April 4, 2022
Nursing is a broad field, with many specialties and sub-specialties. Whatever your passion, there’s probably a field that suits your interests and personality. However, though all nursing jobs are equally valuable and average nursing pay provides a solid income, some specialties offer considerably higher salaries than others.
Today we’ll look at six of the highest-paying nursing jobs that aren’t in management or other supervisory roles but require certification beyond R.N. licensure. Not sure you're ready to commit to nursing? CNA programs, and CNA certification, may be a good way to get a feel for whether you want to pursue the education and training it takes to be a licensed nurse.
Top-Paying Nursing Specialties
If you're considering a career in nursing, you may be asking, "How much do nurses make?" The answer is that it depends on how far you're willing to pursue your nursing education. Many high paying nursing jobs are for nurse practitioners with an advanced credential in a specialty area — though not all of them.
The specialties that command the highest salaries depend on various factors, from location to patient population to the number of nurses available to fill different roles. A specialty may be in high demand in one area, while another is overserved.
Certifications for the Top-Paying Specialties
While a master’s degree in nursing is a requirement for any nurse practitioner, the credentials needed beyond that — and the credential required for non-N.P. specialties — depends entirely on the position you seek. Below are six of the best-paying jobs, the certification you need to earn, and how much you can expect to make once you have the credential.
Pain Management Nurse
Pain management nurses deal with patients suffering from chronic pain and attempt to improve their quality of life. Their job includes duties such as assessing patients with chronic discomfort and developing treatment strategies, administering pain medication, and other treatments. As a pain management nurse, you may work in a wide variety of settings, from hospitals to home care.
What extra certifications do you need?
R.N.s who wish to become pain management nurses must earn the Pain Management Nursing Certification (PMGT-BC™) awarded by the American Nurses Credentialing Center.
Earning potential
Depending on where you’re located, you can expect to earn up to $98,636 - $101,665 as a pain management nurse.
Gerontology Nurse Practitioner (GNP)
GNPs are advanced-practice nurses who specialize in working with the elderly. Gerontology nurse practitioners focus on age-related health problems and diseases. The majority work in settings such as nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and other locations that cater to the elderly.
What extra certifications do you need?
Along with a master’s degree in nursing (a requirement for becoming a nurse practitioner), you will need the Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Certification (AGPCNP-BC®) awarded by the American Nurses Credentialing Center.
Earning potential
The median salary for gerontology nurse practitioners is $96,500.
Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM)
Certified Nurse-Midwives specialize in maternity care, and in most states, are allowed to practice independently. CNMs deliver babies, provide prenatal care (including wellness education on topics such as nutrition), and may also assist during Cesarean sections in a hospital setting. Nurse-midwives may practice in hospitals, in birthing centers, in standalone practices, and may even do home deliveries depending on the state where they practice.
What extra certifications do you need?
Like most other advanced-practice nurses, Certified Nurse-Midwives must hold a master’s degree in nursing and must pass the American Midwifery Certification Board’s CNM exam.
Earning potential
Depending on location, CNMs may earn anywhere from $111,000 to $115,530 annually.
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP)
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners work with people who have mental health concerns and may also deal with substance abuse. They may provide counseling, can prescribe therapy or medication, and often work with other mental health professionals or social workers.
What extra certifications do you need?
After earning a master’s in nursing, you will need to pass the exam for the Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) credential.
Earning potential
On average, psychiatric nurse practitioners earn roughly $109,000 per year, though in some areas they may make as much as $129,000.
Orthopedic Nurse Practitioner (ONP)
Orthopedic Nurse Practitioners are experts in the musculoskeletal system and treat bone, joint, and muscular issues. ONPs focus on musculoskeletal issues and see patients for problems such as sprains, strains, broken bones, sports injuries, and musculoskeletal trauma. As an ONP, you may work nearly anywhere, from hospitals to sports medicine practices.
What extra certifications do you need?
Like other types of nurse practitioners, ONPs must complete a master’s degree in nursing, preferably with a concentration in orthopedics. After this, you must earn the ONP-C credential granted by the Orthopedic Nurses Certification Board.
Earning potential
On average, Orthopedic Nurse Practitioners earn about $115,000 per year, though the top 10% may make as much as $129,000.
Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA)
Among all nursing specialties, nurse anesthetist consistently ranks as the highest-paying. CRNAs administer nerve blocks, epidurals, and general anesthesia to patients. The majority of CRNAs work in hospitals, outpatient clinics, and freestanding surgical centers.
What extra certifications do you need?
Currently, becoming a CRNA requires a master’s degree focusing on anesthesia, followed by certification by the National Board of Certification and Recertification for Nurse Anesthetists.
Earning potential
Nationwide, Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist is one of the highest paying nursing jobs. The mean salary is $183,580, but depending on location, experience, and other factors, compensation may be as much as $189,190.
Following Your Dream is a Credential Away
Nursing is one of the most exciting parts of the healthcare landscape, with diverse possibilities and the potential for a satisfying career and a solid income. Earning an advanced credential can allow you to narrow your focus and specialize on the aspects of nursing, or the patient population, that most move you. And Scrubs & Beyond will be right there with you as you step out into your new specialty.
Read More: The 9 Best Nursing Certifications for Career Advancement
