10 Highest-Paying and Fastest-Growing Nursing Careers 

Demand for nurses is higher than ever, and some of the most lucrative nursing jobs may be the ones you least expect. These ten nursing careers have exploded in popularity, creating high-paying jobs all over the country from hospitals to medical offices.

Infection Control Nurse

Average Salary: $96,805

Infection control nurses manage patients diagnosed with infectious diseases, track infection data, and work with other medical professionals to devise and carry out plans for outbreaks. An RN and a certification is sufficient to become an infection control nurse, but nurses with a master’s have higher earning potential.

Nurse Anesthetist

Average Salary: $149,145

Certified registered nurse anesthetists are specially trained to provide pain medication including anesthesia and epidurals to patients during surgery or childbirth to reduce pain and sedate them. This highly specialized field requires a master’s degree, and it is one of the most difficult specialties to get into. However, the salary and the employment opportunities are worth your while. 

Oncology Nurse

Average Salary: $80,900

Oncology nurses specialize in cancer treatment in collaboration with doctors and specialists. They monitor cancer patients, administer medication, and develop treatment plans to ensure the best health care outcomes. Though it’s preferable to have a BSN, RNs can become oncology nurses and will find work in both hospitals and clinics. 

Rehabilitation Nurse

Average Salary: $100,222

Rehabilitation nurses work with patients to regain mobility or other functions they may have lost through illness or injury. They may work along with physical and occupational therapists to treat elderly patients and those who have suffered a stroke or brain injury. In addition to an RN, aspiring rehabilitation nurses need the Certified Rehabilitation Registered Nurse (CRRN) certification. 

Nurse Midwife

Average Salary: $116,892

A nurse midwife helps guide pregnant women through pregnancy, birth, and the postpartum period. These positions are mainly available in the home, which may be attractive for those wanting to avoid hectic hospital settings. Certified midwives have at least a master’s degree and a special certification. 

Pain Management Nurse

Average Salary: $111,318

Pain management nurses specialize in managing acute or chronic pain in patients with injury or illness. They work with the health care team to develop treatment plans and administer medications and other treatments. In some cases, these nurses work in hospice settings to ensure that patients at the end of their life are comfortable. 

Clinical Nurse Specialist

Average Salary: $92,753

Clinical nurse specialists work closely with other healthcare professionals to provide specialized care to patients with serious or chronic conditions. These nurses may also find work in research, consulting, or education. To become a clinical nurse specialist, you need to obtain at least a master’s degree and become certified to demonstrate your expertise in your particular specialty. 

Family Nurse Practitioner

Average Salary: $114,063

Family nurse practitioners may specialize in areas such as pediatrics or psychiatric health, but typically they’re able to work with a general population. Becoming a family nurse practitioner requires earning a master’s degree and passing a certification exam. This enables them to work in many health settings under supervision or independently. 

Interventional Radiology Nurse

Average Salary: $105,914

Interventional radiology nurses work primarily with radiology and other imaging equipment to perform MRIs, CT scans, ultrasounds, and even some minimally invasive surgical procedures. Interventional radiology nurses require only an RN, but a BSN and a certification can boost your earning potential.  

Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner 

Average Salary: $140,131

Psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners work with patients that have mental health conditions. Similar to psychiatrists, they may provide medication, therapy, and diagnose mental health illnesses. A master’s degree and certification are required to work as a psychiatric mental health nurse.

Regardless of your chosen specialty, a nursing degree is a wonderful investment in your future. Along with nursing experience, your degree can provide a stepping stone to any of the highest-paying nursing jobs.