You may not have chosen nursing for the money initially, but now that you’re in this field, you may as well maximize your earning potential, right?
Registered nurse salary is, on average, $93,600 per year. However, the field of advanced practice registered nursing opens doors to careers with exceptional nursing salary potential.
As the need for qualified clinicians continues to grow across the country, healthcare professionals increasingly consider which APRN specialties offer the best rewards—both for their skills and their bank accounts. You may be wondering, “What type of advanced practice nurse makes the most money?”
Transparency regarding nurse pay and identification of the highest-paying advanced practice nursing jobs helps you chart a course toward a lucrative and fulfilling future.
Read on for a comprehensive, data-backed exploration of the highest-earning APRN specialties in 2025.
What is an advanced practice registered nurse?
An advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) is a highly educated and skilled nurse who has completed advanced clinical training beyond their initial registered nurse (RN) preparation.
APRNs play a pivotal role in today’s healthcare landscape, blending clinical expertise with a compassionate approach to patient care. They are licensed to assess, diagnose, manage patient treatment, and in many states, even prescribe medications independently.
The following are the four main types of APRNs, along with a brief description of their roles:
- Nurse practitioner (NP): Provides primary and specialty healthcare, diagnosing conditions, prescribing medications, and managing overall patient care
- Clinical nurse specialist (CNS): Offers expert guidance in a specialized area of nursing practice, often focusing on improving patient outcomes and influencing healthcare policy
- Certified nurse midwife (CNM): Specializes in women’s reproductive health and childbirth, offering prenatal, labor and delivery, and postpartum care
- Certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA): Provides anesthesia care for patients undergoing surgery, procedures, or pain management
APRN roles require at least a master’s degree in nursing, though many practitioners pursue a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP). With their advanced scope of practice, APRNs take on leadership roles, deliver primary and specialty care, and meet the evolving healthcare needs of diverse populations.
Because of this advanced skill set, many APRN specialties command higher salaries than other nursing roles—making them attractive career paths for nurses seeking both professional growth and competitive pay.
How much do advanced practice nurses make on average?
Within the four types of APRN roles, the average salaries vary as follows:
- Nurse anesthetist salary: $223,210
- Nurse practitioner salary: $129,210
- Nurse midwife salary: $128,790
- Clinical nurse specialist salary: $128,000
Data on average salaries in this article comes from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and Medscape.
With these average wages as a frame of reference, let’s take a look at the highest-paying APRN specialties in 2025.
1. Nurse anesthetist: $223,210
CRNAs consistently top the list of the highest-paid advanced practice nurses. As essential members of surgical teams, CRNAs administer anesthesia and monitor patients during procedures, directly impacting patient outcomes and safety.
Career outlook of nurse anesthetists
The career outlook for nurse anesthetists is excellent. According to the BLS, the employment of CRNAs is projected to grow at a rate of 10 percent between 2023 and 2033, much faster than the average of 4 percent for most occupations.
The increase in surgical procedures, pain management services, and demand for anesthesia outside of traditional hospital settings all contribute to a strong job market for CRNAs. The growing emphasis on cost-effective care also makes CRNAs a preferred choice for many facilities.
How to become a nurse anesthetist
Becoming a CRNA is a rigorous process, but well worth the investment:
- Education and experience: Earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and become a registered nurse. Most candidates gain at least one year of critical care experience (such as in intensive care units or emergency departments).
- Graduate degree: Complete a Doctor of Nursing Practice or Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice (DNAP) from a nurse anesthesia program accredited by the Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs (COA). Most programs take three years.
- Certification: Pass the National Certification Examination offered by the National Board of Certification and Recertification for Nurse Anesthetists (NBCRNA).
- Licensure and further requirements: Maintain state licensure and meet continuing education requirements.
What makes a good nurse anesthetist?
Successful CRNAs bring outstanding attention to detail, stress management, critical thinking, and rapid assessment skills to a surgical setting. Since they often work independently, professionalism, confidence, and excellent communication are essential. Compassion and the ability to reassure patients also help set great CRNAs apart in high-pressure environments.
2. Nurse practitioner – Anesthesiology/pain medicine: $152,697
Anesthesiology is clearly the highest-paying field for APRNs. Nurse practitioners specializing in anesthesiology and pain medicine rank number two among the highest-paid APRNs and number one among the highest-paid nurse practitioners.
Nurse practitioners specializing in anesthesiology and pain medicine provide vital evaluation and treatment for patients experiencing acute and chronic pain. This specialty stands out for its focus on pain management plans and procedural interventions.
Career outlook for anesthesiology/pain medicine NPs
The career outlook for nurse practitioners as a whole is staggering, with a projected job growth of 46 percent between 2023 and 2033.
Pain medicine in particular is a rapidly evolving field, driven by an aging population and a growing emphasis on pain control. Advanced practice nurses in this area can expect continued job growth, especially as pain clinics and ambulatory surgical centers expand services. Healthcare facilities recognize the crucial role these clinicians play in improving the quality of life for patients.
How to become an anesthesiology or pain medicine NP
Follow these steps to become an anesthesiology nurse practitioner:
- Education and experience: Obtain a BSN and become an RN; gain experience in acute, surgical, or pain management settings.
- Graduate degree: Complete a master's or doctorate in nurse practitioner studies—with a focus on family, adult-gerontology, or acute care. Some programs now offer fellowships or post-graduate certificates in pain management.
- Certification: Become board-certified as a nurse practitioner (typically through the American Nurses Credentialing Center or American Academy of Nurse Practitioners).
- Additional specialization: Earn pain management credentials, such as the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Pain Management Nursing Certification.
What makes a good anesthesiology/pain medicine NP?
A great pain medicine nurse practitioner has empathy, patience, and strong communication skills. They must think critically, tailor treatment plans, and stay current on interventional techniques and medication management. Their clinical judgment and interdisciplinary teamwork make them invaluable to both patients and facilities.
3. Nurse practitioner – Radiology/diagnostic: $149,981
Coming in at number three on the list of the highest-paid APRN specialties are diagnostic radiology nurse practitioners with an average annual wage of $149,981.
Nurse practitioners specializing in diagnostic radiology support radiologists and care teams in managing patients who require advanced imaging, interventional studies, and ongoing monitoring.
Career outlook for radiology NPs
At 46 percent, the projected career growth rate is incomparable for nurse practitioners.
As diagnostic imaging technology continues to advance, demand for nurse practitioners in radiology rises. Hospitals, outpatient centers, and specialty clinics employ these APRNs to manage pre- and post-procedure care, contribute to patient education, and facilitate efficient workflows.
How to become a radiology/diagnostic medicine NP
Want to become a radiology/diagnostic medicine NP?
Here’s how:
- Education and experience: Start as a BSN-prepared RN; experience in radiology or procedural units is advantageous.
- Advanced degree: Earn a Master of Science in nursing (MSN) or DNP with a concentration in acute care or family practice.
- Certification: Obtain board certification as a nurse practitioner.
- On-the-job training: Pursue mentorship, workshops, or fellowships specific to radiology or interventional procedures.
What makes a good radiology/diagnostic medicine NP?
Attention to protocol, detail-oriented assessment, and the ability to communicate complex information clearly are vital attributes. Nurse practitioners in this field must be comfortable collaborating with multidisciplinary diagnostic teams and capable of addressing patient questions regarding procedures and imaging.
4. Nurse practitioner – Psychiatry (outpatient): $148,650
Up from number five in 2024, psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners (PMHNPs) are now the fourth-highest-paid APRNs—particularly those working in outpatient settings.
Outpatient psychiatric nurse practitioners provide assessment, diagnosis, and treatment for mental health conditions—meeting an ever-growing need for behavioral healthcare support in communities.
Career outlook for psychiatric mental health NPs
According to recent industry reports, mental health nurse practitioners are among the most in-demand APRNs nationwide. Therefore, the job outlook for psychiatric mental health NPs may be even higher than the 46 percent growth rate projected for all nurse practitioners.
With mental healthcare increasingly delivered via outpatient and telehealth models, more facilities are seeking APRNs to fill the gap for psychiatric assessments and medication management.
How to become a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner
Interested in mental health?
Here’s how to become a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner:
- Education and experience: Obtain a BSN and earn RN licensure; experience in psychiatric or behavioral health nursing is recommended.
- Advanced degree: Complete an MSN or DNP, specializing in psychiatric mental health from an accredited nurse practitioner program.
- Certification: Pass the National Certification Exam for PMHNPs from the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC).
- Licensure: Meet state-specific licensure and ongoing continuing education requirements.
What makes a good outpatient psychiatric nurse practitioner?
Highly developed listening skills, compassion, emotional intelligence, and adaptability are crucial in this role. Outpatient PMHNPs must be autonomous yet collaborative, patient-centered, and skilled in therapeutic techniques as well as psychiatric medication management.
5. Nurse practitioner – Emergency medicine: $148,506
Emergency nurse practitioners moved down to number five from their number three spot in 2024. However, their average pay still jumped from $137,280 to a whopping $148,506 in 2025.
These healthcare professionals often start their careers as RNs—where the average ER nurse salary is already competitive—before transitioning into higher-paying APRN roles.
Emergency NPs deliver critical care to patients experiencing urgent or life-threatening conditions, working alongside physicians in high-intensity settings like emergency departments and urgent care centers.
Career outlook for emergency NPs
Emergency medicine remains at the forefront of advanced practice nursing employment. The need for rapid, high-level clinical decision-making ensures that emergency nurse practitioners are always in demand—especially at hospitals and healthcare facilities seeking to provide continuous, 24/7 emergency coverage.
Remember that nurse practitioners as a whole are expected to see a 46 percent growth rate compared to the projected 4 percent growth rate for all occupations.
How to become an emergency nurse practitioner
Do you enjoy a fast-paced work environment?
Consider becoming an emergency NP:
- Education and experience: Graduate from a BSN program and become an RN; gain experience in emergency or critical care nursing.
- Advanced degree: Obtain an MSN or DNP with a concentration in acute care or emergency practice.
- Certification: Earn national certification as a nurse practitioner. The Emergency Nurse Practitioner Certification (ENP-C) from the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certification Board (AANPCB) is optional but highly valued.
- Continuing education: Stay current with certifications like Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) and Trauma Nursing Core Course (TNCC).
What makes a good emergency nurse practitioner?
Quick thinking, adaptability, strong assessment skills, and resilience under pressure are hallmarks of emergency nurse practitioners. Teamwork, a calm demeanor in crisis situations, and commitment to best practices ensure optimal care in this fast-paced specialty.
6. Nurse practitioner – Psychiatry (inpatient): $148,474
Although two spots below outpatient psychiatric nurse practitioners, inpatient psychiatric nurse practitioners only make $176 less annually.
Inpatient psychiatric NPs work in settings such as psychiatric hospitals, crisis centers, and residential programs, caring for patients with severe mental health conditions requiring intensive intervention.
Career outlook for inpatient psychiatric nurse practitioners
As with outpatient psychiatric NPs, the job outlook for inpatient psychiatric NPs is expected to exceed the already elevated demand for nurse practitioners as a whole.
With mental healthcare access growing, psychiatric inpatient units increasingly rely on APRNs to provide medication management, therapeutic interventions, and crisis stabilization. Facilities recognize the unique blend of clinical skill and empathy that nurse practitioners bring to inpatient mental healthcare.
How to become an inpatient psychiatric nurse practitioner
Follow these steps to become an inpatient NP:
- Education and experience: Acquire a BSN and RN licensure; build experience in inpatient or acute psychiatric nursing.
- Graduate degree: Complete a recognized PMHNP program at the MSN or DNP level.
- Certification: Pass the PMHNP certification exam from the ANCC.
- Additional training: Engage in continuing education focused on acute psychiatric care, crisis management, and inpatient protocols.
What makes a good inpatient psychiatric nurse practitioner?
Patience, crisis management expertise, emotional resilience, and skill in de-escalation make these APRNs invaluable. They collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to create safe, therapeutic environments and must balance empathy with clear boundaries.
7. Nurse practitioner – Pediatrics (neonatal-perinatal medicine): $147,680
Neonatal nurse practitioners have moved down from their number two spot in 2024. However, the average annual wage has increased from $144,461 to $147,680 in 2025.
Neonatal nurse practitioners are advanced practice nurses who care for newborns needing specialized medical attention—typically preterm infants or those with critical health complications.
Career outlook for neonatal nurse practitioners
The demand for neonatal nurse practitioners remains steady as infant survival rates rise and neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) expand. Hospitals seek highly trained APRNs to help manage complex medical needs for the region’s most vulnerable patients.
As with all nurse practitioners, neonatal NPs' projected job growth is expected to be significant over the following decade. The average growth rate for NP positions is 46 percent until 2033.
How to become a neonatal nurse practitioner
Does caring for babies sound like your ideal job?
Learn how to become a neonatal NP:
- Education and experience: Obtain a BSN, RN licensure, and ideally, extensive experience in the NICU or newborn units.
- Advanced degree: Graduate from an MSN or DNP program with a neonatal focus.
- Certification: Pass the Neonatal Nurse Practitioner (NNP-BC®) certification from the National Certification Corporation (NCC).
- Licensure: Follow state-specific licensing regulations and continuing education requirements.
What makes a good neonatal nurse practitioner?
Attention to detail, technical proficiency with neonatal equipment, emotional stamina, sensitivity, and a passion for family-centered care are key. These clinicians support both infants and their families during life-changing moments.
8. Nurse practitioner – Psychiatry (general): $147,138
General psychiatric nurse practitioners serve individuals and families across the lifespan, addressing a wide range of mental health conditions in both outpatient and inpatient settings.
This placement on the list of the highest-paid advanced practice nurse specialties emphasizes two important realities:
- Mental health nurse practitioners are among the highest-paid APRNs. There is a high demand for advanced practice mental health professionals, and competition for these health providers is likely responsible—at least in part—for driving up average salaries.
- Specialization is an important factor in the highest-paying APRN positions, as both inpatient and outpatient psychiatric nurse practitioners make higher wages than general psychiatric NPs.
If you are still deciding on a career path, mental health offers ample room for growth and high-paying opportunities.
Career outlook for general psychiatric NPs
With over one in five US adults living with mental illness (59.3 million in 2022, based on data from the National Institute of Mental Health), psychiatric nurse practitioners enjoy strong job security and flexible career options. Many facilities are adding APRNs to interdisciplinary teams to meet growing patient needs.
How to become a general psychiatric nurse practitioner
General psychiatric nurse practitioners typically follow these steps before working in this APRN specialty:
- Education and experience: Earn a BSN and gain clinical experience in mental health or psychiatric settings.
- Graduate degree: Complete a psychiatric nurse practitioner program at the advanced level (MSN or DNP).
- Certification: Achieve PMHNP board certification from the ANCC.
- Continued learning: Pursue ongoing education in psychotherapy, pharmacology, and holistic approaches.
What makes a good general psychiatric NP?
These APRNs combine empathy, strong communication, and problem-solving skills to create trust and effective treatment plans. Their versatility and adaptability allow them to serve diverse populations and practice in a wide range of clinical environments.
9. Nurse practitioner – Orthopedic surgery (medical): $146,571
New on the list of the highest-paid advanced practice nurses, orthopedic nurse practitioners have seen a significant increase in average pay from $120,669 in 2024 to $146,571 in 2025.
Orthopedic nurse practitioners support surgeons and patients throughout the recovery process of musculoskeletal injury and surgical intervention, often serving as the primary point of contact for post-surgical care.
Career outlook for orthopedic nurse practitioners
Orthopedic surgery nurse practitioners are in high demand as the population ages and requires more joint replacements, sports injury care, and chronic disease management related to bones and muscles. Facilities seeking efficient, interdisciplinary care models increasingly turn to APRN expertise.
How to become an orthopedic nurse practitioner
Interested in surgery and sports injury care?
Specializing in orthopedic surgery as an NP may be the ideal path for you. Here’s how to get started:
- Education and experience: Attain a BSN and RN licensure; experience in orthopedic nursing or rehabilitation is preferred.
- Graduate degree: Complete an advanced practice degree such as an MSN or DNP with a family, adult-gerontology, or acute care focus.
- Certification: Become certified as a nurse practitioner; consider additional credentials, such as Orthopaedic Nurse Certification (ONC) from the Orthopaedic Nurses Certification Board.
- Specialized training: Participate in workshops, fellowships, or on-the-job training in orthopedic assessment and procedures.
What makes a good orthopedic nurse practitioner?
Expertise in musculoskeletal anatomy, rehabilitation, patient education, and teamwork sets great orthopedic APRNs apart. Effective communication is key to guiding patients through healing and recovery.
10. Nurse practitioner – General surgery: $143,478
Surgical nurse practitioners work closely with surgeons before, during, and after operative procedures to optimize patient outcomes and safety.
Once again, the more specialized orthopedic surgery NP makes more than the general surgery NP. Therefore, if you want to maximize your pay potential, look for opportunities to specialize further in your chosen career path.
Career outlook for surgical nurse practitioners
As surgical volumes grow, more healthcare systems and surgical centers integrate APRNs to streamline patient care. General surgery NPs serve as surgical first assistants, educate patients, manage wound care, and guide postoperative recovery—making them integral to multidisciplinary teams.
How to become a general surgery nurse practitioner
Here are the A-to-Zs of becoming a general surgery nurse practitioner:
- Education and experience: Secure a BSN and RN license; develop experience in surgical or perioperative nursing.
- Advanced degree: Graduate from an MSN or DNP program focused on acute care, adult-gerontology, or family practice.
- Certification: Hold a valid nurse practitioner board certification; pursue certification as a Registered Nurse First Assistant (CRNFA) if assisting in surgery.
- Surgical training: Participate in hands-on surgical skills workshops, internships, or mentorships as available.
What makes a good general surgery nurse practitioner?
Technical skill, composure under pressure, stamina, and clear communication are vital. These APRNs excel at patient education, multidisciplinary teamwork, and monitoring for postoperative complications.
What type of advanced practice nurse makes the most money? Key trends for 2025
If you are considering a career move or aiming to maximize your income, knowing what type of advanced practice nurse makes the most money is an essential first step. Certified registered nurse anesthetists lead in annual earnings, followed by specialty nurse practitioners, particularly those with advanced training in anesthesia, pain management, psychiatry, and surgery.
Several trends influence which specialties consistently offer the highest salaries:
- Growing demand: Areas like anesthesia, pain management, psychiatry, emergency medicine, and neonatology consistently see patient volumes rise, leading to higher-than-average compensation for experienced APRNs.
- Specialization premium: Advanced or dual certifications and years of experience in high-risk specialties increase earning potential.
An additional trend is gaining significant traction in 2025: per diem contract work.
The ability to work per diem through open staffing marketplaces like Nursa enables clinicians to select high-paying shifts and maintain control over their schedules.
High-earning APRNs: What’s in it for facilities?
The United States will face a physician shortage of up to 86,000 physicians by 2036, according to the Association of American Medical Colleges.
Advanced practice registered nurses—particularly nurse practitioners—are crucial in helping to fill this shortage of primary care providers.
Hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities gain significant advantages by engaging APRNs in these lucrative specialties. High-earning clinicians often deliver advanced care, help bridge staffing gaps efficiently, and improve patient outcomes.
Do APRNs make more than doctors?
In general, physicians earn more than APRNs, especially those in surgical or specialized roles. However, in certain settings and specialties, experienced nurse anesthetists and specialized nurse practitioners can earn salaries that approach or exceed those of primary care physicians. For instance, the average annual wage for general pediatricians is $222,340, lower than the average for CRNAs.
Additionally, APRNs often benefit from lower educational debt and more flexible schedules, which can make the return on investment highly competitive over time.
Maximizing income and flexibility with the Nursa platform
Choosing the right path as an APRN pays dividends in both professional fulfillment and financial security. By understanding what type of advanced practice nursing jobs pay the most—and how to reach those roles—you can build a career defined by fulfillment, impact, and top-tier compensation.
However, the secret to high pay does not lie solely in advanced degrees and specialization.
Demand is one of the main drivers of pay increases. Healthcare facilities with urgent staffing needs are willing to pay premium rates to fill these gaps.
Regardless of where you are in your journey as a nurse—OR, ICU, wound care, pediatrics, or cosmetic nursing—you can supplement your salary with PRN shifts or even work PRN full time and enjoy competitive hourly rates.
Interested in increasing your earnings and owning your schedule? Pick up high-paying nursing shifts with Nursa today.
Sources:
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (Nurse Anesthetists, Nurse Midwives, and Nurse Practitioners)
- Ramping Up Take-Home Pay: Medscape APRN Compensation Report 2024
- Becker’s Hospital Review: Highest-paid specialties for nurse practitioners, physician assistants
- National Institute of Mental Health: Mental Illness
- Association of American Medical Colleges: New AAMC Report Shows Continuing Projected Physician Shortage
