Best Nursing Jobs in 2026: High-Pay Specialties, Locations, and Demand Outlook
Registered nurses (RNs), nurse practitioners (NPs), advanced practice nurses like certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs), and nursing students or career changers looking for high pay, job stability, or better work-life balance will find the strongest opportunities in advanced specialties. Family NPs earn a median $123,460 (Salary.com via Nexford University), while CRNAs average $214,200 (Research.com 2024). Shortages in most states drive demand and signing bonuses. Flexible travel nursing spans all specialties, and remote roles in informatics offer top flexibility. California leads in RN employment with 325k RNs (historical Research.com 2023)--though this may not apply in surplus states like Wyoming without advanced credentials.
Highest-Paying Nursing Specialties for 2026
Advanced practice roles dominate the highest-paying nursing jobs in 2026. These positions often require master's (MSN) or doctoral degrees, with salaries reflecting expertise amid ongoing shortages. Family nurse practitioners top the list at a median $123,460 annually (range $101,000–$174,000, Salary.com via Nexford University), providing primary care across all age groups. Gerontological NPs follow at $111,760 average (Nexford University), driven by aging demographics.
CRNA educators lead with $214,200 average (Research.com 2024), training the next generation of anesthetists. Certified nurse midwives (CNMs) and NPs average $125,460, while clinical nurse specialists (CNS) earn $124,077 for improving care practices. Nurse administrators earn $98,780 overseeing operations, and informatics specialists hit $98,325 integrating technology (Research.com 2024). Keep in mind the variances: Nexford focuses on practitioner salaries, Research.com on broader roles (2024 data, potentially outdated). ER nursing sees high demand, with 98.5% of leaders reporting staffing gaps.
Without advanced degrees, stick to RN roles in high-need areas like ICU or perioperative--pursuing an MSN opens these doors but demands 2–4 years of study.
Prioritize CRNA or NP roles for maximum pay if you're qualified; RNs should target ER shortages.
Nursing Job Market Outlook and Shortage Hotspots in 2026
National RN shortages persist at 10% in 2026 (Nightingale College), projected to create over 3 million healthcare professional deficits. This drives overtime, bonuses, and gig work up 1400% post-pandemic (WorldHealth.net 2025). Nurses make up over 50% of the health workforce (BLS Occupational Outlook). Burnout affects 62% (WorldHealth.net 2025), pushing turnover rates higher.
Travel nursing revenue hit $39.4B in 2025 (down 6%, Prolink 2025--expected trends stable into 2026), with demand across specialties. Here's the contradiction: national gaps exist alongside local surpluses. Target shortage areas for better leverage, since surpluses mean less competition for jobs but lower pay pressure.
Best States for Nurses in 2026
Shortage states offer the best leverage; avoid surpluses like Wyoming (103% adequacy) and DC (74%). Alaska (46%), Vermont (38%), and Hawaii (33%) show the deepest gaps (Nightingale College).
Illinois (+9,370 RNs, 8%), Massachusetts (+7,790, 11%), and Utah (+6,010, 11%) show surpluses instead. California has high employment (325k RNs, historical Research.com 2023) and competitive pay (~$124k average, historical). Arizona suits gerontology due to its aging population (Trusted Talent, historical 2024).
Checklist: 1) Verify state adequacy via BLS; 2) Prioritize shortages for bonuses; 3) Factor cost of living--high-pay states like CA may offset expenses.
Travel Nursing and Remote Nursing Jobs: Flexibility with Pay
Travel nursing provides higher pay and perks in 2026, with demand in all specialties and 43 Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) jurisdictions easing multistate work (Advantis Medical 2025). The $39.4B market supports viability over permanent roles (Prolink 2025). Remote options like informatics or utilization review suit tech-savvy nurses and need high-speed internet (50+ Mbps) plus NLC (Remotejobassistant 2025).
| Aspect | Travel Nursing | Permanent | Remote Nursing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pay | Higher w/bonuses (Prolink 2025) | Stable baseline | Competitive, e.g., informatics $98k (Research.com 2024) |
| Stability | Lower, contract-based | High | High, home-based |
| Flexibility | High, choose locations | Low | Highest, no commute |
Travel suits adventurers; skip it if family ties limit mobility--permanent positions in shortage areas offer balance. Choose travel for pay and flexibility, permanent for stability.
Best Hospitals and Employers for Nurses in 2026
Top employers feature Magnet status, education tracks, benefits like 401k matching, and nurse input on staffing (NSHCOA 2024; Research.com 2025). WVU Hospitals exemplify shared governance. Unionized systems compete with generous perks.
Steps: 1) Check Magnet designation; 2) Review benefits via surveys; 3) Prioritize growth opportunities over salary alone.
Evidence Pack
| Specialty | Avg Salary (Source/Year) | Demand Notes (2026) | Requirements | Best Fit States |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Family NP | $123,460 median (Salary.com/Nexford) | High, shortage-driven | MSN | Shortage states (e.g., CA) |
| CRNA | $214,200 (BLS NPs/CRNAs) | Rural 80% providers (Apex 2025) | Doctoral | Travel/high-demand |
| Gerontological NP | $111,760 (Nexford) | Aging population | MSN | AZ (Trusted Talent, historical 2024) |
| Travel RN | Varies, high w/bonuses (Prolink 2025) | All specialties | Multistate license | 43 NLC jurisdictions |
| Informatics | $98,325 (Research.com 2024) | Remote viable | BSN+cert | Any (remote) |
Decision criteria: Score pay (40%), demand (30%), flexibility (20%), barriers (10%)--CRNA excels in pay but has high entry hurdles.
Steps to Land Your Best Nursing Job in 2026
- Update resume highlighting specialty experience.
- Obtain NLC multistate license for travel (Advantis 2025).
- Target shortage states via BLS/Nightingale tools.
- Pursue RN-to-BSN online (12 months, Nightingale College) or CE for advanced roles.
- Negotiate bonuses in applications.
Simpler path: Stay local in surplus states if advanced credentials aren't available.
FAQ
Which nursing specialty pays the most in 2026?
CRNA educators average ~$214,200 (BLS NPs/CRNAs), requiring doctoral training--but family NPs offer a strong $123,460 median with an MSN (Nexford/Salary.com).
Are there nursing shortages by state in 2026?
Yes, a national 10% RN gap exists (Nightingale College); surpluses in WY (103%) and DC (74%), while most states face deficits driving job growth.
What's the travel nursing outlook for 2026?
Continued demand across specialties in a $39.4B market (Prolink 2025), with easier multistate licensing in 43 areas (Advantis 2025).
Can nurses work remotely in 2026?
Yes, roles like informatics or utilization review work with NLC and reliable internet (Remotejobassistant 2025), avoiding bedside burnout (65% report it).
Best states for high nurse pay?
No direct 2026 ranks exist, but CA shows historical high employment and salary (~$124k, historical Research.com 2023); target shortages over surpluses like WY.
To apply this: Are you in a surplus state without an MSN? Do you prefer travel or remote? Can you upskill in 12 months?
Next steps: 1) Check your state's adequacy at Nightingale College. 2) Update your license and apply to 3 shortage-state jobs this week.