Highest-Paid RN Specialties

Top RN-level specialties by pay

• ICU / Critical Care RN — median $95,000 ($78k–$130k). CCRN-certified earns a premium.
• ER / Trauma RN — median $92,000 ($75k–$125k). CEN and TNCC certifications add value.
• OR / Perioperative RN — median $90,000 ($72k–$120k). Call pay and CNOR add to base.
• Cardiac Cath Lab RN — median $92,000 ($75k–$125k). Procedural and call pay premium.
• Oncology RN — median $88,000 ($72k–$115k). OCN certification and chemo/biotherapy add-on.
• Neonatal ICU (NICU) RN — median $90,000 ($72k–$120k). Level III/IV centers pay highest.
• L&D RN — median $87,000 ($72k–$115k). RNC-OB certification preferred.
• Psychiatric / Mental Health RN — median $83,000 ($68k–$110k). PMH-BC certification; high demand.
• Home Health RN — median $78,000 ($65k–$100k). OASIS expertise and case management.
• Travel RN — median $110,000 ($85k–$170k). Total comp with stipends; varies by contract.

Step up to APRN for the biggest jump

Moving from RN to APRN (CRNA, NP, CNM, CNS) is the single biggest pay lever in nursing — CRNAs alone median $212k+.

Levers that compound RN pay

• Shift differential (nights, weekends)
• Charge nurse pay
• Specialty certification differential
• Call pay (OR, cath lab, L&D)
• Travel contracts and crisis pay
• BSN and clinical-ladder progression