Best Registered Nurse (RN) Jobs and Salaries in 2024

In 2024, the landscape of registered nurse (RN) careers continues to offer diverse opportunities. The nursing profession, historically a robust career choice, has evolved to encompass an array of specializations and career paths.

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic prompted healthcare systems to adopt technological advancements in unprecedented ways, enhancing the accessibility and speed of patient information. This transformative shift has led to the emergence of new roles, including virtual nurses and innovative applications for telehealth nursing.

However, not all lucrative RN positions are technology-centric. Some of the highest-paying nursing specialties with promising career prospects involve specialized roles beyond the traditional nursing degree, allowing for the delivery of advanced nursing care.

Even without pursuing advanced nursing education, RNs can find lucrative specialties that offer excellent pay and career growth. Specializing in various primary care settings and patient populations, such as pediatrics, intensive care units (ICU, PICU, NICU), and public health nursing, can be achieved with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).

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So, what are some of the top RN jobs and salaries in 2024? Explore the following list of the 10 best positions.

Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)

Family Nurse Practitioners (FNPs) are Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) with either a master’s degree or a doctorate. They deliver primary medical care in diverse work environments, including acute or post-acute clinical settings, and can specialize in treating populations ranging from pediatrics to elderly patients.

FNP Responsibilities

• Performing physical exams, health screenings, and obtaining health histories.
• Ordering diagnostic tests and analyzing results.
• Diagnosing and managing physical and mental health conditions.
• Prescribing and monitoring the effectiveness of medications.
• Communicating with patients and their families or caregivers about treatment modalities.
• Coordinating with other healthcare providers across the continuum of care.
• Referring patients to other healthcare services and specialists.

FNP Salary

As FNPs can work in various care settings, salaries vary. Factors such as years of experience and location, including the state and whether the work is in a rural, suburban, or urban area, impact annual salary. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), average salaries for FNPs are as follows:

• Low:$87,340 or $41.99 per hour
• Median:$121,610 or $58.47 per hour
• High:$165,240 or $79.44 per hour

Nurse Administrator

Nurse administrators oversee one or more nursing departments or an entire healthcare system. Job titles in this specialty include Unit Manager, Director of Nursing, and Chief Nursing Officer (CNO). These professionals lead nursing staff from CNAs to APRNs and manage patient care across the life spectrum, working in healthcare facilities, outpatient centers, or long-term care facilities.

Nurse Administrator Responsibilities

• Writing and operationalizing nursing policies and procedures.
• Developing a vision for the nursing department, facility, or healthcare system.
• Hiring and leading nursing staff.
• Managing budgetary decisions and reporting results to upper-level leadership.
• Serving as a liaison between nursing and other healthcare system departments.

Nurse Administrator Salary

The BLS does not provide specific data on nurse administrators’ salary or job outlook. However, annual wages for medical and health service managers, which encompass nurse leaders, are reported to be just over $100,000 or a little over $48 per hour. Payscale data, although self-reported and not verified, provides a salary range:

• Low:$64.000
• Median:$91,000
• High:$135,000

Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA)

Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) are APRNs trained and certified in anesthesia delivery. They work in operating and procedural rooms, administering anesthesia to induce a sleep-like state for patients during surgical procedures. CRNAs can work independently or as part of a team of healthcare professionals.

CRNA Responsibilities

• Providing education about anesthesia before the procedure and answering any questions.
• Reviewing medical histories to identify any anesthesia risks.
• Administering anesthesia and assessing the patient’s response to the medication.
• Monitoring the effects of anesthesia during and after surgical procedures.
• Assessing vital signs and overall patient status and response to anesthesia and the procedure.

CRNA Salary

CRNA pay scales vary based on experience, location, and the type of healthcare facility. According to the BLS, CRNAs earn the following:

• Low:$143,870 ($69 per hour)
• Median:$203,090 ($97.64)
• High:$227,160 ($109.21)

Nurse Educator

Nurse educators, often holding advanced degrees like a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), train nursing professionals from entry-level to advanced nurses. These educators may instruct on nursing curricula, evidenced-based practice, nursing assessments, and other clinical nursing care. Many work as teachers at the college level, playing a vital role in building the pipeline of nursing professionals.

Nurse Educator Responsibilities

• Instructing on nursing education, including theory and nursing practice.
• Providing motivation and support services to nursing students.
• Creating and evaluating nursing courses and programs.
• Providing mentorship and coaching to nursing students.
• Teaching clinical skills and overseeing clinical rotations at healthcare facilities.

Nurse Educator Salary

Salaries for nurse educators vary based on experience, location, and other factors. According to the BLS, the salary range for nurse educators includes:

• Low:$47,760
• Median:$78,580
• High:$127,290

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Legal Nurse Consultant (LNC)

Legal Nurse Consultants (LNCs) play a pivotal role by providing their medical expertise to attorneys during legal research and proceedings. Their primary responsibility involves utilizing the nursing process to meticulously evaluate medical records, contributing to the development of cases in legal areas such as medical malpractice, personal injury, worker’s compensation, and other legal contexts.

These healthcare professionals find employment in diverse settings, including private law firms, insurance companies, health maintenance organizations, and other professional environments. Additionally, LNCs have the option to establish independent consulting businesses.

To embark on a career as an LNC, the initial requirement is to be a registered nurse (RN) with a bachelor’s degree and a robust clinical background. Subsequently, completing a certification program in LNC and successfully passing the certification exam is essential. Some LNCs opt for advanced degrees in nursing or law to broaden their professional scope and enhance their understanding of medical, legal, and business concepts.

Legal Nurse Consultant Responsibilities:

1. Reviewing and analyzing clinical documents and medical records.
2. Meeting with clients to gather details about the case.
3. Researching and establishing standards of practice for all involved healthcare professionals.
4. Securing expert witnesses.
5. Educating attorneys on medical issues and providing medical expertise.

Legal Nurse Consultant Salary:

While the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) provides a median annual salary of $77,600 for RNs in May 2021, it does not specify salaries for LNCs. However, according to Payscale, the salary ranges for legal nurse consultants are as follows:

• Low:$64,000
• Median:$86,000
• High:$113,000

Travel Nurse

The role of travel nurses, which has traditionally existed, experienced a surge in popularity and demand due to staffing needs arising from the COVID-19 pandemic. These nurses undertake short-term assignments across the United States, contributing to various settings such as critical care, emergency rooms, neonatal intensive care, and other specialty units.

Travel nurses, to meet the demands of their dynamic roles, must possess multi-state nursing licensure or be capable of applying for and holding licenses in several states. Typically requiring a few years of nursing experience, travel nurse positions may also benefit from certifications in specific specialties to distinguish candidates in a competitive landscape.

Travel Nurse Responsibilities:

1. Performing patient assessments and obtaining vital signs.
2. Administering medications.
3. Preparing patients for procedures and diagnostic testing.
4. Educating patients and caregivers on disease management and overall health and wellness.
5. Collaborating with physicians and other healthcare professionals.

Travel Nurse Salary:

While the BLS does not provide specific salary ranges for travel nurses, they typically earn more than full-time permanent nursing staff in the same unit. Additional benefits, such as room and board or a staffing allowance, may also be part of the compensation package. According to the healthcare jobs marketplace Vivian, average travel nurse salaries for May 2023 were reported as:

• Low:$1,782 per week
• Median:$2,244 per week
• High:$2,812 per week

Nursing Informatics

Nursing informatics is a dynamic field where RNs leverage their expertise at the intersection of technology and nursing. With rapid advancements in healthcare technology, there is a growing demand for informatics nurses who employ nursing knowledge, computer science, and information science to integrate nursing into health systems.

To become an informatics nurse, one must be an RN with hands-on clinical experience and obtain a nursing informatics certification. This certification can be acquired through real-life informatics work experience or by attending a graduate-level informatics nursing program.

Nursing Informatics Responsibilities:

1. Assisting with building interoperability within the organization’s data infrastructure.
2. Influencing healthcare policy.
3. Creating a vision for communication and information technology.
4. Assisting with the implementation of new information technology.
5. Improving patient safety through the use of information technology.

Nursing Informatics Salary:

Average salaries for nursing informatics roles vary based on geographic location, degree, and years of experience. Payscale reports the following salary ranges:

• Low:$64,000
• Median:$83,000
• High:$102,000

Telehealth Nursing

Telehealth nurses employ video conferencing and other technologies to deliver nursing care remotely. The increased demand for telehealth nursing, particularly during the pandemic, has established it as an emerging market for nurses seeking work-from-home roles.

This specialty has far-reaching implications for care delivery, especially for individuals in remote communities. Highly skilled telehealth nurses can assess patients, provide education on self-care strategies, and contribute to decreased exacerbations and hospitalizations.

In telehealth nursing, professionals work remotely to admit and discharge patients in acute care settings, relieving clinical bedside nurses of administrative tasks.

Telehealth Nursing Responsibilities:

1. Monitoring patient conditions and signs and symptoms of exacerbation.
2. Referring patients to specialists and assisting with appointment scheduling.
3. Educating patients on disease and symptom management.
4. Monitoring vital signs, oxygen levels, blood glucose levels, and other assessment parameters.
5. Providing pre-and post-surgical care.

Telehealth Nursing Salary:

While telehealth nursing roles may offer slightly lower salaries than in-person jobs due to increased flexibility, many telehealth nurses continue to earn high salaries based on their experience, expertise, and location. Payscale reports the following salary range for telehealth nurses:

• Low:$43,000
• Median:$58,000
• High:$67,000

Oncology Nurse

Oncology nurses specialize in caring for patients with various types of cancer, operating in a challenging yet rewarding field that demands clinical skills, exceptional communication, and problem-solving abilities.

While RNs can work in oncology without additional training, many nurses in this field pursue certifications to advance their knowledge. Oncology nurses provide critical care, assist with symptom control, and manage pain for patients.

Oncology Nurse Responsibilities:

1. Administering chemotherapy and other medications.
2. Creating and implementing care plans.
3. Educating patients and caregivers.
4. Providing pre-and post-surgical care.
5. Coordinating with other healthcare professionals.

Oncology Nurse Salary:

Due to their specialization, oncology nurses

often earn higher salaries than standard nurses. According to Payscale, the salary ranges for oncology nurses are as follows:

• Low:$61,000
• Median:$80,000
• High:$113,000

Nurse Case Manager

Nurse case managers play a crucial role in coordinating patient care across various settings. Advocating for their patients, they facilitate access to necessary services and specialists for holistic care, working in environments such as home and occupational health or for insurance companies.

While most companies require case managers to have an RN, some may mandate a bachelor’s degree or certification in case management.

Nurse Case Manager Responsibilities:

1. Creating and implementing care plans.
2. Scheduling appointments with doctors and specialists.
3. Educating patients and caregivers on conditions and management.
4. Guiding patients with complex care decisions.
5. Coordinating care with other disciplines and providers.

Nurse Case Manager Salary:

Salaries for nurse case managers vary based on factors such as geographic location, years of experience, and advanced degrees or certifications. According to Payscale, the average salary ranges for nurse case managers are as follows:

• Low:$62,000
• Median:$77,000
• High:$96,000

Best Registered Nurse Jobs FAQs:

Exploring new RN jobs and career paths may raise various questions. Here are answers to some common queries:

Q: Do I have to have an advanced degree to make a high salary as a nurse?

A: No, nursing offers flexibility, allowing you to earn an excellent annual salary without an advanced degree. Specializing or obtaining certifications in a specific nursing career can contribute to higher earnings.

Q: Is it best to become an LPN or an RN?

A: The choice between becoming an LPN or an RN depends on the type of work you envision as a nurse. While RNs generally have a broader scope of practice and higher earning potential, it also entails more responsibility and an extensive scope of practice.