Highest Paying Nursing Jobs in 2026: CRNA Tops the List at Over $200K
Nursing offers lucrative career paths, especially for those pursuing advanced specialties. In 2026, the highest-paying nursing jobs in the USA reward expertise with salaries often exceeding $150K annually. This article explores top specialties like Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) earning $214K+, Neonatal Nurse Practitioners at $155K, and more. We'll cover requirements, growth trends (NPs at +35% per BLS), DNP vs. MSN comparisons, rural vs. urban differences, and actionable steps for entry-level high-pay roles--even without experience. Whether you're an aspiring nurse, current RN, or student, find your path to financial success in nursing.
Quick Answer: The Best Paying Nursing Job in 2026
The undisputed highest-paying nursing job in 2026 is the Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA), with an average salary of $214,200 (BLS data, projected from 2024 figures). Locum tenens CRNAs can exceed $239K in high-demand areas like Illinois ($281K mean).
Here's the top 5 highest-paying nursing jobs for 2026, based on BLS, ZipRecruiter, and Medscape 2025 reports:
| Rank | Specialty | Avg. Salary 2026 Projection | Key Stats |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | CRNA | $214K+ ($180K-$239K range) | +6-10% growth; DNP required |
| 2 | Neonatal NP | $155K ($97K-$155K) | +35% NP growth (BLS 2024-2034) |
| 3 | Psychiatric NP (PMHNP) | $139K ($132K-$139K) | BLS median $132K; ZipRecruiter $139K |
| 4 | Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM) | $129K+ | BLS $129,650 avg. |
| 5 | Flight Nurse | $109K+ | $109,709 medevac avg. (2025 data) |
Key Takeaways Box:
- Top 3 Jobs: CRNA (#1 at $214K), Neonatal NP ($155K), PMHNP ($139K)
- Average salary across top roles: $150K+
- Job growth: NPs +35%, RNs +6% (BLS 2023-2033)
- DNP holders earn 20-30% more than MSN in leadership roles
Key Takeaways & Quick Summary
- #1 Spot: CRNA leads at $214K+, far ahead of other APRNs.
- DNP Boost: DNP grads earn 20-30% more (e.g., CNO $194K vs. MSN admin $96K; STU, UTulsa data).
- Location Matters: Urban salaries ($134K+ for NPs) > rural; top states: CA ($88K+ RN avg., higher for specialties), IL (CRNA $281K).
- Premium Pay: Travel/locum tenens add 20-50% (e.g., rural premiums); unions in CA/IL boost earnings.
- Growth Outlook: 35% for NPs, driven by shortages (BLS, AAMC projections).
Sources: BLS, Payscale, Medscape 2025 APRN Report, ZipRecruiter.
Top 10 Highest Paying Nursing Specialties in the USA for 2026
Here's a ranked list covering advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs), executives, and niche roles. Salaries are 2026 projections from BLS (May 2024 baselines), ZipRecruiter, Payscale. NPs see +35% growth; RNs +6%.
| Rank | Specialty | Salary Range (2026 Proj.) | Duties & Outlook |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | CRNA | $180K-$239K (Avg $214K) | Administer anesthesia; 10% growth |
| 2 | Nurse Executive (CNO) | $194K (median) | Leadership; BLS top execs |
| 3 | Neonatal NP | $97K-$155K | NICU care; +35% |
| 4 | PMHNP | $132K-$139K | Mental health; high demand |
| 5 | CNM | $129K | Midwifery; BLS $129K+ |
| 6 | Family NP (FNP) | $127K-$129K | Primary care; urban $134K+ |
| 7 | Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) | $94K (avg $94,545) | Consultation; steady growth |
| 8 | Flight Nurse | $109K+ | Air medevac; ICU experience key |
| 9 | Nursing Informatics | $102K-$174K (up to $211K) | Data/tech; Glassdoor |
| 10 | Nurse Researcher | $96K+ | Evidence-based research; MSN/DNP |
Mini Case: Sarah transitioned from ICU RN to flight nurse in 20 months via BSN + certs, boosting pay from $80K to $109K+.
Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) Salary & Outlook 2026
CRNAs dominate with $214,200 avg. (BLS). Locum tenens hit highest rates. Requires BSN + MSN/DNP + 2,500 clinical hours. DNP impact: Top 25% earn $194K+ (BLS). Illinois leads at $281K.
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) Salary Trends
$132K-$139K (BLS $132,050 median; ZipRecruiter $139,486). +35% growth amid mental health crisis. MSN entry; higher in urban areas.
Neonatal & Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Compensation
$97K-$155K (ZipRecruiter). Pediatric NPs similar at $127K+. Projections strong for 2026 due to shortages.
Other High-Payers: Certified Nurse Midwife, Clinical Nurse Specialist, Family NP
CNM: $129K (BLS). CNS: $94K. FNP: $127K-$129K (urban edge). Union states (CA) add 10-20%.
MSN vs DNP Salary Comparison: Which Degree Pays More?
DNP opens leadership doors with higher pay, but MSN offers faster entry.
| Degree | Avg. Salary Roles | Time to Complete | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MSN | $96K-$113K (Admin $96K, FNP $129K) | 16-28 months | Quicker, cheaper entry to NP | Limits exec roles |
| DNP | $129K+ (CNO $194K, advanced NP $129K+) | 1-3 years post-MSN | 20-30% pay boost, independence | Longer, costlier |
Pros DNP: Leadership, advanced cases (UTulsa). MSN Pros: Faster (STU). Payscale $96K vs. BLS $129K? Experience reconciles--DNP seniors earn more (Maryville).
ICU Nurse vs ER Nurse vs OR Nurse: Salary Breakdown
Bedside RNs avg. $88K (BSN), but specialties vary:
- ICU: $90K-$100K; travel $120K+ (2026 rates).
- ER: $85K-$95K; high-stress premiums.
- OR: $88K-$98K; per diem shifts highest ($60+/hr).
Travel/per diem 2026: +20-50% over staff RNs.
Rural vs Urban Nurse Salaries in 2026 + High-Pay States
Urban > Rural: NPs $134K urban vs. lower rural (VHA: rural RNs lower pay, higher turnover). Rural premiums for travel offset gaps.
| Setting | Avg. NP Salary | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Urban | $134K+ | CA, NY; higher COL |
| Rural | $100K-$120K | Premiums, lower turnover (VHA) |
Top states: CA ($88K+ RN, CRNA higher), IL ($281K CRNA). Unions boost 10%.
Highest Paying Nursing Jobs Without Experience + Entry Paths
New grads: Travel/per diem RN ($90K+ via BSN in 20 months). Checklist:
- Earn BSN (20 months).
- Pass NCLEX for RN license.
- Specialize (travel, per diem shifts).
No advanced degree needed initially.
How to Land a High-Paying Nursing Job: Step-by-Step Checklist
- Earn MSN/DNP (16-36 months; online options like STU).
- Certify (CRNA, PMHNP via exams).
- Target high-pay spots: CA/IL hospitals > clinics.
- Go travel/locum: +50% pay.
- Negotiate: Union tips, highlight experience.
Mini Case: RN to flight nurse in 20 months: ICU exp. + certs = $109K.
Hospital vs Clinic Nurse Manager Salaries + Non-Clinical Options
Hospital > Clinic: Managers $102K hospital vs. $96K clinic (Payscale). Non-bedside gems:
| Role | Salary | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nurse Exec | $194K | Leadership | No patient care |
| Informatics | $122K-$211K | Tech focus | Desk-based |
| Researcher | $96K+ | Innovation | Academia |
Hospital: 12-hr shifts; Clinic: 9-5, relationships.
FAQ
What is the highest paying nursing job without experience in 2026?
Travel/per diem RN ($90K+ post-BSN).
Nurse anesthetist salary 2026 vs other APRNs?
CRNA $214K >> Neonatal NP $155K, PMHNP $139K.
Psychiatric nurse practitioner salary trends USA?
$132K-$139K; +35% growth (BLS/ZipRecruiter).
DNP vs MSN: which leads to higher pay?
DNP (20-30% more in exec roles like $194K CNO).
Rural vs urban nurse salary differences 2026?
Urban $134K+ > rural ($100K-$120K w/ premiums; VHA data).
Travel nurse pay rates and best states for high nursing salaries?
+20-50%; CA, IL top (CRNA $281K).
Sources: BLS (2024), ZipRecruiter, Payscale, Medscape 2025, STU, UTulsa, VHA studies. Projections account for 3-5% inflation/growth.