Highest Paying Registered Nurse Jobs and Salary Range USA 2025

Did you know some nursing roles can earn over $200K annually by 2025? Understanding how specialization, education, and experience impact RN salaries can help you target the highest-paying opportunities and maximize your earning potential in a rapidly growing healthcare market.

Understanding the Registered Nurse Salary Landscape in 2025

The median annual salary for RNs according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics in 2025 is approximately $86,070, encompassing various experience levels and nursing roles. The national average salary is about $94,480 per year or $45.42 hourly, reflecting factors such as specialization and education levels.

Entry-level registered nurses with less than one year of experience generally earn between $60,000 and $70,000 annually. With experience and specialization, especially beyond 10 years, salaries often exceed $100,000 per year. Advancing education through a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), or Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) may improve earning potential.

Registered Nurse Roles with Notable Salary Ranges

Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA)

Average Salary: Around $212,650 per year
Role: Administers anesthesia under collaboration with surgeons and physicians in various clinical settings.
Education and Requirements: BSN degree, critical care experience (commonly at least two years), completion of an accredited CRNA program, and passing a national certification exam.
Job Outlook: Projected growth approximately 9% from 2022 to 2032.

CRNAs typically represent some of the highest compensated RN roles due to specialized responsibilities.

Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM)

Average Salary: Approximately $129,650 per year
Role: Provides care related to prenatal, labor, delivery, and postnatal periods in various practice environments.
Education and Requirements: Completion of an accredited CNM program, national certification, and state licensure.
Job Outlook: Estimated 6% growth through 2032.

Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) Nurse

Average Salary: Estimated $128,211 annually (around $62/hour)
Role: Provides care for critically ill newborns in hospital NICUs and birth centers.
Education and Requirements: Typically requires a BSN; optional neonatal nursing certification (RNC-NIC) available.
Job Outlook: Approximately 6% growth projected.

General Nurse Practitioner (NP)

Average Salary: About $126,260 per year
Role: Delivers primary care services including diagnosis and treatment in diverse settings.
Education and Requirements: MSN or DNP from accredited NP program, national certification, state licensure.
Job Outlook: Rapid growth projected at about 45% due to increasing demand.

Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS)

Average Salary: Around $124,374 per year
Role: Provides expertise in specialized clinical areas, contributing to patient care improvement, research, and education.
Education and Requirements: MSN degree with CNS certification.
Job Outlook: Growth influenced by need for specialized healthcare services.

Pain Management Nurse

Average Salary: Estimated $121,916 per year
Role: Manages pain treatment plans and patient education within interdisciplinary teams.
Education and Requirements: BSN with clinical experience and specialty certification.
Job Outlook: Approximately 6% growth.

Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP)

Average Salary: About $119,801 per year
Role: Provides mental health assessment and treatment across various care settings.
Education and Requirements: Graduate degree focused on psychiatric nursing, certification, licensure.
Job Outlook: Growth projected near 45%, reflecting rising mental health care needs.

Health Policy Nurse

Average Salary: Estimated $117,469 per year
Role: Engages in healthcare advocacy and policy development in government and private sectors.
Education and Requirements: MSN degree plus specialized policy-related training.
Job Outlook: Steady growth anticipated.

Nurse Administrator

Average Salary: Around $110,680 per year
Role: Manages nursing operations, staffing, budgeting, and compliance.
Education and Requirements: Master’s or doctoral degree in nursing or healthcare administration.
Job Outlook: Projected growth at about 28%.

Registered Nurse First Assistant (RNFA)

Average Salary: Approximately $108,267 per year
Role: Assists surgeons intraoperatively in hospital and outpatient settings.
Education and Requirements: BSN, active RN license, CNOR certification, and perioperative experience.
Job Outlook: Positive outlook connected to growth in outpatient surgical centers.

Factors That May Influence Registered Nurse Salaries

Education: Higher degrees such as BSN, MSN, or DNP can be associated with increased salaries ranging from $5,000 to $15,000 more annually.
Experience: More years of experience and leadership roles tend to correlate with higher wages.
Certifications: Specialty certifications in areas such as critical care (CCRN), oncology (OCN), emergency nursing (CEN), or pediatrics can contribute to salary increases.
Work Setting and Location: Salaries vary between urban and rural areas, often reflecting local cost of living.
Travel Nursing: Travel nurses often receive pay rates between $3,000 and $5,000 weekly plus stipends, which may offer different earning patterns compared to permanent roles.

Geographic Differences Affecting Registered Nurse Earnings

General trends indicate that states like California, Hawaii, and Oregon tend to offer higher average RN salaries, ranging approximately from $96,000 to $134,000 annually. Prospective nurses should consider cost of living in these areas when evaluating potential compensation.

Suggestions for Nurses Considering Salary Growth

Registered nurses looking to explore opportunities for higher earnings might consider:

Pursuing advanced education such as BSN, MSN, or DNP degrees to qualify for advanced practice roles.
Obtaining certifications and developing expertise in areas with demand for specialized nursing care.
Gaining experience in clinical areas like intensive care units (ICU), emergency departments, or perioperative services.
Considering geographic mobility, including relocation to higher-paying regions or taking travel nursing positions.
Engaging in salary research and negotiations based on individual qualifications and experience.

Summary

In 2025, registered nursing remains a profession with varied salary ranges influenced by specialty, education, experience, and location. The median and average salaries reflect the diverse roles within nursing. Advanced practice nurses, particularly those with specialized education and certifications, generally have compensation levels higher than the average RN. Nurses interested in income growth may benefit from education advancement, specialization, and strategic career decisions.

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