They do more than regular nurses, offering therapy, managing medications, and helping in crisis situations.

Scope of Practice and Job Duties

PMHNPs have many duties in mental health care. They assess patients, diagnose mental health problems, and create treatment plans. They work with other health professionals for complete patient care. They also take part in research, teaching, and spreading awareness about mental health.

Education and Licensing Requirements

To be a PMHNP, you need a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree. You must also have a valid RN license. Then, complete a PMHNP program with clinical training in psychiatric nursing. After graduating, get certified by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC).

The Bureau of Labor Statistics says PMHNPs earn an average of $117,430 a year in the U.S. as of August 2023. This shows it’s a rewarding and sought-after nursing field.

“Psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners play a crucial role in addressing the growing mental health needs of our society. Their expertise and ability to provide comprehensive care make them invaluable members of the healthcare team.”

Clinical Nurse Specialist

A clinical nurse specialist (CNS) is a top-level nurse with deep knowledge in a specific nursing area. They are experts in fields like pediatrics, geriatrics, or critical care. CNSs play a key role in healthcare by providing specialized care.

Areas of Specialization

CNSs can focus on many nursing areas. Some common ones include:

• Pediatrics
• Geriatrics
• Critical Care
• Emergency Nursing
• Oncology
• Cardiovascular Health
• Neurology
• Psychiatric/Mental Health
• Palliative and End-of-Life Care
• Wound and Ostomy Management

Career Outlook and Earning Potential

The need for skilled clinical nurse specialists is rising. Healthcare wants to offer specialized care that saves money. Payscale says the average salary for a clinical nurse specialist in the U.S. is $98,160 as of August 2023.

Salaries change based on the specialty, location, and experience. For instance, ICU CNSs earn about $98,240, and Acute Care CNSs make around $97,090 a year. Medical-Surgical CNSs get an average of $96,860, and Clinical Nurse Educators earn about $93,460 annually. Top-paying jobs are in pharmaceutical companies, outpatient care centers, and specialty hospitals.

Getting certified isn’t a must for a clinical nurse specialist, but many do to boost their careers and pay. With the right skills and experience, clinical nurse specialists can have fulfilling jobs and good pay in healthcare.

Informatics Nurse

In the fast-paced world of healthcare, informatics nurses are key. They connect nursing practice with data management. They work in places like hospitals, nursing homes, insurance agencies, and public health agencies. Their job is to make sure technology and information systems work well together.

Role in Healthcare Data Management

Informatics nurses know a lot about computer science, information technology, and nursing. They handle the complex tasks of data management. Their main jobs are:

• Designing and implementing efficient data systems to improve patient care workflows
• Analyzing and interpreting healthcare data to identify trends and optimize clinical decision-making
• Ensuring the secure and accurate collection, storage, and distribution of patient information
• Collaborating with interdisciplinary teams to integrate technology and improve overall healthcare delivery

Educational Pathways and Certifications

To become an informatics nurse, you need a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree and a valid Registered Nurse (RN) license. Then, many go for a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) with a focus on health informatics or a graduate degree in information science or computer science.

Getting a special certification in nursing informatics can really boost your career. The American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) offers three certifications: the RN-BC, CAHIMS, and CPHIMS. These show you know a lot about healthcare technology.

The Advance Healthcare Network for Nurses says there will be a big need for health informatics specialists soon. They predict up to 70,000 new jobs. Informatics nurses make about $84,433 a year on average. This career is rewarding and is in high demand in healthcare.

Pain Management Nurse

As a pain management nurse, you are key in helping patients manage their pain well. You help with recovery after surgery or with chronic pain. Your skills and caring touch can greatly improve their lives.

Job Responsibilities and Work Settings

Your main tasks as a pain management nurse include:

• Checking and tracking patients’ pain levels with different tools and methods
• Working with doctors to create and use pain management plans for each patient
• Giving pain medicines and therapies like nerve blocks or epidural shots
• Teaching patients and their families how to manage pain, including using medicines and other treatments
• Speaking up for patients’ pain needs and solving any problems that come up

Pain management nurses work in many places, like hospitals, clinics, rehab centers, and even at home. They are especially important for helping with pain after surgery and chronic pain like nerve pain, cancer pain, and joint pain.

Salary Expectations and Growth Opportunities

On average, pain management nurses earn $111,318 a year, or $31.24 an hour, says Payscale. Your pay can change based on your experience, education, certifications, and where you work.

The future looks bright for pain management nurses, with a 9% growth in nursing jobs from 2020 to 2030. As more people need pain relief, there will be more demand for skilled nurses. Keeping up with new pain management methods can boost your career and help you make a big difference in patients’ lives.

Nurse Educator

The role of the nurse educator is vital as healthcare evolves. These are registered nurses (RNs) with advanced training. They teach the next nursing professionals. They are key to the future of nursing education and practice.

Teaching Roles and Responsibilities

Nurse educators do many things in schools and hospitals. Their main jobs include:

• Creating and teaching nursing courses
• Helping students learn in class and in real-world settings
• Guiding students through their studies
• Checking how well students are doing and giving them feedback
• Doing nursing research and sharing their findings
• Getting funding for nursing education projects

They make sure nursing students learn what they need to know. This helps students give great care to patients after they graduate.

Degree and Certification Requirements

To be a nurse educator, you need a BSN degree and an RN license. Then, get an MSN or DNP/PhD in Nursing with a focus on education.

After finishing your education, pass the NLN CNE exam. This shows you know your stuff. It also meets the high standards of the nursing education world.

Nurse educators in the U.S. make about $82,120 a year. Your pay can go up based on where you work, how long you’ve been doing it, and your education level. With more nurses needed, nurse educators are more important than ever in the nursing field.

Travel Nurse

The healthcare industry is facing a big staffing shortage, making travel nurses more in demand. These nurses take on short-term jobs at various places across the country. They often fill urgent needs or provide special care. Travel nursing offers both rewards and challenges, with unique opportunities and obstacles.

The Allure of Travel Nursing

Many nurses are drawn to travel nursing for its high pay and the chance to see new places. They can make up to $5,832 a week in some specialties. This job also lets them work in different settings and meet diverse patients, making their skills broader.

Adapting to New Environments

Travel nursing comes with its challenges, like adjusting to new places and teams. Nurses must quickly fit in and learn new ways of working. Being good at communicating, flexible, and open to learning is key to doing well.

Salary Ranges and Job Prospects

The need for travel nurses is expected to keep growing. They make an average of $101,132 a year in the U.S. Specialties like intensive care unit (ICU), emergency room (ER), and labor and delivery (L&D) pay more. With more people needing healthcare, travel nurses will have good job prospects and salaries.

“The freedom and financial rewards of travel nursing are unparalleled, but it takes resilience and adaptability to thrive in this dynamic profession.”

Legal Nurse Consultant

The role of legal nurse consultants is becoming more important as laws get more complex. These nurses use their medical knowledge to help lawyers, insurance companies, and legal experts with healthcare and medical claims. They check medical records and give expert opinions, making sure legal cases are fair and correct.

Job Description and Work Environment

Legal nurse consultants do many tasks, like looking over medical records and spotting mistakes in care. They can work in law firms, insurance companies, government agencies, or as independent consultants. This job lets them set their own pay and hours, making it great for those wanting a good work-life balance.

Education and Certification Needed

• Possess a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree and an active registered nurse (RN) license.
• Attain the Certified Legal Nurse Consultant (CLNC) credential, which requires a minimum of 5 years of nursing experience and 2,000 hours of legal nurse consulting work within the last 5 years.
• Continuously maintain the CLNC certification by fulfilling renewal criteria, such as completing 60 contact hours of continuing education or passing the CLNC exam every 5 years.
• Consider pursuing additional certifications or advanced degrees, such as a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or a Juris Doctor (JD), to further enhance their legal nursing expertise and earning potential.

Legal nurse consultants connect nursing with the law, earning some of the highest salaries in nursing. They can make up to $150 an hour and work from anywhere, making this a thrilling and profitable career choice.

With over 1.3 million attorneys in the U.S., the need for legal nurse consultants is rising. Nurses with the right skills and qualifications can find a rewarding and profitable career in this field.

“Legal nurse consultants have the ability to work from home and serve attorneys in multiple states, allowing for flexibility in earning potential irrespective of location.”

Family Nurse Practitioner

Family nurse practitioners (FNPs) are advanced nurses who focus on caring for patients of all ages. They work with everyone from kids to seniors, meeting their health needs. Unlike other nurses, FNPs can handle care for all ages.

Scope of Practice and Patient Populations

FNPs can do many things, like check-ups, order tests, and give out meds. They focus on keeping people healthy and managing diseases. They work with patients and families to make care plans.

FNPs work in many places, like clinics, hospitals, and community centers. They work with doctors and other nurses to give full care to their patients.

Salary Potential and Career Advancement

The average salary for family nurse practitioners in the U.S. is $127,976 as of August 2023. This can change based on where they work, how long they’ve been working, and their job setting.

The job outlook for family nurse practitioners is great, with a 45% growth expected from 2022 to 2032. As more people need good primary care, FNPs are set to grow in their careers and lead in healthcare.

Family nurse practitioners are becoming more important in healthcare. They are trained to give top-quality care that focuses on the patient. With their skills and dedication, FNPs can move up in their careers and make a big difference in people’s lives.

Conclusion

The healthcare industry is growing fast, creating a big need for specialized nurses. This has changed how much nurses earn and opened up new career paths. By matching your career goals with the best nursing specialties, you can earn more and grow your skills.

If you’re a nursing student or an experienced RN looking for new chances, check out the top nursing specialties. These jobs pay well and are rewarding. For example, Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists make over $205,000 a year. Neonatal Nurse Practitioners and Emergency Nurse Practitioners also earn six figures.

Keep up with the latest in nursing to make smart career moves. This way, you can match your skills and interests with the most profitable nursing jobs. Doing this will help you earn more and set you up for success in nursing’s exciting and rewarding field.