What are the most popular nursing jobs?
Specialized roles keep expanding, especially for registered nurses (RNs) and advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs), and they come with strong pay, good benefits, and clear paths to advance. Among the most popular:
- Family nurse practitioner
- Neonatal nurse
- Nurse midwife
- Geriatric nurse
- Acute care nurse
What are the most in-demand specialties?
The BLS projects nursing employment to outpace the average for all occupations. Employment for nurse practitioners, nurse anesthetists, and nurse midwives is projected to grow 35% from 2024 to 2034, much faster than average. These specialties are among the most sought after:
- Critical care nurse
- Certified nurse midwife
- Certified dialysis nurse
- Operating room nurse
- Nurse case manager
Which nursing career pays the most?
APRNs top the pay scale. Nurse anesthetists lead, with a median annual wage of $212,650 (BLS, May 2024). Other top-paying roles include:
- Certified nurse midwife
- Chief nursing officer
- Clinical nurse specialist
- Geriatric nurse practitioner
- ICU nurse
- Nursing director
- Nurse practitioner
- Psychiatric nurse practitioner
What are the levels in nursing?
Certified nursing assistants (CNAs) and licensed practical nurses (LPNs) work after completing training that doesn't lead to a degree. RNs earn an associate degree (ADN) or a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) and pass the NCLEX-RN. APRNs hold a master of science in nursing or a doctor of nursing practice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which nursing career pays the most? Advanced-practice roles top the scale. Nurse anesthetists lead with a median annual wage of $212,650 in May 2024 (Bureau of Labor Statistics), followed by other APRN roles like nurse practitioners and certified nurse midwives.
What are the most in-demand nursing specialties? Critical care, certified nurse midwifery, dialysis, operating room, and nurse case management are among the most sought after. Advanced-practice demand is especially strong, with BLS projecting 35% growth for nurse practitioners, nurse anesthetists, and nurse midwives from 2024 to 2034.
Do you need an advanced degree to specialize? It depends on the role. Many RN specialties build on an ADN or BSN plus certification, while APRN roles like nurse practitioner, nurse anesthetist, and clinical nurse specialist require a master of science in nursing or a doctor of nursing practice.
What are the levels of nursing from entry to advanced? CNAs and LPNs train without earning a degree, RNs hold an ADN or BSN and pass the NCLEX-RN, and APRNs hold a graduate degree. Each step opens higher pay and broader scope of practice.
Is specializing worth it financially? Usually. Specialty training and advanced degrees consistently raise earning power, with APRN median wages running well above the $93,600 median for registered nurses (BLS, May 2024), alongside strong projected demand.