Top 10 Highest-Paying APRN Specialties for 2024

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Advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) are registered nurses (RNs) who’ve taken their careers and nursing salaries to the next level through advanced education and training. APRNs typically fall into one of four distinct categories – nurse practitioner (NP), clinical nurse specialist (CNS), nurse-midwife or Certified RN Anesthetist (CRNA). However, NPs and CNSs can specialize further by patient population or medical condition, often leading to higher pay for specialized niches.

Regardless of their specialty, APRNs typically earn much more than RNs, which appeals to nurses with financial growth as one of their primary objectives. Whether you’re a seasoned APRN or just embarking on your journey, our list of top-paying APRN specialties offers a glimpse of the roles you might want to consider.

10 Top Paying APRN Specialties Projected in 2024

Over 100 RN specialties exist, with some of the most lucrative roles requiring a Master of Science (MSN) degree or higher. Some employers prefer APRN candidates with a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) for certain advanced practice jobs. Salaries vary significantly based on education, experience, location and facility, but specialty also plays a big role.

To rank APRN specialties by highest paying, we compared the highest average weekly travel salary rates for APRN jobs in every specialty posted on Vivian over the last year. We used the average instead of the maximum weekly pay as this number can skew high based on a small number of unusually high-paying jobs and may not accurately represent the highest-paying specialties over time.

For comparison, our list also provides the highest travel wages and average and highest staff salaries of the 10 specialties boasting the highest average travel wages. These numbers were accurate as of December 6, 2023, but can fluctuate from week to week. Overall, the following 10 APRN specialties typically rank at the top regarding pay and should continue to do so throughout 2024.

1. Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists

• Education Requirements: MSN or higher / DNP required by 2025 (new CRNAs)
• Relevant Certifications: NBCRNA
• Average Weekly Travel Rate: $7,780
• Highest Weekly Travel Rate: $12,600
• Average Hourly Rate: $111.52
• Average Annual Salary: $231,962
• Highest Hourly Rate: $140

CRNAs specialize in administering anesthesia during surgeries, labor and delivery and other medical interventions. They work closely with anesthesiologists, surgeons and other healthcare professionals to ensure patient comfort and safety. CRNAs provide patient care before, during and after anesthesia, which includes monitoring patients’ vital signs throughout the procedure and while recovering from the anesthesia’s effects. They possess expertise in assessing patients, formulating individual anesthesia plans and administering anesthesia agents via gas, intravenous liquids or oral medications. CRNAs also may perform epidurals and nerve blocks.

2. Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R) Nurse Practitioner

• Education Requirements: MSN or higher with a specialization in physical medicine and rehabilitation
• Relevant Certifications: CRRN / CRNP
• Average Weekly Travel Rate: $7,560
• Highest Weekly Travel Rate: $9,240
• Average Hourly Rate: $74.36
• Average Annual Salary: $154,669
• Highest Hourly Rate: $87

PM&R nurse practitioners are dedicated to enhancing the functional abilities and quality of life of patients with physical impairments, disabilities or injuries. They assess patients, create personalized treatment plans and provide comprehensive care that may include physical therapy, pain management and assistive devices. PM&R NPs play a vital role in helping patients regain independence and improve their overall well-being by optimizing patient recovery, fostering resilience and restoring them to the highest level of functioning possible.

3. Pediatrics Cardiovascular Intensive Care Unit (CVICU) Nurse Practitioner

• Education Requirements: MSN or higher with a specialization in pediatric acute care or pediatric cardiology
• Relevant Certifications: PNP-PC / PNP-AC / CPNP-PC / CPNP-AC
• Average Weekly Travel Rate: $5,104
• Highest Weekly Travel Rate: $5,104
• Average Hourly Rate: $74.36
• Average Annual Salary: $154,669
• Highest Hourly Rate: $87

Pediatrics CVICU nurse practitioners specialize in providing critical care to pediatric patients with heart conditions. They’re highly skilled professionals and experts in assessing, diagnosing and managing complex cardiovascular issues in young patients. The specialized care that pediatric CVICU NPs provide includes monitoring vital signs, administering medications and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to ensure the best outcomes for children with various cardiac concerns. They significantly contribute to pediatric patients’ recovery and overall well-being, supporting the best possible chance for a healthy life.

4. Cardiovascular/Cardiothoracic Surgery Nurse Practitioner

• Education Requirements: MSN minimum with a cardiovascular/cardiothoracic surgery track
• Relevant Certifications: AGACNP-BC
• Average Weekly Travel Rate: $4,413
• Highest Weekly Travel Rate: $9,360
• Average Hourly Rate: $65.25
• Average Annual Salary: $135.720
• Highest Hourly Rate: $87

Cardiovascular/cardiothoracic surgery NPs are specialized APRNs dedicated to caring for patients undergoing cardiac and cardiothoracic surgical procedures. They’re integral providers during the preoperative, intraoperative and postoperative phases, providing comprehensive care, including patient assessment, surgical preparation, surgical assistance and postoperative management. Cardiovascular/cardiothoracic surgery NPs closely monitor patients’ vital signs and collaborate with surgical teams to optimize patient outcomes. They’re essential in ensuring the safe and effective delivery of complex cardiac care, contributing to successful surgeries and improving patient recovery and quality of life.

5. Neurology Nurse Practitioner

• Education Requirements: MSN or DNP with a focus on neurology
• Relevant Certifications: SCRN / CNRN / CRNP
• Average Weekly Travel Rate: $4,308
• Highest Weekly Travel Rate: $7,560
• Average Hourly Rate: $74.36
• Average Annual Salary: $154,669
• Highest Hourly Rate: $87

Neurology NPs are highly trained APRNS who provide advanced care to patients with neurological conditions. They play a crucial role in assessing, diagnosing and managing a broad range of neurological disorders, including epilepsy, multiple sclerosis and Parkinson’s disease. Neurology NPs conduct detailed neurological exams, order diagnostic tests and develop personalized treatment plans that may include medication management and patient education. They’re a crucial component of the healthcare team, offering expert guidance and contributing to early intervention and effective disease management to improve patients’ quality of life while supporting overall neurological health.

6. Critical Care/Intensive Care Nurse Practitioner

• Education Requirements: MSN or DNP with a specialization in critical or acute care
• Relevant Certifications: CCRN / ACNP-BC
• Average Weekly Travel Rate: $4,235
• Highest Weekly Travel Rate: $6,843
• Average Hourly Rate: $72
• Average Annual Salary: $149,760
• Highest Hourly Rate: $87

Critical care nurse practitioners (CCNPs) and intensive care unit nurse practitioners (ICUNPs) dedicate their expertise to caring for critically ill patients in intensive care units or other critical care areas of a healthcare facility. They excel in assessing, monitoring and managing complex medical conditions and emergency situations. CCNPs/ICUNPs are pivotal in providing acute care, interpreting diagnostic tests and collaborating with interdisciplinary teams to ensure optimal patient outcomes. They deliver timely and comprehensive care, significantly contributing to the recovery and survival of critically ill patients while maintaining the highest safety standards.

7. General Surgery Nurse Practitioner

• Education Requirements: MSN or higher with a specialization in acute or surgical care
• Relevant Certifications: CRNP
• Average Weekly Travel Rate: $4,160
• Highest Weekly Travel Rate: $5,800
• Average Hourly Rate: $74.36
• Average Annual Salary: $154,669
• Highest Hourly Rate: $87

General surgery NPs are specialized APRNs focused on providing comprehensive care to patients undergoing general surgical procedures. They’re skilled in surgical preparation, patient assessment, postoperative care and follow-up. General surgery NPs play a critical role in managing surgical patients, including monitoring for complications, pain management and wound care, to help ensure the successful and efficient delivery of surgical care. They’re dedicated to optimizing patient recovery and minimizing complications, ultimately contributing to better patient outcomes and higher surgical care standards.

8. Pediatric Hospitalist Nurse Practitioner

• Education Requirements: MSN or higher with a specialization in pediatrics
• Relevant Certifications: PNP-PC / PNP-AC / CPNP-PC / CPNP-AC
• Average Weekly Travel Rate: $4,000
• Highest Weekly Travel Rate: $4,000
• Average Hourly Rate: $74.36
• Average Annual Salary: $154,669
• Highest Hourly Rate: $87

A pediatric hospitalist NP focuses on providing specialized care to pediatric patients within a hospital setting. As highly trained healthcare professionals, they provide comprehensive care to hospitalized children, including diagnosis, treatment and management of acute and chronic conditions. Pediatric hospitalist NPs closely collaborate with pediatricians, specialists and various members of healthcare teams to ensure the best possible outcomes for some of the most vulnerable patients. They offer their expertise in pediatric medicine, helping expedite care, improve recovery and provide specialized support to children and their families during challenging hospital stays.

9. Radiology Nurse Practitioner

• Education Requirements: MSN or higher with a specialization in radiology or adult-gerontology acute care
• Relevant Certifications: CRN / CRNP
• Average Weekly Travel Rate: $3,965
• Highest Weekly Travel Rate: $4,330
• Average Hourly Rate: $74.36
• Average Annual Salary: $154,669
• Highest Hourly Rate: $87

Radiology NPs possess expertise in the radiology field, allowing them to play a crucial role in patient care with a focus on diagnostic imaging and procedures. They assess patients, coordinate imaging studies, administer contrast agents and provide post-procedure care. Radiology NPs also collaborate with radiologists to interpret results and ensure accurate diagnoses. They’re essential in facilitating timely, accurate diagnostic processes, contributing to the early detection and treatment of various medical conditions and ultimately enhancing patient outcomes in the realm of medical imaging.

10. Urology Nurse Practitioner

• Education Requirements: MSN or DNP with a specialization in urology or adult-gerontology
• Relevant Certifications: CUNP
• Average Weekly Travel Rate: $3,920
• Highest Weekly Travel Rate: $4,861
• Average Hourly Rate: $74.36
• Average Annual Salary: $154,669
• Highest Hourly Rate: $87

Urology NPs are specialized APRNs focused on caring for patients with various urological issues, including assessing, diagnosing and managing conditions related to the urinary tract, such as the kidneys and bladder, and the reproductive system. Their responsibilities include conducting thorough evaluations, ordering diagnostic tests, prescribing medications and providing patient education. Urology NPs address a wide range of urological concerns, contributing to the early detection and management of urological diseases and improving patient comfort and quality of life.

This list includes advanced practice nurse positions only. Check out our Top 10 Highest-Paying RN Specialties for 2024 to learn which roles that typically require a Bachelor of Science in Nursing or less are anticipated to be highly lucrative in the coming year.

Create a free Vivian Reusable Profile to apply for staff or travel positions within one of these high-paying APRN specialties, and let us help you find your next job quicker and easier than ever.

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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. The advanced practice nursing specialties currently listed were the highest-paying as of this publication.