Highest-paid nursing roles in America
NursingEducation.org reports the seven highest-paid nursing roles in America, beginning with assistants and ending with anesthetists.
#7. Nursing assistants
- Average annual salary: $30,720
- Average hourly wage: $14.77
- 2019 employment: 1,419,920 (9.7 per 1,000 jobs)
- Highest-paying states based on average salary: Alaska ($40,320), New York ($38,810), Hawaii ($37,710)
A certified nursing assistant (CNA) isn’t mandated to hold a degree to perform on-the-job duties. Tasks for CNAs, performed under licensed nurses' supervision, include feeding, bathing, medication administration, and other health-related services.
#5. Registered nurses
- Average annual salary: $77,460
- Average hourly wage: $37.24
- 2019 employment: 2,982,280 (20.3 per 1,000 jobs)
- Highest-paying states based on average salary: California ($113,240), Hawaii ($104,060), Washington D.C. ($94,820)
Registered nurses (RNs) have far-reaching responsibilities that include everything from assessing a patient's condition and administering medications to conducting tests and consulting with physicians. There are multiple education pathways to becoming an RN, with associate, bachelor's, and master's degrees all ways to enter the field. While the amount of practical and clinical hours and course credit requirements vary from state to state, all RN's must be licensed and maintain current certifications to practice.
#4. Nursing instructors and teachers, postsecondary
- Average annual salary: $83,160
- Average hourly wage: data not available
- 2019 employment: 59,680 (0.4 per 1,000 jobs)
- Highest-paying states based on average salary: Washington D.C. ($157,560), Florida ($122,050), California ($101,930)
With roughly 60,000 nurses retiring annually, nursing educators are in high demand. The role requires at least an RN license and several years of work experience.
#3. Nurse midwives
- Average annual salary: $108,810
- Average hourly wage: $52.31
- 2019 employment: 6,930 (0.05 per 1,000 jobs)
- Highest-paying states based on average salary: California ($154,500), Minnesota ($121,980), New York ($120,380)
A certified nurse-midwife (CNM) must either hold a masters of science in nursing (MSN) or a doctor of nursing practice (DNP) degree, most often part of an advanced degree program that includes a midwife specialty track. Most CNMs work in doctor’s offices, hospitals, outpatient care centers, and colleges and universities.
#1. Nurse anesthetists
- Average annual salary: $181,040
- Average hourly wage: $87.04
- 2019 employment: 43,570 (0.3 per 1,000 jobs)
- Highest-paying states based on average salary: Wyoming ($243,310), Montana ($239,380), Oregon ($234,750)
A certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA) works in operating rooms, plastic surgery centers, public health facilities, and dental offices. These professionals are required to have a bachelor's degree in nursing science (BSN) and master's degree from an accredited anesthesia educational program, a current license, and a minimum of one year RN experience in an acute care setting.
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