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Becoming a registered nurse (RN) has always been a reliable career choice, but in 2026, the opportunities have expanded significantly beyond traditional hospital settings. The healthcare landscape has shifted, driven by technological integration, an aging population, and a renewed focus on work-life balance for medical professionals. While bedside nursing remains the backbone of healthcare, many nurses are pivoting toward specialized roles that offer higher autonomy, distinct schedules, and increased compensation. From high-tech roles in nursing informatics to the autonomous practice of nurse practitioners, the "best" job depends on your personal career goals. Are you looking for the highest paycheck, the flexibility of remote work, or the ability to lead teams? Quick Glance: Top RN Jobs & Salaries (2026 Projections)CRNA: $215,000+ (Highest Pay) Family Nurse Practitioner: $128,000+ (High Autonomy) Nurse Administrator: $117,960+ (Leadership) Nursing Informatics: $98,000+ (Tech & Data) Travel Nurse: $100,000+ (Adventure/Flexibility) Legal Nurse Consultant: $92,000+ (Non-Clinical) Telehealth Nurse: $82,000+ (Remote/WFH) Oncology Nurse: $86,000+ (Specialized Clinical) Nurse Case Manager: $84,000+ (Coordination) Nurse Educator: $83,000+ (Academic) Note: Salary figures are national median estimates projected for 2026 based on BLS and industry data. Actual pay varies significantly by state, experience, and facility type. The Evolution of Nursing Careers in 2026The "standard" nursing career path has evolved. In 2026, we see two major trends influencing job satisfaction and salary: Specialization: Generalist roles are being outpaced by specialized certifications. Technology: Virtual nursing and data management are no longer niche; they are central to health system operations. Below is our curated list of the best RN jobs for 2026. -
Are you interested in a meaningful career and making a difference by providing medical care, assistance, and patient support? Becoming a registered nurse (RN) could be your ideal option. Let's look closer at the world of RNs, including the responsibilities, different workplaces, potential earnings, and the necessary steps to become one. Table of Contents What Is an RN? RN Specialties Benefits of Becoming an RN How to Become an RN RN Salary What Is an RN? As healthcare professionals, RNs are equipped with the necessary knowledge and skills to ensure patients receive the best care. An RNs expertise is invaluable in administering medication, monitoring vital signs, and assessing patients' overall health. Whether in hospitals, clinics, or other healthcare facilities, RNs are crucial in providing high-quality care to those in need. With a compassionate nature and commitment to patient well-being, RNs are dedicated to making a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals requiring medical assistance. RN Responsibilities Regardless of the type of registered nurse you choose to be, all nursing specialties have baseline responsibilities. The primary duties of an RN include: Performing medical history and physical assessments Formulating nursing diagnoses and patient care plans Administering medications and other medical interventions Counseling and educating patients Advocating for patients Evaluating patient outcomes Among all RN duties, these responsibilities are crucial to ensuring effective patient care and require close collaboration with the medical team to adjust treatment plans. Each nursing specialty will come with its unique job duties and responsibilities. Related: 10 Fastest Registered Nurse (RN) Programs in 2023 Where Do RNs Work? There are numerous healthcare settings where RNs can work. Some of these settings include: Hospitals: RNs are fundamental in providing patient care in every hospital department. Out-Patient Clinics: In any medical clinic you can think of, from ambulatory care centers to specialty clinics, you will undoubtedly find an RN. Long-Term Care Facilities: Nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and rehabilitation centers depend on RNs. Home Healthcare: Many people and healthcare services depend upon RNs traveling to people's homes to provide quality care. Schools: Kids get sick and need medicine too. RNs are necessary for children's health screening, first aid, and support in managing chronic illnesses while children are at school. Public Health: Community health centers and government agencies depend on RNs for health promotion and disease prevention in communities. Occupational Health: RNs are required to ensure the health and safety of employees in workplaces. RN Specialties RNs have a plethora of specialties to choose from, making the opportunities seem limitless. We've compiled a list of 15 of these specialties for you to consider, but remember that this is just a glimpse of the vast nursing field. Intensive Care RN Emergency Room RN Pediatric RN Psychiatric Mental Health RN Geriatric RN Obstetric and Gynecological (OB/GYN) RN Hospice RN Oncology RN Community Health RN Perioperative RN Infectious Disease RN Wound Care RN Dialysis RN Care Coordinator Rehabilitation RN Although this list only includes a few, some require experience and specialized training, while others offer direct training for new graduate RNs. Every nursing specialty presents unique opportunities to positively impact patients' lives and contribute to their overall health and well-being. Benefits of Becoming an RN Nursing is a profoundly rewarding career that offers countless personal and professional growth opportunities. Some of the key aspects that make nursing an exceptional career choice include: Making a difference: As a nurse, you can make a direct and positive impact on people who are vulnerable by providing comfort, care, and support when they need it the most. Job Security: Nursing is in high demand, providing job security and stability for those pursuing a career in this field. RNs have numerous career opportunities, making them a highly sought-after profession. Career Flexibility: Nursing presents many options and areas of focus, allowing you to tailor your career to your interests and passions. Additionally, various work schedules are available, including part-time or full-time positions and the choice between traditional and non-traditional shifts. How to Become an RN There are two types of nurses: licensed practical nurses (LPN) and RNs. Due to advanced nursing training, an RN has more responsibilities and duties compared to an LPN. To become an RN, one must complete specialized nursing education and pass the NCLEX-RN. This exam is the qualifying achievement to be recognized as a "registered" nurse. Step One: Nursing School The first step to becoming an RN is to attend nursing school. There are two main educational pathways you can take. ADN-RN: An Associate's Degree in Nursing (ADN) program usually takes 2-3 years to complete. These programs are offered at community colleges and vocational schools. Associates degree programs provide the basic knowledge and skills necessary to work as an entry-level RN. BSN-RN: A Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program is a 4-year program offered by universities and colleges. BSN programs provide a more comprehensive education in nursing, including courses in nursing theory, research, leadership, and community health. Having a bachelor's degree in nursing can open more career opportunities and may be preferred by some employers. Verifying a nursing school's accreditation is crucial regardless of your chosen pathway. Accreditation for nursing programs guarantees that they are legitimate and comply with the accepted standards for nursing education. Related: 10 Best Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) Programs in 2023 Step Two: Nursing Licensure Once you have completed an ADN or BSN program from an accredited nursing school, you can sit for the National Council Licensure Examination, more commonly known as the NCLEX-RN. It is advisable to consider your preferred state for your first nursing job before taking your NCLEX-RN. Although some states honor compact nursing licenses recognized by multiple states, others require a state-specific license. If you obtain your initial RN license in a non-compact state and plan to move, it will be necessary to endorse your RN license, which requires filling out paperwork and incurring costs. After completing these two steps and passing the nursing boards, NCLEX-RN, you are officially an RN. Your next steps will include applying for jobs and gaining experience. RN Salary According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the average salary of an RN is $77,600.00. However, the specific setting and specialty in which an RN works can impact their annual pay, as can an RN's geographical location or years of experience. Unfortunately, the BLS does not provide a breakdown of RN salaries based on experience. Nevertheless, Glassdoor has this information available, revealing that RNs with varying years of experience earn different wages. 15+ Years RN Experience: $97,446.00 annually. 10-14 years RN Experience: $94,952.00 annually. 7-9 years RN Experience: $89,327.00 annually. 4-6 years RN Experience: $84,013.00 annually. 1-3 years RN Experience: $79,957.00 annually. Although RNs can increase earnings with career advancements and experience, it is important to note that the profession does not have a tenured role similar to teaching. This means that nurses do not earn more solely based on their years of experience. Nurses with more experience are more likely to pursue further education and career advancement opportunities, which come with increased pay. The salary offered to RNs can also differ based on the geographical location in which they are employed. The BLS breaks down the annual mean wages of RNs by state, and their May 2022 data shows the following: California, Hawaii, Oregon, Massachusetts, and Alaska are the five highest-paying states for RNs, with a mean wage ranging from $87,990.00 to $133,340.00. South Dakota, Nebraska, Kansas, Arkansas, Missouri, Indiana, Tennessee, South Carolina, Alabama, and Mississippi are the 10 lowest-paying states, with an annual mean wage ranging from $37,9360.00 to $74,330.00. Remember that the salary websites do not distinguish between different levels of education for RNs (ADN-RN, BSN-RN, or MSN-RN) but collectively provide all RNs' information. RN Career Outlook The COVID-19 pandemic did not cause the nursing shortage, but it was indeed emphasized by it. The baby boomers are the largest generational group of people growing old while still working, and as they retire and need more care, the demand for nurses will only increase. According to the BLS, the employment of RNs is expected to increase by 6% from 2021 to 2031, resulting in an estimated 203,200 job openings for RNs each year during the decade. Pursuing a career as a registered nurse can be truly rewarding for those who aspire to help and care for others during their most difficult times. Despite the challenges of being an RN, the chance to support and care for those in need makes every effort worth it.
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Becoming a registered nurse (RN) has always been a solid career choice. However, today, nurses have more career paths than ever before. The COVID-19 pandemic caused healthcare systems to embrace technological advancements in new ways, making patient information more accessible and faster, subsequently opening the doors for new roles, such as virtual nurses and new use cases for telehealth nursing. But, not all of the best RN jobs are tech-based. Some of the highest-paying nursing specialties that provide excellent career outlooks specialize differently, including advanced practice nurse (APRN) roles and other specializations beyond the standard nursing degree that enable you to provide advanced nursing care. Or even without advancing their nursing education, RNs can still find a specialty that affords them excellent pay and opportunities. They can specialize in various primary care settings and patient populations with their BSN, including pediatrics, intensive care units (ICU, PICU, NICU), and public health nursing. So, what are some of the best RN jobs and salaries in 2023? Check out the list of the 10 best below. Table of Contents Family Nurse Practitioner Nurse Administrator Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist Nurse Educator Legal Nurse Consultant Travel Nurse Nursing Informatics Telehealth Nursing Oncology Nurse Nurse Case Manager FAQ Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) FNPs are APRNs with either a master's degree or a doctorate. They provide primary medical care to patients in various work environments, such as acute or post-acute clinical settings, and can specialize in working with populations from pediatrics to elderly patients. FNP Responsibilities Performing physical exams, health screenings, and obtaining health histories Ordering diagnostic tests and analyzing results Diagnosing and managing physical and mental health conditions Prescribing and monitoring the effectiveness of medications Communicating with the patient and their family or caregivers about treatment modalities Coordinating with other healthcare providers across the continuum of care Referring patients to other health care services and specialists FNP Salary Because FNPs can work in various care settings, salaries will vary. Other factors impacting annual salary include years of experience and location, including state and if you work in a rural, suburban, or urban area. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), average salaries for FNPs are as follows: Low: $87,340 or $41.99 per hour Median: $121,610 or $58.47 per hour High: $165,240 or $79.44 per hour Nurse Administrator Nurse administrators can oversee one or more nursing departments or an entire healthcare system. A few job titles that fall into the nurse administrator specialty include Unit Manager, Director of Nursing, and Chief Nursing Officer (CNO). These healthcare professionals lead nursing staff from CNAs to APRNs and oversee the care of patients across the life spectrum. They may manage care in healthcare facilities, outpatient centers, or long-term care facilities. Nurse Administrator Responsibilities Writing and operationalizing nursing policies and procedures Developing a vision for the nursing department, facility, or healthcare system Hiring and leading nursing staff Managing budgetary decisions and reporting results to upper-level leadership Serving as a liaison between nursing and other healthcare system departments Nurse Administrator Salary The BLS doesn't report nurse administrators' salary or job outlook data. However, it reports annual wages for medical and health service managers, which should include nurse leaders. BLS reports an average annual salary of just over $100,000 or a little over $48 per hour for these healthcare professionals. To get a pay scale range, we looked at data from Payscale. This company conducts online salary surveys of the people who do the job. However, it's essential to know that all salary data is self-reported and not verified. Salary ranges, as reported by Payscale, are as follows: Low: $64.000 Median: $91,000 High: $135,000 Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) APRNs trained and certified in anesthesia delivery are called certified registered nurse anesthetists or CRNAs. They work in operating and procedural rooms, administering anesthesia to induce a sleep-like state to keep patients comfortable during surgical procedures. They can work independently or as part of a team of healthcare professionals. CRNAs complete a specialized nursing program to learn how to administer anesthesia safely and assess, diagnose, and manage complex surgical patients. They are integral to the patient care operating room team and work with surgeons, surgical nurses, and other specialized providers. CRNA Responsibilities Providing education about anesthesia before the procedure and answering any questions Reviewing medical histories to identify any anesthesia risks Administering anesthesia and assessing the patient's response to the medication Monitoring the effects of anesthesia during and after surgical procedures Assessing vital signs and overall patient status and response to anesthesia and the procedure CRNA Salary CRNA pay scales range based on years of experience, location, and the type of healthcare facility in which they work. According to the BLS, CRNAs earn the following: Low: $143,870 ($69 per hour) Median: $203,090 ($97.64) High: $227,160 ($109.21) Nurse Educator Nurse educators hold advanced degrees and train nursing professionals from entry-level to advanced nurses. In addition, they may instruct on nursing curricula, evidenced-based practice, nursing assessments, and other clinical nursing care. These professionals typically hold advanced degrees, such as a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN). You may also hear these professionals called nurse faculty because many of them are teachers at the college level. They are instrumental in building the pipeline of professionals in the nursing field and can instruct on specialty courses and education programs. Nurse Educator Responsibilities Instructing on nursing education, including theory and nursing practice Providing motivation and support services to nursing students Creating and evaluating nursing courses and programs Providing mentorship and coaching to nursing students Teaching clinical skills and overseeing clinical rotations at healthcare facilities Nurse Educator Salary Nurse educators' salaries range from lower to high-paying jobs based on years of experience, location, and other factors. According to BLS, the salary range for nurse educators includes the following: Low: $47,760 Median: $78,580 High: $127,290 Legal Nurse Consultant (LNC) LNCs provide medical expertise to attorneys during legal research and procedures. In addition, they use the nursing process to evaluate medical records and assist in creating a case in medical malpractice, personal injury, worker's compensation, and other legal proceedings. These healthcare professionals work in private law firms, insurance companies, health maintenance organizations, and other professional settings. LNCs can also open consulting businesses to work independently. To become an LNC, you must first be an RN with a bachelor's degree and a solid clinical background. You'll also need to complete a certification program in LNC and pass the certification exam. Some LNCs obtain advanced degrees in nursing or law to broaden their scope of practice and deepen their understanding of medical, legal, and other business topics. Legal Nurse Consultant Responsibilities Reviewing and analyzing clinical documents and medical records Meeting with clients to obtain details about the case Researching and establishing standards of practice for all involved healthcare professionals Securing expert witnesses Educating attorneys on medical issues and providing medical expertise Legal Nurse Consultant Salary According to BLS, the median annual salary for RNs in May 2021 was $77,600, or just over $37 per hour. Unfortunately, BLS does not specify salaries for LNCs. However, Payscale reports the following data for legal nurse consultant salaries: Low: $64,000 Median: $86,000 High: $113,000 Travel Nurse Travel nurse roles have long been available. However, staffing needs caused by the COVID-19 pandemic have caused this nursing specialty to surge in popularity and demand. Travel nurses fill short-term nurse roles across the U.S. by accepting travel assignments that last a few days to a few months. Travel nurses work in various settings, such as critical care, emergency room, neonatal intensive care, and other specialty units. Hourly wages for travel nurses have increased in recent years. Nurses in this specialty must carry multi-state nursing licensure or be able to apply for and hold several state licenses. Most travel nurse companies require travelers to have at least a few years of nursing experience. It's also helpful to hold certifications in a specific specialty to distinguish yourself from other applicants with similar skills and years of experience. Related: A Beginner's Guide to Travel Nursing Travel Nurse Responsibilities Travel nurses perform all the standard nursing tasks required on the unit in which they accept an assignment. Common nursing responsibilities include the following: Performing patient assessments and obtaining vital signs Administering medications Preparing patients for procedures and diagnostic testing Educating patients and caregivers on disease management and overall health and wellness Collaborating with physicians and other healthcare professionals Travel Nurse Salary Travel nurse salaries range based on geographic location, years of experience, and demand, but they typically earn more than the full-time permanent nursing staff on the same unit. Some travel nurses also receive additional benefits, such as room and board or a staffing allowance. While BLS doesn't provide salary ranges for travel nurses, you can expect to make more than the reported annual salary for RNs of $77,600. The healthcare jobs marketplace, Vivian, reports that average travel nurse salaries for May 2023 were as follows: Low: $1,782 per week Median: $2,244 per week High: $2,812 per week Nursing Informatics Informatics nurses are RNs who work where technology and nursing intersect. Healthcare technology has advanced rapidly in recent years, making this a nursing career in high demand. These professionals use nursing knowledge, computer science, and information science to help integrate nursing into health systems. To become an informatics nurse, you must first be an RN with hands-on clinical experience. You'll also need to obtain a nursing informatics certification. You can obtain this certification by working in informatics, getting real-life experience, or attending a graduate-level informatics nursing program. Nursing Informatics Responsibilities Assisting with building interoperability within your organization's data infrastructure Influencing healthcare policy Creating a vision for communication and information technology Assisting with the implementation of new information technology Improving patient safety through the use of information technology Nursing Informatics Salary Average salaries for nursing informatics roles vary based on geographic location, degree, and years of experience. Unfortunately, BLS doesn't provide annual salary ranges for this specialty. However, Payscale reports the following salary ranges: Low: $64,00 Median: $83,000 High: $102,000 Telehealth Nursing Nurses in telehealth use video conferencing and other technologies to deliver nursing care remotely. Telehealth nursing saw rising demand during the pandemic but continues to be an emerging market for nurses wanting work-from-home roles. The advancement of telehealth nursing has tremendous implications for care delivery systems for people who live in remote communities. Highly skilled and specialized telehealth nurses can assess patients and educate them on self-care strategies, which can decrease exacerbations and hospitalizations. In this specialty, nurses work remotely to admit and discharge patients in acute care settings so the clinical bedside nurse isn't bogged down with administrative tasks. Telehealth Nursing Responsibilities Monitoring patient's conditions and signs and symptoms of exacerbation Referring patients to specialists and assisting with appointment scheduling Educating patients on disease and symptom management Monitoring vital signs, oxygen levels, blood glucose levels, and other assessment parameters Providing pre-and post-surgical care Telehealth Nursing Salary Telehealth nursing roles might pay slightly lower than acute care in-person jobs because of the flexibility. However, many telehealth nurses continue to make high-paying salaries because of their experience, expertise, and location. According to Payscale, the salary range for telehealth nurses is as follows: Low: $43,000 Median: $58,000 High: $67,000 Oncology Nurse Oncology nurses are specialized healthcare professionals who care for patients with various types of cancer. Oncology is a challenging yet rewarding field that requires clinical skills and stellar communication and problem-solving skills. In addition, they may care for patients in various settings and help with symptom control and pain management. RNs can work in oncology without any additional training. However, many nurses who specialize in oncology care obtain one or more certifications in this specialty to advance their knowledge. Related: 10 Fastest Registered Nurse (RN) Programs in 2023 Oncology Nurse Responsibilities Administering chemotherapy and other medications Creating and implementing care plans Educating patients and caregivers Providing pre-and post-surgical care Coordinating with other healthcare professionals Oncology Nurse Salary Because oncology nurses are specialized, they often make more than standard nurses. According to Payscale, the salary ranges for oncology nurses are: Low: $61,000 Median: $80,000 High: $113,000 Nurse Case Manager Nurse case managers coordinate patient care in many different settings. They advocate for their patients and help them to obtain the services and specialists needed for holistic care. They can work in various settings, such as home and occupational health, and for insurance companies to help consumers navigate the health system and get necessary care and programs. Most companies only require case managers to have an RN. However, some companies require a bachelor's degree or a certification in case management. Nurse Case Manager Responsibilities Creating and implementing care plans Scheduling appointments with doctors and specialists Educating patients and caregivers on conditions and management Guiding patients with complex care decisions Coordinating care with other disciplines and providers Nurse Case Manager Salary Salaries for nurse case managers range based on standard factors, such as geographic location and years of experience. In addition, case managers with advanced degrees or certifications may make more than case managers without. According to Payscale, average case manager salaries are: Low: $62,000 Median: $77,000 High: $96,000 Best Registered Nurse Jobs FAQs Considering new RN jobs and career paths can leave you with many questions. Check out a few of the most common questions and the answers below. Q: Do I have to have an advanced degree to make a high salary as a nurse? A: No. Nursing is one of the most flexible careers, which means you can earn an excellent annual salary without an advanced degree. You might consider obtaining a certification or specializing in a specific nursing career to earn more. However, earning more doesn't always mean more schooling. Q: Is it best to become an LPN or an RN? A: One nursing degree isn't necessarily better than another. It depends on what type of work you want as a nurse. RNs generally have a larger scope of practice than LPNs and usually make more money. However, this also means they have more responsibility and a more extensive scope of practice.
