If you have a lot of compassion for others and are interested in healthcare, then a career as a nurse may be right for you. Not only is nursing highly rewarding, but there are also many areas of specialization to choose from. You can pursue your unique interests and pursue a career that you absolutely love.
Specializations in nursing can also have a major impact on earning potential, and it’s a good idea for aspiring nurses to explore the various types of nurses and salary averages for each.
Factors Influencing Nursing Salaries
So, how much do nurses make, exactly? There are many factors that affect how much a nurse earns, including their level of education/experience, areas of specialization, location, employer type, and any additional certifications they may have. With that said, we’ll have to analyze and explore the different types of nurses and salary. For example, a nurse working in a major metropolitan area with a high cost of living will likely make more than a nurse with similar qualifications in a rural area with a lower cost of living.
Education and Experience: Building Blocks for Higher Pay
Nurses need a minimum of an associate degree in nursing (ADN) to practice in the field, but there is potential for higher pay as nurses gain more advanced degrees or certifications.
To note, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median pay for a licensed practical nurse (LPN) with an associate degree was $59,730 in 2023. Meanwhile, the median pay for a registered nurse (RN) with a bachelor’s degree was higher at $86,070 per year.
Geographic Location: Where You Work Matters
The location where you work can also affect your pay as a nurse. Some areas have a higher cost of living and, as a result, must pay nurses a higher living wage. The highest-paying states for nurses are:
- California
- Hawaii
- Oregon
- Alaska
- Washington
- New York
- Washington, DC
Choosing Your Specialty
There are many areas of specialization in the nursing field, and they all pay differently. Some specializations, such as critical care and anesthesiology, require a great deal of additional education and training. As a result, these nurses may earn more than nurses in less specialized areas of healthcare.
Types of Nurses and Their Average Salaries
When considering the question of how much do nurses make and different types of nurses and salary, these different types of nurses can also bring in different salaries. Some of the most common types of nurses and their average salary information, based on 2023 BLS data, are broken down below:
- LPN/VPN – $59,730 per year
- Registered Nurse (RN) – $86,070 per year
- Nurse Practitioner (NP) – $126,260 per year
- Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNA) – $212,650 per year
- Nurse Midwife – $129,650 per year
Registered Nurses (RNs): The Backbone of Healthcare
Registered nurses (RNs) are nursing professionals who provide hands-on care across a wide range of healthcare settings. These professionals have completed a degree in nursing and have passed their RN certification exams.
RNs work across a wide range of settings, including:
- Hospitals
- Clinics
- Private practices
- Long-term care facilities
The specific setting where an RN works may also affect their opportunities for career advancement and, as a result, their pay.
Labor and Delivery Nurse
Labor and delivery nurses play a critical role in assisting women during childbirth, as well as providing postpartum care and educating new mothers.
Salary and Career Outlook for Labor and Delivery Nurses
The average salary for a labor and delivery nurse was $81,400 as of May 28, 2024. However, having additional certifications, such as a certificate in obstetric and neonatal quality and safety, could increase earning potential and complete additional training.
Because there will always be a need for skilled and compassionate labor and delivery nurses, this can be an excellent career path for those who enjoy working with mothers to bring the next generations into the world.
Pediatric Nurse
Pediatric nurses, on the other hand, work specifically with children to provide compassionate healthcare. These professionals may work in a wide range of settings, such as hospitals, pediatricians’ offices, and even schools.
Salary and Job Outlook for Pediatric Nurses
The average salary for a pediatric nurse is $67,500 per year, though many factors can affect pay. For example, pediatric nurses are likely to learn more in urban areas than in remote areas. Likewise, pay can vary drastically based on education and certification. For instance, becoming a certified pediatric nurse (CPN) is a great way to increase earning potential in this area of expertise.
Neonatal ICU Nurse
Neonatal ICU (NICU) nurses provide specialized care to critically ill newborns, which can make this a very challenging yet rewarding role that requires a great deal of specialized skill and compassion.
Salary and Outlook for Neonatal ICU Nurses
The average salary for a NICU nurse nationwide is $75,352 per year, but pay can be affected by several factors. The most influential factors are education and certification, as NICU nurses who have become board-certified as Critical Care Neonatal Nurses (CCRNs) may earn more. Regardless of pay, the demand for NICU nurses is likely to remain strong as there is an ongoing need for professionals in neonatal care.
Oncology Nurse
Oncology nurses are responsible for providing care to cancer patients throughout various stages of their treatment journeys. Nurses in this line of work need to have a great deal of specialized education and training, as well as a compassionate and empathetic heart.
Salary and Job Outlook for Oncology Nurses
The demand for oncology nurses is expected to rise as rates of cancer continue to increase. The average salary for an oncology nurse in the United States is $86,070 Per year, similar to the pay range of the general RN career, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). However, additional certifications, such as those in pediatric hematology, could increase earning potential.
Emergency Room Nurse
Emergency room nurses need to be calm and cool under pressure, especially in the demanding and fast-paced environment of the emergency room. These nurses play a critical role in triaging and treating patients suffering from a wide range of medical ailments and injuries.
Career Outlook and Salary for Emergency Room Nurses
According to the CDC, emergency rooms see more than 139 million patients across the United States each year. This, combined with the need for emergency rooms to provide 24/7 care, has resulted in an increased demand for experienced and knowledgeable ER nurses.
ER nurses earn an average of $51,920 per year in the United States per BLS data, though ER nurses in highly populated areas and busy hospitals can earn much more.
ICU Nurse
Intensive care unit (ICU) nurses treat patients with severe or life-threatening illnesses and injuries. That said, this role requires advanced skills and knowledge to ensure careful monitoring of patients, administering of medications, and collaboration with other healthcare professionals.
Salary and Job Outlook
ICU nurses, who fall under the general RN career on the BLS website, make an average of $86,070 per year in the United States, but additional education and certifications can increase earning potential. Specifically, getting certified by the American Association of Critical Care Nurses or earning an advanced degree, such as a Master of Science in Nursing, can result in higher pay for ICU nurses.
Surgical Registered Nurse
Surgical RNs are responsible for assisting surgeons during operations, providing pre- and post-operative care, and ensuring patient safety in the operating room. This role can involve a lot of stress due to the high-stakes nature of surgery, but it can also be a very rewarding job for those who want to make a difference in patients’ lives.
Career Outlook and Salary Expectations
The aging population, combined with the increasing number of surgical procedures being performed, means the demand for surgical RNs will likely continue to rise in the coming years. Surgical RNs make an average of $107,148 as of May 28, 2024. Additional certifications, such as that of Certified Perioperative Nurse (CNOR) or Certified Ambulatory Surgery Nurse (CNAMB), can increase earning potential, as can obtaining a master’s degree in nursing.
Trauma Nurse
Trauma nurses are responsible for providing immediate and specialized care to patients with traumatic injuries. In this fast-paced and high-pressure environment, trauma nurses must possess strong critical-thinking and decision-making skills.
Career Outlook and Potential Salary
The average salary for a trauma nurse in the United States is $93,087 per year in the U.S. However, pursuing additional certifications, such as a Trauma Certified Registered Nurse or Basic Life Support Certification, could increase earning potential.
Post-Anesthesia Care Nurse
Post-anesthesia care (PACU) nurses play an important role in monitoring patients recovering from surgery or anesthesia. These nurses must be highly experienced in pain management and patient assessment while ensuring a smooth transition to the next stage of care.
Career Outlook and Salary Expectations
The average annual salary for a PACU nurse in the United States is $96,760 as of May 28, 2024. PACU nurses with additional certifications, such as Certified Post-Anesthesia Nurse or Certified Ambulatory Perianesthesia Nurse, may have higher earning potential, as may those who pursue an advanced degree.
Maximizing Your Nursing Salary
No matter which nursing specialty you decide to pursue, there are some practical steps all nurses can take to optimize their nursing salary.
Certifications: Investing in Your Expertise
Ultimately, having as many certifications and designations on your resume as possible is the best way to maximize your earning potential. Nursing certifications are a great way to demonstrate expertise and skill in a specialized area of nursing, with some of the most sought-after certifications including:
- Basic Life Support (BLS)
- Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS)
- Wound Care Certification
- Nursing Informatics Certification
Negotiation Skills: Advocate for Your Worth
In addition to pursuing additional certifications and designations, nurses should also be prepared to effectively negotiate their salaries. This means taking the time to research industry standards, highlight their unique qualifications, and their unique value in what they bring to the table.
The Future of Nursing Salaries
As the demand for nurses continues to increase across the United States, it is likely that salaries will rise as well. The job outlook for registered nurses alone, for instance, is projected to increase 6 percent between 2022 and 2032.
Expand Your Nursing Knowledge at Nevada State University
As you can see, the earnings of a nurse can vary greatly based on their area of specialty, their level of education/experience, certifications, and many other factors. Still, this should give you a better feel for what you might expect to make in different areas of nursing, as well as how to advocate for your own worth as a nursing professional.
Still looking for the right nursing program to propel your career forward? Nevada State University is proud to offer an RN to BSN online program that supports you in your pursuit of a rewarding career in nursing. We also have both full-time and part-time tracks available, so you can align your academic schedule and timeline with your needs.
Learn more about our online RN to BSN program today by reaching out, or get started with your online application!