The 35 Best Specialty Career Choices For Nurses

Every nursing specialty asks for different training, skills, and clinical duties, and some pay far more and grow faster than others. Use this list to compare 35 specialties on job duties, qualifications, salary, and outlook so you can pick the path that fits your goals. Job-growth figures come from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS); salary figures are the cited aggregator averages as of September 2025 unless noted.

The 35 Specialties

The roles below are ordered roughly by projected job growth and average salary. Advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) roles sit at the top because they require graduate education and carry the highest pay.

1 | Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA)

CRNAs are the highest-paid APRNs. They administer anesthesia for surgery, run physical assessments, and monitor patients receiving or recovering from anesthesia.

• How to become: A doctorate of nursing practice (DNP) from an accredited program with a nurse anesthetist concentration, at least two years of critical care experience, and a passing score on the CRNA national certification exam.
• BLS projected growth: 9% among nurse anesthetists, 2024-2034.
• Average salary: $193,000 (Payscale).

2 | Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner (AGNP)

AGNPs treat older patients and the conditions common to them across hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, and home health. AGNP is the second most popular NP credential after the FNP.

• How to become: A valid RN license, an MSN, and national NP certification in adult-gerontology primary or acute care.
• BLS projected growth: 40% among nurse practitioners (NPs), 2024-2034.
• Average salary: $110,000 (Payscale).

3 | Certified Nurse-Midwife (CNM)

CNMs provide prenatal, delivery, and postnatal care and monitor newborns. Demand keeps rising as more patients choose natural childbirth and birthing centers.

• How to become: A graduate degree from an accredited midwifery program and certification from the American Midwifery Certification Board. A DNP can improve career and salary prospects.
• BLS projected growth: 11% among nurse-midwives, 2024-2034.
• Average salary: $109,995 (Payscale).

4 | Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)

FNPs care for patients across the lifespan. Nearly 70% of NPs specialize in family nursing, making it the most common NP track.

• How to become: An RN license, a graduate nursing degree, and a passing score on the FNP national board exam.
• BLS projected growth: 40% among NPs, 2024-2034.
• Average salary: $108,133 (Payscale).

5 | Women's Health Nurse Practitioner (WHNP)

WHNPs provide primary, reproductive, obstetric, and gynecologic care for women of all ages.

• How to become: An RN license, a graduate degree from a program with WHNP training, and specialty certification.
• BLS projected growth: 40% among NPs, 2024-2034.
• Average salary: $106,280 (Payscale).

6 | Chief Nursing Officer (CNO)

CNOs sit at the top of the nursing organization. They run daily operations, supervise and evaluate nursing staff, manage budgets, and drive new technology and practice changes.

• How to become: An RN license and a graduate degree in nursing, health administration, or business. Some CNOs hold an MSN/MHA dual degree.
• BLS projected growth: 23% among medical and health services managers, 2024-2034.
• Average salary: $149,791 (Payscale).

7 | Nurse Administrator

Nurse administrators handle management and human resources inside medical facilities, including recruiting, training, and the business side of care delivery.

• How to become: An undergraduate degree in nursing, health administration, public health, or social services. Many employers require a master's in healthcare administration or a related field.
• BLS projected growth: 23% among medical and health services managers, 2024-2034.
• Average salary: $96,538 (Payscale).

8 | Nurse Attorney

Nurse attorneys bring clinical knowledge most lawyers lack, which keeps them in demand at hospital legal departments and litigation firms.

• How to become: A BSN and RN license, three years of law school, and a passing bar exam score.
• BLS projected growth: 4% among attorneys, 2024-2034.
• Average salary: $98,330 (ZipRecruiter).

9 | Nurse Educator

Nurse educators design and deliver education programs in schools, colleges, and universities. They are in high demand because the faculty shortage drives the broader nursing shortage.

• How to become: An RN license and an MSN or DNP with a nursing education concentration. Many academic posts prefer doctoral training, sometimes a research-focused Ph.D.
• BLS projected growth: 7% among postsecondary teachers, 2024-2034.
• Average salary: $87,172 (Payscale).

10 | Pain Management Nurse

Pain management nurses assess pain, deliver treatment, and help patients and families cope with chronic pain, including non-pharmaceutical approaches.

• How to become: An RN license, an ADN or BSN, and at least two years of RN experience in pain management. Board certification is optional.
• BLS projected growth: 5% among RNs, 2024-2034.
• Average salary: $94,984 (Salary.com).

11 | Neonatal Nurse

Neonatal nurses care for premature and newborn infants and older infants with chronic complications.

• How to become: An ADN or BSN and an RN license. The critical care RN-neonatal certification is optional but can broaden opportunities.
• BLS projected growth: 5% among RNs, 2024-2034.
• Average salary: $127,391 (ZipRecruiter).

12 | Nurse Researcher

Nurse researchers analyze data and publish findings to improve medical and healthcare services.

• How to become: A BSN qualifies, but an MSN or higher improves your odds of landing the role.
• BLS projected growth: 5% among RNs, 2024-2034.
• Average salary: $113,102 (ZipRecruiter).

13 | Pediatric Endocrinology Nurse

These nurses care for children and adolescents with endocrine disorders such as type 1 diabetes, thyroid disease, and hormonal imbalances. Demand tracks rising rates of diabetes and other metabolic and autoimmune disorders in youth.

• How to become: An ADN or BSN to enter; an MSN opens better-paid pediatric endocrinology NP roles.
• BLS projected growth: 5% among RNs, 2024-2034.
• Average salary: $76,348 (ZipRecruiter).

14 | Legal Nurse Consultant (LNC)

LNCs work in law firms, healthcare organizations, insurers, and corporate legal departments, conducting research, giving expert testimony, and reviewing medical records.

• How to become: An ADN or BSN and RN license. The legal nurse consultant certified credential is optional and requires five years of RN practice.
• BLS projected growth: 5% among RNs, 2024-2034.
• Average salary: $90,493 (Payscale).

15 | Telehealth Nurse

Telehealth nurses provide care and monitor patients remotely by phone, video, or chat under physician or NP supervision. The role expanded during the pandemic and keeps growing with virtual care.

• How to become: An ADN or BSN and a passing NCLEX-RN score. An ambulatory care certification can broaden options.
• BLS projected growth: 5% among RNs, 2024-2034.
• Average salary: $91,375 (Payscale).

16 | Informatics Nurse

Informatics nurses turn healthcare data into usable insight for clinicians and patients and train staff on new applications.

• How to become: At least a BSN; many employers want an MSN in health informatics, quality management, or healthcare management.
• BLS projected growth: 5% among RNs, 2024-2034.
• Average salary: $85,161 (Payscale).

17 | Critical Care Nurse

Critical care nurses manage life-threatening illness and injury in fast-paced settings like ICUs and cardiac units.

• How to become: An ADN or BSN and a passing NCLEX-RN score. Certifications in critical care, cardiac medicine, or teleICU open more options.
• BLS projected growth: 5% among RNs, 2024-2034.
• Average salary: $99,240 (Payscale).

18 | Oncology Nurse

Oncology nurses care for cancer patients in clinics, homes, and hospitals, administering chemotherapy and other treatments.

• How to become: A BSN and several years of nursing experience, followed by oncology certification.
• BLS projected growth: 5% among RNs, 2024-2034.
• Average salary: $85,936 (Payscale).

19 | Travel Nurse

Travel nurses take temporary assignments to fill vacancies nationwide. Shortages in some regions and specialties have pushed pay well above many permanent positions.

• How to become: An RN license with at least an ADN; some assignments require a BSN or graduate degree plus certifications.
• BLS projected growth: 5% among RNs, 2024-2034.
• Average salary: $92,366 (Payscale).

20 | Dialysis Nurse

Dialysis nurses, also called nephrology nurses, care for patients with kidney disease, run dialysis machines, and teach patients and families to manage their conditions. An aging population is driving growth.

• How to become: An ADN or BSN and RN license. The certified dialysis nurse or certified nephrology nurse credentials are optional.
• BLS projected growth: 5% among RNs, 2024-2034.
• Average salary: $82,839 (Payscale).

21 | Infection Control Nurse

Infection control nurses cut transmission through education and evidence-based practice while earning above-average RN pay.

• How to become: An ADN or BSN and RN license. The entry-level associate infection prevention and control certificate needs no prerequisites; the full certification in infection prevention and control requires two years of experience.
• BLS projected growth: 5% among RNs, 2024-2034.
• Average salary: $82,281 (Payscale).

22 | Nurse Case Manager

Nurse case managers build and monitor care plans alongside patients, families, physicians, and insurers. The role typically pays more and runs shorter shifts than direct-care nursing.

• How to become: An ADN or BSN and RN license. Nursing case management board certification requires two years of RN experience and 2,000 hours in case management.
• BLS projected growth: 5% among RNs, 2024-2034.
• Average salary: $82,398 (Payscale, September 2024).

23 | Cosmetic Nurse

Cosmetic nurses, also called aesthetic or plastic surgery nurses, handle noninvasive procedures like dermabrasion, botox injections, and chemical peels in outpatient settings, medical spas, and physician offices.

• How to become: An ADN or BSN and a passing NCLEX-RN score. Aesthetic and plastic surgical nurse certifications are optional but boost prospects.
• BLS projected growth: 5% among RNs, 2024-2034.
• Average salary: $80,321 (ZipRecruiter).

24 | Military Nurse

Military nurses care for service members and their families in military facilities and combat zones. The work is demanding, but benefits include loan repayment and signon bonuses.

• How to become: A BSN and RN license, enlistment in a branch of the Armed Forces, and the officer basic leadership course.
• BLS projected growth: 5% among RNs, 2024-2034.
• Average salary: $80,321 (ZipRecruiter).

25 | Geriatric Nurse

Geriatric nurses work with elderly patients in nursing homes and hospitals, managing conditions like dementia, arthritis, and heart and lung disease.

• How to become: A BSN, RN license, and experience with elderly patients.
• BLS projected growth: 5% among RNs, 2024-2034.
• Average salary: $77,951 (Payscale).

26 | Psychiatric or Mental Health Nurse

Psychiatric nurses care for patients with mental health and behavioral conditions, working alongside social workers, therapists, and psychiatrists.

• How to become: An ADN or BSN and an RN license.
• BLS projected growth: 5% among RNs, 2024-2034.
• Average salary: $79,833 (Payscale).

27 | Nurse Advocate

Nurse advocates help patients and families understand and navigate the healthcare system, including conditions, treatment options, costs, and insurance.

• How to become: An ADN or BSN and RN license. The board certified patient advocate credential or a patient advocacy training program expands prospects.
• BLS projected growth: 5% among RNs, 2024-2034.
• Average salary: $72,155 (Payscale).

28 | Orthopedic Nurse

Orthopedic nurses treat musculoskeletal conditions affecting bones, joints, muscles, tendons, ligaments, and nerves. An aging population keeps demand growing.

• How to become: An ADN or BSN and RN license. Orthopedic nurse certification requires two years of experience and 1,000 hours of orthopedic nursing.
• BLS projected growth: 5% among RNs, 2024-2034.
• Average salary: $74,492 (Payscale).

29 | Home Healthcare Nurse

Home healthcare nurses deliver treatment and medications, monitor vital signs, and run tests in patients' homes. The role offers flexible schedules and close patient relationships.

• How to become: An ADN or BSN and a passing NCLEX-RN score.
• BLS projected growth: 5% among RNs, 2024-2034.
• Average salary: $73,461 (Payscale).

30 | Public Health Nurse

Public health nurses serve whole populations, focusing on prevention and patient education.

• How to become: A BSN, RN license, and nursing experience. Some hold an MSN.
• BLS projected growth: 5% among RNs, 2024-2034.
• Average salary: $74,427 (Payscale).

31 | Medical-Surgical Nurse

Medical-surgical nurses care for patients before, during, and after surgery. Rising surgical volume and retiring experienced RNs keep demand strong.

• How to become: An RN license, two years of experience, and 2,000 hours in a surgical facility before the credential exam.
• BLS projected growth: 5% among RNs, 2024-2034.
• Average salary: $77,993 (Payscale).

32 | Certified Lactation Counselor Nurse

These nurses coach and support parents through lactation and breastfeeding challenges.

• How to become: A nursing degree is not required for CLC certification, but only RNs with a nursing degree can earn breastfeeding counselor or international board-certified lactation consultant credentials.
• BLS projected growth: 5% among RNs, 2024-2034.
• Average salary: $74,000 (Payscale).

33 | Pediatric Nurse

Pediatric nurses care for patients from infancy through young adulthood, building long-term relationships with children and families.

• How to become: An ADN or BSN and a passing NCLEX-RN score. A BSN or graduate degree improves pay and prospects.
• BLS projected growth: 5% among RNs, 2024-2034.
• Average salary: $72,210 (Payscale).

34 | Forensic Nurse

Forensic nurses combine clinical and legal training to care for survivors of violence and advocate for them in the justice system.

• How to become: An RN license and an ADN or BSN. Employers often prefer sexual assault nurse examiner training or forensic nurse specialist certification.
• BLS projected growth: 5% among RNs, 2024-2034.
• Average salary: $65,466 (ZipRecruiter).

35 | School Nurse

School nurses provide direct care in public and private schools, colleges, and universities, managing health services, immunization records, and emergency response plans.

• How to become: An RN license and an ADN or BSN. Some states and districts require the national board school nurse certification.
• BLS projected growth: 5% among RNs, 2024-2034.
• Average salary: $51,532 (Payscale).