Types of Nurses and Their Salaries (Complete Guide)
By SalaryFor.com – real salaries for all professions
Nursing is one of the largest and most diverse professions in healthcare. Nurses can work in hospitals, clinics, schools, research institutions, and even patients’ homes. As nurses gain more education, certifications, and specialization, their responsibilities and salaries increase.
In the United States, the median salary for a Registered Nurse (RN) is about $93,600 per year, according to labor statistics data.
However, some advanced nurses earn over $200,000 annually depending on specialization and experience.
Below is an overview of the main types of nurses, what they do, and their typical salaries.
1. Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
Average Salary: ~$41,000 per year
What they do:
Certified Nursing Assistants provide basic patient care under the supervision of nurses. Their duties include:
- Helping patients bathe and dress
- Assisting with eating and mobility
- Checking vital signs
- Providing basic comfort care
Education Required:
Short certification program (often 4–12 weeks).
Typical workplaces
- Nursing homes
- Hospitals
- Assisted living facilities
CNAs are often the entry point into the nursing profession.
2. Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) / Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN)
Average Salary: ~$64,150 per year
What they do:
LPNs provide basic medical care under the supervision of RNs or doctors. Duties include:
- Monitoring patient health
- Administering medications
- Changing bandages
- Recording medical history
Education Required:
1-year practical nursing program.
Typical workplaces
- Clinics
- Nursing homes
- Hospitals
- Home healthcare
3. Registered Nurse (RN)
Average Salary: ~$93,600 per year (median)
What they do:
Registered Nurses are the backbone of the healthcare system. They:
- Assess patient conditions
- Administer medications
- Coordinate patient care
- Educate patients about health conditions
- Assist physicians during procedures
Education Required
- Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
Typical workplaces
- Hospitals
- Clinics
- Schools
- Home health agencies
Many RNs later specialize in advanced fields.
4. Nurse Practitioner (NP)
Average Salary: ~$132,000 per year
What they do:
Nurse Practitioners are advanced practice nurses who can diagnose illnesses and prescribe medications in many states.
They often specialize in areas such as:
- Family medicine
- Pediatrics
- Psychiatry
- Emergency care
Education Required
- Master’s or Doctorate in Nursing
- NP certification
Typical workplaces
- Primary care clinics
- Hospitals
- Specialty practices
NPs often function similarly to doctors in primary care settings.
5. Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA)
Average Salary: ~$231,700 per year
What they do:
CRNAs administer anesthesia for surgeries and medical procedures. They also:
- Monitor patients during surgery
- Manage pain control
- Work closely with surgeons and anesthesiologists
Education Required
- Doctorate in Nurse Anesthesia
- RN experience (usually ICU)
CRNAs are the highest-paid nurses in the healthcare field.
6. Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM)
Average Salary: ~$128,000 per year
What they do:
Nurse midwives specialize in women’s reproductive health and childbirth.
They:
- Provide prenatal care
- Deliver babies
- Offer postpartum care
- Provide family planning services
Education Required
- Master’s degree in nursing
- Midwifery certification
7. Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS)
Average Salary: ~$102,000+ per year
What they do:
Clinical Nurse Specialists are expert clinicians who focus on improving patient care and healthcare systems.
Responsibilities include:
- Developing treatment plans
- Training nurses
- Implementing healthcare improvements
Education Required
- Master’s or doctoral degree in nursing.
8. Nurse Educator
Average Salary: ~$87,000 per year
What they do:
Nurse educators teach nursing students or train healthcare staff.
They:
- Teach in nursing schools
- Develop training programs
- Conduct clinical instruction
Education Required
- Master’s or Doctorate in Nursing.
9. Nurse Case Manager
Average Salary: ~$137,700 per year
What they do:
Case managers coordinate long-term care for patients.
They:
- Plan treatment programs
- Coordinate doctors and services
- Monitor patient recovery
These nurses often work for insurance companies or hospitals.
10. Specialty Registered Nurses
Registered Nurses can specialize in many areas. Some examples include:
| Specialty | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| ICU Nurse | ~$85,000+ |
| Travel Nurse | ~$121,000+ |
| Perioperative (Surgery) Nurse | ~$131,000 |
| Psychiatric Nurse | ~$106,000+ |
These roles vary depending on the hospital and level of experience.
Highest-Paying Nursing Jobs
The top-paying nursing careers include:
- Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) – ~$231k
- Nurse Practitioner (NP) – ~$132k
- Nurse Midwife (CNM) – ~$128k
- Nurse Case Manager – ~$137k
- Travel Nurse – ~$120k+
Advanced degrees and specialization usually lead to higher salaries.
Final Thoughts
Nursing offers a wide range of career paths, from entry-level caregiving roles to highly specialized medical professions. Salaries can range from around $40,000 for CNAs to over $230,000 for nurse anesthetists depending on education, experience, and specialization.
Because healthcare demand continues to grow, nursing remains one of the most stable and rewarding careers in the medical field.
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In: Careers · Tagged with: Nurse Salary, nurse training
