The 20 Best Nursing Career Specialties Based On Salary

Nursing is a rewarding career that offers a wide range of specialties, each with its own unique challenges and rewards. One important factor to consider when choosing a nursing specialty is salary, as this can vary significantly depending on the type of work you do and the location in which you practice. In this article, we will explore the 20 best nursing career specialties based on salary.

1. Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA)

As a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA), you will be responsible for administering and managing anesthesia for surgical and other medical procedures. This specialty requires advanced education and training, and as a result, CRNAs are among the highest-paid nurses in the field. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual wage for CRNAs was $174,790 in 2020.

2. Nurse Practitioner (NP)

Nurse practitioners (NPs) are advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) who have completed advanced education and training beyond the registered nurse (RN) level. NPs are qualified to diagnose and treat a wide range of health conditions and provide primary and specialty care to patients of all ages. The median annual wage for NPs was $115,800 in 2020, according to the BLS.

3. Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS)

Clinical nurse specialists (CNSs) are advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) who have completed advanced education and training beyond the registered nurse (RN) level. CNSs work in a specific area of nursing, such as pediatrics, gerontology, or mental health, and are responsible for providing advanced nursing care to patients. The median annual wage for CNSs was $115,800 in 2020, according to the BLS.

4. Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM)

Certified nurse midwives (CNMs) are advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) who specialize in providing primary care to women, including reproductive health care, prenatal care, labor and delivery, and postpartum care. The median annual wage for CNMs was $108,810 in 2020, according to the BLS.

5. Nurse Anesthetist

Nurse anesthetists are advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) who specialize in administering and managing anesthesia for surgical and other medical procedures. They work closely with anesthesiologists and surgeons to ensure the safety and comfort of patients during procedures. The median annual wage for nurse anesthetists was $181,040 in 2020, according to the BLS.

6. Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner

Psychiatric nurse practitioners (PNPs) are advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) who specialize in providing mental health care to patients. They are trained to diagnose and treat mental health conditions, such as depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder, and may work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, and private practice. The median annual wage for PNPs was $115,800 in 2020, according to the BLS.

7. Nurse Educator

Nurse educators are responsible for teaching and training the next generation of nurses. They may work in schools of nursing, hospitals, or other healthcare settings, and may teach both classroom and clinical courses. The median annual wage for nurse educators was $75,510 in 2020, according to the BLS.

8. Certified Medical-Surgical Registered Nurse (CMSRN)

Certified medical-surgical registered nurses (CMSRNs) are registered nurses who specialize in providing care to adult patients in acute care settings, such as hospitals and clinics. They are responsible for assessing, planning, implementing, and evaluating the care of patients with a wide range of medical conditions. CMSRNs must pass a certification exam in order to earn their designation, which is offered by the Medical-Surgical Nursing Certification Board (MSNCB). The median annual wage for CMSRNs was not specifically reported by the BLS, but the median annual wage for all registered nurses was $73,300 in 2020.

9. Certified Hospice and Palliative Care Nurse (CHPN)

Certified hospice and palliative care nurses (CHPNs) are registered nurses who specialize in providing care to patients with terminal illnesses and their families. They work in hospice and palliative care settings, such as hospice centers, hospitals, and nursing homes, and are responsible for managing the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of patients and their families. The CHPN certification is offered by the Hospice and Palliative Credentialing Center (HPCC), and the median annual wage for CHPNs was not specifically reported by the BLS.

10. Certified Gerontological Nurse Practitioner (CGNP)

Certified gerontological nurse practitioners (CGNPs) are advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) who specialize in providing primary care to older adults. They are trained to assess and manage the unique health needs of this population, including chronic conditions and functional decline. The CGNP certification is offered by the Gerontological Advanced Practice Nurses Association (GAPNA), and the median annual wage for CGNPs was not specifically reported by the BLS.

11. Certified Nurse-Midwife (CNM)

Certified nurse-midwives (CNMs) are advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) who specialize in providing primary care to women, including reproductive health care, prenatal care, labor and delivery, and postpartum care. They work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, and private practice, and may also provide gynecological care to women throughout their lifespan. The CNM certification is offered by the American Midwifery Certification Board (AMCB), and the median annual wage for CNMs was $108,810 in 2020, according to the BLS.

12. Certified Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (CPNP)

Certified pediatric nurse practitioners (CPNPs) are advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) who specialize in providing primary care to children. They are trained to assess and manage the unique health needs of this population, including preventive care, acute illness, and chronic conditions. The CPNP certification is offered by the Pediatric Nursing Certification Board (PNCB), and the median annual wage for CPNPs was not specifically reported by the BLS.

13. Certified Nephrology Nurse (CNN)

Certified nephrology nurses (CNNs) are registered nurses who specialize in caring for patients with kidney disease and related conditions. They work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, dialysis centers, and outpatient clinics, and are responsible for assessing and managing the care of patients with kidney disorders. The CNN certification is offered by the Nephrology Nursing Certification Commission (NNCC), and the median annual wage for CNNs was not specifically reported by the BLS.

14. Certified Oncology Nurse (CON)

Certified oncology nurses (CONs) are registered nurses who specialize in caring for patients with cancer and related conditions. They work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, and private practice, and are responsible for assessing and managing the care of patients with cancer and related conditions through all stages of treatment, including diagnosis, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and palliative care. The CON certification is offered by the Oncology Nursing Certification Corporation (ONCC), and the median annual wage for CONs was not specifically reported by the BLS.

15. Certified Emergency Nurse (CEN)

Certified emergency nurses (CENs) are registered nurses who specialize in providing care to patients in emergency care settings, such as emergency departments and trauma centers. They are responsible for assessing and managing the care of patients with acute illness or injury, and must be able to handle a wide range of medical emergencies. The CEN certification is offered by the Board of Certification for Emergency Nursing (BCEN), and the median annual wage for CENs was not specifically reported by the BLS.

16. Certified Orthopedic Nurse (CON)

Certified orthopedic nurses (CONs) are registered nurses who specialize in caring for patients with musculoskeletal disorders and injuries, such as fractures, dislocations, and sprains. They work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, and private practice, and are responsible for assessing and managing the care of patients with these conditions. The CON certification is offered by the Orthopaedic Nurses Certification Board (ONCB), and the median annual wage for CONs was not specifically reported by the BLS.

17. Certified Pediatric Oncology Nurse (CPON)

Certified pediatric oncology nurses (CPONs) are registered nurses who specialize in caring for children with cancer and related conditions. They work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, and private practice, and are responsible for assessing and managing the care of children with cancer and related conditions through all stages of treatment. The CPON certification is offered by the Oncology Nursing Certification Corporation (ONCC), and the median annual wage for CPONs was not specifically reported by the BLS.

18. Certified Perianesthesia Nurse (CPAN)

Certified perianesthesia nurses (CPANs) are registered nurses who specialize in providing care to patients before, during, and after anesthesia. They work in a variety of settings, including operating rooms, ambulatory surgery centers, and post-anesthesia care units, and are responsible for assessing and managing the care of patients before, during, and after anesthesia. The CPAN certification is offered by the American Board of Perianesthesia Nursing Certification (ABPANC), and the median annual wage for CPANs was not specifically reported by the BLS.

19. Certified School Nurse (CSN)

Certified school nurses (CSNs) are registered nurses who specialize in providing care to students in school settings. They are responsible for assessing and managing the health needs of students, including the administration of medication, the management of chronic conditions, and the promotion of health and wellness. The CSN certification is offered by the National Board for Certification of School Nurses (NBCSN), and the median annual wage for CSNs was not specifically reported by the BLS.

20. Certified Ambulatory Care Nurse (CACN)

Certified ambulatory care nurses (CACNs) are registered nurses who specialize in providing care to patients in outpatient settings, such as clinics and doctor’s offices. They are responsible for assessing and managing the care of patients with acute and chronic conditions, and may also be involved in health promotion and disease prevention activities. The CACN certification is offered by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), and the median annual wage for CACNs was not specifically reported by the BLS.

In conclusion, there are many nursing specialties that offer high salaries, depending on your education and training, the location in which you practice, and the type of work you do. Some of the best nursing career specialties based on salary include Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA), Nurse Practitioner (NP), Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS), Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM), and Nurse Anesthetist. Other high-paying specialties include Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, Nurse Educator, Certified Medical-Surgical Registered Nurse (CMSRN), Certified Hospice and Palliative Care Nurse (CHPN), and Certified Gerontological Nurse Practitioner (CGNP). By considering salary as one factor in your career decision, you can choose a specialty that aligns with your interests, skills, and financial goals.

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