The Top 10 Highest-Paying RN Specialties in 2025

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The healthcare sector is ever-changing, driving an escalating need for specialized registered nurses (RNs). Increased demand within a specific may result in higher salaries, sometimes prompting nurses to consider altering their career paths. With over 150 distinct RN specialties, nurses have the opportunity to match their professional aspirations and personal interests with roles that enhance their earning potential. 

Whether you’re a nursing student planning your future or an established RN looking for fresh options, Vivian Health unveils our predictions for the top 10 highest-paying RN specialties in 2025 to guide you toward positions that pay well above the norm.

Top Paying RN Specialties

Staff and travel nursing salaries can vary greatly based on education, experience, facility and location, but especially specialty. We created our top 10 list by comparing the average weekly rates of active travel nursing jobs in each RN specialty posted by staffing agencies and healthcare systems on Vivian’s jobs marketplace over the month of November 2024. These specialties paid the most at the time of this writing, with salaries based on national averages. Certain specialties may pay more or less at your facility since we don’t use state or local salary data for the overall ranking.

To add more value to our comparison of RN specialties, we included the average hourly rates for staff positions within each specialty, with annual salaries calculated using a 40-hour workweek multiplied by the per-week earnings for 52 weeks. We also highlighted the highest weekly and hourly rates for travel and staff positions, respectively, to document the current ceiling in these top-paying roles. We pulled all these figures from jobs posted on Vivian at the end of November 2024.

For a more thorough comparison of these nursing specialties from a career standpoint, we provided details on the role, including education requirements, to evaluate the time needed to enter each specialty. We also offer professional certification suggestions that could help boost your career and salary. All RNs across specialties must have Basic Life Support certification, so we didn’t include this credential in the list. Instead, we include those tied directly to the specialty.

10 Highest-Paying RN Specialties Projected in 2025

All of the specialties projected to pay the best in 2025 have lower average wages compared to the same time last year. This wage decline aligns with our latest Quarterly Travel RN Salary Trends Recap published in October 2024, which indicated a continued decrease in travel salaries across specialties nationwide. Because Vivian posts new jobs hourly, in rare cases, the current highest weekly travel rate may be lower than the monthly average since these numbers only account for jobs posted over the previous week instead of the entire month.

Many top-paying roles often have limited job openings. As you’ll see from our maximum daily job count over November 2024, there’s a wide range. For example, Vivian Health’s data indicated a maximum daily job count of 7,084 in cardiac catheterization lab nursing compared to just 26 in apheresis nursing.

While travel nursing salaries seem to have begun flattening, some specialties still pay more than others. Based on our research, the following 10 RN specialties should command top wages throughout 2025.

1. Pediatric Cardiovascular Operating Room

• Education Requirements: BSN 
• Relevant Certifications: PALS / CV-BC / CPN
• Average Weekly Travel Rate: $3,765
• Change From Last Year: Down 6.3%
• Max Daily Job Count: 40
• Highest Weekly Travel Rate: $3,615 (Palo Alto, CA)
• Average Hourly Rate: $44.41
• Average Annual Salary: $92,373
• Highest Hourly Rate: $72 (California)

Pediatric Cardiovascular Operating Room (CVOR) nurses are dedicated to providing specialized care to pediatric patients undergoing cardiac surgeries. They assist the surgical team, monitor patients’ vital signs for adverse changes, administer medications and ensure a sterile OR environment. Pediatric CVOR nurses possess expertise in pediatric cardiology, enabling them to contribute significantly to successful surgical outcomes. Their precision and attention to detail are essential in providing safe, effective care to some of the most vulnerable patients with complex cardiac conditions.

2. RN First Assist

• Education Requirements: BSN & Formal Surgical Nursing Training Program
• Relevant Certifications: RNFA / CRNFA
• Average Weekly Travel Rate: $3,289
• Change From Last Year: Down 0.8%
• Max Daily Job Count: 1,058
• Highest Weekly Travel Rate: $4,528 (Bakersfield, CA)
• Average Hourly Rate: $59.86
• Average Annual Salary: $124,509
• Highest Hourly Rate: $73 (Oregon)

An RN First Assist specializes in providing vital support during surgical procedures by assisting surgeons and ensuring optimal patient outcomes. They have advanced training in surgical techniques, sterile procedures and wound closure, making them valuable OR team members. Their expertise enhances surgical precision and reduces complications, underlining their contributions to improved surgical experiences. Although their tasks may overlap, RN first assists shouldn’t be confused with surgical first assistants, which is an allied health specialty. 

3. Pediatric Hematology / Oncology

• Education Requirements: BSN
• Relevant Certifications: PALS / CPHON
• Average Weekly Travel Rate: $3,010
• Change From Last Year: Down 10.2%
• Max Daily Job Count: 59
• Highest Weekly Travel Rate: $3,058 (Kalispell, MT)
• Average Hourly Rate: $44.41
• Average Annual Salary: $92,373
• Highest Hourly Rate: $58 (North Carolina)

Pediatric Hematology Oncology RNs specialize in caring for young patients with blood disorders and blood-related cancers. They administer chemotherapy, manage symptom relief and monitor pediatric patients for adverse reactions to treatments while offering emotional support to patients and their families. Hematology/oncology nurses collaborate with healthcare teams and play a crucial role in ensuring the physical and emotional well-being of their young charges throughout challenging medical journeys.

4. Pediatrics Operating Room

• Education Requirements: BSN 
• Relevant Certifications: PALS / CPN
• Average Weekly Travel Rate: $2,988
• Change From Last Year: Down 7.7%
• Max Daily Job Count: 257
• Highest Weekly Travel Rate: $3,800 (New Brunswick, NY)
• Average Hourly Rate: $41.27
• Average Annual Salary: $85,842
• Highest Hourly Rate: $57 (Virginia)

A Pediatrics Operating Room RN is a highly skilled nurse who provides specialized care for pediatric patients before, during and after surgical procedures. They ensure the safety and well-being of their young patients by assisting the surgical team, preparing the OR, sterilizing equipment and ensuring a sterile environment. They collaborate with surgeons, anesthesiologists and other healthcare professionals to ensure that families receive appropriate post-operative care instructions and to provide comprehensive patient care and the best outcomes.

5. Operating Room Scrub Nurse

• Education Requirements: ADN (required) / BSN (preferred)
• Relevant Certifications: CNOR
• Average Weekly Travel Rate: $2,894
• Change From Last Year: Down 6%
• Max Daily Job Count: 103
• Highest Weekly Travel Rate: $3,192 (Soldotna, AK)
• Average Hourly Rate: $59.86
• Average Annual Salary: $124,509
• Highest Hourly Rate: $71 (California)

An Operating Room Scrub RN ensures surgical procedures are conducted under sterile conditions and patients receive the highest level of care. As an integral part of the surgical team, OR scrub nurses are responsible for preparing the operating room, sterilizing instruments and assisting surgeons during procedures. They also maintain patient safety, infection control and smooth surgical operations. Many facilities require at least 1 to 2 years of surgical experience before allowing RNs to work as OR scrubs. 

6. Cardiovascular Operating Room

• Education Requirements: BSN (preferred) & Post-Graduate CVOR Education/Training
• Relevant Certifications: ACLS / CNOR / CV-BC / CVRN-BC 
• Average Weekly Travel Rate: $2,824
• Change From Last Year: Down 9%
• Max Daily Job Count: 4,307
• Highest Weekly Travel Rate: $4,629 (Bakersfield, CA)
• Average Hourly Staff Rate: $50.70
• Average Annual Staff Salary: $105,456
• Highest Hourly Staff Rate: $61 (Arizona)

CVOR nurses specialize in directly caring for adult cardiovascular patients receiving surgical interventions. They provide care before, during and after complex cardiac procedures, such as open-heart surgeries and valve replacements. CVOR nurses explain procedures to patients and prepare CV operating rooms, ensuring the sterility and availability of necessary instruments and equipment. During surgeries, they help maintain a sterile field, continuously monitor patients’ vital signs and assist the surgical team to ensure patient safety and optimal outcomes. Post-operation, they may apply dressings, administer prescribed medications and provide after-care instructions to patients and their families.

7. Apheresis

• Education Requirements: BSN 
• Relevant Certifications: QIA
• Average Weekly Travel Rate: $2,817
• Change From Last Year: N/A
• Max Daily Job Count: 26
• Highest Weekly Travel Rate: $2,800 (Boston, MA)
• Average Hourly Rate: $44.29
• Average Annual Salary: $92,123
• Highest Hourly Rate: $48 (Texas)

Apheresis RNs specialize in a type of dialysis called apheresis, which involves separating blood components—plasma, platelets or white cells—to treat various medical conditions like leukemia or multiple sclerosis. They work closely with patients, medical staff and advanced technology to manage these life-saving treatments and ensure patient comfort and safety. Apheresis RNs also educate patients on the process and post-treatment care, playing a crucial role in both acute and outpatient settings.

8. Interventional Radiology

• Education Requirements: ADN or BSN
• Relevant Certifications: ACLS / CRN
• Average Weekly Travel Rate: $2,807
• Change From Last Year: Down 0.3%
• Max Daily Job Count: 1,760
• Highest Weekly Travel Rate: $4,517 (Rochester, NY)
• Average Hourly Rate: $45.58
• Average Annual Salary: $94,806
• Highest Hourly Rate: $54 (Pennsylvania)

Interventional Radiology (IR) nurses specialize in caring for patients undergoing minimally invasive, image-guided procedures. They work in high-tech environments, assisting with treatments that often serve as alternatives to surgical interventions, such as angioplasty and stent placement. An IR nurse’s responsibilities cover the entire procedure, from assessment to discharge, including administering moderate sedation and monitoring vital signs during operations. They also assist radiologists by passing them instruments, guide wires, catheters and supplies. Afterward, IR nurses ensure patients recover properly by providing post-procedure care and managing complications.

9. Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory

• Education Requirements: ADN (required) / BSN (preferred)
• Relevant Certifications: ACLS / CV-BC / CVRN-BC / CMC
• Average Weekly Travel Rate: $2,802
• Change From Last Year: Down 6%
• Max Daily Job Count: 7,084
• Highest Weekly Travel Rate: $4,301 (Stockton, CA)
• Average Hourly Rate: $45.58
• Average Annual Salary: $94,806
• Highest Hourly Rate: $63 (Oregon)

Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory (cardiac cath lab) nurses specialize in supporting diagnostic and therapeutic procedures related to heart and blood vessel conditions. They work with cardiologists and technicians to deliver potentially life-saving care, focusing on precision and patient safety during complex cardiovascular interventions. Their primary role is to assist with catheterizations, but they also assist during critical operations like angioplasty, pacemaker or defibrillator insertions and stent placements. Cath lab nurses provide immediate post-procedural care, managing rapid changes in patient conditions and using sophisticated imaging equipment to ensure optimal cardiac patient outcomes.

10. Infection Control

• Education Requirements: ADN or BSN
• Relevant Certifications: CIC
• Average Weekly Travel Rate: $2,770
• Change From Last Year: Down 15.7%
• Max Daily Job Count: 188
• Highest Weekly Travel Rate: $3,605 (Sitka, AK)
• Average Hourly Rate: $49.97
• Average Annual Salary: $103,938
• Highest Hourly Rate: $54 (Pennsylvania)

An Infection Control RN is responsible for preventing and controlling the spread of infections within healthcare settings to ensure patient safety. They monitor and assess healthcare-associated infection risk, develop and implement infection control and prevention protocols and strategies and educate healthcare staff on proper hygiene practices. When an outbreak does occur, they investigate by collecting and analyzing data and collaborating with various departments to ensure compliance with infection control guidelines.

Earn Even More with Advanced Degrees

This list only includes RN specialties that require a Bachelor of Science in Nursing or less. Registered nurses with advanced degrees and certifications qualify for advanced roles and typically earn much more than those listed here. To explore salary expectations for advanced practice registered nurses (APRN), see our Top 10 Highest Paying APRN Specialties and learn how you can boost your salary even further.

Download the Vivian App and take your healthcare career to the next level by applying for staff or travel positions within one of these high-paying RN specialties.

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Editor’s Note: This blog post was originally published in July 2021 and has been updated annually to reflect the most recent data. As of this publication, the RN specialties currently listed were the highest-paying among the positions posted on Vivian Health’s jobs marketplace.