The highest paid nurses in 2025 are usually Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs), followed by specialized nurse practitioners and a few high‑acuity RN roles like CVOR and ICU travel nurses.

Highest paying nurse role

CRNAs are widely reported as the top earners in nursing, with average annual salaries a bit above $220,000 in 2025, significantly higher than other advanced practice roles. They provide anesthesia care for surgical, obstetric, and procedural cases, which involves high responsibility, long training, and working closely with surgeons and anesthesiologists, all of which drive up pay.

Other top earning nurse types

Beyond CRNAs, several other advanced and specialized roles also rank near the top:

  • Specialized nurse practitioners (like psychiatric, geriatric, and some acute‑care NPs) often average in the $130,000–$140,000 range because of demand in mental health and aging populations.
  • Certified Nurse Midwives, Clinical Nurse Specialists, and high‑acuity NPs (cardiology, neonatal, emergency) tend to cluster a bit below that, often in the low‑ to mid‑$130,000s.

Highest paid RN specialties (non‑NP)

For nurses who stay at the RN level, certain specialties stand out for pay, especially when combined with travel or per‑diem work.

  • Cardiovascular OR (CVOR) nurses are among the highest paid staff RNs, with estimated averages around $150,000 because of their role in complex heart surgeries.
  • ICU, NICU, and flight/transport nurses also earn premium pay due to high‑acuity patients, on‑call demands, and intensive skill requirements, often crossing into low‑six‑figure averages and higher with overtime or travel contracts.

What actually boosts nurse income most

Across specialties, several factors can matter as much as job title for how much money a nurse makes.

  • Location: States and cities with high cost of living or severe staffing shortages often pay substantially more for the same role.
  • Work setting and schedule: Hospitals, surgery centers, and travel contracts tend to pay more than some clinics, especially with nights, weekends, and overtime.
  • Education and certifications: Advanced degrees (MSN, DNP) and specialty certs (e.g., CCRN, CNOR) are often prerequisites for the very top‑paying positions.

Mini FAQ: choosing a high‑pay nursing path

Many people asking “what nurse makes the most money” are really trying to decide if more schooling or changing specialties is worth it.

  • If your goal is maximum salary and you’re open to long training and high responsibility, CRNA is typically the top‑earning path.
  • If you want strong pay with potentially more flexible hours, a high‑demand NP specialty (like psychiatric or acute care) can be a strong option.
  • If you prefer to stay as an RN, moving into high‑acuity areas (CVOR, ICU, NICU, flight) or travel nursing is one of the most reliable ways to significantly increase earnings.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.