Top 7 Highest Paying Nursing Specialties in 2025 (Salary + Career Guide)

Nursing is more than just a compassionate profession. It’s also one of the most financially rewarding healthcare careers in the U.S. With increasing demand for specialized care, many advanced practice roles in nursing now command six-figure salaries and offer diverse opportunities for clinical leadership. Whether you're exploring options for the future or planning to upskill, here’s a 2025 look at the highest-paid nursing specialties and the states where these professionals earn top dollar.

If you're an aspiring nurse looking to gain clinical exposure, explore our pre-nursing internships and nursing internships abroad — a powerful step toward building your skills and standing out in admissions.

Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA)

Average Salary: $212,650

Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) top the salary charts for nurses. They administer anesthesia, monitor vital signs during surgery, and provide care before and after procedures. CRNAs must hold a master’s or doctoral degree in nurse anesthesia, an RN license, and at least one year of critical care experience.

CRNAs are indispensable in surgical teams, military medical facilities, and outpatient surgical centers. With extensive responsibility and autonomy, their compensation reflects their advanced clinical role.

Top-paying states for CRNAs:

Illinois: $281,240
Massachusetts: $272,510
New York: $256,160
Montana/Vermont: Mid-$250K range

Nurse Practitioner (NP)

Average Salary: $128,000

Nurse Practitioners provide primary and specialty care, often independently. Depending on state laws, NPs can diagnose conditions, prescribe medications, and manage treatment plans without physician oversight. Over 55% specialize in family medicine, but options include acute care, pediatrics, psychiatric health, cardiology, and oncology.

To become an NP, you’ll need an RN license, a master's or doctoral degree in nursing, and board certification in a specialty area.

Top-paying states for NPs:

California: $161,540
New Jersey: $145,030
Oregon: $144,950
Nevada/Washington: Mid-$140K range

Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM)

Average Salary: $131,570

Certified Nurse Midwives support women through pregnancy, labor, and postpartum care. They also provide family planning services and treat gynecological conditions. CNMs work in hospitals, clinics, and private practices, often in collaboration with OB-GYNs.

Becoming a CNM requires an RN license, a master’s in nurse-midwifery, and certification from the American Midwifery Certification Board.

Top-paying states for CNMs:

California: $183,740
Hawaii: $161,820
Massachusetts: $154,080
Oregon/Maine: ~$140K range

Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS)

Average Salary: $124,374

Clinical Nurse Specialists offer direct care and serve as clinical mentors, policy developers, and researchers. Their roles range from critical care and mental health to cardiology and hospice care. Many hold a doctoral degree and contribute significantly to patient outcomes and nursing practice improvement.

Top-paying states for CNSs:

California: $182,000
Washington: $158,000
Louisiana (lower end): ~$95,000

Pain Management Nurse

Average Salary: $121,916

Pain Management Nurses treat patients with chronic pain conditions and post-operative discomfort. They use both medication and alternative therapies like massage, acupuncture, and electrical stimulation. These nurses are often found in oncology centers, rehabilitation clinics, and surgical units.

To specialize, nurses need an RN license, 2,000+ hours of pain management experience, and continuing education credits.

Top-paying areas for this role:

Washington State and the District of Columbia lead in compensation, with many earning $110K–$146K.

Neonatal Intensive Care Nurse (NICU Nurse)

Average Salary: $120,000+ (varies by region)

NICU Nurses work with newborns facing critical health issues, often in Level III or IV neonatal intensive care units. These highly trained nurses monitor vitals, assist in life-saving interventions, and educate new parents.

Becoming a NICU nurse requires an RN license and experience in neonatal care. Many pursue certifications like RNC-NIC (Registered Nurse Certified in Neonatal Intensive Care).

Salary highlights:

California: $135K–$160K
New York & Massachusetts: $125K+

Oncology Nurse Practitioner

Average Salary: $119,000

Oncology NPs diagnose and manage cancer treatment plans in collaboration with oncologists. Their responsibilities include administering chemotherapy, coordinating care, and providing emotional support to patients and families.

These NPs require a master’s or doctorate in nursing and board certification in oncology.

Top-paying states:

California: ~$140K
Maryland/New Jersey: ~$130K+
Oncology NPs often earn bonuses for specialized certifications or working in high-demand areas.

Take Your First Step Toward a High-Paying Nursing Career

Specializing in nursing can lead to significant professional and financial rewards — but hands-on experience is key. At Go Elective, we offer immersive nursing internships abroad in Kenya and Tanzania that help you build clinical confidence, strengthen your resume, and experience healthcare from a global perspective.

Whether you're exploring CRNA, midwifery, or pediatric nursing, our programs provide exposure to varied departments, dedicated mentorship, and the chance to make a difference in underserved communities. It's more than just shadowing — it’s your stepping stone to a high-impact nursing career.