Highest Salary Jobs in Nursing

According to the salary chart above, the highest salary jobs in nursing are also those that require the highest levels of education and experience. Jobs such as nursing director, clinical nurse manager and nurse practitioner all carry different responsibilities, but share in common an advanced level of training and practical nursing experience. Many people start their careers with lower salary jobs in nursing such as licensed practical nurse and registered nurse. From there, one can work toward a manager or advanced nursing position. To become a nurse practitioner, a registered nurse must complete an advanced degree as well as more extensive training. This allows nurse practitioners to provide patients with a broader scope of health care; in many cases a nurse practitioner acts as primary caregiver.

When it comes to nursing salaries, job title is just one factor to consider. Even the highest salary jobs in nursing will have variation depending on a specific job's geographical location and employment setting. For example, the report comparing Nursing Salaries by City shows that people with jobs in nursing tend to earn higher salaries in cities like Los Angeles and New York. Keep in mind, though, that these two cities are both known for having a high cost of living - a factor that should not be ignored when researching salaries. To find both Cost of Living and Nursing Salary Data for these and other cities, use the PayScale Cost of Living Calculator. You just might find that the most lucrative jobs in nursing are actually offered in cities with a lower cost of living.

For another example of a high salary job in nursing, read about the Salary of a Traveling Nurse in the PayScale bogs section. You'll find an interview with Amy Robbins, an experienced traveling nurse in Florida who works for multiple agencies.