Nursing is one of the most diverse fields, with a wide range of degrees, licenses, certifications, and specialties to pursue. Nurses can care for patients of all ages, from infancy to old age, who are suffering from a variety of illnesses. Nurses with more experience can even take on administrative or instructional responsibilities.

With so much variety in the nursing field, how can nurses tell which professions will pay them the most? The following are some of the highest-paying nursing positions available today.

Nurse Anesthetists

One of the highest-paid nursing positions is that of a licensed registered nurse anesthetist. They earn a yearly salary of $157,690. Nurse anesthetists are advanced and highly skilled. They collaborate closely with medical experts during anesthesia-related treatments. Anesthetists are also more likely to be sued. It comes with the complexity of this type of therapeutic care. Thus they must be comfortable in their profession. 

Cardiac Nurse

Cardiovascular nurses provide treatment to patients with heart disease. They also work and engage with their patients' loved ones. They may monitor and treat critically ill patients. They specialize in cardiac rehabilitation. Their tasks involve assisting patients in making lifestyle changes. Also, to teach patient on how to prevent their disease from worsening. A Cardiac Nurse Practitioner's average annual salary is around $114,000, or $55 per hour.

Oncology Nurse

An oncology nurse assists patients who have cancer or are at risk of developing it. Oncology nurses conduct required examinations and deliver therapies. They communicate with other patient care providers and build a personalized treatment plan.

Oncology nurses tend to earn high salaries because they work in the healthcare industry and require a wide range of skills and education. Oncology nurses earn an average of $1,651 per week in the United States. This amount might range anywhere from $600 to $3,200 every week.

Mental Health Nurse

Nurses in this sector work in mental health facilities or correctional centers. They treat patients with a variety of psychiatric and mental health illnesses. They offer daily care to their patients, which is often life-changing. This occupation is not only financially gratifying but also emotionally satisfying. It include providing medical care as well as counseling to help people feel better.

The average salary for mental health nurses is $61,736, however, salaries can rise over time. Late-career mental health nurses, for instance, earn more than $16,000 per year on average than entry-level jobs.

Orthopedic Nurse

People with musculoskeletal diseases and disorders, such as arthritis, fractures, fractured bones, joint replacements, and osteoporosis, are cared for by an orthopedic nurse. Many nurses enjoy working in orthopedics since the patients are often healthier and have fewer morbidities, making it easier to give care. An Orthopedic Nurse earns an average yearly pay of $98,539, which is $2,280 (2%) higher than the national average annual salary of $96,259.

Nurse Researcher

Nurse researcher jobs are a great fit for nurses who appreciate examining data and discovering new things. Nurse researchers contribute to the nursing profession's expertise and improve healthcare outcomes. In the United States, a research nurse earns an average of $43.54 per hour. A doctoral degree is required to work as a nurse researcher (Ph.D.).

Nurses are unique among healthcare professionals in that they use a variety of talents, Nurses take a comprehensive approach to patient care. They are vital in promoting health, avoiding illness, and caring for all people, including the disabled and those who are physically or mentally ill. The pay scale for nurses is determined by their experience, skills, and location of employment.