The 2026 ranking
tap a rowRN tierAPRN tier
CRNA, the outlier
Doctoral degree, 1+ year ICU first, 3 years of school. Then $268K–$310K and the autonomy to match.
3 yrs
doctoral program
1+ yr
ICU required first
NP subspecialties
Psych, cardiology, dermatology and surgical first-assist post $124K–$171K. Primary care NP sits closer to $117K–$159K.
Find the highest-paying version of your specialty
1
Certify
CCRN, CEN, CNOR, RCIS: most systems pay a cert differential and it unlocks the specialty units.
2
Take nights or weekends
Differentials stack on base. Night ICU in Texas out-earns day ICU in most of the Midwest.
3+12–36%
Change state
WA, CA, MA, MN, NJ. Licensure by endorsement makes it a paperwork problem, not a new exam.
4
Go travel or local contract
Same unit, same license. Stipend is untaxed with a tax home.
Frequently asked
Which nursing specialty pays the most?
CRNA, by a wide margin: $268K–$310K typical staff pay across all states.
Which RN (non-APRN) specialty pays the most?
NICU / PICU RN, at $87K–$126K across all states, with ICU / Critical Care RN (CCRN) and Labor & Delivery RN close behind. By state, OR / Surgical Services RN (CNOR) in California pays the most: $58–$85/hr.
Do these numbers include overtime?
No. They are typical staff base pay. Shift differentials, certification pay, overtime and bonuses come on top.
How often are the job counts updated?
Nightly. Counts include jobs that list pay and jobs that don't; the % is how many list it.