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4 Highest-Paying Nursing Careers That Change Lives

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Last Updated on February 15, 2025

There are so many reasons to become a nurse.

For starters, it’s an extremely rewarding career choice. Nurses help people who are sick or injured get well again, which we all want for ourselves and our loved ones. Not only do nurses help make people healthy again, but they also support them emotionally through the difficult process. As a nurse, you’re helping people in their most vulnerable moments, and that’s something you can’t put a price on.

Nursing is also an excellent way to earn a living. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, a registered nurse earns an average annual salary of $94,480—much higher than many other occupations in the country. This is more than double the national median wage of $45,760, making nursing one of the more lucrative healthcare careers without requiring an advanced degree.

Many different types of nurses specialize in different areas, such as pediatrics, geriatrics, and emergency medicine. Each type of nurse has its own requirements and qualifications that must be met before you can become one yourself.

Nursing is more than a career—it’s a calling. With high salaries, job security, and countless opportunities to make a difference, now is the perfect time to start your journey. Explore top nursing roles today #NursingCareersClick To Tweet

What This Article Covers

  • Why Nursing is a Rewarding Career: Explore the emotional and financial benefits of becoming a nurse, including job satisfaction and competitive salaries.
  • High Demand for Nurses: Learn about the increasing demand for nurses and nurse practitioners with job growth projections and salary insights.
  • Family Nurse Practitioners (FNP): Understand the role of Family Nurse Practitioners, including specialization options and education pathways.
  • Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS): Discover how Clinical Nurse Specialists provide expert care, influence best practices, and improve patient outcomes.
  • Registered Nurse (RN) Career Path: Learn about becoming a Registered Nurse, including responsibilities, job outlook, and salary expectations.
  • Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM): Learn about the role of Certified Nurse Midwives in maternity care, labor and delivery, and postpartum support.
  • Educational Pathways for Nurses: Compare different nursing education options, from bachelor’s and master’s programs to online certifications.
  • Future Opportunities in Nursing: Explore the evolving job market for nurses and how healthcare industry growth is creating new career prospects.
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02/22/2025 01:29 pm GMT

Family Nurse Practitioners

If you’re an aspiring nurse with your sights set on becoming a Family Nurse Practitioner, you’re in luck. There are many programs available to help you achieve your goals.

The first option is to pursue dual nurse practitioner programs online. These programs are designed to provide you with the training and education necessary to become a Family Nurse Practitioner. You can earn your MSN degree while completing the clinical hours required to become certified. The majority of these programs will require you to complete two or three years of study and clinical hours before earning your degree and certification.

Another option is to take a non-dual program that offers both MSN and FNP programs. These programs typically take longer than traditional colleges because they require students to earn their bachelor’s degree before pursuing their master’s degree as an RN or LPN/LVN student.

Family Nurse Practitioners can specialize in pediatrics, geriatrics, women’s health, and family planning. Some also become certified in one or more specialties, such as emergency medicine or critical care nursing.

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, demand for nurse practitioners will grow by 46% between 2023 and 2033, creating approximately 135,500 new job opportunities. This makes nurse practitioners one of the fastest-growing occupations in the United States

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02/22/2025 01:58 pm GMT

Clinical Nurse Specialist

Aspired nurses have many different career options. One of them is to become a clinical nurse specialist.

The Nursing World defines a clinical nurse as a specialist who provides diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing patient management. These nurses can also offer expertise and support to nurses caring for patients and assist in bringing practice changes throughout the organization. They can also ensure the utilization of best practices and evidence-based care to achieve the best possible patient outcomes.

According to AACN, CNs are registered nurses with advanced education and experience in specialized areas of nursing practice such as critical care, cardiology, or oncology. They receive additional training from their employers to become certified by the American Board of Nursing Specialties (ABNS) or other certifying bodies.

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02/22/2025 01:17 pm GMT

Registered Nurse

Becoming a registered nurse is one of the lucrative career options for an aspiring nurse.

A registered nurse has completed a nursing program and passed a certification exam. They are qualified to administer medications, provide direct patient care, and take vital signs. Registered nurses also perform administrative tasks such as maintaining medical records, billing insurance companies, and supervising other staff members. Registered nurses are responsible for the overall health of their patients and their families.

There are currently over 3.1 million registered nurses employed in the United States. With the growing demand for RNs, the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 6% growth rate through 2032, creating approximately 193,100 new job opportunities.

The median annual salary for registered nurses is $81,220, or $39.05 per hour. This salary can vary significantly depending on location, experience level, education, and specialty.

Certified Nurse Midwife

A Certified Nurse Midwife is a career option for an aspiring nurse who specializes in caring for women and their newborn babies during pregnancy, labor and delivery, and postpartum. These nurses also provide care after the birth of a child until the mother can resume normal activities.

Certified Nurse Midwives are advanced practice nurses who have earned a master’s degree in nursing and are licensed to practice midwifery. They specialize in providing maternity care and family planning services. Different entities like hospitals, clinics, private practices, or other settings are suitable for working with certified nurse midwives. 

Certified Nurse Midwives are the primary providers of prenatal care for women. They also provide care during labor and delivery and, for some, postpartum care for new mothers.

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02/22/2025 10:47 pm GMT

Summing Up

The demand for skilled nurses continues to rise, creating promising career opportunities in healthcare. Whether pursuing a role as a Family Nurse Practitioner, Clinical Nurse Specialist, Registered Nurse, or Certified Nurse Midwife, each path offers job security, competitive salaries, and the chance to make a meaningful impact. Aspiring nurses can benefit from high demand, career flexibility, and rewarding professional growth as the healthcare industry evolves. Now is the perfect time to take the next step toward a fulfilling nursing career.

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02/22/2025 01:29 pm GMT


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