high-paying RN specialties
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Top 10 Highest-Paying RN Specialties for 2024

The demand for specialized registered nurses (RNs) continues to skyrocket in the ever-evolving healthcare landscape, resulting in significant shifts in salary structures and career opportunities. With more than 150 unique RN specialties, nurses have many options to combine their career goals and personal passions while increasing their salary. Whether you’re a nursing student charting your career path or an experienced RN seeking new opportunities, we delve into the top 10 highest-paying RN specialties for 2024 to help you discover nursing roles with above-average compensation.

2024 Top Paying RN Specialties

Salaries for RNs vary based on education, experience, facility and location, but especially specialty. We created our top 10 list by comparing average weekly rates of travel nursing jobs in each RN specialty posted on Vivian over the past year to learn which had the highest averages during this period. However, the same specialty may pay more or less at your facility since we used national averages, not state or local data.

To round out our comparison of RN specialties, we also included the average hourly rates for staff positions within each specialty, with annual salaries calculated on a 40-hour workweek multiplied by the per-hour earnings for 52 weeks. We included the highest hourly staff rate to document the ceiling in these top-paying roles. Finally, we provided details on education requirements and professional certification suggestions to help you determine the nursing specialties you might want to pursue.

10 Top Paying RN Specialties Projected in 2024

Of the 10 RN specialties projected to be among the top paying in 2024, there’s a definite theme. Many of them are more niche than others, such as a specialty for a specific patient population. Half of the specialties deal with some aspect of specialty care for patients receiving heart procedures, not surprising since the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention lists heart disease as the leading cause of death in the nation.

The skills and experience required for these highly specialized areas may explain the higher-than-average travel wages often reserved for these healthcare professionals. Based on our research, the following 10 RN specialties should command top wages in 2024.

1. Thoracic Surgery

cardiothoracic RN

  • Education RequirementsASN or BSN
  • Relevant Certifications: CFPN / CNOR
  • Average Weekly Travel Rate: $7,588
  • Highest Weekly Travel Rate: $13,194
  • Average Hourly Rate: $43.87
  • Average Annual Salary: $91,250
  • Highest Hourly Rate: $57

Thoracic surgery RNs provide specialized care to patients with conditions involving the chest, lungs and esophagus undergoing thoracic surgical procedures. These dedicated nurses play a pivotal role in healthcare by assisting surgeons during operations, monitoring patients’ vital signs for adverse changes, administering medication and offering emotional support. Their skills and expertise help ensure safe and effective surgical outcomes, making them essential in delivering high-quality patient care. Thoracic surgery nurses exemplify the vital role of specialized nursing in modern healthcare by significantly contributing to patients’ recovery and overall well-being. 

2. Telemetry Progressive Care Unit (PCU)

  • Education Requirements: BSN
  • Relevant Certifications: PCCN
  • Average Weekly Travel Rate: $4,320
  • Highest Weekly Travel Rate: $4,320
  • Average Hourly Rate: $43.87
  • Average Annual Salary: $91,250
  • Highest Hourly Rate: $64

Telemetry progressive care unit RNs specialize in caring for patients requiring close monitoring of their vital signs and cardiac activity. Telemetry PCU nurses play a crucial role in the transitional phase between general care and intensive care units. They’re responsible for continuously monitoring patients’ heart rhythms, administering medications and providing compassionate care. PCU nurses are vital in identifying early signs of deterioration, ensuring timely interventions and improving patient outcomes. Their expertise bridges the gap in patient care, underscoring their significance in healthcare.

3. Pediatric Cardiac Cath Lab

  • Education Requirements: BSN and specialty-specific education and training
  • Relevant Certifications: PALS / CPN / CV-BC
  • Average Weekly Travel Rate: $3,816
  • Highest Weekly Travel Rate: $9,800
  • Average Hourly Rate: $43.87
  • Average Annual Salary: $91,250
  • Highest Hourly Rate: $54

Pediatric cardiac cath lab RNs are dedicated to providing specialized care to pediatric patients undergoing cardiac catheterization procedures. They assist pediatric cardiologists during procedures, closely monitor young patients’ vital signs, ensure patients’ comfort and safety and educate families on post-procedure care. Pediatric cardiac cath lab nurses possess unique skills essential in diagnosing and treating congenital heart conditions in children. Their expertise in pediatric cardiology makes these nurses indispensable in the nursing field and invaluable contributors to pediatric healthcare. The pediatric cardiac cath lab role exemplifies the significance of specialized nursing in providing quality care to young patients.

4. Cardiovascular Recovery Area (CVRA)

  • Education Requirements: ASN or BSN
  • Relevant Certifications: ACLS / CV-BC
  • Average Weekly Travel Rate: $3,390
  • Highest Weekly Travel Rate: $5,340
  • Average Hourly Rate: $43.87
  • Average Annual Salary: $91,250
  • Highest Hourly Rate: $54

Cardiovascular recovery area RNs specialize in caring for patients recovering from cardiovascular procedures and surgeries. They provide critical post-operative care and monitoring, closely observing patients’ vital signs, administering medications, managing pain and ensuring a smooth transition from the operating room (OR) to recovery. CVRA nurses are at the forefront of cardiovascular healthcare, with expertise essential for optimizing patient outcomes, minimizing complications and offering emotional support to patients and their families.

5. Pediatric Cardiac Stepdown

Neonatal Nurse Practitioner

  • Education Requirements: ASN or BSN
  • Relevant Certifications: PALS / CPN / CV-BC
  • Average Weekly Travel Rate: $3,344
  • Highest Weekly Travel Rate: $9,800
  • Average Hourly Rate: $43.87
  • Average Annual Salary: $91,250
  • Highest Hourly Rate: $54

Pediatric cardiac stepdown RNs play a crucial role in pediatric healthcare by specializing in caring for pediatric patients who’ve undergone cardiac procedures or surgeries. They provide intermediate-level care, monitor vital signs, administer medications and ensure the comfort and safety of young patients. Pediatric cardiac stepdown nurses are pivotal in managing post-surgical complications and educating families on at-home care. They’re indispensable in bridging the gap between intensive care and general care, making them essential to the expert care of pediatric patients.

6. Pediatric Cardiovascular Operating Room (CVOR)

  • Education Requirements: BSN
  • Relevant Certifications: PALS / CV-BC / CPN
  • Average Weekly Travel Rate: $3,323
  • Highest Weekly Travel Rate: $6,859
  • Average Hourly Rate: $43.87
  • Average Annual Salary: $91,250
  • Highest Hourly Rate: $54

Pediatric cardiovascular operating room RNs are dedicated to providing specialized care to pediatric patients undergoing cardiac surgeries. They assist the surgical team, monitor patients’ vital signs for adverse changes, administer medications and ensure a sterile OR environment. Pediatric CVOR nurses possess expertise in pediatric cardiology, enabling them to contribute significantly to successful surgical outcomes. Their precision and attention to detail are essential in providing safe and effective care to some of the most vulnerable patients with complex cardiac conditions, emphasizing their critical role in pediatric cardiovascular healthcare.

7. Urological Surgery

  • Education Requirements: ASN or BSN
  • Relevant Certifications: CURN / CNOR
  • Average Weekly Travel Rate: $3,209
  • Highest Weekly Travel Rate: $11,279
  • Average Hourly Rate: $43.87
  • Average Annual Salary: $91,250
  • Highest Hourly Rate: $54

Urological surgery RNs specialize in caring for patients undergoing urological surgical procedures. They’re crucial in diagnosing and treating conditions related to the urinary tract and male reproductive system. Urological surgery nurses assist urologists during surgeries, monitor patients’ vital signs, administer medications and offer post-operative care. Their expertise in urology ensures safe and effective surgical outcomes, making them essential in the healthcare field.

8. RN First Assist

RN first assist

  • Education Requirements: BSN and formal training program in surgical nursing
  • Relevant Certifications: RNFA / CRNFA
  • Average Weekly Travel Rate: $3,123
  • Highest Weekly Travel Rate: $7,112
  • Average Hourly Rate: $63.72
  • Average Annual Salary: $132,538
  • Highest Hourly Rate: $85

An RN First Assist is a registered nurse specializing in providing vital support during surgical procedures by assisting surgeons and ensuring optimal patient outcomes. Although their tasks may overlap, RN first assists shouldn’t be confused with a first assist technician, which is an allied health specialty.  RN First Assists have advanced training in surgical techniques, sterile procedures and wound closure, making them valuable OR team members. They also help control bleeding, suture incisions and anticipate the surgeon’s needs. Their expertise enhances surgical precision and reduces complications, underlining their importance in contributing to positive patient outcomes and improved surgical experiences.

9. Perioperative/Operating Room

  • Education Requirements: BSN
  • Relevant Certifications: CNOR
  • Average Weekly Travel Rate: $3,053
  • Highest Weekly Travel Rate: $5,841
  • Average Hourly Rate: $48.78
  • Average Annual Salary: $101,462
  • Highest Hourly Rate: $84

Perioperative RNs, also referred to as operating room nurses, are specialized healthcare professionals central to providing safe and effective surgical care by ensuring the well-being of patients before, during and after surgery. OR nurses prepare the operating room, assist the surgical team, monitor patients’ vital signs and manage surgical instruments and equipment. Their expertise in infection control and surgical procedures is essential for minimizing risks and ensuring successful surgeries. Perioperative nurses are pivotal in delivering high-quality surgical care, contributing significantly to positive patient outcomes and the overall efficiency of healthcare systems.

10. Pediatrics Post Anesthetic Care Unit (PACU)

  • Education Requirements: ASN or BSN
  • Relevant Certifications: PALS / CPN / CPAN
  • Average Weekly Travel Rate: $3,011
  • Highest Weekly Travel Rate: $9,800
  • Average Hourly Rate: $43.87
  • Average Annual Salary: $91,250
  • Highest Hourly Rate: $54

Pediatrics Post Anesthetic Care Unit RNs specialize in providing post-operative care to pediatric patients who’ve undergone anesthesia during their procedures. They’re dedicated to ensuring a smooth transition from the OR to recovery, closely monitoring the vital signs and assessing the pain levels of these young patients. Pediatric PACU nurses are experts in pediatric care, making them crucial in identifying and addressing post-surgical complications. Their vigilance and compassionate care are vital in optimizing recovery and ensuring the well-being of pediatric patients.

Demand Could Encourage Elevated Salaries

Nursing students

Although these RN specialties didn’t make the top 10 relative to highest paying positions at the time of publication, they tend to have 1,000s of openings at any given time. The significant number of openings within these specialties helps improve job prospects, which could translate to higher-than-average pay for the most desirable candidates, such as those holding professional certifications with lots of previous experience. If you’re seeking in-demand nursing specialties, consider one of these in the following table.

Specialty Average Weekly Travel Pay Max Weekly Travel Pay Average Hourly Staff Pay Max Hourly Staff Pay
Cardiovascular OR  $2,996 $5,500 $50.18 $74
Cardiac Cath Lab $2,896 $5,220 $47.02 $84
Pediatric ICU $2,871 $6,368 $44.54 $64
Interventional Radiology $2,853 $5,220 $47.02 $68
Post Anesthetic Care $2,678 $4,047 $45.05 $84
Pediatrics $2,655 $3,140 $46.55 $64
Neonatal ICU $2,577 $5,294 $46.93 $84
Labor and Delivery $2,478 $4,822 $49.63 $84

This list only includes RNs with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing or less. Registered nurses with advanced degrees and certifications qualify for advanced roles and typically earn much more than those listed here. To explore salary expectations for advanced practice registered nurses, see our Top 10 Highest Paying APRN Specialties and learn how you can boost your salary even further.

Download the Vivian App and take your healthcare career to the next level by applying for staff or travel positions within one of these high-paying RN specialties.

Editor’s Note: This blog post was originally published in July 2021 and has been updated annually to reflect the most recent data. The RN specialties currently listed were the highest-paying among the positions posted on Vivian Health as of this publication.

moira
Moira K. McGhee

Moira K. McGhee is Vivian’s Senior Editor & All-Around Wordsmith. As part of the Vivian Health team, she strives to help support the empowerment of nurses and other healthcare professionals in their pursuits to find top-notch travel, staff, local contract and per diem positions faster and easier than ever.

Comments (9)

Not really great pay in my opinion. I make more than all these positions posted now

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I think emergency/trauma nursing should absolutely be on here. Frontline.

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I think Home Health should be on there. What other nursing field does the RN determine the funding the agency will receive. We are special! 😁

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I feel like Oncology Nursing, especially Pediatric Oncology and BMT should be one of the highest paying specialties. I am a BSN, RN. CPN, CPHON, BMTCN and OCN.

Reply

You missed flight nurse and CRNA which are probably 2 of the highest paying nurse specialties.

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I like your article. It’s direct and has the right amount of information needed if someone wants to look into a field further.

Reply

What about psychiatric nursing pay?

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Just curious about psychiatric positions.

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Thanks so much for this synopsis! Well appreciated.

Celeste

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