Top Nursing Roles with Highest Salaries in 2026

Highest Paying Nursing Specialties in the United States (2026)

Within the nursing profession, salaries in 2026 vary widely based on role, specialization, and state. Some of the highest paying nursing specialties include Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs), Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioners (PMHNPs), and Geriatric Nurse Practitioners (GNPs). These roles generally require advanced education, certifications, and clinical experience.

Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs)

CRNAs consistently rank as the highest-paid nursing professionals. Their average annual salary in 2026 is approximately $212,650. CRNAs administer anesthesia during surgical, diagnostic, and obstetric procedures and closely monitor patients before, during, and after anesthesia administration. Most CRNAs hold a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) or a master’s degree with specialized training. The demand for CRNAs remains steady due to the complexity of surgical procedures and the need for highly skilled anesthesia providers.

Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioners (PMHNPs)

Mental health continues to be a critical area within healthcare, leading to increased demand for PMHNPs. These professionals assess, diagnose, and manage treatment plans for patients with psychiatric disorders. In states like Washington and Colorado, PMHNP salaries average around $138,500 annually. This role often requires a master’s or doctoral degree in psychiatric-mental health nursing along with board certification. Growing mental health awareness and expanded insurance coverage support ongoing demand.

Geriatric Nurse Practitioners (GNPs)

Geriatric care is becoming increasingly important due to the aging U.S. population. GNPs specialize in managing health issues common among elderly patients, such as chronic diseases and medication management. Salaries for GNPs average about $154,000 per year. Advanced educational preparation, including nurse practitioner credentials and geriatric certification, is typically required. The expansion of healthcare services targeting older adults contributes to rising opportunities for this specialty.

Travel Nurses

Travel nursing remains a commonly selected career path for many RNs seeking flexibility and diverse clinical experiences. In 2026, travel nurses can expect average annual earnings of approximately $121,700, though income varies by assignments and location. Travel nursing positions often offer differential pay rates due to temporary demands in various healthcare settings across the country.

Regional Variations in RN Salaries

Salary levels for RNs and advanced practice nurses vary significantly by state and metropolitan area due to cost of living, healthcare demands, and local workforce conditions.

California

California continues to offer some of the highest nurse salaries in the country. The average RN salary is about $138,000 annually as of 2026. High living costs and a large, diverse healthcare infrastructure contribute to these higher wages. Specialized nursing roles also command top pay in urban centers such as Los Angeles and San Francisco.

Georgia

Georgia presents competitive RN salaries averaging near $90,000 per year when adjusted for cost of living. Salaries tend to be lower than in California but provide strong earning potential relative to living expenses. Metropolitan areas like Atlanta often offer higher wages compared to rural regions.

Other Notable States

States such as Washington, Colorado, Texas, and Massachusetts also feature relatively high nursing salaries, driven by local healthcare needs and state healthcare spending. States with large hospitals and medical research institutions tend to support higher wages for specialized nursing roles.

Educational Pathways and Certifications

Advanced education and certifications are often necessary to qualify for higher paying nursing positions. Progression typically begins with obtaining a minimum of an associate or bachelor’s degree in nursing (ADN or BSN), followed by gaining clinical experience.

Advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) including nurse anesthetists, nurse practitioners, clinical nurse specialists, and nurse midwives, require graduate-level education, such as a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP). Certification requirements vary by specialty and state.

Maintaining national certification and state licensure is essential for continued practice and progression in advanced roles. Certifications can often increase earning potential and job market competitiveness.

Job Outlook and Demand Factors

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects steady growth in nursing employment through 2030, with APRN roles expanding faster than average due to an aging population and increased access to healthcare services.

Mental health services and geriatric care are expected to be particularly active sectors, influenced by demographic trends and policy changes supporting broader healthcare access.

Healthcare technology advances and evolving care models also drive demand for nurses with advanced clinical competencies.

Typical Costs in United States (2026)

When considering advanced nursing education in the United States, typical costs include:

• Basic Nursing Programs (ADN): Approximately $6,000 to $20,000 for community college programs; suitable for entry-level RN licensure.
• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN): Usually ranges from $20,000 to $50,000 depending on public or private institutions; prepares nurses for leadership and specialty training.
• Advanced Practice Nursing (MSN/DNP): Graduate-level programs typically cost between $30,000 and $75,000; required for nurse practitioner, nurse anesthetist, and other APRN roles.

Additional expenses such as certification exams, licensure fees, and continuing education should also be considered when evaluating the total investment in nursing career advancement.

Conclusion

In 2026, registered nurses in the United States can pursue a variety of career paths with differing salary potentials. Specializing within nursing, particularly in advanced practice roles like nurse anesthesia, psychiatric mental health, and geriatrics, generally leads to higher earnings. Geographic location also significantly affects salary levels. Educational attainment, clinical experience, and credentialing remain key factors influencing opportunities and compensation within the nursing profession.