Healthcare is a fast-growing industry, making nursing one of the most in-demand professions. Nursing salaries are expected to rise in 2025. Whether you’re a registered nurse, licensed practical nurse, or trained in a specialty, the salary ranges can be very attractive. 

Not only is nursing a secure career path due to an ongoing nursing shortage, but it can also be a rewarding one. With multiple nursing specialties to choose from, there are many ways for you to experience high job satisfaction while helping others.

TinkBird Healthcare Staffing is tuned into the salary expectations for nursing in 2025. We can guide you in your next job move, whether you are established in your nursing career or just finishing your nursing degree.

What is the annual nursing salary in the United States?

Multiple factors determine annual nursing salaries. According to Zip Recruiter, the average nursing salary in the U.S. is $87,868 per year, which equates to $42 per hour. The low end of this estimated range is $40,000 annually, while the high end is $150,000.

A 2022 Johnson & Johnson report estimated that the “median RN salary was $81,220,” so the average annual salary has increased year over year. The report also estimates that 200,000 nursing roles are created annually, showcasing just how in demand the profession is.

What are the top-paying nursing specialties?

One of the benefits of nursing is that the profession is quite versatile. Some specialties allow you to work part-time or with flexible hours, while others are more time-intensive. Depending on what you want for your career, you can choose to work as a school nurse, in research, as a travel nurse, or in an ICU or emergency department.

According to Nurse.org, the highest-paid nurse specialty is a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist with a salary of up to $212,650 per year. On top of this salary estimate for 2025, the demand for Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists is expected to “grow by 9% from 2022 to 2032.”

The following types of nursing rank as the top-earning nursing roles for 2025:

• Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist
• Certified Nurse Midwife
• Neonatal Intensive Care Nurse
• General Nurse Practitioner
• Clinical Nurse Specialist
• Pain Management Nurse
• Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
• Health Policy Nurse
• Nursing Administrator
• Registered Nurse First Assistant
• Gerontological Nurse Practitioner
• Family Nurse Practitioner
• Nurse Educator
• Intensive Care Unit Nurse
• Informatics Nurse

Factors that determine 2025 nursing salaries

In addition to specialization, annual nursing salaries will vary based on other factors. The most common drivers are job location, experience, educational/qualifications and facility type.

Location
While the average salary for nursing in 2025 is estimated to be $87,868, this figure can differ by state, as well as urban vs. rural locations. According to the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences, the highest-paying states for nursing are:

• California
• Hawaii
• Oregon
• Massachusetts
• Alaska
• Washington
• New York
• Washington, D.C.
• New Jersey
• Nevada

Furthermore, nurses should consider the local cost of living and projected job growth in the area when deciding where to live and work.

Facility Type
Nursing salaries in 2025 will vary quite a bit depending on the type of healthcare facility. Non-profit hospitals, for-profit hospitals and independent medical practices all make money in different ways. They also interact differently with patients.

For example, a primary care doctor’s office may pay employees less than a hospital, especially a surgical or specialized hospital. However, hours worked and work-life balance may be better at a doctor’s office compared to a hospital.

Education and Experience
There are numerous types of nursing degrees. The type of degree and certification an individual has will factor heavily into their salary potential. Nursing certifications range from an associate’s degree to a bachelor’s of science, master’s of science and doctorate.

Typically, the more specialized a nursing profession is, the higher the salary, in part because of the additional education and experience required. Even after achieving an advanced degree, some high-paying nursing positions, like a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist, will require a certain number of years of work experience to earn a top salary.

Travel nursing salaries in 2025

One popular nursing career is working as a travel nurse. These nurses typically work on short-term assignments in different areas around the country or even internationally.

The salary for a travel nurse can vary depending on many of the same factors – geographic location, facility type and nurse specialization. According to Zip Recruiter, travel nurses are expected to make more than the average nurse in 2025. The anticipated average salary for travel nurses is $101,132, which equates to $49 per hour.

Finding your optimal nursing job in 2025

TinkBird Healthcare Staffing is ready to help you get the salary you deserve in 2025. With our job placement expertise, you can choose the nursing role that fits your career goals. Contact us today to discuss available nursing positions.