If you enjoy helping people and working in healthcare, you have likely found your passion in working as a nurse. Many individuals are attracted to nursing because it offers an exciting and fast-paced opportunity to work with a diverse mix of people in various healthcare settings.
Plus, nursing is in high demand and offers a lot of upward mobility, i.e., great potential for career growth. In fact, one million registered nurses in the United States alone will retire by 2030. Until then, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicts that, on average, 194,500 openings are available for nurses annually.
Whether you have just graduated from a nursing program or are a seasoned nursing professional, there are a few things to consider when looking at the best nursing jobs.
What Should Nurses Look for in a Job?
What factors make for a great nursing job? Good pay, job security, and career advancement are among the top considerations that make a nursing job attractive to a healthcare professional. Although, what’s that saying again? Money can’t always buy happiness.
In addition to good pay, many studies show that jobs that offer flexibility and work-life balance are correlated to higher rates of job satisfaction and lower rates of stress. So, while many individuals will choose to scout out a high-paying nurse job, some of the happiest nursing jobs will also offer a flexible schedule. Luckily for nurses, some of the highest-paying nurse jobs also offer a good amount of flexibility—a win-win for sure.
But here’s the catch: finding a nursing job where you feel fulfilled and fairly compensated can take time to find. The first step to land an awesome nursing job with an excellent wage is understanding the market. Fortunately, we have done some of the grunt work for you! Here’s an overview of some of the best jobs for nurses in 2024.
1. Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner: $128,490
As a psychiatric nurse practitioner, you will have the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of people who are struggling with mental illness. Considering that mental health disorders can be life-threatening if not treated swiftly, working as a psychiatric nurse practitioner requires calculated but empathetic care. This career offers a good level of autonomy and a chance to help those in need.
Here’s a snapshot of other benefits that come with working as a psychiatric nurse practitioner:
- Ability to work in a variety of clinical settings–not a mundane desk job
- Autonomy to create a schedule that fits your lifestyle
- Strong potential for upward mobility and higher-paying roles
- Capability to aid individuals and families through challenging times
In addition to the benefits mentioned above, based on our research, a psychiatric nurse practitioner could earn an average of $128,490 or higher, although wages can fluctuate depending on education and work setting. For a more comprehensive guide on the professional life of a psychiatric nurse practitioner, check out our article on How to Become a Psychiatric Nurse.
2. Outpatient Care Nurse: $102,640
Generally, outpatient nurses work in environments that are—you guessed it—outside a hospital setting. Key responsibilities could include patient assessment and diagnosis, medication administration, and wound dressing changes. There are many careers for nurses in outpatient nursing, such as working in community health centers, physician practices, and ambulatory surgery centers. Outpatient nursing, or ambulatory nursing, can be great for registered nurses who enjoy providing hands-on care.
Here’s a snapshot of other benefits that come with working as an outpatient nurse:
- Ability to work with new people every day from all walks of life
- Predictable schedule and good work-life balance—no more weekend hours
- Less stress than working in heavy procedure clinics
- Reduced likelihood of experiencing compassion fatigue
An outpatient nurse can earn a very decent income, but it will also depend on one’s educational level and years of practice in a clinical setting. Based on our research, an outpatient nurse can potentially earn around $102,640 a year, making it one of the best jobs for nurses looking for high wages. For a deeper look into ambulatory care, check out our article, What is Ambulatory Care? Exploring Healthcare Delivery Models.
3. Telehealth Nurse: $94,480
A telehealth nurse essentially blends technology with patient care and may be one of the best RN jobs, if not the best nursing job, for registered nurses looking for a great work-life balance. A telehealth nurse usually works remotely and provides a patient with care through tech platforms such as emailing, text messaging, and video conferencing. As a result, telehealth nursing gives nurses tons of scheduling flexibility.
Here’s a snapshot of other benefits that come with working as a telehealth nurse:
- Ability to serve more patients in one day
- Improved coordination and efficiency of patient scheduling
- Reduced risk of infection of disease
- Fewer costs associated with in-person visits
- More autonomy and work-life balance for nurses
A telehealth nurse's income will vary depending on one's years of clinical practice and education level. However, according to our research, a telehealth nurse could earn up to $94,480 annually.
4. School Nurse: $55,932
If you enjoy working with children and have a caring nature, you may consider working as a school nurse. School nurses must be knowledgeable about pediatrics and mental health issues and have experience working under a school’s policies. School nurses have the luxury of working outside clinical settings, serving as healthy role models for kids of all ages. A school nurse position can be a gratifying job for nurses looking to make a significant difference in the lives of children.
Here’s a snapshot of other benefits that come with working as a school nurse:
- Potential for outstanding employee benefits, including paid vacations and health insurance
- Paid time off during the summer months
- Guaranteed stable work hours
- Less stress than working in acute care settings
- Opportunity to build impactful relationships with kids of all backgrounds
The annual income of a school nurse can vary substantially. This is because wages depend on the state and type of school a nurse works at. However, our research shows that the average income for a school nurse is about $55,932 a year.
5. Forensic Nurse: $63,177
A forensic nurse can serve as an expert witness in legal situations and provide specialized care for individuals who are victims of violence. A forensic nurse may also be in charge of collecting evidence from a crime scene to help with criminal investigations. Most people who choose to become forensic nurses feel strongly compelled to help survivors of abuse. Hence, a forensic nurse can be a logical career for nurses who are drawn towards advocacy in healthcare.
Here’s a snapshot of other benefits that come with working as a forensic nurse:
- Ability to serve and find justice for hundreds of victims who have survived abuse
- Opportunity to learn the legal components of crime, such as how to evaluate and document evidence
- Possibility to work outside a hospital setting with law enforcement agencies, court systems, and attorneys
A forensic nurse’s annual income can vary greatly depending on where and what type of setting they choose to work at. However, based on our research, a forensic nurse can earn an average yearly income of about $63,177.
6. Pediatric Nurse: $79,700
A pediatric nurse provides care for children of all ages. A pediatric nurse may conduct screenings, take vital signs, and educate family members about how to protect the health of a child. Working as a pediatric nurse can provide job security and an opportunity to influence the health of future generations.
Here’s a snapshot of other benefits that come with working as a pediatric nurse:
- Ability to work in a variety of clinical settings such as schools, hospitals, or doctor’s offices
- Stable hours and a predictable schedule in certain settings
- Opportunity for career advancement, higher education, and specialization
- Capability to make a lasting impact on the lives of children
A pediatric nurse’s income may fluctuate depending on a nurse’s specialty and education level. However, according to our research, a pediatric nurse can earn an average yearly income of about $79,700.
7. Certified Nurse Midwife: $123,004
A certified nurse midwife (CNM) is generally an advanced practice registered nurse who can provide care for women during pre-conception, pregnancy, and birth. CNMs typically complete midwifery education and are competent in aiding the delivery of newborns. A career in midwifery is a rewarding and grand opportunity to advocate for women’s rights during childbirth.
Here’s a snapshot of other benefits that come with working as a nurse midwife:
- Emotional fulfillment from working with a range of women during the prenatal and postpartum period
- Opportunity to work in a variety of settings such as hospitals, birth clinics, or homebirth settings
- Excellent outlook for job opportunities since midwives are in high demand
- Opportunity to work non-traditional hours if working outside a clinical setting
In addition, working as a certified nurse midwife has a high potential for career advancement and professional growth. Plus, a midwife's income is competitive. Based on our research, a midwife can make around $123,004 a year.
8. Cosmetic Nurse: $50,187
A cosmetic nurse is an alternative and rewarding position for registered nurses who want to focus on cosmetic care procedures, such as non-surgical dermatological procedures. Cosmetic nurses may provide services such as non-surgical facelifts, chemical peels, and hair restoration, among many others. One of the big perks of being a cosmetic nurse is that you can build a schedule around your lifestyle and needs.
Here’s a snapshot of other benefits that come with working as a cosmetic nurse:
- Reduced stress and tendency towards burnout and fatigue due to flexible hours and a non-acute setting
- Higher career satisfaction as a result of more work autonomy
- Ability to help clients feel more confident and happy in their skin
- Income growth varies
A cosmetic nurse has excellent earning potential, but this also depends on the number of clients a cosmetic nurse has. So, while a cosmetic nurse’s income can vary, according to our research, a cosmetic nurse has the potential to earn an average of around $50,187 annually.
9. Military Nurse: $70,000
A military nurse is enlisted in their local branch of the military and provides hands-on care to soldiers and their families. They are often required to work in a fast-paced environment and need to have quick decision-making skills during emergencies. Military nurses can expect an array of benefits, such as paid time off and lucrative sign-on bonuses.
Here’s a snapshot of other benefits that come with working as a military nurse:
- Military benefits package, including student loan repayment and healthcare coverage
- Opportunity for tremendous professional and personal growth
- Stable income
- Ability to travel and take part in a diverse range of medical settings
A military nurse can expect to earn a steady paycheck and may have the opportunity to travel to many parts of the world. Based on our research, a military nurse can earn around $70,000 annually.
10. Oncology Nurse: $85,300
An oncology nurse encourages patients to lead healthy lifestyles and promotes preventative screenings for cancer. An oncology nurse also provides ongoing and compassionate medical support for patients currently living with cancer. One of the advantages of working as an oncology nurse is the opportunity to help make a difference in a patient’s life by reducing the onset of cancer or attempting to treat it entirely.
Here’s a snapshot of other benefits that come with working as an oncology nurse:
- Opportunity for significant personal and professional growth
- Ability to form powerful and long-lasting relationships with patients
- Capability to specialize in certain demographics of patients, such as children or geriatric populations
An oncology nurse’s salary can fluctuate due to a nurse’s education level, place of work, and nursing specialization. Based on our research, an oncology nurse can earn around $85,300 a year.
Pick-Up a High Paying Nurse Job with Nursa
The happiest nursing jobs are where a nurse feels well-compensated and can maintain a healthy work-life balance. Additionally, nurses should feel that there's room for advancement and professional growth in their healthcare position. Sometimes, in order to find the best nursing job, a nurse may want to try out their skills in a few different settings before settling down into a particular field.
With no long-term commitment, competitive rates, and flexible scheduling, Nursa gives you the opportunity to explore the best PRN nurse jobs, connecting you with facilities in need.
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