Different kinds of nurses practice medicine in a range of specialties and at different levels of education. The salary range you’ll earn as a nurse depends upon your degree, certifications, location, years of experience, and type of nursing you plan to practice.Some entry-level nursing careers require no degree, while most require an associate’s degree, bachelor’s, master’s degree in nursing, or other advanced degree. Doctorate-level degrees are available for nurses andnurse practitioners.This article presents information about 12 types of nursing careers. It discusses the training involved, the focus of the work, the typical salary range, and other features about nursing types.
Different kinds of nurses practice medicine in a range of specialties and at different levels of education. The salary range you’ll earn as a nurse depends upon your degree, certifications, location, years of experience, and type of nursing you plan to practice.
Some entry-level nursing careers require no degree, while most require an associate’s degree, bachelor’s, master’s degree in nursing, or other advanced degree. Doctorate-level degrees are available for nurses andnurse practitioners.
This article presents information about 12 types of nursing careers. It discusses the training involved, the focus of the work, the typical salary range, and other features about nursing types.
Licensed Vocational or Practical NurseImage Source/Digital Vision/Getty ImagesAverage salary:$59,730 annuallyLicensed vocational nurses (LVN) and licensed practical nurses (LPN) are some of the lowest-paid nursing roles, but that is due to the fact that the educational requirements are less than most other types of nurses.Practicing as an LVN/LPN does not require a college degree, and some jobs only require minimal training and education. The nursing education source Nurse.com found in its 2022 survey of nurses found that 49% of LVN/LPNs planned to pursue a degree, and 47% planned to seek additional training to advance.
Licensed Vocational or Practical Nurse
Image Source/Digital Vision/Getty Images
Average salary:$59,730 annually
Licensed vocational nurses (LVN) and licensed practical nurses (LPN) are some of the lowest-paid nursing roles, but that is due to the fact that the educational requirements are less than most other types of nurses.
Practicing as an LVN/LPN does not require a college degree, and some jobs only require minimal training and education. The nursing education source Nurse.com found in its 2022 survey of nurses found that 49% of LVN/LPNs planned to pursue a degree, and 47% planned to seek additional training to advance.
Registered NurseImage courtesy of hero images/getty imagesAverage salary:$86,070 annuallyRegistered nurses (RN) are a large part of the nurse workforce. RNs practice in a variety of specialties and work environments. RNs must have at least an associate’s degree in nursing, and many RNs have a bachelor’s degree.Additionally, many RNs go on to obtain advanced nursing degrees, at which point they earn more money and get promoted to advanced nursing positions with more clinical authority. In 2024, a third of RNs said they plan to pursue a bachelor’s (BSN) or master’s degree (MSN) in nursing.
Registered Nurse
Image courtesy of hero images/getty images
Average salary:$86,070 annually
Registered nurses (RN) are a large part of the nurse workforce. RNs practice in a variety of specialties and work environments. RNs must have at least an associate’s degree in nursing, and many RNs have a bachelor’s degree.
Additionally, many RNs go on to obtain advanced nursing degrees, at which point they earn more money and get promoted to advanced nursing positions with more clinical authority. In 2024, a third of RNs said they plan to pursue a bachelor’s (BSN) or master’s degree (MSN) in nursing.
Clinical Nurse SpecialistJose Luis Pelaez Inc / Getty ImagesSalary range: $100,392 average annuallyClinical nurse specialists (CNS) hold at least a master’s degree in nursing with a CNS track in one of several medical specialties, such as geriatrics or cardiology. They accounted for 6% of all advanced practice registered nurses (APRN) in the 2024 Nurse Salary Research Report from Nurse.com.Due to their higher level of education and scope of practice, clinical nurse specialists earn more than RNs and many other types of nurses. Precise incomes vary based on specialty, such as intensive care or oncology.
Clinical Nurse Specialist
Jose Luis Pelaez Inc / Getty Images
Salary range: $100,392 average annually
Clinical nurse specialists (CNS) hold at least a master’s degree in nursing with a CNS track in one of several medical specialties, such as geriatrics or cardiology. They accounted for 6% of all advanced practice registered nurses (APRN) in the 2024 Nurse Salary Research Report from Nurse.com.
Due to their higher level of education and scope of practice, clinical nurse specialists earn more than RNs and many other types of nurses. Precise incomes vary based on specialty, such as intensive care or oncology.
Nurse Practitioner
Hero Images / DigitalVision / Getty Images
Average salary:$128,490 annually
Nurse practitioners (NP) hold a master’s degree from an accredited nurse practitioner program and are considered advanced practice nurses. In fact, many states allow NPs to practice independently of physicians and even prescribe medications.
Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist
Anesthesia & Surgery.Photo: © Andrew Olney/Getty Images
Average salary:$212,650 annually
Certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs) administer anesthesia to block pain during surgery or surgical procedures in hospitals, outpatient surgery centers, or dental offices. The top 10% of CRNAs earn $239,200 or more annually.
CRNAs are RNs who then go on to earn a master’s degree in an accredited nurse anesthetist training program. CRNAs typically must be on call for emergency surgeries and may have to work long hours.
Nurse MidwifeWestend61 / Getty ImagesAverage salary:$129,650 annuallyNurse midwives are nurses who have special training inobstetrics, specifically in childbirth. Nurse midwives care for people who are pregnant and assist them during and after the delivery.Most nurse midwives work with a practice office, hospital, or outpatient care center. Salaries vary based on location as well as the setting.
Nurse Midwife
Westend61 / Getty Images
Average salary:$129,650 annually
Nurse midwives are nurses who have special training inobstetrics, specifically in childbirth. Nurse midwives care for people who are pregnant and assist them during and after the delivery.
Most nurse midwives work with a practice office, hospital, or outpatient care center. Salaries vary based on location as well as the setting.
Nurse EducatorAverage salary:$49,120 to $130,320 annuallyNurse educators teach future nurses how to be nurses, typically in the college and university setting. There’s a wide salary range for this role due to the fact that nurse educators’ jobs are also varied. The U.S. average is $80,780 in 2024.Some teach part-time, others full-time. Some nurse educators teach online, others teach on-site. Most nurse educators have master’s degrees, but some opportunities may be available to those with bachelor’s degrees.
Nurse Educator
Average salary:$49,120 to $130,320 annually
Nurse educators teach future nurses how to be nurses, typically in the college and university setting. There’s a wide salary range for this role due to the fact that nurse educators’ jobs are also varied. The U.S. average is $80,780 in 2024.
Some teach part-time, others full-time. Some nurse educators teach online, others teach on-site. Most nurse educators have master’s degrees, but some opportunities may be available to those with bachelor’s degrees.
Oncology NurseFatCamera / Getty ImagesAverage salary:$85,826 annuallyAn oncology nurse specializes in the care of people diagnosed with cancer. They administer medication, and support patients during radiation and surgery. They also may focus on a specific type of cancer, or an adjacent field likegenetic counseling.The level of experience and education may vary, with oncology nurse practitioners holding the highest salaries.
Oncology Nurse
FatCamera / Getty Images
Average salary:$85,826 annually
An oncology nurse specializes in the care of people diagnosed with cancer. They administer medication, and support patients during radiation and surgery. They also may focus on a specific type of cancer, or an adjacent field likegenetic counseling.
The level of experience and education may vary, with oncology nurse practitioners holding the highest salaries.
Geriatric NurseGetty ImagesAverage salary:$78,400 annuallyOlder adults and aging populations are the focus of geriatric nursing care. This can mean caring for people with a range of medical diagnoses, fromAlzheimer’s diseasetochronic kidney diseaseor heart and lung problems.Geriatric nurses begin their careers with either associate or BSN degrees, with many achieving gerontological nursing certification. The requirements include 2,000 hours of experience and an active RN license.
Geriatric Nurse
Getty Images
Average salary:$78,400 annually
Older adults and aging populations are the focus of geriatric nursing care. This can mean caring for people with a range of medical diagnoses, fromAlzheimer’s diseasetochronic kidney diseaseor heart and lung problems.
Geriatric nurses begin their careers with either associate or BSN degrees, with many achieving gerontological nursing certification. The requirements include 2,000 hours of experience and an active RN license.
Emergency Room NurseSDI Productions / Getty ImagesAverage salary:$78,732 annuallyEmergency room (ER) nurses are registered nurses providing emergency care, often with critical care nurse and trauma nurse designations. They practice nursing in a wide range of duties, triaging patients and stabilizing people before they are transferred to surgery or other settings.An ER nurse typically advances their career with certification that covers cardiac (heart) care, trauma wound care, and other emergencies.The salary for an ER nurse varies based on education, experience, and location, with a range from $70,624 to $87,663 in 2024.
Emergency Room Nurse
SDI Productions / Getty Images
Average salary:$78,732 annually
Emergency room (ER) nurses are registered nurses providing emergency care, often with critical care nurse and trauma nurse designations. They practice nursing in a wide range of duties, triaging patients and stabilizing people before they are transferred to surgery or other settings.
An ER nurse typically advances their career with certification that covers cardiac (heart) care, trauma wound care, and other emergencies.The salary for an ER nurse varies based on education, experience, and location, with a range from $70,624 to $87,663 in 2024.
Travel NurseTravel + Leisure / Jhett ThompsonAverage salary:$118,400 annuallyTravel nursingis a popular choice for nurses with the lifestyle flexibility to change locations from one contract to another, while they help to meet staffing demands at healthcare facilities. Travel nursing often is facilitated through agencies and online platforms that match your nursing expertise, education, and interests to potential employers.The job duties and expected salary will vary depending on the types of positions involved. Keep in mind that housing stipends and other compensation also are part of many travel nurse packages. In 2023, the range was $131,252 annually for people working in New York to $83,705 in North Carolina.
Travel Nurse
Travel + Leisure / Jhett Thompson
Average salary:$118,400 annually
Travel nursingis a popular choice for nurses with the lifestyle flexibility to change locations from one contract to another, while they help to meet staffing demands at healthcare facilities. Travel nursing often is facilitated through agencies and online platforms that match your nursing expertise, education, and interests to potential employers.
The job duties and expected salary will vary depending on the types of positions involved. Keep in mind that housing stipends and other compensation also are part of many travel nurse packages. In 2023, the range was $131,252 annually for people working in New York to $83,705 in North Carolina.
Cardiac Nurse
Verywell Health / Jessica Juliao
Average salary:$86,957 annually
Summary
The nursing profession offers a wide range of opportunities and areas of specialty. People can begin their careers while pursuing advanced education, becoming a nurse practitioner, anesthesia specialist, or nursing educator as they progress.
16 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Bureau of Labor Statistics.Occupational Outlook Handbook: Licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses.Nurse.com.2024 Nurse salary and work-life report.PayScale.Average clinical nurse specialist (CNS) salary.Bureau of Labor Statistics.Occupational employment and wages, May 2023: 29-1171 nurse practitioners.Medical Group Management Association.Provider Compensation DataReport 2023.Bureau of Labor Statistics.Occupational employment and wages, May 2023: 29-1151 nurse anesthetists.Nurse.org.15 Highest paying nursing jobs in 2024.Bureau of Labor Statistics.Occupational employment and wages, May 2023: 29-1161 nurse midwives.Bureau of Labor Statistics.Occupational employment and wages, May 2023: 25-1072 nursing instructors and teachers, postsecondary.Salary.com.Oncology clinical nurse specialist salary.Salary.com.Registered nurse (RN), geriatric salary in the United States.Nurse.org.4 Steps to becoming a geriatric nurse.Salary.com.Emergency room nurse salary in the United States.Nurse.org.How to become an emergency room (ER) nurse.TravelNursing.org.Travel Nurse Salary Guide 2023.U.S. Department of Labor.U.S. Department of Labor announces $80M funding opportunity to help train, expand, diversify nursing workforce, address shortage of nurses.
16 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Bureau of Labor Statistics.Occupational Outlook Handbook: Licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses.Nurse.com.2024 Nurse salary and work-life report.PayScale.Average clinical nurse specialist (CNS) salary.Bureau of Labor Statistics.Occupational employment and wages, May 2023: 29-1171 nurse practitioners.Medical Group Management Association.Provider Compensation DataReport 2023.Bureau of Labor Statistics.Occupational employment and wages, May 2023: 29-1151 nurse anesthetists.Nurse.org.15 Highest paying nursing jobs in 2024.Bureau of Labor Statistics.Occupational employment and wages, May 2023: 29-1161 nurse midwives.Bureau of Labor Statistics.Occupational employment and wages, May 2023: 25-1072 nursing instructors and teachers, postsecondary.Salary.com.Oncology clinical nurse specialist salary.Salary.com.Registered nurse (RN), geriatric salary in the United States.Nurse.org.4 Steps to becoming a geriatric nurse.Salary.com.Emergency room nurse salary in the United States.Nurse.org.How to become an emergency room (ER) nurse.TravelNursing.org.Travel Nurse Salary Guide 2023.U.S. Department of Labor.U.S. Department of Labor announces $80M funding opportunity to help train, expand, diversify nursing workforce, address shortage of nurses.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Bureau of Labor Statistics.Occupational Outlook Handbook: Licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses.Nurse.com.2024 Nurse salary and work-life report.PayScale.Average clinical nurse specialist (CNS) salary.Bureau of Labor Statistics.Occupational employment and wages, May 2023: 29-1171 nurse practitioners.Medical Group Management Association.Provider Compensation DataReport 2023.Bureau of Labor Statistics.Occupational employment and wages, May 2023: 29-1151 nurse anesthetists.Nurse.org.15 Highest paying nursing jobs in 2024.Bureau of Labor Statistics.Occupational employment and wages, May 2023: 29-1161 nurse midwives.Bureau of Labor Statistics.Occupational employment and wages, May 2023: 25-1072 nursing instructors and teachers, postsecondary.Salary.com.Oncology clinical nurse specialist salary.Salary.com.Registered nurse (RN), geriatric salary in the United States.Nurse.org.4 Steps to becoming a geriatric nurse.Salary.com.Emergency room nurse salary in the United States.Nurse.org.How to become an emergency room (ER) nurse.TravelNursing.org.Travel Nurse Salary Guide 2023.U.S. Department of Labor.U.S. Department of Labor announces $80M funding opportunity to help train, expand, diversify nursing workforce, address shortage of nurses.
Bureau of Labor Statistics.Occupational Outlook Handbook: Licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses.
Nurse.com.2024 Nurse salary and work-life report.
PayScale.Average clinical nurse specialist (CNS) salary.
Bureau of Labor Statistics.Occupational employment and wages, May 2023: 29-1171 nurse practitioners.
Medical Group Management Association.Provider Compensation DataReport 2023.
Bureau of Labor Statistics.Occupational employment and wages, May 2023: 29-1151 nurse anesthetists.
Nurse.org.15 Highest paying nursing jobs in 2024.
Bureau of Labor Statistics.Occupational employment and wages, May 2023: 29-1161 nurse midwives.
Bureau of Labor Statistics.Occupational employment and wages, May 2023: 25-1072 nursing instructors and teachers, postsecondary.
Salary.com.Oncology clinical nurse specialist salary.
Salary.com.Registered nurse (RN), geriatric salary in the United States.
Nurse.org.4 Steps to becoming a geriatric nurse.
Salary.com.Emergency room nurse salary in the United States.
Nurse.org.How to become an emergency room (ER) nurse.
TravelNursing.org.Travel Nurse Salary Guide 2023.
U.S. Department of Labor.U.S. Department of Labor announces $80M funding opportunity to help train, expand, diversify nursing workforce, address shortage of nurses.
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