A Look At The Highest-Paid Nurses in 2022

1. Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA): $183,580 per year, or 88.26 per hour*

Which nurse earns the most money? Nurse Anesthetists who are Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists! CRNAs earn much more than any other type of nurse or nursing specialization, earning an average of $183,580 per year. According to the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists, this highly specialized job entails preparing and administering anesthesia to patients in coordination with surgeons, anesthesiologists, dentists, podiatrists, and other certified healthcare professionals.

Salary of a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist

According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists earn an average annual compensation of $183,580, making it the highest paying nursing specialty. CRNAs typically work 40 hours per week, which equates to an hourly pay of roughly $88.26.

Career Prospects for CRNAs

According to the BLS, CRNAs are predicted to rise at a rate of 45 percent between 2020 and 2030.

What Are the Requirements for Becoming a Nurse Anesthetist?

Prepare to work hard in order to earn a degree from a recognized nurse anesthesia educational program and to pass the National Certification Examination upon completion.

Although a doctoral degree is not required to become a CRNA, the Council on Accreditation has declared that a doctoral degree will be required by 2025.

CRNA Positions

Hospitals, clinics, free-standing surgical centers, ambulatory surgery centers, pain treatment centers, and staffing agencies are among the employers.

2. Certified Nurse Midwife: $115,540 per year or $55.55 per hour*

Certified Nurse Midwifery is the ideal career option for RNs who enjoy obstetrics, labor & delivery, and prenatal care. CNMs work mostly at OB/GYN offices, clinics, and hospitals, however, many establish their own practices in their state of practice.

Salary of a Certified Nurse Midwife

According to the BLS, certified nurse-midwives can expect to earn an average salary of $115,540. CNMs typically work 40 hours per week, earning roughly $55.55 per hour.

Perspectives on a Career as a Certified Nurse Midwife

The career prospects for midwives is excellent, with opportunities expected to expand by 45 percent between 2020 and 2030.

Qualifications for Certification as a Certified Nurse Midwife

To practice certified nurse midwifery, nurses can achieve the Certified Nurse-Midwife and Certified Midwife certifications through the American Midwifery Certification Board.

Jobs for Certified Nurse Midwives

Hospitals, freestanding birthing clinics, private practice clinics, and staffing agencies are among the employers.

3. Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner: $112,196 per year or $63.28 per hour*

Working as a psychiatric nurse practitioner allows nurses with an interest in mental health to collaborate with psychiatric medical practitioners and counsel patients with mental health illnesses. Additionally, psychiatric nurse practitioners work with patients who have a combination of mental health and drug addiction disorders.

Salary of a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner

According to Payscale, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners earn an average of $112,196 per year as of February 2022. Psychiatric nurse practitioners typically work 40 hours per week, earning an average of $63.28 per hour.

Prospects for Career Growth for Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners

PNPs will be in high demand as the need for enhanced mental healthcare obtains national recognition and demand for adolescent and child psychiatric services develops. Additionally, as substance misuse continues to spread across the country, PNPs will need to develop a strong foundation in mental health and substance abuse.

Qualifications for a Career as a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner

A Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) is the entry-level degree required to become a nurse practitioner, followed by state-specific Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner certification.

Jobs for Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners

Hospitals, mental health units, inpatient psychiatric hospitals, outpatient clinics, and staffing firms are among the employers.

4. General Nurse Practitioner: $111,680 per year or $53.69 per hour*

As a general nurse practitioner, you can work independently or in a number of primary care settings. Along the process, you can also improve your talents and earning potential. General NPs may eventually specialize in a particular field if they so want.

Nurse Practitioner Compensation

According to the May 2020 BLS, general nurse practitioners make an average annual salary of $111,680. General nurse practitioners work an average of 40 hours each week, earning an hourly rate of about $53.69.

Prospects for Nurse Practitioners

According to the BLS, nurse practitioner occupations (which include general) are predicted to expand by 45 percent by 2030. Add to that the option to work independently, and this specialty has a bright future.

What Are the Requirements for Becoming a Nurse Practitioner?

A Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) is the entry-level degree necessary for becoming a nurse practitioner, followed by state-specific licensure.

Jobs as a Nurse Practitioner

Hospitals, clinics, urgent care centers, outpatient clinics, private practice, and staffing agencies are among the employers.

5. Clinical Nurse Specialist: $111,215 per year $53.47 per hour*

Individuals interested in working in a specialized unit or clinic might consider becoming a Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS). Along with identifying and treating a variety of illnesses, you will be regarded as an expert by your healthcare team. Clinical Nurse Specialists are dedicated to enhancing the nursing status in hospitals. They are actively engaged in research and strive to improve the quality of care offered in the healthcare setting.

Salary for Clinical Nurse Specialists

Clinical nurse specialists earn an average salary of $111,215 in the United States, according to Salary.com. However, incomes for this specialty range between $90,861 and $131,477 on average. Clinical nurse specialists typically work 40 hours per week, earning an average of $53.47 per hour.

Clinical Nurse Specialists’ Career Prospects

Because Clinical Nurse Specialists can provide specialized treatment at a lesser cost than physicians, an increasing number of hospitals and institutions will seek to hire these specialists.

Criteria for Certification as a Clinical Nurse Specialist

A Clinical Nurse Specialist must possess a Master’s of Science in Nursing with a clinical nursing concentration.

Clinical Nurse Specialist Job Opportunities

Hospitals, clinics, private practices, and staffing agencies are among the employers.

6. Nursing Administrator: $104,280 per year or $50.13 per hour*

A nurse administrator is responsible for the nursing profession’s backstage operations, from budgeting and staff management to human resource management.

Nurse Administrator Compensation

According to the BLS, nursing administrators make an average annual salary of $104,280 as of May 2020. Nurse administrators typically work a minimum of 40 hours each week, earning around $50.13 per hour.

Nurse Administrators’ Career Prospects

According to the BLS, employment of medical and health services managers (of which nursing administrators are a subset) is anticipated to expand 32% between 2020 and 2030.

What Are the Requirements for Becoming a Nurse Administrator?

A Master’s Degree in Healthcare Administration is typically necessary, as is state licensure. Certain nursing administrators additionally hold a master’s degree in business administration.

Jobs as a Nurse Administrator

Hospitals, private practices, healthcare firms, clinics, and staffing agencies are among the employers.

7. Nurse in Pain Management: Annual salary of $101,665 or $48.939/hr*

Pain Management Nurses assist patients in managing their pain following surgery or work with patients who suffer from chronic pain. They collaborate with other members of the healthcare team to ascertain the source of pain and the most appropriate course of therapy, while also educating patients about pain management and avoiding addiction or dependence on prescribed medicine.

Salary of a Pain Management Nurse

According to Indeed.com, the average annual compensation for pain management nurses is $101,665. Typically, pain management nurses work 40 hours a week, earning an hourly wage of approximately $48.39.

Pain Management Nurses’ Career Prospects

Due to the fact that pain management nurses can work in a variety of healthcare settings, including hospitals, clinics, rehabilitation facilities, and nursing homes, demand for this talent is high. As the population ages, the demand for skilled pain management nurses will only increase.

Requirements for Pain Management Nurses

While an advanced degree is not required to become a pain management nurse, sufficient experience as an RN is required to compete for the Pain Management Nurse Practitioner certification.

Nurse Positions in Pain Management

Hospitals, drug counseling centers, clinics for substance abuse, rehabilitation centers, oncology clinics, sports rehabilitation facilities, long-term care institutions, fitness centers, and staffing agencies are among the employers.